Should we be concerned about 5G?
Wireless technology is constantly evolving. Approximately every 10 years, mobile companies release a new generation of wireless systems. Each generation is an upgraded, more advanced version of the last one.
In 2019, 5G networks were released. The term “5G” stands for “fifth generation.” 5G provides faster mobile communications. This is expected to support the increasing number of electronic devices and services, including:
self-driving cars
virtual reality appliances
telemedicine
remote surveillance
telesurgery
5G works by using higher frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum. The frequencies range from 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) to several tens of GHz. Before 5G was launched, these higher frequencies weren’t used in mobile networks. They are typically used in devices like security scanners. It’s worth noting that electromagnetic frequencies are produced by anything that uses electricity. This includes:
microwaves
power lines
computers
5G also uses a method called beamforming, which sends data directly to devices. This is different from previous generations, which sent signals in all directions. 5G will tap the millimeter wave (MMW), which is around 30 GHz to 300 GHz in bandwidth. The problem with MMWs is that these are prone to interferences, such as buildings, plants, and even the rain. In addition, these waves cannot travel far due to their short wavelengths. As a result, telecommunications companies would need to install thousands of short distance, mini cell towers to support and reinforce the 5G technology.
According to CBS News, wireless companies in the United States are looking to mount at least 300,000 antennas, which are equivalent to the total number of towers that are put up in the last 30 years. This would mean that wireless antennas would be seen everywhere – from lamp posts to utility poles, and even in nearly every space in your neighborhood and business complexes, thus increasing our exposure to the harmful radiofrequency radiation.
While previous studies have shown correlations of absorption of radio frequency energies from the 4G network with tumor growth and cancer in rats, the potential health risks of the 5G service have not yet been fully established. “5G’s millimeter-waves were never tested for human health hazard and there is only a very limited number of studies on its biological effects. In practice, we do not know what the health effects of long-term and close proximity exposures might be,” said Professor Dariusz Leszczynski, one of the leading researchers on the effects of RF radiation. Having said that, there are several studies that link MMWs with skin diseases, and the bandwidth that will be used by the 5G network with retinal differentiation, arrhythmias, and effect on the immune system.
For instance, Dr. Yael Stein from the Hebrew University investigated the absorption of the MMWs by the skin. He found out that the skin’s sweat ducts are conductive receptors to MMWs, causing the MMWs to be readily absorbed by the skin. This can lead to physical pain and possibilities of cancer.
Tissue Heating
A small 2017 studyTrusted Source showed that mobile phones use frequencies of 1.8 to 2.2 GHz. These frequencies cause tissue heating, according to WHO.
Tissue heating occurs when your skin absorbs electromagnetic energy. This causes a slight rise in temperature in your brain and body.
A 2021 studyTrusted Source also found that people experience more EMF-related tissue heating as they get older. Plus, the higher the EMFs, the more they absorb. That’s because older individuals tend to have reduced skin thickness and blood flow.
However, tissue heating is considered to be short-term and minimal. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also states that the public is exposed to very low frequencies of EMFs. These levels are too low to cause considerable tissue heating.
More research is necessary to determine how 5G specifically affects human tissue.
How can you protect yourself?
While years of research and millions of funding are needed to clearly establish the effects of 5G service in humans, there are various ways on how you can curb the harmful effects of RF radiation, may it be from 4G or 5G service. One can minimize the exposure to RF radiation by limiting the time on your phone and you can block a large amountof these harmful RF frequencies from penetrating your home by adding the Copperflect material in your attic and even into the walls of your home. It is reccomended that if you are going to remove harmful frequencies from within your home or business that you start by reducing the EMF that comes into your home from your electricity first. Those harmful EMF frequencies can be easily mitigated with the right Power Perfect Box being attached to your fuse box/electric panel.