Safety of WiFi in schools

After the Panorama TV programme in May which raised a lot of fuss about the dangers of WiFi in schools, BECTA consulted with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) - the government agency responsible for health and safety - to obtain the latest guidance on any health issues relating to wireless technology.

There have been stories about a teacher who was unable to work "because of the effects of the WiFi radiation". WiFi has been installed in offices for years and there hasn't been a fuss. Are teachers more sensitive than other workers? Nonetheless, the effects on children and young people, still growing and definitely more vulnerable, is of great importance. No doubt parents with WiFi networks would also like to hear the possibilities. In any city suburb these days I defy anyone to find that they are not in a WiFi hotspot: even if their own house does not have it, their neighbours are likely to.

Happily, the HPA report that:

"On the basis of current scientific information wi-fi equipment satisfies international guidelines. There is no consistent evidence of health effects from RF exposures below guideline levels and therefore no reason why schools and others should not use wi-fi equipment."