Social media, online communities, and games have made cell phones and cellular networks like 5G an integrated part of our life.
Whenever there is a discussion about 5G technology the questions like “How 5G can be dangerous to human health?” and “How to protect yourself from 5G?” are left unanswered.
Perks that 5G will deliver when set up around the globe like the current 3G and 4G will be among the basic needs of the near future but these perks came at the cost of exposure of EMF radiations.
This article is about the comprehensive understanding of 5G technology, How it can be dangerous to human health and how to protect from 5G radiations
What is 5G?
Cellular networks are not only used for voice and video calls. Increased cellular network speed and its implications on the economy have resulted in the development of more refined devices such as mobiles, laptops, pcs, and tablets.
The 5G technology is still in its beginning stage. The “G” in the word 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G represent the generation of wireless technology.
5G is a fifth-generation cellular network that is claimed to be ten times faster than 4G because it uses additional higher frequency waves to encode and carry information. This new technology is based on better radio frequency, faster data speeds, more stable connections, and a wider range.
5G networks can deliver a speed of more than 50 Megabytes per second up to 1 Gigabytes per second which means that you can download a high definition video in less than a minute.
How does 5G technology work?
Wireless connection systems are called radio frequencies and these systems carry information through the air.
5G technology operates in the same way as 4G but this new technology uses higher radio frequencies that are comparatively less cluttered, this enables 5G to carry more information at a faster rate.
These higher frequency bands are called millimeter waves (mm waves) which were previously unused by the public due to expensive and inaccessible devices.
While these higher bands are faster at sending and receiving data there can be problems while sending the information over large distances as they can be easily blocked by the objects in the way i.e. trees and buildings etc.
Therefore antennas of 5G wireless technology will use MIMO (multiple input multiple outputs) which enables multiple receivers and transmitters to exchange data at the same time to boost the signals and capacity across the wireless network.
This technology will also use smaller antennas installed in the streets instead of single stand-alone poles. It is estimated that 5G technology will be able to engage a thousand more devices per meter as compared to 4g technology.
How can 5G be dangerous to human health?
5G is the latest wireless technology that will increase cellular bandwidth several times. There are different opinions about the impacts of 5G technology on human health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a very inadequate amount of research available about the frequencies used in 5G while the available research is more focused on the effects of electromagnetic radiations across the spectrum.
In different parts of the world where 5G technology has been installed, many people have been protesting about its negative impacts on human health.
The people were concerned about the emissions of radiofrequency from the antennas installed nearby. According to some experts, 5G technology can be a health concern as it needs more base stations.
Moreover, a part of the 5G spectrum permitted falls within the microwave band. Microwaves can generate heat in the objects through which they pass.
What is the range of EMF radiations emitted by 5G?
There are two types of electromagnetic radiations i.e. ionizing radiations and non-ionizing radiations.
Ionizing radiations i.e. x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet have very high frequencies about 107 gigahertz. Ionizing radiations are very dangerous to human health and can cause damage to cells and genetic material i.e. DNA.
On the other hand, non-ionizing radiations whose frequency is lesser than ionizing radiations also cause sunburns and it can also be dangerous if the exposure is for a longer period (but below a certain frequency, the negative impacts are minimum).
The radio waves that are used in mobile phones are non-ionizing radiations which means that they cannot break apart DNA.
Mobile phones of these days operate at frequencies below 6 gigahertz while 5G will operate at frequencies between 28 GHz and 39GHz. A part of the 5G spectrum falls within the range of the microwave spectrum.
Are 5G radiations harmful to human health?
As 5G technology is making its way across the globe, many health agencies and governments advise that there is no need to worry about its effects on human health.
Although electromagnetic radiation is harmful to humans, radio frequencies emitted from mobile phones have lesser frequency (non-ionizing) and hence are almost safe.
Numerous researches have been carried out to study the impacts of 5G on human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no indication of cancer risk due to radio waves from 5G base stations.
The US Food and Drug Administration also concluded that there is no substantial evidence of health problems caused by exposure to radio waves.
The UK’s government says that a part of 5G frequency may fall within the range of microwave but the exposure is expected to remain substantially low.
How to protect yourself from 5G?
Radiations are an indispensable part of our lives. Radiations from the sun and different minerals are around us all the time, but there are many sites where a person is expected to have a large number of electromagnetic radiations hitting his body.
Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared all the time to shield yourself from electromagnetic radiation if a situation like this arises. There are three ways in which you can limit your exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Time
People who are exposed to radiation in addition to natural radiations should limit or minimize the time of exposure to reduce the dose from the source of radiation.
Distance
As you move away from the radiation source, the intensity of electromagnetic radiation decreases. Hence it is advised to keep your electronic devices i.e. mobiles, tablets at an appropriate distance from you.
Shielding
Insertion of proper shielding between the radiation source and you will greatly reduce your exposure.
Tools to protect yourself from 5G radiations?
There are several tools available in the market to protect yourself from being exposed to electromagnetic radiation depending upon the intensity of radiation.
Laptop EMF Shielding
Multiple types of shields are available in the market in different designs and formations i.e. laptop cases to make your laptop less or almost not radioactive while connected to a wireless internet connection.
Anti-Radiation Sticker
Stickers are also available which can be stuck with your device i.e. mobile or laptop to make it radiation-free.
EMF shielding Mobile Phone Cover
Different mobile phone cases are also claimed to make your phone radiation-free.
Moreover, many EMF shielding blankets and bracelets are also available in the market which can be used according to one’s need and type of his or her exposure to emf.
Myths about 5G
Similar to other new technologies, 5G has also given birth to new questions and concerns.
Spread of Covid-19
A theory exists that says that the coronavirus can spread through 5G radio waves. However, no research proves the role of 5G in the spread of Covid-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also clarifies that the virus has spread in many countries with no 5G technology.
Health Risk
5G technology is claimed to have associated health risks but several health authorities have rejected the claim.
5G as a replacement of 4g
5G was never intended to replace 4G as in the case of 4g which was expected to replace 3g. 4g will still play a role in a cellular network and will coexist with 5G.
Downloading Speeds
5G is not all about an increase in downloading speed but it will also reduce the latency which will offer exciting and near-real conversations online.
Energy Intensive
5G is perceived to be energy-intensive which is not correct.
Conclusion
5G networks are designed to deliver a speed of more than 50 Megabytes per second up to 1 Gigabyte per second,
A part of the 5G spectrum permitted falls within the microwave radiation band and microwaves can generate heat in the objects.
5G will operate at frequencies between 28 GHz and 39 GHz but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a very inadequate amount of research available about it and nothing can be confirmed about the health risks of 5G radiation.
Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared all the time and shield yourself from electromagnetic radiation.
The best methods are; to reduce the time of exposure, keep distance from the EMF source, and use shielding from daily like used devices that emit EMF radiations.