Sitting next to modem antennae

wendym

We have very little space to play with - when my husband sits watching TV his head is about a foot away from our wireless modem. He thinks his brain is being fried.

a) would that bother you? and
b) if so, how would you shield it?

Constant switching off and on seems to upset it, or more particularly my internet connection, on a fairly distant upstairs computer.

Thanks

FallingDownMan

Personally, I'd move it - but if space is really that tight...

There is no definitive answer about whether it is a health hazard or not. They can't even agree if mobile phones are, and wi-fi uses far less power. Wi-fi groups call it propaganda and dismiss it, but scientists argue that subtle long-term changes to the body must occur. I suppose the closer you are, and the longer you're there, then the greater the damage if such does indeed occur.

Here's one link to a summary of the risks.

This is the story as it appeared in the UK.

I don't think you can shield it unless you're prepared to wear a metal head cover

It's one of those things you need to make your own mind up about. If you use a mobile phone then this shouldn't worry you. If you're already worried about mobile phone emissions, then maybe it will.

Basically, no one knows for sure.

merlinormartin

I had a "loft bed" and slept above my wireless modem for over 12months, ask me in a few years, see if i'am still here lol

MajorR

I'd move it, being that close. he's some info


http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/nonionising/index.htm

What are EMFs?

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) arise whenever electrical energy is used. So for example, EMFs arise in our home from electrical appliances in the kitchen, from work processes such as radiofrequency heating and drying and in the world at large from radio, TV and Telecoms broadcasting masts and security detection devices.
What are their effects?

It has been known for a long time that exposure of people to high levels of EMFs can give rise to acute effects. The effects that can occur depend on the frequency of the radiation. At low frequencies the effects will be on the central nervous system of the body whilst at high frequencies, heating effects can occur leading to a rise in body temperature. In reality, these effects are extremely rare and will not occur in most day-to-day work situations

Stephen_Leak

wendym wrote: »

We have very little space to play with - when my husband sits watching TV his head is about a foot away from our wireless modem. He thinks his brain is being fried.

a) would that bother you? and
b) if so, how would you shield it?

Constant switching off and on seems to upset it, or more particularly my internet connection, on a fairly distant upstairs computer.

Thanks

a) No. (My brain is past redemption, due to a lifetime's internal exposure to alcohol. I'd be more concerned about microwaving my "love spuds".)

b) An army surplus helmet? (And/or a cricket box lined with aluminium foil?)

I work in a school and we have a few wireless access points and a wireless projector. Trying to actually make practical sense of the HSE guidelines is impossible. Even when we disable our stuff, the "radiation" from all the neighbouring networks we can detect still renders the school unusable.

Remember that these are the people who, in the event of an accident on a sports field, say that the first thing you must do is erect a tent over the victim! !!!!!!. They'd probably class a Claymore wire-triggered anti-personnel mine as a trip hazard.

Rant over. I feel so much better now. Nurse!

amcluesent

>would that bother you?<

No, I don't believe I know you hubby.

Seriously, remember that electromagnetic power decreases at the square of distance, so moving the modem 6 foot away is 9 times better than moving it 2 foot.

wendym

Thank you all. My thanks button has clearly been fried too - won't acknowledge FallingDownMan, and thinks Stephen Leak is amcluesent.

I'm now picturing a tent made from chainmail, so we'd better start by joining a medieval war games re-enactment society.

Edited to add that thanks button has recovered from its funny turn.