Massachusetts parents cite shaky science in lawsuit over Wi-Fi network

Despite years of study, there is no clear evidence that exposure to the photons emitted by devices like cell phones and wireless networks pose any health risk whatsoever. That hasn't stopped people from concluding they are sensitive to these electromagnetic emissions and taking various actions to avoid them. While some of these people have moved to areas with low levels of this radiation, others have tried to force the rest of society to accommodate them.

In the latest instance of this, a Massachusetts couple has sued their child's school, claiming that its "industrial-capacity" Wi-Fi system was causing health problems. The suit hopes to have "Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome" defined as falling under the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The suit targets the Fay School, a pricey Massachusetts boarding school (families of younger students can pay $25,000 a year and up for them to attend during the day, while full boarding is offered for older students at $60,000). Fay has students use Chromebooks and tablets during classes and provides the devices with Internet access through a Wi-Fi network. In 2013, Fay upgraded its network to what the suit describes as "a high-density, industrial-capacity wireless system."