http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1298268--board-turns-down-call-for-wi-fi-ban

Board turns down call for Wi-Fi ban

Wi-Fi free. Aurora Montessori School teacher Alex Murray oversees Sarah Asgari, 8, in the school's computer lab, which doesn't use Wi-Fi. STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

The York Catholic District School Board doesn’t plan to review the use of Wi-Fi networks in its schools despite a recent recommendation from the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association that installations of such systems cease. 
Classrooms should be hard-wired, the association said, citing research the World Health Organization released this week.
The health organization warned of a possible link between radiation from wireless devices and cancer.

While Health Canada cautioned parents to limit cellphone use by children, scientific evidence shows low-level exposure to Wi-Fi is not dangerous.

The Catholic board is reviewing the position paper, board spokesperson May Moore said.

The board understands and is very sensitive to the safety concerns expressed by some on the use of Wi-Fi technology in schools, she added.

There is research and opposing views on the issue, but as a public institution, the board must rely on the expertise and advice of public health authorities at Health Canada and the Health and Long Term Care Ministry, she said. To date, both levels of government don’t view Wi-Fi emissions as a human health hazard.

The use of wireless technology in schools and administrative buildings adheres to Health Canada standards and regulations and is well below the exposure limits set by the World Health Organization, Ms Moore said.

Should these internationally set standards change, the board will immediately review its policy on Wi-Fi use and respond appropriately, she said.

Yesterday, Premier Dalton McGuinty said he has been reassured by Canadian experts that Wi-Fi doesn’t pose a danger to students.

A January update from Health Canada states exposure to low-level energy, such as that from Wi-Fi equipment, is not harmful to the public and finds its research to be consistent with the findings of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the U.K. Health Protection Agency.

But the teachers’ position paper echoes the message a group of York Region parents have been pushing, “Safety of this technology has not thoroughly been researched and, therefore, the precautionary principle and prudent avoidance of exposure should be practised”. 

At least one Aurora private school has opted for the plug rather than a Wi-Fi system.

The parental group fighting for the removal of Wi-Fi from York Region schools meets Friday at William’s Cafe in Richmond Hill. 


http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1298268--board-turns-down-call-for-wi-fi-ban