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Health Hazards Alleged for Classroom Wireless

Suit seeks choice in exposure.

Citing a Swedish study on the effects of global system for mobile communications (GSM) wireless cell phones on health, parents of children in Oak Park, Ill., are suing to stop children's exposure to the 802.11b wireless computer networking standard in classrooms.

The Swedish study found "highly significant" evidence of neuronal damage in rats exposed to GSM mobile phone magnetic fields. According to ABC News, however, an FDA study on different types of wireless emissions concludes that staying the recommended distance from wireless hubs provides an acceptable level of safety. The Oak Park lawsuit is not for monetary damages, but solely to allow choice in the matter of exposure.
Wayne E. Hanson served as a writer and editor with e.Republic from 1989 to 2013, having worked for several business units including Government Technology magazine, the Center for Digital Government, Governing, and Digital Communities. Hanson was a juror from 1999 to 2004 with the Stockholm Challenge and Global Junior Challenge competitions in information technology and education.