‘I can’t work, I’m allergic to the Internet’
July 23, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Regulations & Compliance
If what this man says is true, IT may have to brace itself for a brand new user complaint.
British DJ Steve Miller claims he has a medical condition that makes it difficult for him to work, shop or really do much of anything. The problem: Wireless Internet makes him sick.
Miller claims he gets dizzy, nauseous and confused whenever he is around a WiFi signal. He says he’s missed a lot of gigs throughout Europe because hotels, airports and even trains generally offer wireless Internet.
Just about the only place he says he feels fine is his house in a remote section of Cornwall, fortified with 18-inch walls. When he does need to go out, Miller carries a WiFi detector to avoid problem areas.
It may sound strange, but Miller’s not the first person to claim this type of condition. About 2% of the population believes they suffer from so-called “electromagentic sensitivity,” the Daily Mail reports.
And last year, a group of residents in Santa Fe, New Mexico, asked the city to remove WiFi from public buildings. They claimed they were allergic and the city was violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by limiting their access to the buildings.
New lawsuits coming?
Should employers worry about an employee taking them to court because they can’t work in a building with wireless Internet? After all, workers have brought ADA suits because of strong perfume and other “sensitivities” to airborne elements.
In this case, though, there’s probably little to be concerned about. Because it’s most likely all made up.
First, there’s no proof that any such condition exists. Some people claim to suffer from it, but the reported symptoms vary widely.
Also, the waves produced by WiFi transmitters are similar to those produced by cell phone towers, as well as radio and TV waves. Experts say it’s unlikely problems would be caused exclusively by wireless Internet.
But that probably won’t stop employees and other supposed sufferers from trying to argue their cases in court. We’ll keep you posted if any of these claims actually result in a lawsuit.
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