Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This study conducted an extensive survey, comprising 271 measurements across 69 different sites—including homes, hospitals, and educational institutions in the West Bank—to assess radiofrequency emissions from wireless local area networks (WLANs).

Methodology

• Measurements were performed at varying distances (from 10 to 40 meters) from the WLAN access points using the Narda SRM-3000 selective radiation meter.
• Three operational modes of the WLAN were evaluated: transmit mode, idle mode, and client card mode via a laptop computer.

Findings

Recorded power density levels varied from 0.001 to approximately 1.9 μW/cm² with an average of 0.12 μW/cm², with the highest values found in university settings and the lowest in schools.

Notably, exposure levels even at a distance of 20 cm from an actively transmitting access point were found to be significantly lower (221 times below) than the public exposure limit set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Additionally, exposure from a laptop at 1 meter was lower than from the access point, in both transmit and idle modes.

Health Implications

Despite exposure levels being within internationally accepted limits, continued monitoring and rigorous assessment of WLAN-related radiofrequency emissions are essential, especially in sensitive environments like schools and hospitals, to safeguard public health.