“Something’s got to be done with this Wi-Fi!”
This conversation between Sarita, who lives in Noida, and her son Akshar, who studies in class eight, is like a routine. This happens three-four nights a week.
Some people say that Wi-Fi means ‘wireless fidelity’, just as Hi-Fi means ‘high fidelity’.
But industry organization Wi-Fi Alliance says that there is no full name for Wi-Fi.
Simply put, Wi-Fi is the technology that connects us to the Internet without getting trapped in the web of wires and connectors.
Through this we can get information from the Internet and communicate with each other.
Does having Wi-Fi on have any effect on health?
Working late at night or using the Internet for entertainment often leaves Wi-Fi on overnight.
Wi-Fi allows devices like computers and smartphones to connect to a network without cables. It creates a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) using a wireless router.
We all are aware of the addiction of mobile phones and now Wi-Fi is emerging as a new addiction. But there is one aspect of it which was less discussed, but has now started gaining momentum.
If someone is active on mobile phone, tablet, computer or laptop till late night for entertainment or work, then it increases the possibility that the Wi-Fi router also remains on at night.
So does keeping Wi-Fi on have any effect on our health or can turning it off have some health benefits?
To sharpen this question further, can leaving Wi-Fi on at night harm the neurological aspects of the human body or the brain?
When this question was asked to Dr. Divya Jyoti, Consultant (Minimally Invasive Neuro Surgery) at Yashoda Medicity, Delhi-NCR, she said that it cannot be said directly because nothing like this has been proven scientifically yet.
BBC
The doctor further said that if we look at it logically, it can be thought because the brain impulses are electrical impulses, and Wi-Fi or other appliances depend on electromagnetic fields (EMF).
“So it is possible that they interfere with the impulses of the brain, but so far we have no scientific reason, explanation or conclusion for thinking this. But logic says that we should avoid this as much as possible.”
What are these brain impulses?
Brain impulses are electrochemical signals with the help of which neurons communicate and process information. These nerve impulses are also called action potentials.
The nerve that carries these impulses to the brain is the sensory nerve. It carries messages to the brain, only then we and you are able to feel touch, taste, smell, as well as see.
Effect of Wi-Fi router during night and day
Many times this question comes to mind that what is the difference in the effect of radiation during day and night (symbolic picture)
Why should Wi-Fi routers be avoided at night and not during the day?
On this, Dr. Divya Jyoti told BBC Hindi, “There is a difference in the body and its activities during the day and night. There are different types of waves in the body at night, which are sleep waves. The most important thing is to get good sleep at night and that is determined by the sleep cycle.”
He said, “That’s why it is said that it should be switched off at night so that the brain gets rest, gets sound sleep, gets complete rest. But during the day, we have to work, so it does not interfere with sleep, but the logic is that the less this exposure, the better.”
But is it advisable to avoid Wi-Fi at night? What about mobile phones, which we often keep beside our pillow when we sleep?
On this the doctor says that mobile phones are also based on microwaves. These also produce a similar type of radiation, only their frequency is different.
If we look at it logically, then these too can interfere. Even if you do not use a mobile phone, electromagnetic waves are still present.
Dr. Divya Jyoti said, “If we talk about background radiation, the radiation emitted from mobile phones and Wi-Fi is much less in comparison. If the exposure from these two increases too much, then the answer is no. In comparison, our exposure to background radiation is much more.”
Experts say that all types of appliances in our homes and offices emit radiation. From TV, fridge to AC. Be it any electric appliance, electromagnetic waves are connected to it.
Some experts recommend avoiding installing a router in the same room as you sleep if there is a fear of EMF overexposure.
Or if this is not possible, then you can keep the router at a reasonable distance from the sleeping bed.
What do experts say?
The history of mobile phones in India is about 30 years old.
Apart from the medical line, we also discussed this topic with experts related to technology.
He says that there is no accurate information available about this, due to which there is a lot of confusion.
In such a situation, a study should be done so that it can be known how much harm can actually be caused by these waves or EMF, and how to avoid it.
Technology expert Mohammad Faisal Ali says that there is no such study which can prove that we should turn off Wi-Fi at night so that we can sleep well.
“Or by keeping Wi-Fi on, it impacts our neurological or any other system. But it can be said that overexposure to any kind of radio wave can have an impact in the long term. This is a generic thing.”
BBC
Ali told BBC Hindi, “If we consider the beginning of mobile from the year 1995-96, then its total journey is 30 years and in the last 10 years, the growth of mobile and Wi-Fi in India has been much higher.”
“So it is possible that there may be a study in future, in which the conclusion can be reached that these things can cause these harms, hence they should be used only in limits. But till now there is nothing like this.”
Mobiles also have their own internet, does this logic apply to them also?
In response to this question, he said, “Be it electromagnetic fields or radio waves, there is a feeling that overexposure is not good. Now that we have better data, a study should definitely be done on it. As per my knowledge and understanding, they do not cause as much harm as is often feared.”
When experts were asked what adverse effects radiation, waves or EMF could have on the body?
Dr. Divya Jyoti said, “If we look at it theoretically, this sound can interfere with sleep and if this happens, our efficiency during the day will be affected. Concentration and focus level will decrease. Apart from this, radiation is also linked to the formation and growth of tumors in the body.”
“Along with Wi-Fi, there is also discussion about the radiation emitted from mobile phones. Many mobile phones in India now run on 5G networks. When it came to Europe about six years ago, questions were raised about the health risks associated with the new technology.”