Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Nowadays, most houses, workplaces, and educational institutions have Wi-Fi installed. A wireless router produces radio waves that, unlike X-rays or gamma rays, do not break chemical bonds or cause ionisation in humans. There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that Wi-Fi can cause cancer. There have been several studies to investigate the Wi-Fi radiation effects on the human body and other forms of non-ionising radiation on humans and animals. The consensus among health organisations is that the levels of radiation from Wi-Fi are too low to cause harm.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi, is a technology that enables fast wireless connections between devices that are close to one another, like a laptop and a Wi-Fi router or modem. They enable cable-free (wireless) access to services like the internet. Wi-Fi networks are widely available in both public and residential indoor and outdoor spaces. It is the most popular technology used within wireless local area networks (WLAN) that uses pulsed electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) or radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) to transmit information over short distances (up to around 100 meters).
These devices release extremely little RF-EMF, much below the permissible exposure limits (EMF Guidelines). The general population and children’s health have not been shown to be negatively impacted by exposure to RF-EMF at these low levels, according to reliable scientific research.
However, there are a number of factors to take into account while evaluating the safety of Wi-Fi. This includes the duration of exposure, specific intensities, and beam intensity.
Does long-term Wi-Fi exposure lead to cancer?
The radio waves from a router operate in the same 2.4-5 GHz electromagnetic spectrum as microwaves. Compared to that, the router operates at much lower power levels than microwave ovens. Additionally, these waves weaken quickly and lose intensity as they move away from the router.
Claims that a person who spends hours a day glued to a smartphone or tablet may well experience all sorts of neurocognitive effects stem more from the use of the technology than from RF exposure.
Wireless routers are far less harmful to the environment than other sources of electromagnetic radiation, especially comparison to mobile phones, which are frequently near to the ear. These radio waves do not harm human cell DNA. Cancer can result from damaged DNA.
Does Wi-Fi pose any other health risk?
Wi-Fi uses radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields to transmit data. There has been ongoing research into whether exposure to these fields can have an effect on the human body.
One significant piece of research is about the effects of Wi-Fi on the male reproductive system. The study focused on sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity, as these are the most sensitive characteristics to radio frequency (EMR) emissions from Wi-Fi transmitters. Though the study outcomes for sperm viability and morphology were inconclusive.
In another animal study, acute exposure of albino rabbits to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi signals showed increased heart frequency and arterial blood pressure. This indicates that radiofrequency can act directly and/or indirectly on the cardiovascular system.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no proof that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields, like those produced by Wi-Fi, has any negative effects on one’s health. Nonetheless, it also recognises and requires additional study to completely comprehend any possible long-term impacts. The WHO also adds that exposure to these radio waves at typical environmental levels does not increase the risk of any adverse outcome such as spontaneous abortions, malformations, low birth weight, or congenital diseases for pregnant women.
In conclusion, human exposure to Wi-Fi radio frequency fields is extremely low. For the most part, it is lower than that of other environmental electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This includes the exposure of youngsters in schools. In light of this, since RF fields are now an inevitable part of our environment and something we must live with, both kids and adults should heed the sensible advice to monitor and restrict their usage of Wi-Fi and mobile technologies. Nearly every location on Earth is subject to some form of radiofrequency field. The artificial radiofrequency needs to be monitored. Any potential effects on the genetic and physiological structures of humans and non-human animals need to be investigated.
If you have concerns about Wi-Fi radiation effects on the human body, you may consider consulting with healthcare professionals. You can access reputable sources of information for the latest research findings and guidelines.
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