Teachers are lobbying education secretary Alan Johnson in a bid to instigate a wide-ranging investigation into the potential health risks posed by Wi-Fi networks.
Teachers warn of wireless health risks
The Professional Association of Teachers has written to Johnson following concerns over the lack of research into the effect of wireless networks in schools, and suggests educational establishments stop installing Wi-Fi equipment until detailed scientific research shows they're safe.
Up to 80 percent of secondary schools and 50 percent of primary schools have Wi-Fi equipment installed, according to The Guardian, although some schools have already scrapped wireless networks in favour of traditional wired alternatives.
Philip Parkin, General Secretary of the Professional Association of Teachers, said: "I have concerns about the health of both pupils and staff.
"I am concerned that so many wireless networks are being installed in schools and colleges without any understanding of the possible long-term consequences. The proliferation of wireless networks could be having serious implications for the health of some staff and pupils without the cause being recognised."
"I am not saying there is a danger, but I have enough concern to ask for it to be investigated."
Comments
BFO&C said: Just a few factual pointsSir William Stewart has yet to speak on the record about this and those sources allegedly quoting him are from pressure groups with a particular axe to grind We do have is a statement from the HPA themselves reported by the BBC on 23rd April the agency says its chair Sir William Stewart is being pressed by lobbyists to condemn wi-fi and is unprepared to do so He has not taken a position on wi-fiMy comment was that to state that Wifi should be banned until it is proved to be safe is arrant nonsense as you cannot prove something is safe only that there is no evidence of increased riskCarrying out a proper scientific investigation is fine but judging by past history the finding of no evidence may only mean that those pressing for bans will want a different sort of study or more studies or different people to carry them out
Dae said: If you do a Google on this topic you will find plenty of evidence that gives reason for concern As an indication of the strenght of this concern the Sunday Times reports that Sir William Stewart of the Health Protection Agency and former chief scientific advisor to the Government is worried about the spread of Wi-Fi He is reported to be pressing for an official investigation of the risks it may pose
BFO&C said: How can research show something is safe All that can be said is that a particular study shows no increased risk Wi-Fi networks work in the same range but at much lower power as radio signals and cordless phones should we ban these tooThis is arrant nonsense If there is some definite suggestion of in what way Wi-Fi is damaging and a suggested explanation of the process that might cause the damage then an investigation could take place But one cannot prove something is safe
JC said: Better safe than sorry
Frankie D. said: What rubbish The only evidence of any problem is people making themselves feel poorly after having a network put in