YHGfL - Making the most of your broadband
WiFi
What is WiFi
WiFi is short for Wireless Fidelity and is a particular type of wireless local area network (WLAN). There are many types but all allow two or more computers to form a network using radio frequency (RF) signals.
Key Facts
There is no consistent evidence to date that exposure to RF signals from WiFi and WLANs adversely affect the health of the general population.
The signals from WiFi are very low power in both the computer and the mast (or router) and resulting exposures should be well within internationally accepted guidelines.
The frequencies used are broadly the same as those from other RF applications such as FM radio, TV and mobile phones.
Based on current knowledge, RF exposures from WiFi are likely to be lower than those from mobile phones.
On the basis of current scientific information, exposures from WiFi equipment satisfy international guidelines. There is no consistent evidence of health effects from RF exposures below guideline levels and no reason why schools and others should not use WiFi equipment.
Source Health Protection Agency
Becta - WiFi Statement
Following the BBC's Panorama programme on 21st May 2007, Becta have endorsed the information provided by the Health Protection Agency.
Becta believes that there is no need to change its current guidane: while secure wireless networks can complement an institution's network, they should not replace it.
You can view the statement here