Should you worry about the radiation from your Wi-Fi? Before I elaborate on the answer to this question, I think I must first clarify some basic concepts, such as: what exactly is Wi-Fi radiation?
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Wifi Radiation: Wha t You Should Know
Most Wi-Fi devices emit RF radiation – radio-frequency (or microwave radioactivity) all day, every day. This radiation is more or less the same type that microwaves use to cook food.
A microwave assaults your food with microwave radioactivity. This creates molecular resistance that heats the contents inside the dish. This phenomenon is known as the thermal effect or the heating effect.
Wi-Fi devices that include computers and wireless routers are equipped with transmitters that use microwave radiation to transport information. For example, headphones and Bluetooth speakers are based on the use of RF signals to play music. Smartwatches also use the radio frequency to establish connection to your phone.
The question is, should you worry about this? In short, yes you should.
Radiation RF Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Devices: What’s Known and not known
Radio frequency signals of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cell phones in general are considered a form of non-ionising radiation. For example, unlike the ionising forms of radiation, the ultraviolet light of the sun, medical examinations such as X-rays or tomographies don’t carry much energy to alter or disrupt your DNA, which is one of the possible ways in which cancer can occur.
However, some research continues to suggest that non-ionising radiation can have significant effects on living beings. However, there is no telling how serious the claim is.
Some of the possible biological effects that have been related to Wi-Fi are:
- Interruption of glucose metabolism in the brain
- Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier
- Interruption of metabolism in the cell
- It breaks in the DNA chains
So, What Should I Do?
Now, don’t worry too much about wireless networks because of the biological effects highlighted above.
After all, remember that these are only connected to non-ionised Wi-Fi waves; there is no real evidence to support them. It has also been said that the exposure of a single router in your business or home can be very small. The risk can be considerably higher in places where dozens of routers and laptops are running at the same time or if you are considering leasing a nearly land for a cell tower lease.
However, here are some precautionary steps to consider, just to make sure:
- Go through an Eco-Wi-Fi Router
This offers a safer alternative to a standard Wi-Fi connection. The JRS Eco-Wi-Fi router includes two elements:
- A conventional Asus router
- Eco-Wi-Fi software approved by JRS
The software offers the router its unique ability to operate in low electromagnetic fields.
- If Possible, Keep the Phone or Tablet Away From Your Head or Body
Now, this is especially true in areas with weak cellular signals; for instance, when your mobile phone has only one bar. This is because in such circumstances, the mobile phone would increase its functional power to compensate for the lack of coverage.
Bringing the phone into a bag instead of keeping it in your pocket can work wonders. Also, a Tablet shouldn’t rest on the body for a prolonged period of time. When you go to bed, think about keeping the phone away from where you sleep. Put it in ‘flight’ mode or turn it off completely.
- Pay Special Attention to the Ethernet Cable
The Ethernet cable is the one that connects the router or modem to the PC.
Most people don’t usually think about this cable, which is a big mistake.
Experts say that the cable can be a source of EF radiation and therefore must be protected as a precautionary measure. You will find many categories of cables – labelled as 5, 6, 7, etc. – available for purchase. The best recommendation would be to choose a Snagless Cat6a shielded Ethernet cable. It is safer and more effective.
- Neighbour Wi-Fi
Legally, there is nothing you can do to force your neighbours to eliminate their Wi-Fi, so you should adopt a soft approach. Go and see them and have a friendly conversation. Ideally, take an RF meter with you and show them the levels of radiation you’re both being exposed to. Take examples of some of the studies that have been conducted with regards the dangers of radiofrequency.
If they’re hostile, the EMC shield should only be considered as a last resort. An effective Wi-Fi radiation shield would result in the protection of multiple rooms, though it is not an easy task.
Use USB Adapters Wisely
If you must use a USB Wi-Fi adapter (for computers that don’t have a network interface card that is wireless), make use of an extension cable (the length of 10 feet or more). The same applies if you make use of either a 3G or 4G internet device to connect to the Internet. A USB extension will significantly reduce exposure.
Wi-Fi in Schools Provides Three Times More Radiation than Cell Towers
By far the worst aspect of electromagnetic fields is the health effects it has on our children.
For instance, pregnant mothers talk freely on cell phones and small children regularly use mobile phones as toys. Suffice to say, the massive overexposure to electromagnetic fields to which all our children are subjected is not easy to digest.
An important part of this overexposure is Wi-Fi in schools.
A YouTube video was released a few years ago that showed the Wi-Fi network of the school in question produced radiation three times higher than mobile phone masts in the vicinity. Unfortunately, this is not an unusual situation.
Final Word
In as much as this article is meant to educate you on the dangers of being close to radiators, it’s also important to protect your Wi-Fi against hacks – especially if you run a website. Cyber criminals could gain access to your Wi-Fi and duplicate a page or the entire URL. For example, your web page reads “https://freeparking.co.nz/domain-names/search/”; they can clone the URL and omit certain alphabets. When you click on a “http://freeparking.co.nz/doman-name/search” and key in your details, it gives them access to your personal information. Therefore, always remember to turn off the Wi-Fi when your device is not in use. The lower the exposure, the better – health and tech wise.
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