In relation to brain tumours or brain damage, this theory would only have a possibility if the brain is within 8mm of the surface of the body’s surface. It has been shown that non-ionising radiowaves like that used for 5G network can’t penetrate the skin more than about 8mm.
It is worth noting that the scalp skin is the thickest on the human body (which is on average 8mm) and the skull having an average thickness of 6.5mm (males) to 7.1mm (women). The skin/scalp and skull has an average total thickness greater than 8mm.
Dr Ken Karipidis who has raised concerns in the past about the rollout of 5G before adequate health effect testing has also stated ‘At the frequencies where 5G will be operating, the RF electromagnetic energy does not penetrate much further than the surface of the skin’.
ARPANSA recent media release:
states “We urge you to be cautious of claims from anti-5G campaigns. These campaigns are generating unfounded fear and concern within the community. We have seen increasing misinformation about health effects, our role, and 5G or radio waves generally.”
The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) also has information in relation to the potential cancer risks of mobile phone use, including 5G. It states:
’ Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from x-rays, is known to increase the risk of cancer. However, although many studies have examined the potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation from radar, microwave ovens, cell phones, and other sources, there is currently no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk in humans (2).
The only consistently recognized biological effect of radiofrequency radiation in humans is heating. The ability of microwave ovens to heat food is one example of this effect of radiofrequency radiation. Radiofrequency exposure from cell phone use does cause heating to the area of the body where a cell phone or other device is held (e.g., the ear and head). However, it is not sufficient to measurably increase body temperature. There are no other clearly established effects on the human body from radiofrequency radiation."
It seems that many of the websites which seem to raise health concerns about the use of mobile phones appear to report the known effects of ionising radiation.
The NCI website also discusses findings of the epidemiological research undertaken to assess the association between cell phone use and cancer risk. It is worth reading this information from one of the world’s leading organisations
While there is possibly more research required to provide more conclusive evidence of the outcomes of research, the research generally shows mobile phone use is 'not associated with an increased risk of glioma, meningioma, or non-central nervous system tumors’.
I remember clearly over 10 years ago many of my work colleagues complaining about the heating of their skin and ears from the new generation 3G mobile phones used. The cause of the heating was investigated and it was found out to be a problem with the model of the Nokia mobile phone used (the battery and screen). In relation to heating, it also appears that there are no know health consequences of long term continuous heating the skin. While the sun ages skin and causes skin cancers and other abnormalities, the effects are due to UV radiation and not heating.
With any new technologies, there are those which are overly cautious of its implementation. Such caution is wise as often those researching and developing the technologies take greater time to determine impacts of the technologies and adjust the delivery of the technology to minimise any potential impacts.
While historically there have been some products which have slipped through adequate without adequate testing (and have impacted on human health), the use of mobile phones which use non-ionising radio-waves to transmit voice/data have been used since the birth of the 1G ‘brick’ in 1987. Non-ionising radiowaves have also been used in other older technologies (CBs, TV, radios) for many generations prior to the rollout of the 1G network.
There will always be inconclusive information about many things, however, in relation to mobile phones, there is established consensus amongst both radio-wave and radiation medical experts. ARPANSA has summaries the consensus as there is ‘no link between the use of mobile phones in Australia and the incidence of brain cancers. It showed that although mobile phone use has risen rapidly since 2003, there has been no increase in any brain tumour types since then.’
ARPANSA also states that it ‘will continue to review the research into potential health effects of RF EME emissions from mobile phone base stations and other sources in order to provide accurate and up-to-date advice.’
(Disclaimer: I am one of few which don’t have or use a mobile phone).
