Several contentious resolutions suggesting health hazards from wireless technologies in school were abandoned Monday before they could be debated at the B.C. Teachers' Federation (BCTF) annual general meeting.

Only one resolution made it to the floor and was passed by a 366-259 vote. It called on the union to support members "who are suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity by ensuring that their medical needs are accommodated in the workplace."

Other resolutions - all of which originated with the Nicola Valley Teachers' Union - called on boards of education to stop installing wireless networks in schools where other networking technology is feasible and to designate one school at elementary, middle and secondary levels to be free of wi-fi for educators and families who are worried about possible health effects.

The resolutions were divisive, and debate was fierce on Twitter before the issue hit the convention floor. Those who supported the resolutions said exposure to electromagnetic fields may be responsible for various ailments among teachers and students, such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, anxiety and fatigue. They also complained that the Education Ministry was pushing wi-fi installation without consulting teachers.

"We aren't against technology," said one Nicola Valley delegate. "I love technology, but we want safe alternatives. . . . Some of our members are already suffering."

Others said such claims are groundless and noted that Health Canada takes the position that low-level exposure to radio-frequency energy from wireless connections is not dangerous. "Wi-Fi exposure levels are typically well below Canadian and international exposure limits, and there is no convincing evidence that they are a health hazard," it states on its website.