Is RF Radiation Harmful? Science Takes a Closer Look

For decades, there has been concern over the amount of radiation we’re exposed to every day. From our microwaves to our smartphones, we regularly interact with devices that use and emit waves of radiation to function. Recently, speculation has started swirling that we may need to add our Wi-Fi routers to the list of potential concerns. Together with our phone’s wireless network, our homes and offices are filled with radio frequency (RF) signals and exposure to electromagnetic fields. Could this technology that we’ve become so dependent upon actually be harming us? Experts say “no” and here’s why.

Breaking Down the Difference

When scientists talk about negative radiation exposure, they’re mostly concerned with that provided by either the sun, or produced when radioactive isotopes decay. On the other hand, RF signals are not comprised of the same sort of waves and thus, do not produce damaging, ionizing radiation.

To put it simply, while ionizing radiation has the energy to physically break chemical bonds (which, in turn, can ionize atoms and directly affect our DNA), RF radiation does not have that power. Why? The wattage is so much lower. For comparison’s sake, the microwave in your kitchen is emitting about 700 watts of energy, which is protected from reaching you by the unit itself. Comparatively, even the best wireless router is only emitting about one watt, which is further diffused across your entire wireless area, thus making it much less concentrated.

Hence, the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that the level and concentration of exposure are minimal and that these wireless devices do not pose a public health risk. The same goes for your smartphone, tablet and other similar devices operating on a wireless signal.

Of course, if you receive RF radiation in incredibly high, concentrated doses, it could become hot enough to damage body tissue, though this level of exposure is not possible to achieve unless you’re working directly beside a transmitter. As such, workers in that position should take extra precaution to protect themselves from exposure, but the average person working in a normal home or office will not reach those levels.

Sensitivity to EMF or RF Exposure

Despite the research-based studies that point to a negative correlation between Wi-Fi signals and damaging radiation, there are some individuals who insist that exposure to such devices has caused them to experience health issues that they did not have before using them. The severity of such issues ranges and most are able to avoid the issue by reducing or eliminating their dependency on such devices.

Scientists cite that these persons have a heightened sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMF) or RF signals. The WHO maintains that there are only a handful of people per million uses who experience this syndrome and even so, the exposure and subsequent symptoms are likely stemming less from wireless networks and more from other household items including CFL light bulbs, low-quality air circulation, or even general stress and anxiety, rather than direct RF radiation exposure.

Moving Forward: Where to Place Concern

While you might be concerned that holding the phone to your ear while making a long phone call, or leaving it charging by your bedside at night, is upping your risk for long-term disease down the road, rest assured that the levels are so low and diffused, scientists believe the risk is extremely negligible at best. On the other hand, if you’re living in a home with high levels of radon in the basement, or if you’re regularly exposing your skin to damaging UV rays from the sun, you’re doing far more harm than good. These are two focus areas in which you can place your concern and stress, if you’re overly concerned about radiation exposure.

In the meantime, just don’t lie on your router, and you can always switch your smart phone to speakerphone and keep it at a farther distance when you’re using it. Otherwise, technology can be used for a ton of good and worrying too much about its effects is akin to spinning your wheels. When used regularly and moderately, science reveals you’re good to go.