No WLAN’s in Schools in Frankfurt, Bavaria & Salzburg

Three European cities, Frankfurt, Bavaria and Salzburg have took a stand against the use of WLAN in schools.

The city of Frankfurt refuses wireless computer networks in schools “as long as the harmlessness of wireless communication has not been proven, we will not use it in Frankfurt schools”, says Michael Damian, spokesperson of the Head of the School Department Jutta Ebeling (Green Party). “For years, we have been favouring cabled networks”.

Siegfried Schwarzmueller, a biologist and teacher, said at a conference in Frankfurt “the effects found in scientific studies included EEC changes, lack of concentration, negative influences on the hormone, immune and central nervous systems, disruption of cell communication and opening of the blood-brain-barrier”.

Frankfurt’s stand against the dangers of WLAN radiation in regard to children and adolescents who are still developing has spread concerns to the federal state of Hesse. Christoph Baumann, member of the Board of the GEW union in Hesse wishes that other schools in Hesse had the same point of view. A corresponding proposal shall be discussed at the next GEW board meeting. It says: “Due to possible effects on school performance, a healthy school should be not only smoke free, but also allow teachers and students to teach and study in a radiation free environment.” 

In addition to Frankfurt taking a stand against WLAN exposure in schools the Bavarian Parliament and the Committee for Education  issued a recommendation to all schools in the country to not install WLAN networks. This appeal to schools was brought forth due to a hearing in Parliament on mobile phone/wireless technology and the importance to avoid potential damage in growing children from exposure to WLAN radiation.

Dr. Gerd Oberfeld MD from the Salzburg Region and part of the Public Health Department issued a letter to the governor, head teacher, and concerned parents to inform them about the adverse health effects of WLAN in schools. Dr. Oberfeld states “The official advice of the Public Health Department of the Salzburg Region is not to use WLAN and DECT in Schools or Kindergardens”.

Europeans are starting to acknowledge the potential health risks with WLAN in schools and are setting a good example for other nations. To read the full articles click on the links below.