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IS 5G BAD FOR HEALTH?

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 IS 5G BAD FOR HEALTH?
Mustaqim H.S1 Muhamad Haziq S.S2 Muhammad Firdhaus S.B 3 Angkhana Tong4 and Nur Aliesa J.5
Faculty of Electronics and Computer Engineering, UTeM, Melaka
Engineering Seminar
B021910180@student.utem.edu.my, 1 B021910078@student.utem.edu.my, 2 B021910189@student.utem.edu.my,
3
B021910146@student.utem.edu.my, 4 B021910192@student.utem.edu.my,

Abstract - 5G is referred to the fifth generation of mobile be exposed to microwave radiation on a daily basis, however
technology. After the upcoming 4G technologies, the next key phase this radiation 2G, 3G, and 4G telecommunications systems,
of mobile communication standards is referred to as 5G. The has never been subjected to long-term health assessment [2].
majority of high-bandwidth users will be using their phones in a new Based on the research, this raises the question about human
way because of 5G technology. People will get to unbelievable level health and environment will have a harmful influence due to
of call volume and data transmission when 5G is pushed over a the higher frequencies and billions of additional connections,
VOIP-enabled device. However, in the case of 5G, this undesirable
resulting in long-term exposure for the entire population,
behavior has focus about the potential health dangers that new radio
including children. To help shedding light on this matter, the
base stations may pose. Broadband's shorter wavelength radio
frequency radiation spread, on the other hand, raises concerns effect on public health installation of 5G radio base station
about safety and health issues in a massive 5G interconnected will be discussed in this paper.
telecommunications network. The argument regarding the risks of
existing wireless technologies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G persists. The
human and environmental consequences of 5G technology have
earned far less attention. With the addition of this additional high-
frequency 5G radiation, it is argued that the complicated mix of
lesser frequencies will have a harmful influence on public health,
both physically and mentally. This article discusses the detrimental
effects of 5G radiation on a range of verticals, including health,
environmental challenges, privacy, and thermal comfort.

Keyword; Public Health Issues, 5G, radiofrequency, radiation

I. INTRODUCTION
Mobile wireless technology is being more widely used all
around the world. The Federal Communication Commission
(FCC) has approved the construction and testing of a new
faster 5th generation (5G) telecommunication infrastructure
with new antennas. It provides us with super automation and
instantaneous "immersive entertainment," there are also
concern about the public health and safety of wireless
devices. 5G technologies are now widely acknowledged to
have a number of detrimental implications on human and
public health. The higher millimetre wave frequencies will be
incorporated in 5G, which have never been used for internet
or communications technology before. The 5G rollout
involves additional microwave frequencies in the low (0.6
GHz – 3.7 GHz), medium (3.7 GHz – 24 GHz), and higher
(24 GHz and above) bands for faster communications [1].
The 5G technology system need a dense network of
permanent antenna every 300 metres outdoors, as well as
inside systems, due to the higher frequencies cannot transmit
far and are hindered by structures. Because high-frequency
electromagnetic radiation has been shown to change insect
body temperatures and impede their capacity to orient
themselves, the 5G telecommunication system may also harm
animals and birds. Regardless of this, that individuals would
Figure 1: Frequency Cells in Wireless Communication
II. THEORY
The highest speed rate of 5G networks is 20 Gigabit, but the
top speed of 4G technology is only data Speed. 5G also offers
decreased delay, which can bolster the economy software and
some other interactive design run better (such as online
gaming, videoconferencing, and self-driving cars). While gen
zers of mobile network (such as 4G LTE) committed to
providing connection, 5G takes it a step further by allowing
consumers to have web linked experiences. In virtual and
operating system 5G technology, cloud computing is
deployed. The 5G technology will also boost flexibility by
allowing seamless roaming among mobile and Wi-Fi
connections. Phone devices could maintain contact while
needing to reauthenticate when they travel between outside
and inside wireless networks. Area network 6 (also known as
802.11ax) is a newer communication standard that offers
many of the same characteristics as 5G, such as better
performance. Area network transmitters may be put wherever
consumers require them for better coverage and efficiencies.
A operating system networking with complete automation
supports these Wi-Fi 6 radios. 5G technology should increase

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connectivity in underdeveloped country places when need
might exceed current 4G capabilities. A compact, dispersed
design would be used in future 5G technology to relocate data
management further towards the and consumers, allowing for
quicker data acquisition. This raises the question of whether
higher frequencies and billions of additional connections may
impair human health and the environment, resulting in long-
term exposure for the whole population, including children
according to study. While the majority of experts feel that
such radio waves do not hurt the public, no research has yet
been conducted on the long-term exposure that 5G would
bring. As a result, some experts feel that further research is
needed into the potential detrimental health electromagnetic
fields (EMF) and 5G have been shown to have an impact on
the incidence of several serious human illnesses. Another
thing to consider is the need to bring together specialists from
many sectors, such as health, physics, and engineering, in
order to do more research on the consequences of 5G. The
current EU wireless signal transmission rules, the Council
Recommendation on the Limitation of Public Transmission
to Electromagnetic Fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz), are more than
twenty years old and thus do not take into account recent
technological advancements. The technological
characteristics of 5G has its own set of technical qualities.
III. LITERATURE REVIEW
In terms of 5G. the United State is now leading the way. In
June 2016, At the Federal Communications Commission's
lead by Tom Wheeler's press conference in June 2016 He
announced that the low, mid, and high spectrums would be
opened up. There was no mention of any ill effects on one's
health. The threats, though, are genuine. Thousands of studies
have linked the disadvantages of low-level wireless radio
frequency radiation exposure to a slew of negative biological
effects, such as oxidative damage, DNA single and double
strand breaks, increased blood brain barrier permeability,
melatonin reduction, and stress protein production. [3]. A
radio frequency was proved as a potential 2B carcinogen by
the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011. The working
committee decided that non-ionizing RF radiation from
equipment generating in the frequency range 0.3 GHz-300
GHz is a Group 2B, or 'possible' human carcinogen. When
using mobile phones or cordless phones, Radio Frequency
(RF) is produced, and the brain is the major organ to which
RF radiation from portable wireless is directed. International
Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO (IARC) conducted a
review of the scientific information on the risk of brain
tumors. IARC is self-funded and has its own governing and
scientific councils, which WHO personnel are only invited to
visit as observers [4]. Besides, based on the research that the
radio frequency radiation that radiate from mobileephone also
can cause cancer.
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Is 5G Bad for Health?
5G technology requires a significantly larger network of
antennas and other transmitting equipment than earlier
technologies since it uses millimetre waves and higher
frequencies [5]. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are energy
fields that are invisible and measured in hertz (Hz). Based on
the theory of microwave, longer wavelengths with lower
frequencies are less effective in terms of energy, while shorter
wavelengths with higher frequencies are more effective.
Based on the frequency terms, an EMF is divided into two
types which is an ionising and non-ionising radiation.
Ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays are examples of ionising
radiation (mid to high frequency). While, an ionising
radiation's energy can harm human cells and cause cancer.
The characteristics of non-ionising radiation has longer
wavelengths and at the same time it has lower frequency.
Many specialists believe that non-ionising radiation has only
thermal effects, such as tissue heating, and that at high
exposure levels, temperature-sensitive biological structures,
and it can be harmed the human biological process [6].
However, some of the scientists listed above argue that the
5G technology, the concern is the pulse, 15 the frequency to
which the entire population would be exposed due to the
dense network of antenna and the expected billions of
simultaneous connections. Pulsed EMF is more biologically
active and thus more harmful than non-pulsed EMF,
according to studies. Mostly the wireless communication
equipment uses pulsations to communicate in some way, and
the better the device, the more pulsations it uses. As a result,
even if 5G has a low power output, its continuous aberrant
pulse radiation can have an impact. In term of as pulsing, it
appear to exacerbate the physiological and health
implications of exposure which it can cause DNA damage,
which is thought to possibility of cancer, in addition to the
mode and length of exposures. Reproductive decline and
neurological disorders are also linked to DNA damage.
Based on analysis 5G is the first wireless technology that
used milimetre wave compare the previous wireless
technologies such as 2G, 3G and 4G. Due to the restricted
coverage, cell antennas was installed with close distance to
one another cell in 5G communication, which will result in
constant exposure of the population to millimetre wave
radiation all of the time. New technology, such as active
antennas, it allow and capable of beam-forming and huge
inputs and outputs, will be required to use 5G. According to
the European Commission, the cost of achieving the aim,
which includes 5G coverage in all urban areas, will be over
€500 billion by 2025. This is a disadvantage by creating a
large amount of waste in producing 5G technology. At the
same time, its limitations of rural access due to base
transceiver station (BTS) should be build more closely
packed into an area with smaller coverage areas per ‘small
cell’, to provide good coverage and at the same time it can
avoid 'not-spots'. Therefore, it has incurred huge expenditure
capital for this 5G technology covering all areas.
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 Is 5G Bad for Health?

In the Europe Union, these rules are followed by Council
Recommendation 1999/519/EC of July 12, 1999. The
following physical quantities describe fundamental
restrictions on electromagnetic fields, since the Council
Recommendation provides the standard protective
framework guiding EU Member States and providing basic
restrictions and reference levels, depending on frequency. In
5G frequencies, basic limitations on the specific absorption
rate (SAR) are provided between 0.1GHz and 10 GHz to
prevent from over radiation that may the whole-body heat
stress and excessive localised tissue heating. There are
current density and SAR limits in the 100 kHz to 10 MHz
band. The European Environment Agency (EEA) has long
urged for caution when it comes to electromagnetic fields
exposure, pointing out that prior failures to follow the
precautionary principle have resulted in frequently
irreversible harm to human health and the environment. Many
efforts done today to avert probable and potentially major
health hazards from EMF will very certainly be viewed as
prudent and wise in the future. The European Environment
Agency (EEA) wants the European Union (EU) to take
additional precautions and alert citizens about the dangers of
electromagnetic fields, particularly for youngsters [6]. [6].
A high spectrum range from 5G can cause cell
mutation and tumour formation which can progress to cancer.
The generation of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) which a
natural aspect of cellular activities and signaling is increased
when exposed to 5G radiation. Excess ROS production do not
counteract by endogenous antioxidants and exogenous
antioxidants which allows the formation of free radicals that
oxidise and damage human DNA, proteins, membrane and
mitochondria [9]. Due to mitochondria lack histones, they are
exposed against mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and
cannot repair DNA damage. Excess ROS created due to
radiation exposure has been linked to hazardous compounds,
pesticides and metals. In addition, ROS induced oxidative
damage has been related to the development or worsening of
various chronic illnesses including cancer.

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5G technology is more complex and needs a greater coverage
of base stations in order to deliver the desired capacity to
reach the target in its region, from that it can bring a bad effect
to human health due to the high frequency used. Far less Figure 2: Formation of cancer
researcher has started the research to determine the effect of
5G technology on human. From the result of their studies
which find effect towards human skin, eyes and also human 3) Effect on the eyes
immune system [7].
At 1994 research discovered that the development of
cataracts can come from the low-level millimetre microwave
radiation. This investigation has been done and prove which
1) Effect on the skin caused lens opacity in rats. The Medical Research Institute of
Kanazawa Medical University has investigated that 60GHz
One of the adverse effects of this frequency is how
millimeter-wave antennas can induce several sorts of thermal
it affects the skin. Researchers conducted multiple
burns. Thermal effects which caused by millimetre waves
experiments, the findings demonstrated that the external
able to reach below the surface of the eye. Cataracts continue
effect of low-intensity waves can be extremely significant,
to be a primary cause of blindness. According to researchers,
inducing a variety of biological alterations involving cell
Urato and Ellwein, 2002, age-related cataracts is a universal
membrane effects and occurring at non-thermal temperatures.
structure of oxidative damage. Age, smoking, diabetes and
Specific frequencies when applied briefly, human skin will
UVB exposure are all identified as risk factors for cataract
promote the release of endogenous opioids. The 95 GHz
development. Oxidative damage, according to research, is a
Millimeter Waves (MMW) band appears to influence
universal mechanism for age-related cataracts. Another
cutaneous nociceptors and act as a hazardous signal without
reason cause of cataracts is microwave radiation, with heat
generating heating or thermal damage [8]. Feldman, one of
being the undeniable process. It is possible that the eyeballs
the researchers, revealed that human sweat ducts are helically
do not have enough blood flow to distribute heat effectively.
formed tubes filled with a conductive aqueous fluid.
According to the findings, sweat ducts in the skin might act
as antennas and respond to millimeter waves.

2) Potential to cause cancer

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Figure 3: Cataract affected human eye
V. CONCLUSION
Although 5G technology has numerous unimagined
applications, Despite the advantages, it is becoming
increasingly evident that there are severe serious effects. If
extensively adopted, it could have negative impacts on human
health and ecosystems. The wavelengths of radiofrequency
radiation to which we are currently exposed appear to react
as a poison on biological organisms. Independent
environmental and health advising panels are being formed,
which comprise independent scientists who research
biological consequences and level of radiofrequency
radiation exposure, is required to ban on 5G implementation.
A sound policy structure for present and future
telecommunications initiatives will necessitate a more
detailed check of threats to human health, the environment,
and public safety, privacy, security, and social implications.
According to the deployment of 4G or 5G networks, public
health regulations must be modified to align with adequate
independent evidence and biologically exposure guidelines
are being adopted. Due to the current state of science, the lack
of appropriate exposure regulations based on observed
biological consequences, and research and data gaps, we must
reduce our RF EMR exposure whenever it is practically
possible. Laws or policies that limit science's and the
scientific community's full integrity when it comes to the
environmental and health impacts of electromagnetic
technology or other harmful technologies exposure to
environmental must be improved to allow for unbiased,
objective, and cautionary science as a main driver for
required government laws and regulations.
VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The achievement and successful completion of this project
assignment required a great deal of direction and assistance
from a large number of people. Whatever we have done is due
to support, commitment, and advice, and we will never forget
to express our gratitude to them who involved in this project
assignment. Next, we would like to express our gratitude to
our lecturer, Dr. Juwita for giving us the opportunity to do
ISSN: 5230 – 7172 e-ISSN: 5230-7172 Vol. X No. X
Is 5G Bad for Health?
this project assignment work and for providing us with all of
the help and direction that enabled us to complete the
assignment on time. We would like to thanks to our
classmates for giving us with all of the support and
contribution to spend time in order to complete the
assignment on time. We are really grateful because we
managed to complete this project assignment within the time
given by our lecturer. However, this project assignment
cannot be completed without the effort and co-operation from
our group members. Group member’s Mustaqim Hakimi,
Muhamad Haziq Syahir, Muhammad Firdhaus, Nur Aliesa
and Angkhana. So, we will thank each one of us.
VII. REFERENCES
[1] MCMC, 2019. “NATIONAL 5G TASK FORCE
REPORT,” RETRIEVED ON DEC 20, 2021, FROM
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[2] Belyaev, Igor, 2005. “Non-Thermal Biological
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[3] Miroslava K, 2020. “Effects of 5G Wireless
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[4] EPA, 1993. “US EPA Office of Air and Radiation
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[5] F. Mokhtari-Koushyar, M. Alamdar, and M.
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[6] AOCPM, 2020. “Ionizing and Non-Ionizing
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 Is 5G Bad for Health?

[8] R. Nyberg and L. Hardell, 2017.“EU 5G Appeal –

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[9] M. Karaboytcheva, 2020. “Effects of 5G wireless

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[10] M. S. J. S. Ahmed Thair Al-Heety, Mohammad

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