5G, or the fifth generation of wireless communication technology, has been making headlines and generating a lot of discussion in the business and governmental sectors, with the potential for new business opportunities and digital transformations. Despite this, the impact of 5G on health is not a topic that is widely discussed. However, this is an important issue that needs to be addressed, especially given the recent controversy surrounding the link between 5G and the spread of the coronavirus.
To understand the potential effects of 5G on health, it is important to understand what telecom tower radiations are and how they work. Connectivity in wireless networks is achieved through electromagnetic waves that are emitted from antennas located in transmission towers and other cell sites. These emissions are known as radio frequencies and can range from 300 GHz to just below the infrared/visible light spectrum. The higher the frequency, the more difficult it is for the signal to reach the user, as it can easily be blocked by obstacles or absorbed by the environment. This means that more transmission stations must be used or the transmission power must be increased.
One of the key features of 5G and next-generation wireless networks is the use of higher frequencies. This is necessary to accommodate a larger number of mobile users and provide them with high data rates and low delays, as higher frequencies allow for more bandwidth. However, this also means that the discussion of the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiations has been reinvigorated.
Telecom tower radiations belong to the category of non-ionizing radiation, which means that they do not cause changes at the atomic level and cannot remove electrons from atoms. Non-ionizing radiation has been generally considered mild and may only cause a slight increase in skin temperature or sunburn. On the other hand, ionizing radiation, including ultraviolet light and X-rays, has the potential to ionize existing molecules and is mostly carcinogenic. Most health groups and commissions have deemed that radiations from telecom towers are not dangerous because they do not cause any harm to the human body. However, the non-thermal potential effects of these radiations, such as DNA, protein, or cell damage, have not been thoroughly studied.
The issue with 5G is not new and has been a topic of discussion since the 2G era, when the network consisted of dispersed cell towers covering large areas. As the standards have evolved, cell sites have been placed closer to subscribers to ensure proper capacity and coverage, and 5G is the pinnacle of this trend, with street-level cell sites expected to be deployed in close proximity to mobile users. The addition of higher frequencies to the 5G network makes this situation even more concerning.
The medical community is divided on the issue of 5G radiation, with some scientists contesting the conclusion that non-ionizing radiation is not harmful. Some studies have linked non-ionizing radiation to brain cancer, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has called for radio frequencies to be classified as potentially carcinogenic. A 5G Appeal was established in Europe in 2017, calling for a halt to the rollout of 5G networks until their effects on health have been scientifically confirmed.
Even if temporary exposure to non-ionizing radiation is not harmful, the increasing density of 5G networks means that people will be exposed to higher levels of radiation for longer periods of time. This is why it is important for objective medical studies to be conducted in full transparency and for the results to be communicated to the public. The health of individuals should always be a top priority, and it is essential that the rollout of 5G networks is approached with caution and that the potential impacts on health are thoroughly studied and understood.
While 5G offers a lot of exciting possibilities, the potential impact on health must not be overlooked.
- “The Health Risks of 5G: An Urgent Discussion”
- “5G and its Effects on Human Health: What You Need to Know”
- “The Debate over 5G Health Hazards: Fact or Fiction?”
- “5G Network Expansion: Balancing Opportunities with Health Concerns”
- “5G: The Pros and Cons, including the Health Impacts”
