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HPA conducting 'systematic' study into Wi-Fi safety

By Stevie Smith Oct 15, 2007, 13:57 GMT

Longstanding health and safety concerns regarding the use of Wi-Fi networks, especially in schools, has now led the UK government to concede that it is prepared to re-examine the potential effects associated with the proliferation and advances of Wi-Fi technology, reports the BBC. The UK-based Health Protection Agency has this week revealed it is to conduct new research into the potential health risks connected to Wi-Fi and wireless computer connections.

The UK-based Health Protection Agency has this week revealed it is to conduct new research into the potential health risks connected to Wi-Fi and wireless computer connections.The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has this week revealed that it is to conduct what it refers to as "systematic" research into the use of wireless networks, specifically in order ascertain the average exposure users face from the low levels of radiation given off by Wi-Fi access points, base stations, and wireless computer links. Although existing research into wireless technology has already outlined the safety of Wi-Fi networks, the government has come under increasing pressure as of late to further its study into any possible health ramifications connected to wireless Net access. Despite the concerns of those who remain unconvinced by the safety levels of wireless networks, the HPA believes its new study will offer up "reassuring" results. HPA chief executive Professor Pat Troop has said that, although there is "no scientific evidence to date" that supports the notion that either Wi-Fi or any other form of wireless network can pose a potential health hazard to the public, "there has not been extensive research into what people’s exposures are to this new technology, and that is why we are initiating this new programme of research and analysis."With regard to the extremely low power signals utilised by Wi-Fi networks, which fall well within the guidelines laid out by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICONIR), Prof. Troop advises that, "there is no particular reason why schools and others should not continue to use wi-fi or other wireless networks." The HPA has, however, said that it will use the new research opportunity to further its studies and help establish a baseline level of exposure for that of an average person. The newly announced research period comes on the heels of a warning issued by the HPA and England’s Chief Medical Officer, both of which suggest that non-essential usage of mobile phones should be limited in children.The HPA’s research into potential health risks associated with wireless computer networks will be spread over the next two years, which will be spent assessing wireless signals in schools, offices, homes, and directly through tests in the HPA laboratories. In previous tests focusing on the radiation emitted by wireless network signals, the ICONIR set exposure limits (for the human head) at two watts per kilo, with wireless emissions coming in some 20 times weaker than 0.1 watts per kilo.