#thedangers

We have all come to rely on wireless technology in our homes, at work and in our cars. I  have often wondered about the possible health implications of the ways we connect through our phones and wi-fi networks.

Bluetooth systems and wireless routers emit electromagnetic radiation in the low gigahertz frequency. This is a level that some studies consider is dangerous to people. And the danger is, unfortunately, a cumulative effect.

While there are a number of studies which conclude there are adverse impacts on our health, others suggest there is no link. The World Health Organisation in 2002 stated electromagnetic radiation could “possibly be carcinogenic to humans.” (World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2002). I adopt a precautionary approach and minimise my exposure to wifi whenever I can.

There are a number of ways that you are exposed to wifi. Some you have control over and others you don’t. Here is a list of those which you can control to some extent and the things you can do something about.

Wifi in our homes;

Powerlines and mobile phone masts;

Air travel including pre-flight scanners;

Household smart devices like security systems or anything else that connects to wifi;

Microwave ovens;

Bluetooth devices such as headphones, mice, keyboard, and speakers;

Phones and cordless phones and laptops and notepads.

A number of factors increase the potential health impact of wifi. We are not just exposed to our own home wifi connection, but the other wireless networks you can see on your computer’s list that you are automatically joined to. Every one of these connections is emitting wireless radiation.

The studies that conclude wifi can be harmful to health identify the following possible effects:

Reduction in both male and female fertility;

Compromise children’s health; insomnia & headaches;

Adversely impact cell growth.

While most new laptops are too thin to have an ethernet connection if you don’t travel, you can buy a USB to ethernet adapter which will allow you to connect your computer directly to your printer or the internet. Where possible, turn the wifi off on the printer, or opt for one that needs to be plugged into your computer.

Although this isn’t an ideal solution for many, most routers can have wifi turned off, or if it doesn’t, you can purchase one that gives you that option, or one that doesn’t have wifi at all. This gives you control over the amount of wifi that you have within your home.

We can all disconnect the router at night when you’re not using it. Even if you believe wifi to be safe, there will still be electromagnetic radiation while it is on and it is costing money simply not to use it. Mobile phone masts are also a cause for concern.

Switch off Bluetooth on all of your devices. Instead of carrying your phone in your jean pocket at the front, put your phone into a bag or purse, and try not to place laptops and tablets on your body while in use.

For us to minimise our exposure to radiation, we should use a speakerphone when using our cell or mobile phones; or use headphones that plug into the handset instead of the Bluetooth function and Bluetooth headphones.

Conclusion:

Whilst we have moved forward, and have made technological advances, there is a downside to these technological advances, because we are continually being exposed to radiation that can cause diseases like cancer. In using the latest technologies, we have created dangerous health issues without realising that’s what we have done.

Not turning our routers off at night means while we’re asleep and tucked in our beds, we’re sleeping and exposing ourselves to radiation during the night too.

Sources:

https://www.wavewallcases.com    https://www.cancer.gov