Complications of nonionizing radiofrequency on divided attention

Exposure to electromagnetic fields is considered as a potential hazard for biological systems. The objective of our investigation is the study of probable consequences of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from Wi‐Fi router devices on the short‐term memory, and attention's levels. A population consisting of 312 female college students (14 to 17 years old) was elected by cluster random sampling. Teenagers were divided into two groups of control group (Wi‐Fi nonusers; n = 138), and experiment group (Wi‐Fi users; n = 174). Both groups have been examined using short‐term memory tests; selective attention, and also divided attention tests. According to the results, there was no significant difference between using Wi‐Fi router devices on levels of selective attentions and short‐term memory of the sample students with the control group. However, analyses revealed that there is a significant correlation between the use of Wi‐Fi routers and declining levels of divided attentions. Our investigation has demonstrated the adverse consequences of 2.4‐2.48 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of Wi‐Fi router devices on divided attention levels of female university students that should be mentioned as a technological risk factor and taken into account by healthcare organizations.