Landmark study on 5G technology highlights health threats

02/02/2021 / By Divina Ramirez

The telecommunications industry and its experts have accused many a scientist who has researched the effects of cell phone radiation on human health of “fear-mongering” over the advent of 5G. But those accusations may soon be put to rest for good, thanks to the latest report of a New Hampshire legislative commission.

Their data showed that radiation from 5G, the new global wireless standard after the 4G network, has negative effects on humans, animals, insects and plants. The report also included 15 recommendations to educate, raise awareness, promote oversight and reduce radiofrequency (RF) radiation.

Experts acknowledge health risks associated with radiation from wireless devices

In 2019, the state of New Hampshire established a legislative commission that would study any environmental and health risks associated with 5G wireless technology. Their latest report took a year to finish and drew from the expertise of 13 members from various scientific disciplines, including one wireless industry expert.

For their report, the commission was tasked with answering eight pointed questions. These included:

Why the insurance industry has exclusions for RF-related damages
Why cell phone manufacturers have legal advice warning users to distance themselves from their phones
Why thousands of peer-reviewed studies on RF that show it can cause health problems like DNA damage and brain tumors have been ignored by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
Why FCC guidelines do not account for health risks associated with wireless technology
Why the FCC RF limits are 100 times higher than those in other countries
Why the World Health Organization (WHO) classified wireless radiation as a possible carcinogen
Why more than 200 scientists signed an appeal to the WHO to protect the public from wireless radiation yet nothing has been done
Why the health effects of pulse signals riding on electromagnetic waves have not been explored

During the initial stages of their research, the Commission learned that a discussion on 5G requires examining all things that emit RF radiation because radiation waves interact with each other. Therefore, it is possible that humans and animals will experience the combined effects of radiation waves from 4G and 5G networks.

Ultimately, all members of the Committee but for the wireless industry expert acknowledged the growing body of research that confirms RF radiation emitted by wireless devices has negative effects on human health. The Committee went on to endorse recommendations in the hopes of promoting awareness about those effects.

The Committee also hopes its recommendations would help legislators in drafting policies that seek to address the harm that RF radiation can cause, as well as policies that would reduce that radiation. Read the full recommendations here.

Tips for reducing exposure to RF radiation

Experts theorize that it won’t be long before 5G replaces the current 4G network. However, it won’t be possible for people to opt out of 5G exposure once the infrastructures needed are installed in their area, explained information technology professional Jon Humphrey in a 2019 interview with Greater Earth Media.

One way people can avoid exposure to RF radiation from 5G networks is by contacting their local legislators or by signing petitions. But in the event that infrastructures needed for 5G services are already in place, these tips may also help:

Identify major sources of electromagnetic fields in the home, such as cell phones, cordless phones, smart thermostats, wireless mice, Bluetooth headsets and the like. Determine how best to limit their use.
Keep babies and young children away from cell phones and wireless devices.
Turn off the Wi-Fi when it is not in use.
Use battery-powered clocks, preferably one without any light.
Use a steam convection oven instead of a microwave oven.
Turn off cell phones or set them to airplane mode when not in use.
Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bed.
Eat cruciferous vegetables and fermented foods.
Exercise. (Related: Hypertensive patients greatly benefit from aerobic exercise: Study.)