Wi-fi worry

Some schools are removing wi-fi networks after complaints from parents that their children suffer headaches.

In what sounds like a repetition of mobile phone radiation panic, is there evidence for harm?

We've always worried about what the technology around us might do to our bodies:
Sitting too close to the TV.
Standing in front of the microwave.
Spending too long on the mobile.
Living under a pylon, or next to a phone mast.

Now, lots of wireless networks are being created in towns and cities. But some are concerned that we don't know enough about the health effects of electromagnetic radiation - the radio waves that allow the computer network to transmit (along with longwave, FM and TV and phone frequencies). For others, headaches and skin rashes - that they feel are due to the radio waves - are prompting a big switch off.

The worry for parents is that children, who have thinner skulls and developing systems, are exposed to more gadgets and gizmos than previous generations. What might these be doing to their bodies?

Health expert advice is to limit mobile phone use among young people as a precaution. The government advises users to keep calls short.

Some reactions:

I think it's a load of scaremongering with uncertainties and coincidences. Denmark has completed the largest survey of mobile phones and cancer rates over 20 years with tens of thousands of people. And the findings - no significant measurable difference.

Wi-fi uses much less powerful signals than mobile phones. Do the maths people.

Scott Andrews, Colwyn Bay, UK

I used to get intense headaches at work all the time. I attributed it to mobile phones at first, and had I heard of this scare I would have also suggested wi-fi. It turned out it was due to drinking any diet/light drink with sweetener!

Sam Hatoum, London

If this was scaremongering and coincidences, then why did all the major mobile phone distributors bring out a radiation protector to slot into the ear piece? Obviously there is some sort of danger, but no one can prove just how much.
Damien McCourt, Belfast

Ten or 12 years ago people claimed to be suffering similar symptoms. The culprit then was the ozone emissions from laser printers.

Nearly 30 years ago the major Bank I worked for was prepared to provide lead aprons(!) for their male employees concerned at being exposed to these new computers.

There appears to be a tipping point and when "new" technology becomes commonplace such health concerns seem to evaporate.

Anne Robins, Guildford, UK

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