Safe Technology in School Communities
Wireless Sources
Wireless technology has become increasingly integrated into the school environment. How much radiation are children and staff exposed to each school day? How may wireless radiation emissions affect pregnant staff?
All wireless devices send and receive radiofrequency (RF) waves in the microwave frequency range. They are everywhere. You can’t see, smell or hear them. There are a number of health effects associated with the use of wireless devices. Children absorb more RF radiation than adults.
When a device has low signal strength, it increases radiation output to maintain a connection. To minimize exposure, avoid using the device in areas with a weak signal. However, a stronger signal generally indicates higher overall RF levels in the environment, leading to greater full-body exposure from nearby base stations, routers, or access points. RF radiation reflects off metal objects, like desks or filing cabinets, in classrooms, increasing localized radiation hotspots. Elevators can trap the radiation, and increase RF exposures for occupants.
Many parents, engineers, technologists and school administrators may not realize they have an outdated knowledge base on the health effects of human-made radiation. Even the previously innoculous thermostats and light bulbs may be equipped with "Smart" technology. These are some the sources of microwave radiation children can be exposed to every day.
Did You Know that Wireless Signals Can Make a Distinct Sound?
Wireless devices make a distinct sound when their microwave signals are picked up by radiofrequency, RF meters. These meters detect microwave radiation and convert the signals to sound. These are the sounds different devices make. This artificial pulse is like an electrical shock or a loud static radio which can interrupt the gentle communication between cells in our body.
Microwave emitting wireless sources in schools include:
Cell phones emit radiation as they connect to the internet every few seconds, even when not in active use. Proximity to the device significantly increases RF exposure.
Power density spikes dramatically when a phone connects to a cell tower, sends data, or is used for a call. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G/5G phones contribute significantly to RF levels.
Cell phones used against the head does not comply with Health Canada’s guidelines.
Tablets have up to 5 transmitter antennas emitting radiation as a beacon signal that transmits even when the internet is NOT being used. Tablets communicate using at least two antennas Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and Bluetooth (2.4 GHz). Depending on the specific models and features, some tablets may have four antennas which also include Cellular (700 MHz - 2.7 GHz), and GPS frequencies. Tablets typically have SAR values ranging from 0.5 to 1.6 W/kg when held close to the body. Microwave bursts can occur about every 4 seconds or up to 900 times every hour. The intensity of exposure is influenced by three key factors: proximity to the device (such as when a child holds it on their lap or places it on a desk), duration of use (the length of time students spend on tablets or laptops), and signal output (which varies based on signal strength). According to Dr. Havas screens also pulse as do LED and CFL bulbs. The blue-red ratio is unbalanced.
Access points in classrooms and hallways emit radiation throughout the day, sending signals to wireless devices including cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and other wireless devices.
Access points are devices that enable wireless connectivity by broadcasting Wi-Fi signals to nearby devices. They are commonly installed in schools, homes, offices, and public spaces to provide internet access. Access points function by connecting to a wired network and then distributing wireless signals to devices within their range, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
In educational settings like schools, multiple access points are often installed to ensure seamless internet coverage throughout classrooms, libraries, and other common areas.
Overlapping emissions sometimes occur due to placement and configuration of these devices, sometimes significantly impacting exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Access points typically emit RF radiation continuously, and the intensity of exposure depends on factors such as proximity to the device, power output settings, and duration of use.
Cell towers and antennas on rooftops, and at other locations emit frequent radiation as they connect to all phones within their local range. Large cell phone antennas are capable of reaching phones kilometers away and produce relatively high densities of radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The exposure to students and teachers from the network antennas on or near school grounds varies, depending on each antenna's configuration and height.
Proximity to cell towers can pose a greater risk, particularly for children and staff in school playgrounds. For network coverage purposes, elevated, pole-mounted antennas are typically designed to minimize vertical dispersion, which may result in lower RF densities close to the base of the antenna. However, antennas mounted directly on school buildings, or pole mounted antennas installed placed away from school buildings, may increase RF radiation exposure at the school.
Smartboards, also known as interactive whiteboards, are increasingly common in modern classrooms, serving as powerful tools to enhance teaching and learning. These devices allow teachers and students to interact with digital content through touch-sensitive displays, enabling multimedia presentations, collaborative activities, and integration with other technologies like tablets and laptops. While Smartboards offer significant educational benefits, their reliance on wireless technology can raise concerns about radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure.
Smartboards are typically connected to computers or cloud-based systems, allowing teachers to project and manipulate digital content. Many Smartboards utilize wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to connect to devices, access online resources, or integrate with classroom networks. This connectivity enables seamless communication but also contributes to the overall RF radiation levels in the classroom.
Idle wireless-enabled Smartboards emit RF radiation unless disconnected from electricity and when activated they emit frequent radiation, regardless of whether students and teachers are using this technology. On its own, this exposure is often within legalized limits, nevertheless there are several factors to consider, especially in environments like classrooms where there are simultaneous exposures to all the wireless emissions of multiple devices that are in use.
Duration of Exposure: Smartboards are often in use for extended periods, contributing to prolonged exposure for students and teachers.
Wearable devices (e.g., smart watches) frequently emit wi-fi, cellular and Bluetooth radiation.
Personal wearable wireless devices like smartwatches have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and multifunctionality. These devices often connect to smartphones or other wireless networks via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular signals, so that users receive notifications, track fitness metrics, monitor health, and perform various other tasks directly from their wrist.
However, the wireless connectivity of these devices means they emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The levels of RF radiation from personal devices like smartwatches (1,000 - 2,000 µW/m²) can be similar to smartphones or tablets, however, their close proximity to the body—often worn continuously—raises questions about potential long-term health effects.
Fluorescent lights, commonly used in schools, offices, and homes, emit light through a process that generates ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although most of this UV radiation is contained by the bulb's phosphor coating, small amounts can still escape, leading to potential biological effects.
Florescent bulbs also contain Mercury, emit Radiofrequency radiation, and generate dirty electricity.
Wireless devices activated in buses or cars can increase RF exposures threefold; Firstly, metal surfaces in vehicles can trap and reflect radiation, causing it to bounce around. Secondly, devices will increase radiation output to maintain a connection through the vehicle’s metal exterior. Thirdly, when moving, devices must repeatedly boost their power each time they disconnect from one cell tower and connect to another, further amplifying radiation exposures.
Summary
Cumulative Exposure: Persons in classrooms equipped with multiple devices (such as Smartboards, laptops, tablets, and other wireless-enabled items) are cumulatively exposed to the multiple RF-EMR emissions, and as these simultaneously operating sources often emit radiation for long periods of time, the exposures are additionally cumulative.
Children’s Sensitivity: Children are more biologically vulnerable to RF-EMR radiation because their bodies are still developing, and they have thinner skulls that may absorb more radiation than adults.
Technical Terms
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation (RF-EMR): a type of electromagnetic radiation with frequencies in the radio, microwave frequency range, commonly emitted by wireless communication devices.