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5G is the latest network of wireless technology. It’s used to transmit data between appliances, like mobile phones and Bluetooth devices.

5G works by producing a type of energy called electromagnetic radiation. It uses higher frequencies than previous wireless networks, making it faster and more efficient.

Electromagnetic frequencies, like those produced by 5G, create an area called an electromagnetic field (EMF). Some people believe EMFs have negative health effects.

As a result, there is concern about how 5G affects health. But there are currently no known health risks linked to 5G.

Read on to learn about 5G and what research says so far.

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.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is limited research on the frequencies used in 5G.

There is more research on the health effects of electromagnetic fields across the spectrum. However, the results are inconsistent.

To date, EMFs have been potentially associated with:

Tissue heating

A small 2017 study 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 study 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.

Cognitive function

The effects of 5G exposure on cognitive function have not been studied yet.

There’s some research involving EMFs from other sources. In a small 2017 study, researchers examined how using a mobile phone affects cognitive function. The researchers found that using a mobile phone for at least 90 minutes a day is associated with attention difficulties.

A small 2018 research review found conflicting evidence. The researchers examined 43 studies regarding EMFs and cognitive function. They concluded that there is no solid link between EMFs and cognitive concerns.

Cancer

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated EMFs are “possibly carcinogenic” to humans. The classification was determined by 30 scientists from 14 countries.

To date, most studies have examined the potential link between EMFs and brain cancer. But the results have been inconsistent.

For example, a 2017 research review found that EMF radiation from mobile phones are associated with glioma, a type of brain cancer. A 2018 study, on the other hand, did not find a clear association between high frequency EMFs and brain tumors.

Again, more studies are needed to determine if 5G frequency can contribute to cancer development.

There’s limited research on how 5G specifically affects animals.

Most research has involved mice or rats. For example, a 2019 animal study found that EMFs from mobile phones are linked to DNA damage in mice and rats. Another 2016 animal study found that EMFs of any frequencies can harm the nervous system.

A 2020 research review also examined how EMFs affect organisms like snails and frogs. The researchers determined that it is unclear if EMFs have negative effects on animals.

More research is necessary to determine how 5G affects animals, if at all.

Since the release of 5G, many false claims about its health appeared on social media. Examples of these myths include:

  • COVID-19 vaccines contain 5G microchips
  • 5G release is used to cover up the COVID-19 pandemic
  • 5G causes headaches, migraines, and dizziness

There is no proof behind these claims.

5G and the new coronavirus

There’s also a myth that 5G mobile networks are associated with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the condition COVID-19. This is false.

According to rumors, 5G is said to directly spread the virus. But viruses spread through respiratory droplets, not wireless networks.

Some rumors claim that 5G suppresses your immune system, increasing your risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. But this is also false. There is no proof that EMFs or 5G affects your risk of developing viral infections.

The IARC, which classified EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic,” is part of WHO. But WHO is completing its separate health assessment of EMFs.

The International EMF Project manages the assessment. WHO established the International EMF project in 1996.

Dr. Lennart Hardell, an oncologist in Sweden, spoke out against the EMF project. In a 2017 research review, Hardell stated that five of the six members of EMF’s core group are affiliated with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

According to Hardell, this is a conflict of interest. He also states that many members of ICNIRP are affiliated with industries that use wireless networks.

5G is the newest wireless network. It provides faster mobile communication by producing higher electromagnetic frequencies.

Currently, there’s no solid evidence that 5G causes negative health effects in humans or animals. Most researchers have studied EMFs in general and found mixed results.

Though more studies are needed to understand 5G, it’s not associated with contracting SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. 5G does not spread the new coronavirus or make you more susceptible to viral infections.