As a mother and a Building Biologist, my passion is working with parents and schools to educate on the potential health risks of radio frequency (wireless) radiation, particularly for young children.
Are you a parent concerned about exposure to wireless radiation in schools?
Sage Living offers EMF inspections of schools and classrooms. First, we work together to educate your school administration on the latest peer reviewed scientific studies on wireless health effects. Second, we perform an inspection of the radio frequency radiation in a classroom with professional grade Gigahertz Solutions RF meters. Finally, we collaborate with school leaders to review the data and implement solutions to reduce wireless radiation exposure for students, teachers and staff.
As of 2016, 83% of US schools have WiFi networks. All wireless networks emit a form of EMF called radio frequency radiation (RFR). Chronic exposure to low intensity RFR has been linked to compromised immune system function, DNA damage, memory loss, learning challenges and behavioral changes. Below is an introduction to the scientific studies and relevant publications on this topic. Additionally, a list of more than 60 studies on the adverse health effects of wireless radiation is available here.
Many countries are taking precautionary action to limit exposure to wireless radiation for children. In France and Israel for example, WiFi is banned in preschools. Children are more affected by wireless radiation than adults for several reasons. Their bodies are rapidly developing. Children have thinner skulls, smaller heads, and a higher water content in their cells, all of which makes them more susceptible to RFR. Additionally, they have a higher prevalence of stem cells than adults, which are more affected by RFR than other cells.
So what do we do?
Ideally, schools would transition from wireless to wired internet in the classrooms. This is a big ask. However, there are other steps to reduce wireless exposure in schools.
For example:
- Turn off the WiFi in the classroom when it's not in use.
- Set the WiFi network on a timer to turn on/off as needed.
- Download all content on an iPad and activate airplane mode before giving the device to a child.
- Children should always use the device at a table and not on their laps.
We were successful in working with our son's preschool to turn off the WiFi when the children are present. This big win was accomplished with a timer that costs $10.
We believe that educating families is the first step to raising awareness about health and safety concerns over wireless technology and it's incredibly important to support our schools in creating the safest and healthiest learning environment for students and teachers. Here are a few resources: