Specialists Question Wi-fi Baby Monitor Caution

Specialists have criticised an Australian author for associating the use of wireless baby monitors to autism and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Telethon Kids Institute head of autism research, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, said there is not enough proof to support such claim. He says that that the author may not understand the harmful effects these completely unsupported claims have on the autism community.

Brisbane writer Donna Fisher wants to ban the sale of wireless baby monitors in Australian stores because she believes that these give off harmful radiation. Her book, titled Light That Heals, tackles the damaging effects of using wireless technology. She believes that the use of this equipment can cause chronic fatigue, cancer, reproductive health problems and so forth. Moreover, exposure to radiation can increase susceptibility to SIDS and autism.

Fisher says, "Devices such as wireless baby monitors can actually do more harm than good by creating developmental issues in our youngest generation of Australians."

Again, autism expert Whitehouse described the claims on this book laughable and so irresponsible. Another specialist, Jill Green from SIDS and Kids, states that there are no scientific papers in the organisation's archives linking the use of wireless monitors with SIDS.

On the other hand, there are those who support Fisher's work and believe that wireless monitors and related gadgets emit dangerous radiation. Professor Olle Johansson of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden says constant exposure can cause DNA alteration, changes in the immune system and contribute to infertility.

While there is continuous refutation on this issue, several countries choose to take caution until more findings are known. For example, France and Israel do not allow the use of wi-fi in day-care centres. The Australian government agency for radiation protection says there is no proof that exposure to electrical fields is a health hazard.