I have linksys router in my house and it has been working fine for a
long time with two desktop computers. I recently got a laptop with
wireless card and when using it I get a weird feeling in my head,
almost like a headache but very light. I sit about 4 feet from the
router. Can anyone tell me if there are any articles about wireless
routers and health issues. Real examples or user complaints would
help.

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Clarification of Question by tomek-ga on 21 Mar 2003 17:21 PST

I am using Linksys Wireless Accesspoint 802.11b. I dont have problems
with hearing, cordless phones nor cell phone use. I want to clarify
that problem is when there is constant transfer using wireless. When i
just check email there are no problems, but when i start downloading
from mp3.com then after few minutes feeling occurs. light headache,
warm head, dizziness.

Some people are very sensitive to this sort of thing. I get a headache
from the smell of some cheap laptops (yes I smell laptops.) But it's
good cos that means, if the laptop smells good, then it's probably
worth the cost (never been wrong yet.) :) So it's entirely possible, I
guess. I can also feel some sort of radiation from some CRTs when
they're turned on, if I put my hand near enough to it.. it's a sort of
light feeling like you said, like you're being hit with very cold dry
air.

I would not think that this is a cause of the wireless networking
equipment, because the amount of the radiation it emits is too small.
Though the network equipment emits radiation in the microwave range,
your linksys equipment emits a 30mw (30/1000ths of a watt) signal in
all directions. From a couple feet away, this figure is reduced by a
large amount. This is in constrast to an average microwave oven, which
transmits several hundred watts when it is in use, of which,
significantly more than 30mw will radiate through the protective
covering on the door of the microwave.

As such, I would think that something else is causing the headaches
and lightheadedness. It could perhaps be that you are unaccustomed to
looking at a laptop lcd screen, which can sometimes be more difficult
to look at than a standard monitor.

funkywizard, would you be able then to stand by microwave for 8 hours
a day with microwave on? I don't think so. Someone needs to address
this issue as I think it is not just small radiation.

Request for clarification:

Are you using 802.11a or 802.11b or 802.11g as the protocall (i.e.
what's the model number of the router)?

They operate at different frequencies.  Do you have a cordeless phone
that causes any of these same issues, or perhaps a cell phone (either
yours or someone elses)?

Do you have a hearing-aid or pacemaker (or other mechanical device in
your body)?