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Questions asked on various websites regarding health issues due to EMF radiation are often quickly dismissed as silly. People asking questions about the dangers of wireless technology are quickly dismissed by people who are not health care researchers. The average computer user is happy to hear the answer that tells them exactly what they want to hear, they don't need to worry about it, no possible problems.

Anyone who says there are absolutely no possible health effects of Wi-Fi, cell phones, and other types of wireless networks is simply putting their head in the sand. How can anyone say "No, not at all, it's not possible," when research raises concerns to the contrary?

Before you throw your wireless network out the window in fear of losing your hair, let's take a minute to understand the issue.

Wireless networks produce EMF (electromagnetic fields), technically speaking, EMF is a from of radiation. Typically when someone uses the word radiation they are discussing something like x-rays, a form of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Medical professionals agree that diagnostic x-rays increase the risk of developmental problems and cancer in those exposed to them, and that their use should be limited. But there is much debate, and no consensus, on the long term health effects of radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Getting back to the original question, will Wi-Fi, cell phones, and other types of wireless networks cause any health concerns, the best way to answer that is to put it into perspective. The world is full of sources of EMF, such as power lines, microwave ovens, computer and TV screens, security devices, radars and yes, your wireless network. Your home wireless exposes you to a very small amount of EMF compared to all the other sources of EMF in the world today. Keep in mind, while you are at home in addition to the Wi-Fi wireless computer network in your home, you are most likely also using some type of cell phone wireless network. The question becomes one of what are the cumulative effects, even if the risk is small, how much exposure is too much.

The exposure of the human body to EMF is much greater today than it was a generation ago. A look at the news headlines of recent years allows some insight into the various areas of public concern. Scientists are actively continuing to research this area. Avoiding complete exposure to EMF is not easy in our society.

For anyone who feels there is zero risk of health issues from EMF, check out this link from the CDC which has numerous references on the subject: NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic

Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Oncology and Cancer Epidemiology at the University Hospital in Orebro (Sweden), and a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph Working Group. According to Dr. Hardell, "Epidemiological evidence shows that radiofrequency should be classified as a human carcinogen."

A recent article from Forbes magazine, not some tabloid, also raises concerns: Study Suggests Wi-Fi Exposure More Dangerous To Kids Than Previously Thought

What's the harm in some cautious concern?

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