5G - the new mobile communications standard
5G has been on everyone’s lips in recent years. We are talking about a new mobile communications standard that is gradually being rolled out in Germany and its neighboring countries. Even though the question of the potential harmfulness of this electromagnetic radiation is a controversial topic, many people fear damage to their health – also because study results are sometimes contradictory and further research is needed. We have compiled the most important information about 5G for you. In it, we explain the potential risks and what the Federal Office for Radiation Protection has to say on the subject. We also tell you how you can reduce the effects of radiation if you are not comfortable with the whole thing.
What is 5G radiation and why does it affect all of us?
What is 5G radiation? 5G is the abbreviation for “5th generation” and refers to the latest standard in mobile communications coverage. Since 2020, 5G has also been gaining ground in Germany. It enables significantly faster mobile internet and is intended to help catch up with Germany’s digital network backlog. 5G is the basis for a wide range of technical possibilities, for example in the fields of architecture, agriculture, transportation and many other areas of life.
5G technology works with higher frequencies than previous mobile communications standards. As these frequencies also have a shorter range, significantly more antennas need to be installed. These installations are therefore also much closer to people’s homes. In addition, several radiation sources can be bundled and directed at one receiver, which naturally increases the concentration of radiation. The consequences of this for nature and human health have not been sufficiently researched. What’s more: Far higher frequency ranges are planned for 5G in the future, for which there are even fewer conclusive studies. Nevertheless, some scientists agree that 5G does not currently pose any health risks. Other experts are concerned that the radiation could very well have a negative impact on human and animal health.
Hardly anyone can really avoid 5G radio in the long term. After all, the aim is to provide nationwide coverage with fast internet – and sooner or later that means 5G in almost all areas. Whether urban or rural.
Does 5G have an impact on us humans and our animals?
As already mentioned, the exact risks to our health are not yet conclusively known and that is precisely the big problem. According to the current state of scientific research, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) does not expect 5G to have any negative effects on health. There are currently no reliable studies showing that 5G is harmful – especially if the applicable limits are adhered to. However, the BfS still sees unanswered questions regarding the topic.
However, there are also some studies that point to dangers. They show, for example, that the radiation can cause tissue heating when using a smartphone. This can have various health effects. For example, there is debate as to whether and how 5G could be carcinogenic. It is not without reason that the WHO classified all radiation with frequencies between 30 kHz and 300 GHz as “potentially carcinogenic” back in 2011 as a precautionary measure. This frequency range includes not only 5G, but also Wi-Fi, all mobile communications, as well as television and radio signals. However, there is explicitly no clear evidence of an increased cancer risk from 5G radiation. However, not enough studies have been published to rule out this suspicion, which has been raised by many experts.
In 2021, the European Parliament’s Scientific Service published a study to examine the current state of knowledge on 5G-related carcinogenic and reproductive hazards. It examined a total of 1861 studies on the topic and found that there is “limited evidence for the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency radiation”. According to the study, there is even “sufficient evidence” that 5G can have a corresponding effect on the reproductive capacity of men. The frequency spectrum from 450 megahertz to 6 gigahertz was examined here. For comparison: 5G currently uses frequencies between 3.4 and 3.8 gigahertz in Europe.
We think: These potential risks should have been examined much more closely before 5G was launched.
Incidentally, 5G is also a risk on a completely different level: data protectionists point out that the greater networking of things will result in many times more data being collected about users. This also applies even if you only use 5G inadvertently, for example because your car or devices at home or at work are in contact with the network. Many people are bothered by this intrusion into their privacy.
How can we reduce the potential impact of 5G radiation?
As the 5G masts have to be erected at a much higher density, it will be difficult for you to avoid living near one of these antennas sooner or later. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to actively and preventively protect yourself from the potential effects of radiation.
- Don’t talk on your smartphone for an unnecessarily long time! If it’s a longer call, use a hands-free kit or headset! Incidentally, most smartphone manufacturers also recommend in their instructions for use that the phone should only be used with a hands-free kit when making calls and that the device should be placed a few centimeters away from the body. Otherwise, manufacturers would not be able to comply with the radiation limits applicable in the EU.
- Don’t carry your smartphone around in your trouser pocket! The closer it is to your body, the more radiation you get. So carry it as far away from your body as possible!
Before going to bed, you should switch on your cell phone’s flight mode. This will significantly reduce radiation.
