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Harmful Effects of Wireless Signals

All wireless signals work via radio frequencies, also known as radio waves. Recently, there has been a lot of debate regarding the safety of the waves emitted from cell phones, laptops, Bluetooth accessories, and the like. Though conclusive evidence has yet to be found about the effects of these devices on health, some information has emerged.

  1. Cell Phone and Wireless Signals

    • The biggest and most alarming claim about the radio waves associated with cell phones is that they can cause brain tumors and other types of cancer. According to the Cell Phone Safety site, large amounts of radio waves can break down tissue in the body and alter the molecules that create DNA. The big question becomes: Do cell phones emit enough of these rays to create physical consequences? The truth is that we don't know. Cell phones have only been around a couple of decades, not long enough for the long-term consequences to have been studied. As the FCC explains, "Further research is needed to determine what effects actually occur and whether they are dangerous to people."

    Wireless Internet and Wireless Signals

    • Recently in Great Britain, top health officials called for an investigation into wireless networks in schools after it was determined that these networks create and emit three times the amount of radio waves as cell phones. As we know that exposure to radio waves can break down human tissue, among other health effects, health investigators are trying to find out if this Wi-Fi exposure in schools encroaches on the "too much" mark. In Great Britain, 70 percent of universities have Wi-Fi systems, according to the Daily Mail. In the United States all public universities have wireless Internet access for schools, and countless coffee shops, bookstores and other establishments have wireless systems. Results of the investigation are still pending.

    Bluetooth Wireless Signals

    • A big trend in wireless service involves Bluetooth devices, which connect radios, cellular devices, MP3s, and are used to transfer files. Bluetooth headsets and devices do release radio waves, however the amount is much lower than that of cell phones and wireless Internet modems, indicating that any cancer risk would also be much lower than with other wireless equipment.

    Conclusions and Tips

    • Until concrete answers are found, it is difficult to know exactly what to do about these concerns. It is probably safe to say that you can reduce rays from cellular devices by use a Bluetooth headset. This would also help reduce the accident risks associated with driving and talking on the phone. An alternative to wireless Internet is a classic Ethernet cable connected directly to the Internet, but the convenience of wireless is then lost. Another option is to proceed with caution regarding all these devices. Take breaks from using them; try the speakerphone or a wire with your cell phone so that the phone is not pressed against your head. When possible, use a non-wireless connection at your computer. Use this technology with moderation.

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