5G Blog Series Part 1: Understanding the DNA of EMF’s

5G Blog Series Part 1: Understanding the DNA of EMFs

If you haven’t given much thought to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), you’re not alone. They are invisible, after all. Otherwise known as radiation, these unseeable areas of energy are traditionally associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. 

Common Sources of Radiation

There are many sources of radiofrequency radiation today. Some of these include radio and television signals, radar, satellite stations, MRI devices, and industrial equipment. Other emitters include microwave ovens, cordless telephones, televisions, computer screens, smart meters, wireless local area networks, and cell phone base stations (including those for mobile phone networks.) The strength of radiation exposure typically varies based on a person’s distance from the source.

Effects of EMF Exposure

In the 1990s, a possible link between EMF field strength and an increased risk for childhood Leukemia was discovered. Since then, additional research has recommended reducing exposure to EMFs. 

But rather than decreasing their EMF exposure, most people have done the opposite, mainly due to increased cell phone use. Today, 97% of American adults own a mobile cellular device. This is concerning, since cell phones emit a form of radiofrequency radiation, and most people keep them close at hand. While companies that produce phones and install cell towers deny any adverse human health issues, scientists admit some studies point to negative human health effects.

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is connected with the World Health Organization, classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. They based their findings on an increased risk for glioma, which is a malignant brain cancer tied to wireless phone use.

Despite this study and others since, producers of cell phone and internet technologies continue to advance the ubiquity and strength of mobile devices, using the invisibility of EMFs to their advantage. This brings us to 5G. 

What is 5G?

5G networks are cellular networks. The service areas for these networks are divided into areas called cells. A local antenna in the cell uses radio waves to connect 5G wireless devices to internet and telephone networks.

While radio waves are invisible, what’s not so easy to hide are the 5G cellular base stations, which use fixed antennas. Because these stations transmit data on an entirely different part of the radio spectrum than their predecessor, 4G, more towers are needed, and the FCC has estimated over 800,000 new cells be installed across the U.S.

For 5G to function properly, especially in highly populated areas, these cell antennas need to exist close to where connected devices access them. This means you’ll find cell antennas on top of schools, outside restaurants, at intersections, in front of homes–in other words, almost everywhere you go. This matters because proximity to base stations has been found to be the single largest contributor to total radiofrequency EMF exposure.

Since 5G cell antennas increase ambient levels of wireless radiofrequency radiation, they qualify as environmental pollution—and they create visual pollution as well.

5G Impact on Human Health

In 2021, the European Parliament’s report on the Health Impact of 5G concluded that commonly used RFR frequencies (450-6000) are most likely carcinogenic for humans and definitely interfere with the proper development of embryos. In addition, peer-reviewed research has also documented negative effects of wireless radiofrequency radiation, including brain cancer, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and more.

Currently, there is no U.S. federal health agency that has done a proper systematic review of the current scientific research on wireless or its newest generation. And without research, it’s tough to ensure legislation is passed to protect Americans from the harmful effects of 5G. But knowledge is power, awareness is everything, and there are things we can do to protect ourselves, all of which will be described in future posts. So stay tuned and stay aware. 5G isn’t going away. But then again, neither are those who are fighting for human health.