Wi-Fi allergy gets global response

A MAN who is allergic to Wi-Fi technology said he has been shocked by the world-wide interest in his story.

Steve Miller, who lives near Falmouth, was thrust into the media spotlight after a national newspaper ran his tale on Friday.

He is one of 2% of the population who suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

It means he cannot go near places that have the wireless internet connection, known as Wi-Fi, without suffering headaches, concentration problems and other side effects.

This time last week he was best known under his professional DJ name Afterlife but now if you Google his name there are pages of links to the story.

He told the West Briton this week: "Over the weekend I have been contacted by people from across the world involved in research into this, including scientific establishments.

"It really freaked me out how much interest there is, but it's really encouraging."

Unfortunately, he said he has also seen people posting negative comments about it.

It was only two years ago, when he went to a friend's studio, that he discovered the problem. "I felt really dizzy and couldn't think straight and my mate said 'I wonder if it's the Wi-Fi?' so he turned it off and I felt better," he added.

He now carries a Wi-Fi detector to avoid problem areas.

In an interview with The Sun he said: "I feel like an exile on my own planet. It's almost impossible to find somewhere without Wi-Fi these days.

"If I fancy a pint I have to travel three miles to the only pub in my area that doesn't have it. If I go somewhere, I can instantly sense the Wi-Fi and have to leg it."

Technology

It has also affected his income. He has turned down jobs because most accommodation in Europe has the technology.

Mr Miller, who lives with his partner Linda in a house away from other properties to help reduce the problem, said there was little education or publicity about the affliction.

But, he does not shut himself away in his home, as some press reports have stated.

He said: "I'm an outdoors person and give thanks I live in the most beautiful county in the UK and spend most of my time sailing."

For more information visit www.wiredchild.org or www.glastonburynaturalhealth.co.uk/WhyWi-Fi.html or www.wifiinschools.org.uk