Health Risks

Another common concern is whether wireless networks pose any form of health risk. So far, there has been no conclusive answer. Radio-based networks, however, appear to be just as safe or safer than cellular phones. There is little or no risk in using cellular phones, which operate in frequency bands immediately below wireless networks. Wireless network components should be even safer than cellular phones because they operate at lower power levels, typically between 50 and 100 milliwatts, compared to the 600 milliwatts to 3 watt range of cellular phones. In addition, wireless network components usually transmit for shorter periods of time.

Laser-based products, found in both wireless LANs and MANs, offer very little or no health risk. In the U.S., the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), a department of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, evaluates and certifies laser products for public use. The CDRH categorizes lasers into four classes, depending on the amount of harm they can cause to humans.

Supermarket scanners and most diffused infrared wireless LANs satisfy Class I requirements, under which there is no hazard under any circumstance. Class IV specifies devices such as laser scalpels that can cause grave danger if the operator handles them improperly. Most longrange, laser-based wireless networks are rated as Class III devices, whereby someone could damage his eyes by looking directly at the laser beam. Thus, care should be taken when orienting lasers between buildings.