title: Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Wi-Fi in Australian Schools.
abstract: The increasing use of Wi-Fi in schools and other places has given rise to public concern that the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi have the potential to adversely affect children. The current study measured typical and peak RF levels from Wi-Fi and other sources in 23 schools in Australia. All of the RF measurements were much lower than the reference levels recommended by international guidelines for protection against established health effects. The typical and peak RF levels from Wi-Fi in locations occupied by children in the classroom were of the order of 10-4 and 10-2% of the exposure guidelines, respectively. Typical RF levels in the classroom were similar between Wi-Fi and radio but higher than other sources. In the schoolyard typical RF levels were higher for radio, TV and mobile phone base stations compared to Wi-Fi. The results of this study showed that the typical RF exposure of children from Wi-Fi at school is very low and comparable or lower to other sources in the environment.
authors.affiliation: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, YallambieVIC 3085Australia.
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karipidis
authors.affiliation: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, YallambieVIC 3085Australia.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, YallambieVIC 3085Australia.
authors.forename: Don
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wijayasinghe
authors.affiliation: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, YallambieVIC 3085Australia.
authors.forename: Lydiawati
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tjong
authors.affiliation: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, YallambieVIC 3085Australia.
authors.forename: Rick
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tinker
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D040421:Cell Phone; D002648:Child; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D011846:Radio Waves; D012574:Schools