Wireless internet, or what most of us simply call WiFi, has become a regular part of our homes. Because it seems an ordinary component in the house, most people do not even ask themselves if WiFi is harmful to a person’s health.
We are now dealing with an innovation that used to be considered a luxury about 15 to 20 years ago. The problem with this radiation does not just concern WiFi routers but also the other electromagnetic devices, particularly those with large signal emitters.
The truth is different types of radiation exist practically everywhere. Public areas, such as shopping malls, workplaces, restaurants, and homes, usually have WiFi and other electromagnetic devices. It is not possible to change the world on your own, but your choices and actions can have a massive impact on your home.
What is WiFi Radiation?
Before learning whether or not you should be worried about WiFi radiation, you should first determine what it is. WiFi devices have radio frequency radiation, which they emit when they are being used. Often, it is also known as microwave radiation, which wireless devices give off 24/7. It is the same type that the microwave ovens you use at home for cooking food emit, which is why it is called microwave radiation.
When you place food in the microwave oven, and you press on, the equipment will bombard it with radiation. As a result, molecular friction is produced to heat the food, which is commonly called thermal or heating effect.
When we talk about WiFi devices, we typically mean wireless modem routers as well as wireless computers. These items have transmitters that use similar microwave radiation for sending data back and forth. In theory, the radiation released in the air can have the same heating effect to our bodies the same way the microwave heats food.
Is It Really Harmful?
The important question is whether or not WiFi is safe for us. With its prevalence no matter where we go, it makes sense to be worried about the safety of human health. When the word radiation is mentioned, it often equates to something that may have a significant impact on our bodies.
The whole controversy actually revolves around the mentioned heating effect. Many people, however, do not experience it. Vested interests, including the telecom industry, may state that using WiFi devices is not harmful, unlike what other groups say. According to them, there is no observable thermal effect, so consumers should believe these technologies are generally safe.
On the other hand, many peer-reviewed studies that scientists from different parts of the world conducted showed that there is a good chance WiFi radiation can become potentially harmful. Scientists are not too concerned about the heating effect. In a way, telecom companies are correct in saying that the heating effect is not worrisome. You can test your home with an EMF detector to see how much exposure your home is getting from wifi.
However, those scientific reviews claim that humans should be alarmed about the adverse biological effects. Although these impacts are viewed as subtle, they can be harmful and may cause long-term problems on the users.
Independent research has discovered there may be an existing link between WiFi radiation and the following biological effects:
- Breaks and damages in the DNA chain
- Unstable cell metabolism
- Increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier
- Disrupted metabolism of cerebral glucose (sugar for the brain)
- Development of cellular stress proteins (also known as heat shock proteins)
Some studies also show that radiation from WiFi devices can cause certain symptoms, including irritability, headaches that are experienced almost on a daily basis, digestive disorders, and fatigue.
These effects are indeed unpleasant, which may prompt many people to think that WiFi use is harmful to them. However, it is hard to stop taking advantage of WiFi, especially in this day and age where technology is a crucial part of everyone’s life. A much bigger concern though is that the outcomes of the issues above are all linked to various life-threatening diseases.
More studies also connect long-term exposure to radiation from different types of WiFi devices to a multitude of serious diseases and health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain tumors
- Electrical sensitivity
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cancers, including breast cancer and childhood cancers
Anecdotal evidence shows hundreds of thousands of people have experienced severe health symptoms because of constant exposure to WiFi radiation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies this type of radiation as a potential class 2B carcinogen. It means that it has a high risk of glioma, which is a type of malignant brain cancer.
How to Protect Yourself from WiFi Radiation
With the terrifying side effects of WiFi use, it makes sense that we all protect ourselves and our loved ones from radiation. It is undoubtedly a huge challenge considering wireless devices, such as WiFi routers, are almost everywhere. Just by turning on our cell phones can increase the risk of developing any of the symptoms above.
Thankfully, some ways will help you stay safe from radiation and its negative side effects. When carried out correctly and regularly, users typically experience many benefits, including:
- Better sleep
- More energy every day
- Feeling more relaxed
- Less nausea
- Clearer mind
- No lightheadedness
- The absence of metallic taste in the mouth
Some people also report that their rooms have started feeling cooler after they practiced the methods of protecting themselves from WiFi radiation.
While, it is understandable that most of us cannot go through a day without connecting to a WiFi device, there are some critical precautionary steps to take to lessen the danger. Here are the simple yet effective methods that will help limit your exposure to radiation coming from your WiFi routers:
When not in use, disable wireless connectivity on all your devices.
A common misconception is that when people turn off their modem or router, it automatically means that they are safe from the adverse side effects of WiFi radiation. However, the danger does not stop there because you should also disable the wireless functionality of your phone, tablet, or desktop computer.
If you have other Bluetooth-connected devices that cause radiation, such as projectors and printers, you should also make sure their wireless capability is also turned off. Many people overlook this simple step, but it can help lower your risk of developing health conditions.
You may have to look for options in the equipment’s software application to turn off the wireless function. Some devices, however, may not allow you to disable the WiFi through their pieces of software.
One effective solution here is to remove the WiFi module physically. However, this method often requires that you have some electrical knowledge; otherwise, you can have someone else do it for you.
Know your options.
A number of devices nowadays provide various options on how to reduce WiFi radiation. Opt for a tool that has lower WiFi intensity, which you can mostly find in the setup of the wireless component. You can adjust the setting of the device and make sure you set it as the default. This way, the original power intensity will not come back on again.
Choose your Ethernet cable wisely.
The Ethernet cable that you buy can have a positive or a negative impact on how radiation will hit you. Before we get into more details, it is necessary that you know what Ethernet cables are. In essence, these cables are the ones that you link your computer with to your router or modem. It is the cable that provides you with an internet connection – a hardwired one.
Unfortunately, many people do not care much about Ethernet cables, especially when health concerns are the topic. You are probably among those who simply use the wires that come with the router or WiFi modem. It is a huge mistake that can put your health on the line.
Instead of settling for the wires that the WiFi manufacturer may have provided you, it is time that you realize how crucial it is to pick the right Ethernet cable. The reason behind this is that these cables are believed to be a source of radiofrequency radiation, which can have biological effects like those mentioned above.
Ethernet cables come in different qualities, particularly cable categories. Experts recommend purchasing at least Cat 6 augmented (Cat6a) screened shielded twisted pair (SSTP) if your modem does not come with it. Cat6a provides many benefits for your network and at the same time for your health.
Cat6a gives you the ability to get rid of your wireless router, which is convenient if you are among those who have an electromagnetic field (EMF) sensitivity. You can set up the cable in all the rooms in your house, which means you do not need to connect to WiFi whenever you work on your computer.
Say goodbye to wireless and go wired.
Wireless internet has several advantages, especially these days when everyone seems to be on the go all the time. However, as much as possible, you can remove devices with wireless functionality in your home, mainly if you only need to work in one place, such as a desk. For instance, if you are using a wireless keyboard and mouse, you can swap them with their wired versions.
If you have a smartphone or tablet, you probably think you can only connect to the internet through WiFi or your mobile data connection. However, many solutions now exist so devices that are not created to be hardwired, such as an iPad, can have an internet connection using a USB Ethernet adapter, a Lightning-to-USB camera adapter, and a powered USB hub.
Use a special eco-WiFi router.
Technology indeed has come a long way. Users now have plenty of radically safer alternatives to regular WiFi routers. A handful of eco-WiFi routers now exist where they have uniquely low EMF.
Standard routers typically operate at 10 pulses every second while these decreased EMF routers can run at just one pulse each second. The 10x reduction in pulse interval leads to 90% less WiFi radiation, specifically when the device is on standby.
These WiFi routers can be quite expensive, but they are a great investment, especially if you take your health seriously. The good news is that they mostly provide the same performance as your normal WiFi.
It means you can get the same speed for your downloads and even data transmission capacity. The only difference is that they are a lot safer than traditional routers.
Other Methods to Try
You can reduce your risk of high exposure levels to WiFi radiation even without eliminating the source. If you are among those who cannot surrender their devices, you can minimize the risk without eliminating your WiFi connection. The best way is to keep your distance from the router.
Science confirms that the inverse square law applies to WiFi radiation, which drops off in significant numbers as you get farther from it. Many routers do have a strong signal that allows them to maintain their connection to the devices even when they are 100 meters away.
Learn about your router’s range and as much as possible, try to stay far from it as you use your phone or another device. Also, remember that walls will not stop radiation, so it is not a good idea to place it behind the wall of your bedroom.
When not in use, especially at night, it is best that you turn off your WiFi. Doing so can provide you with more benefits than you can imagine, including helping with melatonin production and even cellular regeneration. These methods may seem simple, but they are necessary if you want to keep yourself protected against the possible dangers of WiFi radiation.