Wireless devices may carry health risks.

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by wireless devices is similar to that emitted by mobile phones, reports the national daily Helsingin Sanomat.

 “Wireless devices such as digital printers, digiboxes and MP3 players are becoming increasingly common in homes and workplaces.”

“The devices emit electromagnetic radiation that is similar to that emitted by mobile phones. Two weeks ago the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) urged the public to restrict their children’s mobile phone use. This recommendation is pre-emptive, for there is no direct evidence of the health effects of mobile phone radiation. However, there may be side effects if mobile phones have been used for long periods of time. This also applies for devices which function in a wireless network.”

“’It would be good if the network base station were located as far away from people as possible,” says senior scientist Lauri Puranen of STUK.

Puranen adds the reassurance that even at full output home transmission stations emits about as much radiation as a mobile phone. ‘Even then, you have to be right next to the station for there to be any effect. Nonetheless there’s no reason to keep wireless devices right next to you, either. I would be more concerned about the internet gadgets that work in the mobile phone network, which are often carried on the body. Their emission levels are as high as those of mobile phones.’”

HELSINGIN SANOMAT 18 January.
JUSSI PULLINEN
Lehtikuva - Jussi Nukari