24x7 Radiation Sources
There has been a shift in wireless technologies in the last decade or two. Increasingly, some of the newer technologies have eliminated the standby mode, in favor of non-stop 24x7 radiation, even when you are not actively using the technology. Some of these technologies may be lower in power than a cell phone, but still above the threshold for biological effects. A growing number of people are developing wireless radiation sickness and can no longer tolerate such chronic exposures.
Some governments are issuing precautionary advice not only for cell phones, but also for Wi-Fi and DECT cordless phone systems. Read the Government Advice about cell phones, Wi-Fi, and DECT.
 
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24x7 Cell Towers In 1996, due to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, local governments lost the right to protest cell towers on health grounds, thus encouraging the rapid proliferation of cell towers. Survey studies in several countries have shown increased health symptoms within 300-400 meters of cell towers, and the cancer risk also increases near cell towers. |
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24x7 "Smart" Meters A new system being deployed that would wirelessly transmit electric (or water) utility usage info— Many are complaining of health symptoms caused by continual high exposures to the radiation and moratoriums have been imposed in several counties to stop further installations. Some models are said to be stronger than cell phones. |
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24x7 Wi-Fi Router Wi-Fi entered the market around 1998-1999 and has grown in popularity with internet cafes and free internet hotspots. A Wi-Fi router transmits 24X7 even when no computer is connected. Similarly, some wireless printers, projectors, and other Wi-Fi peripherals also transmit 24x7, and there is not always a software option to disable it. Despite the fact that it can be lower in power than a cell phone, it is still above the biological threshold. |
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24x7 Cordless Phones (Digital cordless phones like DECT) Most of the digital cordless systems, unlike older analog cordless systems, have base stations which transmit continuously the moment they are plugged in. DECT phones can have a peak transmit power of ~250mW, similar to cell phones. A recent study showed that some people experience tachycardia (rapid heart rate) near the home station under double-blind conditions. Nations like Israel are recommending precautions for cordless phones, including the base station. In contrast, Old-fashioned Cordless Phones had standby modes.. |
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Some "Smart" Phones (Blackberry, iPhone, Android, etc.) Depending upon your smart phone configuration, you could have a phone that is transmitting continuously, i.e., at least once a minute or two, even when not actively used. Beware that the auto-sync intervals are not set too frequently. In contrast, Old-fashioned Cell Phones had standby modes. |
| 24x7 Electric Fields from Unshielded (Romex) Wiring in Walls and Floors and unshielded appliance power cords. |
Click on the links above for more details on each of the above sources of continual radiation. As wireless technology has been (1) evolving, (2) proliferating, and (3) entering homes, larger numbers of people are being affected in their health. The chronic, cumulative effects of changes made only 10 to 15 years ago are starting to be seen. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi started around 1998-1999, a little over a decade ago. DECT cordless phones are also a relatively new introduction, as compared to the older analog cordless phone. Beginning in 1996, when the Telecommunications Act of 1996 removed the right to refuse cell towers for health reasons, base stations also started to proliferate everywhere, including building tops. Anecdotes abound of people on the top floors of apartment buildings suffering strange symptoms. The cell tower technology has also evolved to 3rd Generation (3G) technology, and now 4G and WiMax.
Further Resources
- For guidelines to using 24x7 technologies and information on safer alternatives, refer to Precautionary Measures.
- For distance guidelines, refer to Distance Matters.