While many view WiFi as the future of wireless communications technology, some believe that the signals emitted by the wireless equipment are actually harmful to one’s health. Lakeview University in Ontario, Canada, would not set up campus-wide wireless access points for its students because the electromagnetic radiation emitted by such transceivers might pose a health risk.

University president Mr. Fred Gilbert cites scientific studies to justify the school’s stand on WiFi. He added that the health concern is amplified by the fact that majority of the school’s population consists of teenagers, who are in their growth stages, and are possibly more susceptible to harm from radiation. He added that the university would only set up ubiquitous WiFi access once things clear up, and WiFi is found to be non-harmful.

As for the students who want on-demand Internet access, Mr. Gilbert says they’d have to be content with the university’s computer labs, which allow free access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. WiFi networks are set up for areas outside the range of the university’s fiber-optic network, though.

So a warning to parents who plan to give their kids laptops for Internet use, check with the university first, if they do encourage the use of laptops for wireless access. At any rate, it’s a good idea to get laptops for students with or without WiFi access at school.