SAR in a child voxel phantom from exposure to wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi).
Findlay RP, Dimbylow PJ. · 2010
View Original AbstractWi-Fi produces 100 times less radiation absorption than cell phones in children, but chronic daily exposure during development remains understudied.
Plain English Summary
British researchers used computer modeling to calculate how much radiofrequency energy (called SAR) a 10-year-old child's body would absorb from Wi-Fi devices operating at typical household distances. They found that Wi-Fi exposure produced SAR levels of 3.99-5.7 milliwatts per kilogram in the child's torso and head, which is less than 1% of what a cell phone produces. This study provides important baseline data on children's Wi-Fi exposure levels.
Why This Matters
This 2010 modeling study represents some of the earliest research specifically examining Wi-Fi exposure in children, addressing a critical gap since most SAR calculations had focused on adult models. While the authors concluded that Wi-Fi SAR levels fall 'considerably below basic restrictions,' this comparison to regulatory limits misses a crucial point. The science demonstrates that biological effects can occur at exposure levels far below current safety standards, which were designed only to prevent tissue heating. What this means for you is that even though Wi-Fi produces lower SAR than cell phones, children are exposed to this radiation for many hours daily in schools and homes. The reality is that duration of exposure matters as much as intensity, and this study's snapshot approach doesn't capture the cumulative impact of chronic low-level exposure during critical developmental periods.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.00399, 0.0057 W/kg
- Source/Device
- 2.4 and 5 GHz
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The aim of this study is to investigate SAR in a child voxel phantom from exposure to wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi).
Specific energy absorption rate (SAR) values have been calculated in a 10 year old sitting voxel mod...
In all situations studied, the SAR values calculated were considerably below basic restrictions. For...
Show BibTeX
@article{rp_2010_sar_in_a_child_971,
author = {Findlay RP and Dimbylow PJ.},
title = {SAR in a child voxel phantom from exposure to wireless computer networks (Wi-Fi).},
year = {2010},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20647607/},
}