As Wi-Fi facilities are getting more popular around the world, concerns have
been raised about the impacts of radio frequency signals on human health.
According to the research studies in the industry, the radiation levels
released from Wi-Fi networks are far lower than those from ordinary mobile
phones. With reference to a research report sponsored by the World Health
Organization, there is no evidence to prove that the use of Wi-Fi facilities
will adversely affect human health in anyway.
To protect public health, all wireless products sold and used in Hong Kong
must comply with the international safety standards. The Government will use
Wi-Fi devices that comply with the relevant standards, and operate them at a
suitable distance in order to protect the health of workers and the public.
Information about the Health issue of Wi-Fi is as follows:
Below are the questions and answers about the impact of Radio Frequency
(RF) on health:
Q:
What is Radio Frequency
(RF)?
A:
Radio frequency, or RF, represents a
frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave
propagation. The spectrum can be ranged from 3Hz to 30GHz.
Q:
Is the RF signal generated by Wi-Fi
network comparable to RF exposures from X-ray systems?
A:
The signals produced by Wi-Fi network
belong to the "non-ionising" type, which is distinctly different from
the "ionising" type that is adopted in X-ray system.
Q:
Are there any safety standards in
Hong Kong to guard against the use of Wi-Fi devices?
A:
The Office of the Telecommunications
Authority (OFTA) has adopted the "International Commission of Non-Ionising
Radiation Protection Guidelines" to limit the emission of non-ionising
radiation within specified RF in order to protect the health of workers and the
public. All Wi-Fi products sold and used in Hong Kong must comply with the
standards specified in the Guidelines.
Q:
Is it safe to work near to Wi-Fi
facilities?
A:
The Wi-Fi facilities in the Government
premises will follow the "Code of Practice for the Protection of Workers
and Members of the Public Against Non-Ionising Radiation Hazards from Radio
Transmitting Equipment" from OFTA. The Government will use Wi-Fi devices
that comply with the relevant standards, and operate them at a suitable
distance in order to safeguard the health of workers and the public.
