Regarding wifi and health, if we spent a year in a Wi-Fi hotspot, we received the same amount of radiation as if we had made a 20-minute phone call from a mobile device. How does WiFi affect our health?

We’ve all heard discussions about the potential effects of WiFi and the radiation that electronic devices release on our health at some point. It has been mentioned that it can lead to brain tumors, irreparable damage to the brain, fetal malformations, abortions, abnormal head growth, hyperactivity, infertility, cephalosporins, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, and a long list of other symptoms. But what truth is there in that? Do we need to be concerned? Are we paying a high price for always being connected, or is this a common urban myth? What connection exists, in the end, between WiFi and health?

Relationship between wifi and health

There are theories for all tastes, but with numerous studies that have analyzed the possible impact of electromagnetic fields on health, the truth is that the majority do not seem to have found evidence regarding their negative impact. The wireless radiation emitted by Wi-Fi networks is much weaker than that of, for example, a laptop or a mobile phone and if the radio frequency source is not attached to the head, the level of exposure would be negligible.

Wi-Fi technology would, in fact, be within the range of ‘harmless’ waves due to its low energy level. At the highest part of the spectrum would be gamma rays, X-rays or ultraviolet light capable of causing skin burns, affecting DNA or giving rise to tumors. Wi-Fi signals operate, however, at frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, similar to those used, for example, by microwaves, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices or visible light itself, that is, radiation, “ “non-ionizing” or without sufficient energy to ionize atoms or cause damage to living tissues that, at most, produce heat.

What does the WHO say about Wi-Fi and health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasizes this aspect by considering that the main consequence of the interaction between radioelectric energy and the human body would be the heating of tissues, there is no scientific basis to relate exposure to electromagnetic fields with other symptoms that could come from environmental factors or even stress caused by concern about the health effects of the electromagnetic field.

Elaborating further on the issue of Wi-Fi and health, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), if a person spent a year in a Wi-Fi access point, they would receive the same dose of radio waves as if they had made a call of a duration of 20 minutes from a mobile phone. The light from a light bulb would transmit more energy even than a Wi-Fi network and we live surrounded by light bulbs, without getting sick.

Is Wi-Fi harmful to health?

Although there is no evidence that the radiofrequency waves released by a Wi-Fi network are damaging to health and no research has been done to link these to any ailments, if you are still concerned about it, we advise:

Place the Wi-Fi access point at least one meter away from any furniture you frequently use, such as your bed, couch, or play areas. Before going to bed or while not in use, turn off the router since it continues to send signals even when not in use.

Everything is done for your mental well-being.