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ARCHIVED - Health Canada Statement on Radiofrequency Energy and Wi-Fi Equipment

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2010-142
August 18, 2010 (revised August 31, 2010)
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Wi-Fi is the second most prevalent form of wireless technology next to cell phones. It is widely used across Canada in schools, offices, coffee shops, personal dwellings, as well as countless other locations. Health Canada continues to reassure Canadians that the radiofrequency energy emitted from Wi-Fi equipment is extremely low and is not associated with any health problems.  

Based on scientific evidence, Health Canada has determined that exposure to low-level radiofrequency energy, such as that from Wi-Fi equipment, is not dangerous to the public.

Radiofrequency energy levels from Wi-Fi equipment in all areas accessible to the general public, including school settings, are required to meet Health Canada's safety guidelines (Safety Code 6). The limits specified in the guidelines are based on an ongoing review of thousands of published peer reviewed scientific studies on the health impacts of radiofrequency energy. Levels of radiofrequency energy emitted from Wi-Fi equipment are typically well below these safety limits. As long as exposure is below these established limits, there is no convincing scientific evidence that this equipment is dangerous to schoolchildren or to Canadians in general.

Health Canada scientists continually review new scientific studies in this area to ensure safety guidelines are sufficient for the protection of the health and safety of Canadians. Health Canada also continues to participate in international standards development and advisory bodies and undertakes its own focused research to support the development of its safety recommendations.

For more information, please consult our fact sheet on the safety of wireless devices.

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