5G and human health

Abstract

The considerable characteristics of 5G technology (Fifth Generation of telecommunication) is the very high amount of data that can be transmitted in the time unit (data speed: Megabits per second - throughput) and the very low delay in data exchange (latency). ElectroMagnetic Fields (EMFs) are used for decades for communication reasons and broadcasting. 700 MHz and lower frequencies are currently being used in Digital TV. Low frequencies (800, 900 MHz) are also being used in previous (but still existing) technologies 2G, 3G, 4G, 4G+. 5G will exploit both low and high frequencies. 5G will be operation mainly in a low band (700 MHz) and a high band (3.5 GHz). In the near future mmWave bands will also be used above 6 GHz (for example 24 GHz, 28 GHz and above). Theoretical models and live measurements have consistently shown that the actual maximum power is always less than the 25% of the maximum peak power of a Massive-MIMO antenna. ICNIRP has published in 1998 “Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz)”. The current revision (2020) is based on the same criteria, but it exhibits more accuracy in dosimetry calculations, considering details and based on better biological rationale. mmWave bands (> 6 GHz) is a controversial issue for the population. Reports did not show adverse health effects in daily life under the safety limits. WHO is currently preparing a review about health risks assessment of RF exposure (including mm-Waves), which will be completed by 2022. There is no evidence of adverse health effects at exposure levels below the basic restrictions as described in the ICNIRP (1998) and ICNIRP (2020) guidelines and no evidence of an interaction mechanism that would predict that adverse health effects could occur due to radiofrequency EMF exposure below restriction levels. The new Guidelines provide protection against all adverse health effects, regardless of whether they are due to acute or chronic exposures, regardless of age or health status. Radio and Microwave Frequencies, where mobile technology and Wi-Fi operate, are used in Medicine for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. These bands are used for various application as Microwave Diathermy (same band as 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi technologies), Microwave induced thermoacoustic echography (same band as 4G technology), Medical Imaging / localization of tumors (same bands as 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies) and Medical Monitoring / Measurement of vital function as respiration and heart rate (same band as the forthcoming mmWave 5G). By utilizing new technologies that are involved in 5G communication (IoT and mmWave frequencies) healthcare systems can improve the quality of care, provide more personalized and preventive care and reduce the cost of care. © 2021 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.