Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Because it's basically a small microwave, at 2.4Ghz. Its harmless from a distance, but if it's very near the antenna, it will toast the flower.


I objected to this statement at first, as frequency plays a big part in what electromagnetic radiation does, but then I discovered many microwave ovens do operate at 2.45GHz

Though, before you freak out that you are cooking your family, consider that a microwave oven outputs 600-1200 watts, while a WiFi antenna is typically 0.5-1 watt.


The reason microwaves use 2.4 GHz is that water and fat molecules begin to resonate at that frequency, absorbing energy from the waves.

It's also one reason why 2.4GHz systems can have problems outdoors.

During rainstorms, the range drops to nothing as the water grabs all the energy.

Also any foliage (leaves w/ moisture inside) blocks the signals more than at other frequencies.


The "resonating" explanation is wrong. Please stop propagating this mistake.

From Wikipedia: "Sometimes, microwave heating is explained as a resonance of water molecules, but this is incorrect; such resonances occur only at above 1 terahertz (THz)."


Is there something special about this frequency, or would it have similar effect on 5Ghz?



I frequently put my laptop on my chest when slouching in the sofa. Does it have the same harmful effects ?


If the method of action is the same as a microwave, it is just heating you. Human bodies are good at handling extra heat, so I'm not sure that warrants concern.


http://wap.nytimes.com/2013/05/06/science/eleanor-r-adair-mi...

Dr. Adair was indisputably an innovator in studying microwave radiation, work she began in the mid-1970s while a fellow at the John B. Pierce Laboratory in New Haven. First with squirrel monkeys and then with human volunteers, she placed subjects in a chamber into which she released relatively high levels of microwaves for about 45 minutes, followed by a cool-down period. She focused on what impact the heat generated by microwaves might have — and she said she never found much more than perspiration. She said the monkeys and the people mostly enjoyed the experience.

“Particularly if the environment is cool, they love it when the field comes on,” she told The Times. She said: “It is very easy to sense it and it feels good. If they are in a warm environment, and the field is strong they may start to sweat and they may feel quite uncomfortable. They always have an option of getting out of the chamber at any time, saying, ‘I’ve had enough.’ ”


The main place this would actually be an issue is your eyes. The lenses have absolutely no blood flow, and therefor don't cool down quickly if exposed to microwave radiation. Usually leads to cataracts and such. Crazy right?


This is an interesting point! Thankfully WiFi antennas are very low power. To give you an idea of heating capability, a candle typically releases 80 watts of heat. A WiFi antenna on your mobile device is probably a half a watt, and because it is not strongly directional, your eye will only receive a fraction of this.


No, the heat of your laptop affects your sperm-count only when there is heat applied to your sack.

If you're male and put it in your lap, then this would reduce your sperm-count temporarily, because of the heat. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semen_quality

I don't know if the signal can affect your DNA, your cells or anything else in any way or not. This or the opposite has to be shown in studies. I think the study with cress is just the beginning.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: