5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Copyright © 2020 GSMA

5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Introduction

The debate on health concerns related to Electromagnetic Field

(EMF) exposure has been ongoing through every generation of
mobile technology. The adoption of 5G and expanded use of
features such as the use of millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum
and small cells has resulted in heightened media discussion, and
some misinformation.
This booklet provides an introduction to 5G technology, an
explanation as to how 5G networks operate, and provides an
overview of the international safety guidelines for the levels of
EMF exposure.
Misinformation around the safety of 5G technology has also
gained media traction. Providing answers to some common
questions, the Frequently Asked Questions section addresses
issues in respect to 5G, public health and the environment.

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 5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

What is 5G?

5G is the next generation of mobile technology In technical terms 5G delivers improved data
that will transform the role of mobile connectivity rates (up to 100 times faster than current mobile
in society. Designed to support new applications networks), supporting virtually instant access to
through gigabit data rates, low latency and high services and applications, with network latency
reliability, it will also provide efficient support significantly reduced. In addition, it offers network
for larger numbers of connections, enabling the slicing technology making it possible to dedicate a
Internet of Things (IoT). unique part of a 5G network for a particular service.

How does a 5G network work?

5G networks will use a combination of smart Many initial 5G deployments will be at

antenna technologies and small cells to deliver frequencies similar to 3G/4G mobile networks
radio signals where they are needed. and Wi-Fi. This also means that many existing
antennas sites can be reused for 5G.
Conventional antennas provide coverage similar
to how a floodlight illuminates a wide area. New To achieve higher capacity 5G can also use
5G smart antennas act like flashlights, providing higher frequencies that are used today by
coverage where it is needed and reducing the mobile and satellite industries for other
unwanted signals. Smart antennas increase purposes. These frequencies are known as
capacity and improve efficiency. millimetre-waves (mmW or mmWaves).

Small cells are currently used by mobile networks The core part of the 5G network will initially
to provide localised coverage and/or capacity use 4G control functions before transitioning to
and their use will expand with 5G. They may be standalone 5G networks.
mounted on street lights or inside buildings where
over 80% of mobile usage occurs.

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5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

What are the international exposure guidelines and

why are they relevant?
First published in 1998, the International As part of the ICNIRP review process, an extensive
Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection assessment was carried out of the available
(ICNIRP) guidelines on limiting exposure to scientific evidence and research on EMF and
radiofrequency EMF (RF-EMF), establish limits health, and this review covered studies across the
to protect workers and the public. Wireless entire radio frequency spectrum including the
technologies operate in compliance with these frequencies that can be used for 5G.
guidelines or national regulations, and the World
Health Organisation (WHO) formally recognises The review concluded that the 1998 limits provide
this independent non-governmental organisation. protection for 5G. The 2020 Guidelines also
introduce better and more detailed guidance, in
The ICNIRP 1998 guidelines form the basis of particular, for frequencies above 6 GHz.
regulatory limits for mobile network antennas
and devices in most parts of the world and are The WHO has concluded that EMF exposure
supported by the WHO. below the limits recommended in the ICNIRP
guidelines do not appear to have any known
In March 2020, the 1998 ICNIRP guidelines were consequence on health.
updated. The updated guidelines cover all
frequencies used for mobile communications, The ICNIRP strongly recommends that countries
including the frequencies used for 5G. update to the new ICNIRP (2020) guidelines.

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 5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Why is it necessary to harmonise RF-EMF

exposure limits?
The WHO strongly promotes the use of Restrictive limits do not offer any additional
international standards that provide the same or health protection against established health
similar level of health protection for all people effects and do not lead to lower exposures
and endorses the guidelines of ICNIRP. in public areas. They make mobile network
deployment less efficient, make co-location of
The WHO notes that large disparities between antennas difficult, and increase the number of
national limits and international guidelines can antenna sites that are required.
foster confusion for both regulators and policy
makers, increase public anxiety, and provide a
challenge to manufacturers and operators of
communications systems who need to tailor
their products to each market.

Is mobile safe?

The radio signals used by mobile technologies by the public are unchanged below 6 GHz. The
are extensively researched and have been 2020 update provides additional guidelines for
for decades. The frequencies used for mobile frequencies above 6 GHz. This update has been
operate in compliance with national or anticipated by the industry for some time and
international EMF exposure guidelines, which test methods exist to ensure the compliance of
cover all frequencies currently used by 5G and 5G devices in the market. Public health agencies
under consideration for 5G. and expert groups consistently conclude that
the guidelines protect all persons (including
In March 2020 ICNIRP stated that the 1998 children) against all established health risks.
guidelines still provide protection against
all known health effects of high-frequency Mobile operators encourage national
radiation within the frequency range 100 kHz – regulatory authorities to adopt international
300 GHz (5G is using frequecies below 1 GHz, recommendations on EMF exposure levels for
1-6 GHz and above 6 GHz). The final limits for mobile communications to protect industry
Radio Frequency transmitting devices, such as workers, mobile consumers and the public.
mobile phones and tablets, intended for use

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5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Every generation of mobile technology has sparked some health
discussion, however, the radio signals used by mobile technologies
have been extensively studied for decades and the scientific
evidence gathered is the basis for international safety guidelines.
Several myths around the safety of 5G technology have, however,
gained some media traction. The following provides answers
to some of the common questions that have surfaced in print,
broadcast and social media.

Is 5G carcinogenic?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer The WHO says that studies provide no indication
(IARC), which reviews evidence for cancer that base stations signals increases the risk of
hazards, classifies radio frequency signals in the cancer or any other disease.
same group as eating pickled vegetables (i.e.
that there was limited evidence that they could In February 2020 , the US Food and Drug
cause cancer in humans). Eating processed meat Administration in a review of animal and
falls in a higher classification than radio signals epidemiological studies of radio signals and
(i.e. there is stronger evidence that they might cancer concluded that:
cause cancer in humans).
“To date there is no consistent or credible
evidence of health problems caused by the
ICNIRP says that trends in brain cancer incidence
exposure to radio frequency energy emitted by
rates do not show any increase since mobile
cell phones”.
phones were introduced, and concludes that
no effects of radio signals on cancer have been
substantiated.

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 5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Do we need more research on 5G before we can claim

that it is safe for consumers?
Over the past two decades, extensive studies on Based on strong scientific evidence, international
radio signals used by mobile technologies have safety guidelines include all the frequencies
been undertaken and research continues. The under consideration for 5G. The GSMA and
WHO stated in February 2020 that: its members welcome ongoing independent
research.
“To date, and after much research performed,
no adverse health effect has been causally
linked with exposure to wireless technologies...
Provided that the overall exposure remains
below international guidelines, no consequences
for public health are anticipated.”

Is 5G dangerous for the environment?

The same exposure limits that protect people In addition, one of the goals of 5G is a 90%
also protect the environment. The responsible reduction in energy use. This will be achieved by
German government agency (Bundesamt für reducing the power of transmitters when they
Strahlenschutz) has stated that there is no are not in use, implementing sleep modes and
scientifically reliable evidence of a risk to animals reducing the amount of signaling needed to
and plants exposed to radio signals at or below maintain connectivity.
the limits in the international guidelines. In
addition, the Antenna Bureau in the Netherlands
(Antennebureau) has also refuted conspiracy-
theorist claims that 5G tests harmed birds.

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5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

I’ve heard children could be at greater risk.

How can they be protected?
There have been many independent scientific on phone and Wi-Fi use by younger children due
reviews and these have consistently concluded to concern about possible greater vulnerability
that the international guidelines are protective and to limit longer lifetime exposures if there is
of all persons, including children. However, there an unrecognised health risk. The WHO does not
are currently few studies specific to children recommend specific measures for groups such
and this topic remains an active research area. as children and pregnant women.
The international exposure guidelines have been
developed based on conservative assumptions Mobile phones are designed to automatically
to be protective of all persons. reduce power to the lowest possible level to
make a quality connection. When used in areas
National authorities in some countries of good reception a mobile phone will operate at
recommend voluntary precautionary restrictions lower transmit power.

I have read social media articles linking the spread of

COVID-19 with 5G. Is this true?
No. WHO states that there is no link between 5G 5G mobile networks do not spread COVID-19
and COVID-19, confirming that viruses cannot and the GSMA urges governments around the
travel on radio waves and/or mobile networks. world to take swift action against disinformation,
vandalism and threats against mobile networks.
The WHO maintains that COVID-19 is spread
through respiratory droplets when an infected
person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

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 5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

There have been reports that link 5G with interference

with weather forecasting and its potential
consequences. Is this correct?
Technical studies conducted by the International spectrum and potential 5G spectrum, as well
Telecommunications Union (ITU) confirm as reasonable power limits supported by most
that 5G will not cause any harm to existing governments and the mobile industry, 5G
services, including weather forecasting. With presents no risk to weather forecasting.
the separation between weather forecasting

Will 5G increase my exposure to EMF?

There may be a small localised increase in to existing mobile services. Advanced base
exposure levels when 5G is added to an existing station designs and new technology features
site or when coverage is provided in a new that are part of 5G provide higher capacity to
area. However, 5G total exposure levels will meet consumer demand. As such, additional
remain below - and very low relative to - the antennas will be required, and the number of
international exposure limits. Based on the results small cell installations will increase. All mobile
from measurements of trial and commercial communication systems are designed, however,
5G networks the exposure levels will be similar to minimise power to reduce systems interference.

Will large numbers of small cells for 5G mean an

increase in exposure?
One of the goals of 5G deployments is to provide networks, expected maximum exposure levels
much higher data rates and the use of small cells will be similar to existing mobile services and
will provide this enhanced capacity. Based on a small fraction of the international exposure
the results from current 5G trials and commercial guidelines.

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5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

Are testing standards in place for 5G devices

and networks?
An international standard for assessment of For 5G devices operating in frequency bands
mobile networks exists for all planned 5G higher than those used by current mobile
frequencies. phones, new test procedures are in development
and standardisation activities have been
Many initial 5G deployments will be at initiated.
frequencies similar to existing 3G/4G mobile
networks, and the same mobile device The International Electrotechnical Commission
compliance limit values will also apply to 5G has published a Technical Report providing
devices. guidance on current test methods. A final
international technical standard will be
completed by 2021.

How do you respond to petitions calling for 5G

to be stopped?
The science mentioned in these petitions conclude that the international guidelines
is already well known to the international protect all members of the public and the
scientific community and has been evaluated environment.
by independent expert groups who consistently

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5G, EMF Exposure and Safety

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