Are Video Game Systems Harmful?

As many of you know, I’m highly concerned about the harmful electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) in our environment—and what things like cell phones and their  towers, microwave ovens, cordless phones, and more are doing to our health. But what many of us don't realize is that we, and our children who are extremely vulnerable to EMR exposure,  are also getting a dose in our video game systems.

Many video game systems use Wi-Fi which emits EMR, and I’m a big proponent of banning Wi-Fi in our schools. There is no evidence that the frequencies emitted by Wi-Fi are safe, and plenty of data on sensitive kids getting headaches, cardiac arrhythmias, and more while at school. These symptoms wane when they are out of the school buildings for weekends and vacations.

But while I was at a Wireless Safety Summit this fall, I learned about another disturbing fact. Our kids are being exposed to radio frequency when using game systems like Xbox and Wii (I don’t know about PlayStation).  I heard from environmental engineers doing testing in the field that these wireless video game systems emit dangerous EMR, and those emissions continue even when the units are turned off. 

We don’t have those game systems at our home, so I don’t know if there is any warning in the fine print of the packaged game systems. The only way to keep them from emitting a signal, I’m told, is to unplug them.

But if you do choose to use Wi-Fi game systems, here’s how to minimize your family’s exposure. Unplug them when they are not in use, and do the same with your computer’s wireless router when no one is using it. Also, please pass this info to other parents and grandparents who are most likely just as in the dark about these game systems as I was.

Now it’s your turn: How do you protect your children from “too much technology?”

You May Also Be Interested In:

• My Lecture in Canada About Electropollution
• Helpful Tips for Living with Technology Safely