Keywords
radio frequencies
health
school
evidence review
risk assessment
How to Cite
Abstract
Some communication media have reported alleged health risks, especially in schools, related to exposure to Radio Frequencies (RF) emitted by wifi telecommunication systems. These reports have generated demands for information, which the relevant environmental health authorities have to deal with in a transparent, clear and effective way, based on current scientific evidence. This study describes the main technical features of wifi systems, the rules that govern their operation, the authorized levels of emission, and the levels observed in some specific studies.Until now, very few specific studies have been undertaken about the health effects associated to exposure to RF emitted by these systems. This article describes the main risk assessments and the more relevant studies published by prestigious specialized international agencies.
The study details the current state of knowledge about the health effects of RF and the international recommendations proposed, regarding the safety of these technologies.
It concludes that, to date, there is no consistent evidence that exposure to the RF signals emitted by wifi systems, below internationally accepted guidelines, has adverse health effects on the general population.
There are no scientific reasons to justify that wifi systems should be removed from schools or should not be used by the rest of the population.
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