Wi-Fi? Pathology V Psychology
There is an interesting article in the TES this week that explores recent research by University of Essex. The research by Prof. Elaine Fox involved volunteers who are convinced they are sensitive to wi-fi. Interestingly the research concludes that the volunteers seem to be making themselves ill through believing they were being harmed, as the episodes did not correlate to when the transmitter was actually switched on ... they couldn't tell.
Add to this a recent Advertising Standards Authority block on claims that Clarins Expertise 3P beauty spray offers protection against electromagnetic radiation. The ASA concluded that Clarins was guilty of trading on customers fears of the unknown!
The conclusion seems to be that fear can present as pathological symptoms. One needs only to observe the handicap of obsessive compulisve disorder to have a feel for its hold on an individuals life. What is worrying though is when the 'chattering classes' start to mobilise their fears and impose them on the rest of us!
Did You Know?
The use of the radiocommunications frequency band in the UK is strongly regulated by OFCOM (They took over the former Radiocommunications Agency in 2003). This places strict limits on certain frequencies to make sure they don't interfere with each other. Typically mobile phone companies and other users have to bid for limited licenses. Wi-fi use is excluded due to the very low energy levels used.
The BBC has been broadcasting since 1922. The Science Museum has preserved the original antenna of the 2LO transmitter that heralded mass radio and TV broadcasts. It was originaly jointly owned by the BBC and Crown Castle International ... interestingly its first broadcast was announcing the general election victory of the Conservative Party!).