There are varying opinions regarding the effects of WiFi exposure on human health. Some studies show that WiFi has negative health effects, while other reports claim that radio frequency signals from wireless networks are too low to damage human systems.
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What is Wi-Fi?
WiFi (also known as WLAN) is a wireless network with at least one antenna connected to the Internet and wireless communication devices such as laptops, computers, and mobile phones. WiFi networks use pulsed electromagnetic frequencies (EMF).
Man-made EMFs in WiFi systems are generally polarized and exert relatively greater forces on charged chemical groups, making them potentially more dangerous than their non-polarized counterparts.
The strength, specific intensity, and length of exposure of the electromagnetic pulse are important considerations when determining whether WiFi is safe.
Is WiFi dangerous to humans?
There are numerous scientific studies demonstrating the negative effects of WiFi on the human body. It causes oxidative stress by increasing the production of free radicals.
Increased oxidative stress causes oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Several studies on the effects of 2.45 GHz WiFi signals on both human and animal health have shown that high-frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by WiFi devices can affect sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity. has been proven.
Other changes in the male reproductive system include degenerative damage, decreased testosterone levels, increased cell death, and DNA damage. These are primarily caused by increased temperature and oxidative stress levels within the testes.
Regarding changes in female reproductive function, exposure to WiFi has been shown to reduce the production and secretion of estrogen and progesterone, leading to decreased reproductive efficiency and reduced fertility. WiFi can also cause chromosomal mutations, which is one of the causes of spontaneous miscarriages.
Animal studies on the effects of WiFi on brain activity revealed that exposure to both stress and WiFi radiation caused the onset of anxiety-like behaviors. However, spatial learning ability and memory are not affected.
Biochemical changes observed in animal brains include increased oxidative stress and increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the cerebral cortex.
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Overexposure to WiFi is known to be associated with disruption of learning and memory, sleep deprivation, and fatigue associated with decreased nocturnal melatonin secretion and increased noradrenaline secretion.
However, screen time use is also associated with these changes. Brain activity recorded by electroencephalography has shown mixed results when using Wi-Fi, with some contradictory studies showing no neuropsychiatric changes or effects of Wi-Fi use.
Interestingly, a recent study showed that prolonged exposure to WiFi radiation improves cognitive function in mice with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
High-frequency electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and cordless phones has been shown not to cause emotional or behavioral problems in young children.
However, high levels of radiation exposure from cell phone towers are known to be associated with behavioral and emotional problems in young children reported by their mothers.
Despite some early research on the potential negative effects of WiFi exposure, it is too early to draw conclusions about possible health risks. The signal strengths used in most studies are significantly higher than actual environmental exposure levels.
According to the literature, the radio frequency signals generated by wireless base stations and other local wireless networks are lower than international standards. Therefore, more consistent evidence is needed to effectively assess the human effects of WiFi exposure.
How can WiFi cause damage?
A significant portion of the effects of WiFi are thought to be caused by calcium overload, which occurs primarily through overactivation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs).
The presence of a voltage sensor with 20 positive charges makes it the most susceptible target of EMF. A secondary cause of calcium accumulation is increased activation of the TRPV1 receptor induced by oxidative stress.
Mechanistically, VGCC-dependent increases in intracellular calcium levels are the primary mediator of most WiFi effects.
Elevated calcium levels can cause the production of nitric oxide (NO), which inhibits cytochrome oxidase within mitochondria and reduces ATP synthesis and superoxide production.
Additionally, NO inhibits enzymes involved in steroid hormone synthesis, which can lead to decreased production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
The superoxide produced in this process can also react with NO to produce peroxynitrite, which can decompose to produce highly reactive free radicals. These reactive free radicals can not only cause oxidative damage but also increase NFkB activity and increase inflammation.
Another effect of calcium overload is the induction of heat shock protein levels. This induction probably occurs due to excess calcium-induced protein misfolding and may be the body’s defense mechanism to maintain homeostasis.
