Royal Commission considers Wi-Fi probe

 

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By Simon Aughton

Posted on 23 Jul 2007 at 11:46

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has listed "the electromagnetic environment" among subjects that it considering for its next study.

The Commission notes that with the ongoing increase in the levels of anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation from the likes of radio and TV broadcasts, mobile phones, GPS satellites and wireless networks, there is a case for considering whether it is having an impact on the environment, including humans and other organisms.

"The study could consider whether there is a cumulative effect from this radiation, and whether it could interfere with species other than humans, for example disrupting migration patterns of birds or other species," it says.

"A key question would be are there environmental effects that have not been properly recognised? There are some suggestions that there could be epigenetic effects. Should low level ionising radiation be included in the scope of such a study?"

It notes that that there is already significant public interest in this issue in relation to the effects of mobile phone transmitters, but says that any study should take a wider view of the entire electromagnetic environment both now and into the future.

The Commission is asking for public views on what should be the topic for its next inquiry. In addition to electromagnetic radiation, the shortlist comprises climate adaptation in the UK, environment and human well-being, geo-engineering for climate change, noise pollution, phosphate management, plastics and the environment and water management.

The Commission makes no reference to the recent BBC Panorama exposé of the "threat" posed by Wi-Fi networks. Its findings were widely criticised.