With the rapid advancement of technology, the rollout of 5G networks by major phone carriers in 2018, and their commercial availability by late 2019 and early 2020, the question of safety regarding 5G EMF radiation emissions has become more pertinent than ever.
What is 5G?
5G, or fifth-generation wireless technology, represents the next evolution in mobile networks, promising greater speed, responsiveness, and the ability to support more connections. These advancements are driven by consumer demand for faster and more reliable internet access on mobile devices.
How Will 5G Transform Technology?
5G aims to provide data transfer rates 10 to 100 times faster than 4G and significantly reduce latency, improving the user experience. Additionally, 5G is set to expand the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting everything from vehicles to household appliances, creating a network of "smart" objects aimed at enhancing convenience, control, and efficiency.
Health Concerns and EMF Radiation
Despite the technological advancements, the health effects of 5G's EMF radiation emissions remain largely untested. Dr. Joel M. Moskowitz has reviewed over 30,000 research publications on non-ionizing EMF radiation and found only 41 addressing the health effects of 5G. Given the documented health impacts of 4G and WiFi, this oversight is concerning.
5G will operate on higher frequency bands than previous generations, introducing millimeter waves that, while unable to travel as far or penetrate buildings easily, will require a dense network of small cells to ensure coverage. This means increased exposure to EMF radiation, which has raised alarm among scientists and health professionals.
Higher Frequencies and Increased Exposure
5G networks will use a range of frequencies, including low-band, mid-band, and high-band frequencies. High-band frequencies, also known as millimeter waves, range from 24 GHz and higher. These waves are absorbed by human skin and other materials, necessitating the installation of numerous small cells in close proximity to one another, thereby increasing EMF exposure.
Scientific Concerns and Public Health
Scientists warn that the biological effects of 5G's EMF radiation could be significant. Dr. Martin Pall highlights that EMFs activate voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in cell membranes, with 5G's rapid pulsations likely exacerbating this effect. Potential health risks include increases in blindness, hearing loss, male infertility, skin cancers, thyroid issues, and nervous system dysfunction.
Regulatory Oversight and Public Safety
The FCC's standards for safe EMF exposure are outdated, focusing only on the heating effects of EMFs and acute exposure. However, chronic, low-level exposure may also pose significant health risks. The guidelines also assume that devices are used away from the body, which is not reflective of common usage patterns today.
Misconceptions About 5G
Myth: 5G is safer than 4G. Reality: 5G builds on older networks, using technologies like Massive MIMO to increase exposure levels. The rapid absorption of its shorter wavelengths into the body and its rapid pulsations may create significant biological effects.
Myth: People are already using 5G. Reality: Many devices marketed as 5G-ready are actually enhanced 4G (5GE). True 5G connectivity requires devices with built-in 5G modems, which most current devices lack.
The Future of 5G
The rollout of 5G has begun in various parts of the world, with more widespread adoption expected by 2025. While the potential benefits of hyperconnectivity are significant, they come with potential health risks that need to be addressed. As we move towards this new generation of wireless technology, it is crucial to minimize EMF exposure and push for rigorous safety testing to protect public health.
