International experts urge: Do not use wireless networks in schools

Three leading experts wrote in a letter to Swedish authorities and ministries that wireless technology should not be used in schools "To promote and use wireless technology in schools means that they deliberately ignore the extensive warnings about the health risks of radiation from international research and international experts in public health" and underlines that the radiation is classified as possibly carcinogenic by IARC. 

The three experts, oncologists Dr. Lennart Hardell of Orebro University Hospital, project manager for Bioinitiativrapporten Cindy Sage, USA, and Dr. David Carpenter , director of the National Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany, United States points out that research shows a link between exposure to radiation from wireless technology and including cancer, neurological disorders, hormonal effects and symptoms of hypersensitivity.

Laboratory studies show that radiation increases the risk of cancer, abnormal sperm, impaired learning and memory, and heart disorders.

Exposure in utero may result in an amended development of the brain, with impact on learning, memory and behavior as observed in studies in both animals and humans:

“There is widespread scientific support for this in the form of hundreds of published, pre-reviewed scientific studies, which describe adverse effects at exposure levels that are significantly lower than the prescribed limits. The use of wireless technology (WiFi) in schools may increase the risk for neurological impairment and cancer of the students in the long term - unlike for wired connection to the Internet is used.”

The letter has been sent to the National Agency, National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Education, Minister for the Environment, Children's Ombudsman and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority among others.

Radiation Protection Foundation notes that the experts' conclusions and recommendation to avoid wireless technology in school because of health risks to children are added to an already long list of warnings about the health risks of wireless networks, wireless computers and e-readers. The Council of Europe recommended, for example, the member countries in 2011 not to use wireless networks and wireless technology in schools because of the health risks and the children's special sensitivity. Although the recommendation is politically binding followed it in Sweden.

Bioinitiativrapporten from January 2013 covered the 1800 scientific studies. The three experts behind the current letter was included in the group of 29 international experts that drafted the review. The report concluded that wireless networks and wireless connected computers should not be used in school because of the risks to children and that the current limits should be lowered drastically since they do not protect against adverse health effects.

Wireless technology is completely inappropriate and should be banned in schools, just like cigarettes, school and kindergarten, according to  the Radiation Protection Foundation recently launched the campaign A radiation-school and kindergarten, which means that wireless technology is avoided and internet and phone contacts is via cable and cord.

 

Follow us for breaking news and updates!