Appendix C
Warnings about Wi-fi
Again, all of the warnings that apply to mobile phones and cordless phones are relevant to wi-fi. In addition, here are some warnings specifically for wi-fi use.
ASHLAND, USA
The Ashland school district introduced ‘best practice’ guidelines for reducing students’ exposure to wireless radiation, which are to be displayed in every classroom.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
The Academy recommended the use of wired internet and avoidance of exposure to wi-fi and mobile-phone radiation in schools.
ATHENS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
The Association recommended limiting wi-fi connectivity and disabling wi-fi on the router at night.
AUSTRIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
The Association recommended ‘Disconnecting (unplugging) the power supply of all WLAN [wireless] access points or WLAN routers.’
BC CONFEDERATION OF PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILS (CANADA)
The Confederation voted in favour of banning wi-fi in schools in British Columbia.
BIOINITIATIVE REPORT
This report by a group of independent scientists recommended the use of wired rather than wireless technologies, especially in schools and libraries.
BORGOFRANCO D’IVREA, ITALY
The municipality of Borgofranco d’Ivrea, a region dubbed the Silicon Valley of Italy, turned off wi-fi in primary and secondary schools due to concerns about children’s health.
CYPRUS
The Cyprian government’s National Committee on Environment and Children’s Health released a video recommending reducing children’s exposure to radiation from wireless devices.
The Minister of Education issued a decree banning wi-fi from preschools, advising that no further wi-fi equipment was to be installed in primary schools, requiring primary schools using wi-fi to switch off the equipment when not in use, and requiring parental consent for wireless activities in schools.
FRANCE
No wireless devices can be used in childcare centres for children under three years of age, and wi-fi must be turned off in schools when not being used for study.
GERMANY
The German government recommended keeping wireless exposure as low as possible and using wired rather than wireless connections.
GHENT, BELGIUM
The municipality of Ghent banned wi-fi from childcare centres used by preschoolers below three years of age.
ISRAEL
The Israeli Department of Education advised that wired computer networks should be used in schools.
NAVARRA, SPAIN
The government of the autonomous region of Navarra advised that wi-fi should not be used in schools.
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (USA)
The Association published guidelines expressing concerns about wireless devices in schools and recommending wired connections for all electronic equipment.
ONTARIO ENGLISH CATHOLIC TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (CANADA)
The Association, representing 45,000 teachers, recognised that wi-fi could be a possible workplace hazard, and recommended wiring new buildings for internet connection and introducing methods to reduce exposure to wi-fi radiation.
PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (SWITZERLAND)
In Switzerland, Physicians for the Environment recommend precautions for wi-fi use.
REYKJAVIK APPEAL ON WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS
Scientists and medical practitioners from 24 countries endorsed this Appeal, calling for wired rather than wireless equipment in schools.
RUSSIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON NON-IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION
Russia’s radiation authority said that wi-fi radiation is a burden to the child’s brain and advised using wired rather than wireless computer networks in schools and other educational institutions.
SALZBURG DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (AUSTRIA)
The Department advised that wi-fi signals appeared to be biologically active and advised against using wi-fi or cordless technology in schools or preschools.
SOUTH TYROL, ITALY
The government of the autonomous region of South Tyrol voted for the replacement of wireless networks with those that emit less radiation.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, USA
Suffolk County passed a law requiring that notices advise people of the presence of devices that emit wireless radiation.
TAIWAN
The Taiwanese government legislated to ban parents from allowing children under the age of two from playing with electronic devices.
VOICE, THE BRITISH TRADE UNION FOR EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS
The union, representing 20,000 lecturers, teachers, and childcare workers, has several times expressed concerns about the use of wi-fi in schools.