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In this digital era, people can hardly be separated from the Internet connection. Therefore, nowadays you can easily get a wireless internet connection (Wi-Fi). However, there are concerns around its safety and side effects for humans. A study in Saudi Arabia published in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure states that Wi-Fi radiation is at risk of triggering cancer in children. Is it true that Wi-Fi radiation can increase the risk of cancer, especially in children? Check out the answer below.
Radiation generated from Wi-Fi
Before discussing the health risks of Wi-Fi radiation, you need to understand what kind of radiation these devices produce. Every electronic device, including those that can emit Wi-Fi signals, will produce electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is a combination of electric and magnetic fields. To measure the amount of radiation produced, researchers used a low to high frequency range.
Wi-Fi and the risk of childhood cancer
The emergence of research that states that children are more vulnerable is certainly disturbing society. However, you don't need to worry. Wi-Fi radiation does not trigger cancer, both for adults and children. The World Health Organization (WHO) on its official website confirms that there is no link between radiation and cancer risk, especially in children. This WHO statement is also supported by experts and scientists around the world.
According to the Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society, dr. Otis Brawley, found many defects in studies that claim that Wi-Fi radiation can cause childhood cancer. The study did not randomly select study participants. Instead of randomly selecting, the authors selected only certain cases that showed a possible adverse impact on children's health. Meanwhile, the authors paid no heed to cases where Wi-Fi radiation did not show any link to cancer or the health of children and adults.
A physics expert from Drexel University in the United States further explained that Wi-Fi radiation has different properties from gamma rays produced by nuclear power or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Radiation produced by gamma rays and UV rays can cause DNA changes or genetic mutations in the human body. Genetic mutations can trigger the growth of cancer cells.
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi radiation emitted by electromagnetic waves cannot cause genetic mutations in both adults and children. That means Wi-Fi radiation is not carcinogenic or cause cancer.
WHO also initiated a special investigation that succeeded in proving that in various cases where children with childhood cancer often accessed or were near Wi-Fi devices, there was no similarity in the nature or type of cancer suffered. This suggests that the children got cancer because of other risk factors, not because of radiation from a wireless internet connection.
So is Wi-Fi radiation safe?
Electromagnetic radiation from Wi-Fi devices that are used everyday is safe for you and your family. The only scientifically proven side effect of electromagnetic radiation is that it increases your body temperature by approximately one degree Celsius.
However, this is only possible if you are in a factory or industrial facility that operates to transmit signals in very high frequencies. The further away from the transmitting source, the less electromagnetic waves you receive.
In addition, the frequency that this radiation generates in offices, homes, or in public places is very low. Because it is so low, the radiation does not have any impact on you and your family.
Also keep in mind that electromagnetic radiation is generated by your other household appliances such as ovens, cordless phones, house bells and cell phones. The manufacturers of these devices, including the manufacturer of your Wi-Fi device, have specific standards recommended by experts and medical personnel in regulating radiation frequencies and levels that are safe for humans. So, you can breathe easy now.
