We have three computers, all in bedrooms, connected via a wireless router in one of the bedrooms. We have heard that for health reasons it is wise to switch off electronic devices at night. Is it wise to switch off the router at night, or are we being unnecessarily cautious? Susan Tomes
Nowadays everything is considered a health risk, but I don't know of any evidence against the use of Wi-Fi. It's much less of a potential hazard than a mobile phone or microwave oven, because it operates at a much lower power level, and is usually used at much greater distances. (Radiation follows the inverse square law, so doubling the distance gives one quarter of the intensity -- think of warming your hands with a candle.) Also, Wi-Fi is a "bursty" system, so any risks are lower when it's not transferring data.
