WiFi and health

WiFi is a type of wireless network, where no cables are needed to connect computers or other pieces of communication equipment to each other or the internet.

Wireless networks are increasingly being used to create computer networks, to connect to the internet and to connect electronic items from mobile phones and games consoles to TVs and DVD players.

This is clearly much more convenient than using a cable, because people are much freer to use their equipment in different places. WiFi and wireless devices use similar radio frequency (RF) signals to mobile phones and their base stations, and the same concerns over health and well-being have been raised.

The World Health Organisation factsheet on base stations and wireless technologies states that:

“Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects.”

If you would personally like to, the WHO suggests the same steps can be taken to reduce exposure when using a wireless device as when using a mobile phone, such as keeping it away from your head and body.