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Is 5G technology dangerous for human health?
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The frequency of 5G waves is not high enough to cause harm

5G radio signals are composed of waves of two different frequencies. One of which are sub-6 GHz, which make up 4G networks and are very common. The second are the higher frequency ‘millimeter waves’. Although these waves are controversial due to their higher frequency, they are still completely harmless to humans.

The Argument

5G signals are low frequency, non-ionizing waves that are harmless to the public. Harmful waves are classified as ionizing radiation, two examples of which are Gamma and X-Rays. These rays have such a high-frequency that they can cause damage and illness to humans, such as cancer.[1] Thankfully, even though millimetre waves are higher in frequency than 4G signals, they are still much lower than ionizing rays and will not cause harm to humans. Even so, the only 5G signals that are being used in most of the world are the common sub-6 GHz’s that are used for all 4G signals and Wi-Fi anyways.[2] Robert DeMott, a toxicologist who specializes in risk assessment noted that “Calling it 5G and changing the frequency does not change the relevant biological health factor, which is energy."[1] Even though the frequency is higher, 5G signals are not ionizing waves and therefore could never cause the damage of ionizing waves.

Counter arguments

Some may argue that although these higher frequency millimetre waves are classified as non-ionized, studies have shown that exposure to these higher frequency waves can still cause damage. A toxicology report created in 2018 by the US department of health displayed that male rats exposed to high frequency waves developed a cancerous tumour in their hearts.[3] Many people believe that this study indicates that high frequency 5G signals will cause harm to the public.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.wired.com/story/worried-5g-health-effects-dont-be/
  2. https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/2020/04/04/fact-check-no-5-g-wireless-towers-arent-dangerous/2941154001/
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48616174
This page was last edited on Monday, 5 Oct 2020 at 16:09 UTC

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