Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Wi-Fi in Australian Schools

Abstract

The increasing use of Wi-Fi in schools and other places has given rise to public concern that the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi have the potential to adversely affect children. The current study measured typical and peak RF levels from Wi-Fi and other sources in 23 schools in Australia. All of the RF measurements were much lower than the reference levels recommended by international guidelines for protection against established health effects. The typical and peak RF levels from Wi-Fi in locations occupied by children in the classroom were of the order of 10−4 and 10−2% of the exposure guidelines, respectively. Typical RF levels in the classroom were similar between Wi-Fi and radio but higher than other sources. In the schoolyard typical RF levels were higher for radio, TV and mobile phone base stations compared to Wi-Fi. The results of this study showed that the typical RF exposure of children from Wi-Fi at school is very low and comparable or lower to other sources in the environment.

Does all-day and long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi affect hearing?

“…In an animal study, Hassanshahi et al [16] demonstrated that Wi-Fi radiation had possible adverse effects on cross-modal and unimodal novel object recognition. An important issue is the level of RF exposure from Wi-Fi in schools and public areas [17][18][19]. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection published guidelines regarding the limits of exposure to non-ionizing radiations [20].…”

“…A few studies have shown that the exposure to RF fields from Wi-Fi in public places is expected to be much lower than these limits. For example, Karipidis et al [17] measured typical and peak RF levels from Wi-Fi and other sources in 23 schools in Australia. They found that the RF exposure in children from Wi-Fi at school was very low and comparable to, or lower than, other sources in the environment.…”

Wi‐Fi radiation exposures to children in kindergartens and schools – results should lessen parental concerns

“…With the increasing use of Wi‐Fi and Wi‐Fi enabled devices in schools, there has been a growing concern among parents regarding RF‐EMR exposure from Wi‐Fi and potential effects on their children's health 10 . Children in schools are exposed to Wi‐Fi exposures voluntarily or involuntarily – either from Wi‐Fi enabled devices or Wi‐Fi routers, respectively.…”

“…Until recently, there have been little data available regarding children's Wi‐Fi exposures 11,12 . Recently, two independent groups of Australian researchers have published findings on children's exposures to Wi‐Fi in kindergartens and schools 10,13 . These data are amongst the first comprehensive Wi‐Fi exposure measurements in these settings.…”

“…In 2017, ARPANSA published the environmental (classroom and schoolyards) Wi‐Fi exposure levels measured in 23 schools in Victoria and New South Wales 10 . The median of average Wi‐Fi levels was in the order of 10 -2 –10 -4 % of the ICNIRP limits.…”