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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #3203 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Power lines, magnets, computers, airport screening, cell phones

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I am 10 weeks pregnant and work from home. I typically work sitting up in bed with my laptop computer resting on my upper legs. My laptop has a wireless Internet card for a connection to the Internet. Does the proximity of this wireless Internet connection to my unborn child pose a health risk for the baby?

Your are talking about being exposed to nonionizing radiation. A laptop computer usually has a liquid crystal display screen, so you are not receiving any exposure to ionizing radiaton and therefore have no increased risks. Your background risks are 3% for birth defects and 15% for miscarriage. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Robert Brent, MD, PhD

Answer posted on 22 December 2003. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.