Does WiFi radiation affect humans? Here are some myths and facts
There are several myths about WiFi usage at homes, including people believing that radiations can result in cancer
By Dr B Viswesvaran MD, DNB, DM
With the technological advancements in the recent couple of decades, WiFi connections have reached most households. The change in working style, after the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to the work-from-home model, increasing the need for WiFi drastically all through the year and around the clock.
However, several myths prevail in the community regarding the continuous usage of WiFi, the impact of electromagnetic exposure, the placement of the WiFi router in the home/office and longer screen time.
Dr B Viswesvaran, consultant, interventional pulmonologist and sleep medicine, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, breaks down common myths related to WiFi usage.
1. Is it necessary to turn off WiFi at night?
A: WiFi routers generate extremely tiny amounts of non-ionising radiation, which are typically regarded as safe for most individuals to be around while they sleep. Nonetheless, shutting off the network at night may reduce electromagnetic exposure for those who are prone to hazards or disrupting sleep.
2. You must keep your phone away while sleeping.
A: Because blue light exposure and electromagnetic radiation from phones can interfere with circadian cycles and decrease melatonin generation, phones should be kept away. Experts advise against placing phones close to beds. Reducing these effects and the urge to use the phone right before bed can be managed by setting it on a table far from the bed or in a different room.
3. Avoid keeping the router in your bedroom.
A: To minimise direct electromagnetic field exposure during extended periods of sitting or relaxation, it is recommended that the WiFi router be placed in a shared space away from the sleeping area. This is a preventative step to reduce cumulative electromagnetic field exposure, particularly for those who are sensitive.
4. You must limit screen time.
A: Sleep experts highly advocate limiting screen usage, particularly before bed. By taking breaks every hour, you can lessen eye strain and prevent blue light from interfering with the creation of melatonin, which is essential for regular sleep cycles.
5. Unplug devices when not in use
A: In addition to lowering needless electromagnetic exposure, turning off Smart TVs, Alexa devices, and other WiFi devices when not in use can also help minimise distractions and enhance sleep hygiene.
All things considered, these suggestions are in line with current medical guidance that aims to reduce needless electromagnetic radiation exposure and enhance sleep quality. These precautions can aid sensitive people and encourage improved sleep hygiene, even if the radiation levels from phones and WiFi are modest and not hazardous.
Even though WiFi and mobile device radiation are usually minimal and arenāt harmful, limiting exposure, particularly when sleeping, can enhance the quality of sleep and lower the risk. A healthy sleeping environment can be achieved with easy practices like using airplane mode, keeping phones away from the bed, and shutting down routers at night.
