The deployment of 5G networks has raised concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Some people have expressed concerns that 5G technology and other high-frequency radiations used in telecommunications may cause cancer and other health problems. In this blog post, we will explore the science behind these concerns and explain why 5G and other similar frequencies used in telecommunications are unlikely to cause harm, except for heating effects.
To understand the potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation, it is important to first understand the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, which includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. These different types of radiation have different frequencies and therefore different amounts of energy.
The frequency of electromagnetic radiation is measured in hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second. The higher the frequency of the radiation, the more energy it possesses. For example, radio waves have a lower frequency and less energy than X-rays, which have a higher frequency and more energy.
The electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into two categories: ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation includes X-rays and gamma rays, which have high frequencies and enough energy to ionize atoms and molecules, causing cellular damage and increasing the risk of cancer. Non-ionizing radiation includes radio waves, microwaves, and visible light, which have lower frequencies and do not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules.
5G technology uses higher frequencies than previous generations of wireless technology, such as 4G and 3G. The higher frequencies used by 5G, known as millimeter waves, ranging from 24GHz to 60GHz, have wider bandwidth and faster data transfer rates. However, these higher frequencies do not have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules and are therefore considered non-ionizing radiation.
Similarly, other telecommunications frequencies, such as those used by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies, are also non-ionizing and do not have enough energy to cause cellular damage or increase the risk of cancer.
Extensive research has been conducted on the potential effects of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves and other forms of non-ionizing radiation. Most of this research has not found conclusive evidence that exposure to non-ionizing radiation from wireless technologies causes harm to human health.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on limited evidence of an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain cancer, associated with long-term use of cell phones. However, this classification does not mean that RF-EMF causes cancer, only that there is a possibility of a link.
Other studies have not found evidence of a link between cell phone use and an increased risk of cancer. A large study conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program found no evidence that exposure to RF-EMF caused cancer in rats or mice. Similarly, a review of studies conducted by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency found no conclusive evidence of a link between cell phone use and an increased risk of cancer.
Aside from the potential for heating effects at high power levels, similar to a microwave oven, there is no clear evidence that exposure to non-ionizing radiation from telecommunications frequencies causes harm to human health.
Despite the lack of clear evidence of harm, many countries have established safety guidelines and regulations to limit exposure to electromagnetic radiation from telecommunications frequencies. These guidelines are based on the “precautionary principle,” which states that if an activity or technology has the potential to cause harm but the evidence is uncertain, precautionary measures should be taken to minimize the risk.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establishes guidelines for safe exposure to RF-EMF from wireless devices and telecommunications frequencies. In Brazil, we have the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL), which establishes even stricter standards for radiofrequency emissions compared to the U.S. These guidelines are based on recommendations from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and are designed to ensure that exposure levels do not exceed established safety limits. Here in Brazil, ANATEL also conducts its own studies to ensure consumer safety. Fedacha These safety guidelines and regulations are designed to protect public health and ensure that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from wireless technologies does not exceed safe levels.
In conclusion, the science suggests that exposure to non-ionizing radiation from telecommunications frequencies, including 5G, does not cause harm to human health, except for considerable heating effects at high power levels. Although there is limited evidence of a possible link between prolonged use of cell phones and glioma, most studies have not found conclusive evidence of an increased risk of cancer or other health problems.
However, safety guidelines and regulations have been established to ensure that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from wireless technologies does not exceed safe levels. These guidelines are based on the precautionary principle and aim to protect public health.
It is important to continue monitoring the science and conducting further research on the potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation. However, currently, the evidence suggests that 5G and other telecommunications frequencies are unlikely to cause harm, except for heating effects, and can be safely used in everyday life.
Escolha como deseja entrar em contato com a Vertexa.
Informações enviadas!
Em breve entraremos em contato contigo via e-mail.
Choose your region