“Is 5G Bad for Your Health?” We are regularly asked that question in the iPhoned editors. What seems? The question cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”. Science is not sure about it either. Here is an overview.
5G and your health
If everything goes according to plan, T-Mobile will be the first provider with a nationwide 5G network. As soon as the required frequencies have been auctioned by the Dutch government, the system can even be activated with “one push” of a button, a spokesperson said. The advantages of 5G are clear: faster and more stable internet. The disadvantages are less obvious. The potential danger to public health is particularly tricky.
This is the case. 5G operates at a higher frequency than current 4G, which means that more antennas are needed. The capacity of the network is increased, but the distance that a signal can bridge is smaller. This means you need more antennas for national 5G coverage.
The street scene is therefore likely to change. “Now you can see the antennas on masts, the roofs of flats and other tall buildings. More ‘small cells’ will be added to this. Think of antennas in lampposts, bus shelters and advertising pillars ”, a spokesman for the Ministry of Economic Affairs explains to the AD.
Unclear consequences
This goes down the wrong way 180 scientists from 36 countries. This action group wrote a pamphlet in 2017 in which they warn about the dangers of 5G for public health. According to them, the radiation intensity increases and it is still unknown whether and what effects this has on our health. However, studies have been conducted that link the radiation to an increased risk of infertility in men, and even Alzheimer’s.
The Electromagnetic Fields Knowledge Platform, which is engaged in providing information about the radiation from radio masts, is also afraid to make firm statements. “The electromagnetic fields of 5G antennas are comparable to those of 2G, 3G and 4G antennas, because 5G basically uses the same transmission techniques,” notes the website to read.
“It is not yet clear whether 5G will increase exposure to electromagnetic fields, as 5G has not yet been widely introduced anywhere.” However, they try to calm down. The radiation from 5G antennas must remain below the exposure limits. This is the safe limit at which the effects of networks do not affect health.
No need to panic
According to Monique Beerlage, who works at the knowledge platform, there is therefore no reason to panic for the upcoming 5G network. “As far as we can see now, everything is fine.” Yet the fact remains that scientists contradict each other about the possible risks. While one person sees a very clear connection between health risks and the arrival of 5G, another believes that there is nothing wrong.
This has to do with the fact that scientists are not yet able to interpret their results, Beerlage thinks. For example, when a study finds a link between 5G and a physical ailment, they don’t know exactly “why.” This causes division among researchers. “Scientists cannot prove that someone has become ill due to the radiation, but also cannot disprove it,” explains the radiation expert.
However, the knowledge platform is of the opinion that the rollout of the 5G network must be handled with care. For example, electrosensitive people, people who develop health problems when they come close to electromagnetic fields such as antennas, question the new internet standard.
“For these people, the arrival of the 5G network is an emotional topic,” says Beerlage. The expert concludes by saying that “indications have been found about harmful effects, so we are closely monitoring the scientific consequences.”
What you can do yourself against radiation
For the time being, you do not have to worry about 5G radiation. It is true that almost all devices around us continuously emit radiation. If you are sensitive to this, it is wise to take the necessary measures yourself. Reduce the radiation in your home with the following tips:
- Never carry your iPhone in your pocket or anywhere else directly on your body. It is better to transport the phone in a bag, for example.
- Put your smartphone in another room when you go to sleep. When this is not practical, it is wise to place it as far from your bed as possible. This is not only good for combating radiation, but also for your night’s rest, because you counteract blue light. Read all about it in our article about Screen Time, a new feature in iOS 12.
- It is best to turn your iPhone off completely at night, or any other time you are not using it. When the device is not switched on, no radiation is emitted. Keep in mind that you will therefore not be reachable in an emergency.
- Does your router have an adjustable timetable? Then turn off your WiFi diffuser automatically at night. As a result, it no longer spreads radiation. It is also wise not to place your router close to a busy point in your house. Do not place it under your desk if you often work from home, but in the corner of your room, for example.
- Aluminum foil retains radiation some degree against. You can therefore choose to wrap the antennas of your WiFi router. You will need about 12 inches of aluminum foil for two four-inch antennas. Please note that this reduces the range.
- Just after you have pressed ‘Call’ your iPhone emits the most radiation. So wait until the other person has answered before you bring the device to your ear.
- Are you going to buy new electronic products? Then check in advance what radiation value the device has. Search by the name of the product, followed by “SAR”. This stands for Specific Absorption Rate, or the unit that indicates how much radiation is absorbed by the body. Manufacturers must adhere to limits, but of course a lower SAR value is better for your body.
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