Junk Science: The War On Wi-Fi Continues

It didn't surprise me much to see panicked comments to my April post about new "studies" into the potential hazards of Wi-Fi networks. People panic and are distrustful of new technology, and I understand that, especially when children are involved. I didn't even try to respond to comments like, "In years to come we'll talk about Wi-Fi in the same breath as smoking, asbestos, and Mad Cow Disease." How could you?

The panic reached its nadir with a program from the BBC, which included show reporters running around with a "radiation monitor" and exclaiming "it's in the red" zone repeatedly. What the monitor is measuring and what "red" means is never explained. Presumably he's simply measuring signal strength: Red would actually mean you can get a good Internet connection, nothing more.

You can watch the show here, but I wouldn't bother. It's a total joke. It's completely absurd. (If you watch, don't miss the "anti-radiation paint.") It's not just junk science, it's junk TV. What you should not miss is the scathing commentary surrounding the embedded video. Bad Science is a blog devoted to debunking these kinds of issues. This post does a far better job than I can at explaining exactly what's wrong with this kind of panic mongering.

What I will do is echo the post's sentiments about the constant use of the word radiation. "Radiation" gets a bad rap because of its association with nuclear radiation. But the generic term radiation, when used to describe Wi-Fi, refers to any electromagnetic wave. You're bathing in radiation right now: From visible light, TV and radio waves, and other electromagnetic waves like microwaves. At 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi falls in the microwave spectrum between TV and infrared light. If you're really curious about the thousands of waves you've being bombarded with this very moment, check out the U.S. Frequency Allocation Chart (PDF link, detail seen in the picture above). Wi-Fi can be found in the unlicensed sliver at 2400 on the chart.

Panic is misplaced: Again, there are no genuine cases of anyone becoming sick due to Wi-Fi or cellular waves. If you must worry about technology killing you, worry instead about using your cell phone while you drive your car. But as for the dangers of Wi-Fi "radiation," well, I believe in years to come we'll really be talking about the subject in the same breath as perpetual motion, crystal power, and Xenu.

Previously: Is Wi-Fi Hazardous to Your Health?
The War on Wi-Fi