There is no scientific evidence that WiFi systems produce adverse health effects in schoolchildren

30/11/2011

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Radio Frequencies and Health (CCARS) has drafted a report analysing the possible health effect of WiFi systems, which overwhelmingly concludes that, at least to date, there is absolutely no scientific evidence that exposure to the low emission levels of these systems produces adverse health effects in schoolchildren. The report contains statements to this effect published by the majority of organisations and agencies responsible for assessing the risks posed by electromagnetic fields, who agree that there is no scientific evidence that these wireless systems provoke adverse health effects. Likewise, the report makes special reference to the UK Health Protection Agency, an organisation that has paid particular attention to this topic and has concluded that the intensity of the radio-frequency fields generated by WiFi transmitters is much lower than the current safe exposure level established by the competent international scientific organisations (ICNIRP and WHO) as well as by the Recommendation of the Council of the European Union on electromagnetic fields and Royal Decree 1066/2001. The main points of this recommendation are based on the fact that the frequencies used are the same as those used at other frequencies , especially radio frequencies such as those used for TV or FM and AM radio broadcasts, which have been well studied. The document concludes that exposure to WiFi radio frequencies is lower than that of mobile phones, and also complies with international criteria, and the authors were unable to find consistent evidence of adverse health effects below these internationally established levels. There are therefore no reasons to suppose that such WiFi systems should not be used by schoolchildren and other population groups. The report also notes that, in its recent review on the carcinogenicity of the electromagnetic fields generated at radio frequencies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) established that analysis of the scientific literature does not allow the occupational or environmental exposure associated with transmission of radio, television and wireless telecommunication signals to be classified as possibly or probably carcinogenic.