Title:Effects of Wi-Fi Radiation on Germination and Growth of Broccoli, Pea, Red Clover and Garden Cress Seedlings: A Partial Replication Study
VOLUME: 10 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Magda Havas and M. Sheena Symington
Affiliation:Environmental and Resource Studies, Trent School of the Environment, 1600 West Bank Drive, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9L 0G2, Canada.
Keywords:Wi-Fi microwave radiation, electromagnetic field, garden cress, pea, broccoli and red clover,
mould, chlorosis, plant growth 2.4 GHz.
Abstract:Background: This is a partial replication study of work conducted
by high school students in Denmark as part of their science fair project. Objective:
The purpose of this study is to determine whether radiation from a
Wi-Fi router affects germination and growth of garden cress (Lepidium sativum),
broccoli (Brassica oleracea), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and pea
(Pisum sativum). Method: One set of seeds was placed in Petri plates in a
germination chamber kept under controlled conditions and was exposed to
microwave radiation generated by a Wi-Fi router (mean and maximum exposures
20–40 and 96 mW/m2 respectively). The other set of seeds was kept
under identical conditions with no Wi-Fi router (reference) and with much lower microwave
exposure (0.0001 mW/m2). Seedlings were harvested after one month and biomass (dry
weight) was recorded. Results: The radiation from the Wi-Fi router did not affect germination
of any of the species tested. However, there was a significant reduction in dry weight of the
broccoli (86% of control) and peas (43% of control) exposed to Wi-Fi radiation at the end of
the experiment (p<0.01). Wi-Fi exposure inhibited root growth of several species. It also
caused root tips to turn brown and reduced root hairs of cress compared with the reference
treatment. Broccoli seedlings closest to the Wi-Fi router grew away from the router; cress
seedlings had larger leaves and were chlorotic compared with controls. Several small plants
began to die and mould developed in those Petri plates. Conclusions: Radiation from Wi-Fi
reduces root and shoot growth, contributes to chlorosis, alters size of leaves, and reduces fine
root hairs in several on the species tested. Radiation generated by a Wi-Fi router, at levels
well below international guidelines for microwave radiation, adversely affects plant growth
and may interfere with a plant’s ability to protect itself from opportunistic mould.
