Assessment of Power Density Radiation fromWi-Fi Enabled and
Wi-Fi Disabled Laptops
ABSTRACT
The introduction of Wi-Fi technology on laptops and mobile phones had tremendously solved
the problems of communication in Nigeria as the acquisition and use of laptop is rapidly
increasing. However, the health implications of radiation from laptop has become a great
concern to the general public especially when such laptops are Wi-Fi enabled. There is therefore
need to assess the radiofrequency radiation level for a both Wi-Fi enabled as well as Wi-Fi
disabled laptops. In this work, 40 laptops were investigated and the power densities emanating
from them were measured when the laptop were Wi-Fi disabled and when they were Wi-Fi
enabled using hand-held electrosmog RF meter. The measured power densities varied from
laptops to laptops and from versions to versions. The power density values recorded for all the
laptops investigated when they were Wi-Fi disabled, ranged from 0.023 mW/m² to 1.369 mW/m²
with a mean of 0.418 mW/m². The power density measured ranged from 0.230 mW/m² to 13.57
mW/m² with a mean of 2.593 mW/m² during Wi-Fi enabled mode. Generally, for all the laptops
investigated, the values of the power densities recorded were higher during the Wi-Fi enabled
mode than during the Wi-Fi disabled mode. There was no significant difference between the
power density recorded during the Wi-Fi enabled mode and the Wi-Fi disabled mode. The
research also revealed that newer versions of laptops presented lower power densities than older
versions of [Link] values of power density measured in this research work for both Wi-Fi
enabled and Wi-Fi disabled laptops were found to lie below the permissible power density of 10
W/m2 recommended by the Federal Communication Commission, Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
for the general [Link] the laptops investigated in these work were emitting radiations at a
level that are considered safe for human exposure. Exposure to electromagnetic field radiation
from these laptops during Wi-Fi enabled or Wi-Fi disabled mode are within safety guidelines set
by regulatory agencies. The use of these laptops will not pose a health risk to users.
Keywords:Laptop, Wi-Fi enabled, Wi-Fi disabled, Electromagnetic radiation, Radiofrequency
radiation, Power density Electrosmog meter.
INTRODUCTION
We live in a generation that relies heavily on technology. Electromagnetic fields of all
frequencies are one of the fastest growing environmental pollutants. Whetherfor personal use or
work, wireless devices, such as cell phones, laptops, are commonly used around the world, and
exposure to radio frequency radiation (RFR) is widespread, including in public spaces (Hardel et
al., 2018; Carbeg et al., 2019]. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices are an increasingly common
technology employing radio frequency (RF) energy (Frey, 2000).The pervasive use of wireless
communication devices in each aspect of everyone daily life,emphasized the need for assessing
the level of radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF)exposure(Gajsek et al., 2015). Wi-
Fi enabled tablets such as iPads, smart phones and even laptops are commonly use and thus
provide more radiation directly into human body (Kwan-Hoong, 2003).The exposure in public
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spaces can even be worse than in homes as hundreds of people are simultaneously connecting to
the internet.
Computer networks have played a major role in expanding boundaries in organizations today.
Until now, traditional method of networking, which involved computers, wired directly to a hub
or switch are the norm. Recent advances in networking technology have made it possible for
device to communicate using light and wave emitting technologies. Wi-Fi is a perfect example of
one of those emerging technologies. Which has enabled computers communicate with each other
without the use of traditional cables. Thus, wireless fidelity devices have become an integral part
of our everyday life. These devices are been used for many purposes such as internet and
telecommunication. However, there are growing concerns and ongoing debates about possible
health hazards related to Wi-Fi use. Since Wi-Fi emits radiofrequency electromagnetic fields,
which can be absorbed by the body, several scientist have carried out researches to see whether
there are links between radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi enabled devices and
the incidence of cancer, neurological effects, reproductive issues and cardiac issues among others
(Arendano et al., 2012; Andrzej and Jolanta, 2020; Invica et al., 2022).
Concerns regarding potential negative effects on health caused by RF-EMF, mainly from 100
kHz to 300 GHz, led international authorities to take decisions and establish precautionary
exposure limits that are adopted by most countries, with some differences between geographic
areas. There are various guidelines set by regulatory agencies where reference limits for RF-
EMF are published, including international, national and regional limits (Raquel et al.,
2024)Internationally respected agencies such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP, 2020), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC, 1997,
2019) and the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety of the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE, 2019) have established guidelines for limiting human exposure
to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) based on years of scientific [Link]
three regulatory agencies have set a reference power density level of 50 W/m2and 10 W/m2 for
occupational and general public exposure scenario respectively (FCC, 2019; IEEE, 2019;
ICNIRP, 2020).These guidelines are the reference limits to protect citizens from any possible
harmful effects of the electromagnetic (EM) waves. The main objective of establishing a limit is
to try to limit exposure to RF-EMF and achieve a high level of protection for all people against
possible adverse health effects, both in the short and long term.
Laptops, in particular, are a significant source ofRF-EMF radiation, and their proximity to the
user’s body raises questions about the safety during prolong usage. While some studies have
investigated the RF emission from laptops, there is a need for further research to understand the
specific impact of Wi-Fi enablement on power density radiation. This research therefore, aim to
investigate and compare the power density radiation emitted by Wi-Fi enabled laptops and Wi-Fi
disabled laptops, in order to assess the potential health risk associated with RF exposure. It will
also provide valuable insight for laptop users, manufacturers and regulatory agencies.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
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Sample Collection
A total of 40 good conditioned laptops of varying brands, models and versions were selected
randomly for this research work. The brand, model and versions of these laptops were recorded.
This is to ensure variability and viability of the experimental results across a much larger
population.
Measurement
In this research study, a radiofrequency electrosmog meter of model TES-92 was used to take
measurement. The electrosmog meter is a broadband device for monitoring high-frequency
radiation in the range from 100MHz to 8GHz. It has three axis or channel censor located with the
head part of the meter. the device has high dynamic range due to three –channel digital result
processing with a configurable alarm threshold and memory function and it is also easy and save
to use. The unit of measurement and the measurement types have been selected to expressed in
units of power density. At high frequencies, the power density is of particular significance, it
provides a measure of the power absorbed by a person exposed to the field. The meter can be set
to display the instantaneous value, the maximum value measured or the average [Link]
electrosmog meter was used to measure the power density when the laptop is Wi-Fi enabled and
later when the Wi-Fi is disabled. The enabled mode was achieved by connecting the laptop to
hotspot to browse the internet. The electrosmog meter was placed at arm-length such that the
head of the meter points towards the screen of the laptop. The process was repeated for every
other models of the laptops used and in each case, the power density was measured and recorded.
Plate 1: Picture of an electrosmog RF meter
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results
The results of the power density during Wi-Fi enabled and Wi-Fi disabled modes for each model
of the laptop are presented in Table 1
Table 1:Power density for Wi-Fi enabled and Wi-Fi disabled modes for each model of laptops
S/N Laptop Model Power Density for Power Density for
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Wi-Fi Enabled (W/m ) Wi-Fi Enabled (W/m2)
1 LP 1 0.271 0.836
2 LP 2 0.582 1.149
3 LP 3 0.712 2.143
4 LP 4 0.840 3.521
5 LP 5 0.493 1.416
6 LP 6 0.405 2.674
7 LP 7 0.462 1.964
8 LP 8 0.324 1.238
9 LP 9 0.952 4.024
10 LP 10 0.308 1.587
11 LP 11 0.668 3.001
12 LP 12 0.102 0.230
13 LP 13 0.208 0.994
14 LP 14 0.344 1.952
15 LP 15 0.112 0.392
16 LP 16 0.672 3.524
17 LP 17 0.241 1.135
18 LP 18 0.314 2.73
19 LP 19 0.681 3.373
20 LP 20 0.314 1.983
21 LP 21 0.261 0.414
22 LP 22 0.228 0.320
23 LP 23 1.325 13.57
4
24 LP 24 0.223 07.212
25 LP 25 0.255 0.367
26 LP 26 0.129 0.821
27 LP 27 0.131 2.265
28 LP 28 0.114 0.294
29 LP 29 0.063 0.305
30 LP 30 0.023 0.256
31 LP 31 0.802 3.375
32 LP 32 0.320 1.054
33 LP 33 0.172 3.184
34 LP 34 0.165 0.504
35 LP 35 0.357 1.945
36 LP 36 0.622 10.99
37 LP 37 1.369 12.59
38 LP 38 0.106 3.156
39 LP 39 0.671 0.759
40 LP40 0.366 0.453
Mean 0.418 2.593
Value
Discussion
Power Density Radiation
The measured power density radiation from laptops that Wi-fi disabled ranged from 0.023
mW/m² to 1.369 mW/m² with a mean of 0.418 mW/m². The highest power density radiation was
found in LP 23. This may be due to the fact that the model of this laptop is the oldest among the
Wi-Fi disabled laptop investigated. On the other hand, the measured power density radiation
recorded for the laptops that were Wi-fi enabled ranged from 0.230 mW/m² to 13.57 mW/m²
with a mean of 2.593 mW/m². The lowest value of power density was found in LP 12 probably
because it was the newest version among the laptops investigated. A comparative analysis test
(ANOVA) conducted between the power density recorded for laptops during Wi-Fi disabled and
Wi-Fi enabled modes revealed that there is no significant difference between the two values.
All the power densities measured during the Wi-Fi disabled and Wi-Fi enabled modes for all the
laptops investigated in this research work all lie below the permissible power density level of 10
mW/m2 recommended by the Federal Communication Commission, Institute of Electrical and
5
Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(FCC, 2019; IEEE, 2019; ICNIRP, 2020) for the general public. The result of the power density
investigated in this research work, revealed that the power density levels from these laptops were
all within safety guidelines set by regulatory agencies (FCC, 2019; IEEE, 2019; ICNIRP, 2020).
These laptops are considered safe for human exposure and should not pose any health risk for
users even during prolonged usage. The research also showed that the manufacturers of these
laptops designed their products to comply with permissible limits set by regulatory agencies to
ensure that their products operate within established safety guidelines.
CONCLUSION
A total of 40 of varying brands, models and versions for their power density emissions using an
hand-held electrosmof RF meter during Wi-Fi enabled and Wi-Fi disabled [Link] power
density radiation recorded for laptops in Wi-Fi disabled mode ranged from 0.023 mW/m² to
1.369 mW/m² with a mean of 0.418 mW/m². During the Wi-Fi enabled mode, the power density
measured ranged from 0.230 mW/m² to 13.57 mW/m² with a mean of 2.593 mW/m². The value
of power density radiation recorded for laptops during Wi-Fi enabled mode were higher than
those recorded during Wi-Fi disabled mode. An ANOVA test carried out between the measured
power density for laptops in Wi-Fi enabled mode and those in Wi-Fi disabled mode revealed that
there is no significant difference between them. This research also revealed that newer version of
laptops emitted lower level of power density radiation than older versions. All the power density
radiation measured for all the laptops investigated in this work fell below the permissible power
density level of 10 mW/m² recommended bythe Federal Communication Commission, Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection for the general public. The power density radiation emitted by all the
laptopsinvestigated in this research workis within the safety guidelines set by regulatory
agencies. Therefore, these laptops are considered safe for human exposure and will not pose any
health risk to users even during prolong usage. The data obtained in this work will serve as
baseline data for further consultation on this subject.
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