A recent controversy over the harmful effects of WiFi has much of the world talking.
(SALEM, Ore.) - Wi-Fi (pronounced wye-fye) is a wireless technology brand owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance intended to improve the interoperability of wireless local area network (WLAN) products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.
Released in 1997, and clarified in 1999, these standards apply to the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz public spectrum bands. Today, common applications for Wi-Fi include Internet and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), phone access, gaming, and network connectivity for consumer electronics such as televisions, DVD players, and digital cameras.
An area covered by one or more interconnected access points is called a hotspot. Multiple hotspots result in mesh networks. Mesh networks have been set up in cities and schools all over the world, as well as businesses and fairgrounds.
So what, if any, are the hazards of WiFi?
For most people, WiFi is an excellent convenience of modern society. However, for the 3% of the population with alleged electromagnetic hypersensitivity, the invisible waves can feel like "being shouted at all the time"(Wired.com), and have reportedly been responsible for headaches and nausea, sort-term memory loss, and tinnitus (perception of sound in the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound).
These are far from proven facts, but the subject is still worth paying attention to, as the technology is so new, any long term effects are not yet possible to document.
As WiFi gains in popularity, it brings with it a thick controversy. Some are quick to dismiss the problem, like Skeptic Magazine's producer Micheal Shermer, who is quoted, "There is no known mechanism by which EMF from any source can cause health problems of any kind, in fact, there is nothing that even needs explaining."(Wired.com)Mr. Shermer is certainly a one-sided skeptic.
In May 2007, the BBC's Panorama featured a half-hour segment on the dangers of WiFi, which was strongly criticized and surmised as incredulous.
There is one option for sensitive individuals who wish to be Wi-Fi free in their home. An expensive EMF blocking paint may be applied to your home's inner-walls, effectively stopping EMF radiation.
Invisible SmogSalem-News.com