I would like to share a recent experience and get some opinions and comments from fellow professionals.
I have to get this off my mind because it is really bothering me.
It’s a long post but an example of what is wrong out there.
In May I started a contract position with a major paper company.
On day one I was assigned a cubicle directly below a Cisco WiFi AP.
Now with many years of electronic and networking experience, this threw up an immediate red flag.
We all know about the published SARS for 2.8 GHz microwave and we all know about the
inverse square law of signal propagation. The Cisco router has a published SAR rating of 8 inches.
That means that within 8 inches, you can experience tissue heating effects. Tiny as they may be, that’s serious.
What most people are completely unaware of is that the RF signal and EM field does not
fall to a “low” acceptable safe level until about 2 meters or 10 feet.
This can be demonstrated by the following video from Safertech.
Having spent a lot of time with RF and after years of following published studies, I was concerned
about the placement of the AP antennae directly above my head.
Now, to be clear, I have no problem with WiFi in the workplace.
I do however have an issue with improper placement of AP’s in the workplace, which should be of concern to everyone here.
The real problem is sitting within 2 meters for EXTENDED periods of time.
40 hours per week is totally unnecessary exposure at close proximity.
Regardless of my concerns, the general word at this company was to “not complain”, so I held off for about 40 days.
Oddly enough, the company demands 10,000% safety compliance from its workers, meaning 100%, 100% of the time.
The privately held company is also self insured, which should mean they would be concerned and attentive to any possible issues.
Also, in the from lobby is of this department is a sign on the wall that states:
“If you see something, say something. Safety is a personal responsibility, and it’s up to each of us to promote a safe working environment.”
Seriously.
So, after 40 days, I was experiencing headaches, insomnia and classic symptoms of electronic hypersensitivity, which I have experienced in
that past. This is the reason I am proactive in RF mitigation even in my home office, where I place WiFi antennas at least 20 feet away.
This includes other devices you may not even consider, like Roku boxes set to transmit and even Amazon Alexa Dots which not only receive, but
also transmit 2.8 or in some cases 5 GHz microwave signals.
I first consulted the company policy manual and decided to contact the hardware manager about a cubicle move. I filed a request with my supervisor and the hardware manager.
Two weeks passed without a response. After three weeks, the hardware manager transferred her duties to an administrative secretary, so I resubmitted my move request.
To be clear, the move request was to a vacant cubicle about 30 feet from the AP and in a much quieter area that also had two unused larger monitors I had requested two weeks after starting.
The only reason I placed these request is that the hardware manager stated on day one: “If you need anything, please ask.”
After the new hardware manager received my new request, she came right over, was fully concerned and stated ” I don’t see why you can’t move”.
So after hours, I moved my laptop and drawings to the unused cubicle.
I confirmed with my direct supervisor who seemed OK with the move.
About two months after the move, I was summoned by my supervisor who presented a boilerplate responses from corporate.
It was merely a regurgitation of the Cisco SAR and a claim that WiFi is totally safe no matter how deployed.
The next day I was summarily dismissed.
So, let’s get into this discussion and be prepared, because I have mountains of data that you may find enlightening.
There are thousands of pages of WiFi studies dating back to the 1970’s. Just do a Google search on “WiFi rat studies”.
Again, the point here is two factors DISTANCE and TIME. Stick with that, not general background level exposure.
With a galaxy of WiFi devices all around us, we should start becoming aware of actual exposure and mitigation methods.
While we will never get rid of WiFi, and we should not…we SHOULD take steps to safeguard our long term health.
Here are just a few articles and video you should read and watch: