Calls for further research into Wi-Fi health risk to children

Professor Lawrie Challis, chairman of the UK Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme has called for further research in to the potential health risk posed to children by the exposure to radio waves from wireless computer networks.

He is concerned that insufficient studies are being conducted into the long-term health effects of these systems and, as children are more sensitive than adults to many hazards, it would be sensible in the meantime for children to limit their exposure. He advised that children should be discouraged from placing wireless enabled laptop computers on their laps when connected to wi-fi routers.

Sir William Stewart, chairman of the UK Health Protection Board, is also reported as telling colleagues that he wished for more monitoring of children at schools using wireless technology.

Dr Paul Emerson, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the Department of Health & Social Services, said that he was aware of the concerns raised in the UK, but, generally before any action or advice is issued by the department on any particular subject, they would wait for advice sent out on the cascades list issued by the UK Chief Medical Officers group.

However, Dr Emerson did say that he would raise the issue at the next internal Public Health Directorate management meeting.