What Are the Health Risks of 5G?

Larry A. Law

When we consider whether or not 5G could be harmful to our health, it may be helpful to know a few facts of which we are certain. 5G will operate in the millimeter microwave (MMW) range of the electromagnetic field (EMF) spectrum. That's technical but means the bandwidth is 24 - 30 GHz (gigahertz), a wavelength associated with non-ionizing radiation (NIR). Ionizing radiation (IR) includes high-energy x-rays and gamma rays which can be deadly. Because NIR includes visible light and infrared light, scientists previously did not worry as much about this type of radiation. But studies conducted within the last decade have demonstrated that continuous exposure--like what is associated with WiFi and cell phones--can be just as harmful over time. 

NIR does not have enough energy to damage DNA or create free radical ions directly. NIR does it indirectly by forcing open Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels (VGCC). Calcium is an essential mineral in the creation of electrical energy within the cell. Because of this, it is highly regulated and most of it is kept inert outside of the cell. The cells control its entry by opening and closing VGCCs. What scientists discovered is that NIR can force open these VGCCs. This causes excessive amounts of calcium to flood into the cell, leading to the formation of carbonate-free radicals, nitric oxide, superoxide, and eventually peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is a reactive nitrogen species and one of the most damaging molecules in the body. Peroxynitrite cues up inflammation which damages cell membranes (glycocalyx), mitochondria, stem cells, glycoproteins, and DNA. The brain, heart and reproductive organs are especially vulnerable. 

The National Toxicology Study in 2016 showed increased risk for malignant gliomas (brain tumors) in rats exposed to cell phone radiation for 9 hours/day for 2 years. In addition, schwannomas (tumors) of the heart were noted. A 2017 review found increased risk for brain cancer in human beings using cell phones for 10 years. Swedish oncologist, Lennart Hardell, found the highest risk for developing glioma was in people who began using the technology before 20 years of age. It's not surprising to learn that the wireless industry funds studies which deny or mitigate brain cancer correlation. In one study they manipulated the results by eliminating the over 60-year-old group. Of course, this is the group where most brain cancer begin to show up! 

Another study conducted from 1999 to 2004 showed an 80% increased risk in glioma after 10 years for "heavy users." In the footnotes, "heavy users" was defined as anyone using the cell phone more than 2 hours a month! Maybe that was true in 2000 but the average use in 2018 is 3.5 hours per day! It has increased exponentially since then. A study on rats showed a compromised blood-brain-barrier after only one minute of exposure to low-level radiation.

​Another problem with brain cancer is latency. Latency means it takes time for cancer to develop. Some cancers are quicker and some are slower in their development. For example, after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945, it took 40 years for some of the tumors to show up. 

Breast cancer is another disease identified in the 2007 BioInitiative Report which looked at 50 studies documenting evidence of breast cancer caused by electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Women should definitely not carry cell phones in bras. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified EMFs as possible carcinogen (Group 2B) based primarily on the link between EMFs and childhood leukemia. 

Reproductive health is also implicated. Over 300 studies document infertility issues (40% in men and 60% in women) associated with cell phone use. Men should not keep their cell phone in their front pocket. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS) is not recognized by the medical establishment as a disease; however, 3% of the population experience similar symptoms ranging from high oxidative stress biomarkers in their blood to sleep disorders, headaches, memory and concentration loss, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia, tinnitus, skin tingling, burning, and itching. 

A technique favored by the wireless industry is to fund low-quality studies. These industry-funded studies can muddy the water by claiming inconsistent findings. If they can counter independent findings that show correlation with a similar number of their studies claiming no correlation, they can promote the idea that the science is not settled. The latest comprehensive study published on November 2, 2020 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health pulled the covers off this statistical game. They outlined which studies were low-quality, industry-funded and which were not. The overall conclusion from the independent studies was that "cellular phone use with cumulative call time more than 1000 hours (equals 7 minutes/day) showed a statistically significant increase in the risk of tumors (60% increase)." The science is not uncertain. The risks associated with NIR and particularly the MMW bandwidth utilized by 5G are significant. The public would do well to mitigate their exposure and lobby for restrictions on this technology. Our children's lives depend upon it.