2021-09-28 08:11:00
What is 5G technology?
5G, for “fifth generation”, actually brings together a number of technological innovations in the field of electromagnetic waves. The most visible, for the moment, concerns high-speed mobile telephony. But the deployment of 5G infrastructures also aims to enable a very large number of connected objects to be able to communicate with each other and with various networks, or to be able to exchange data very quickly, practically in real time, via wireless links.
What are the challenges of exposure to waves for our health?
The development of wireless technologies using radiofrequency electromagnetic waves has accelerated significantly over the last twenty years. We can cite new functionalities for mobile communications, the development of Bluetooth standards, Wi-Fi, and even connected objects. Consumer behavior and uses are also evolving very quickly: mobile Internet, online viewing, network games, etc. The multiplication of technological offers, networks and the evolution of practices tend to increase exposure of the population to electromagnetic waves, with very heterogeneous situations depending on the location, for example. Concerning knowledge on the effects of exposure to waves on health, the most recent expertise based on more than 25 years of research does not highlight a cause and effect link between exposure to waves in our daily lives, and possible effects on health, in the short or long term.
What did the 5G expertise carried out by ANSES consist of?
This expertise is part of the continuity of the work that we have been carrying out at the Agency for 10 years, on the dangers and risks in terms of exposure to electromagnetic fields, whether emitted by high voltage lines, telephony mobile or even Linky meters, for example.
Regarding 5G, we published a preliminary report in January 2020 which highlighted the limited data available, both in terms of predictable exposure levels and, in the field of research, possible effects at specific 5G frequencies . One of the main questions raised at the time, which the expertise attempted to answer, was our ability to interpret available data from current technologies to adapt them to new frequency bands. Our assessment therefore focuses on the fact that the 5G is rolling out in various frequenciesthose used by current mobile technologies from 2G to 4G (700 MHz to 2.1 GHz), but also new specific frequency bands (around 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz). These three distinct frequency bands involve different interactions with the body human. Ultimately, the deployment of 5G in the frequency bands of 2G to 4G technologies should not generate any different exposure. The Agency’s messages inviting people to limit exposure, particularly to children, therefore remain entirely relevant. Given in particular the proximity of frequencies around 3.5 GHz to those used by 2G to 4G mobile technologies, we believe that deployments in this band, which are underway, should not give rise to new questions in terms of health effects. Of course, this is conditional on data available at present, and requires careful monitoring of the deployment, in particular to obtain information on the actual level of exposure of people. As for 5G applications in the 26 GHz band, we will have to wait for the first experiments to obtain exposure measurements.
The Agency’s expertise also shows that it is necessary to undertake research to obtain a clearer vision of the effects which could more specifically concern the skin or the eye, to the extent that this radiation does not penetrate further. far than the first millimeters of the skin.
How was this expertise carried out?
The expertise coordinated by my unit was conducted by a working group specific bringing together twelve experts from various disciplines: physicists, biologists, epidemiologists, doctors, sociologist. The work was then submitted to the specialized expert committee “Physical agents and new technologies”. Furthermore, two additional studies were requested from the Interdisciplinary Laboratory Sciences Innovations Societies (Lisis) to provide an overview of the controversy around 5G: its chronology, its actors and its arenas of expression. Questions surrounding the effects of 5G were also the subject of discussions within the framework of our Dialogue Committee which brings together stakeholders in the field of radio frequencies: associations, unions, mobile telephone operators and manufacturers.
Why was the report put out for public consultation?
For several years, the Agency has given scientists, but also various stakeholders, the opportunity tobring new data in the expertise process, through the public consultation of emblematic expert reports, such as those relating to radio frequencies and children, or even electrohypersensitivity.
Given the elements of controversy surrounding 5G and the deployments still in progress, new data could emerge quickly, which motivated the public consultation of the expert report and the associated opinion. ANSES will publish the responses to the comments received and, with the help of the group of experts, will, if necessary, complete the expert report and the opinion.
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Dubois, Health and Technology Expert on 5G Developments**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Dubois. Can you briefly explain what 5G technology is and its main purpose?
**Dr. Dubois:** Absolutely. 5G stands for fifth generation technology, and it represents a significant advancement in telecommunications. It not only enhances mobile phone connectivity with faster speeds but also enables a higher number of devices to connect and communicate simultaneously. This is crucial for the growing Internet of Things (IoT), where various devices—like smart home systems, wearables, and even autonomous vehicles—need to exchange data in real-time.
**Interviewer:** There has been ongoing concern about the potential health effects of increased exposure to electromagnetic waves due to 5G. What does ANSES’s updated report say about this?
**Dr. Dubois:** ANSES’s updated report, following a public consultation, indicates that, based on over 25 years of research, there is no strong evidence linking everyday exposure to electromagnetic waves—like those from 5G—to health problems in the short or long term. Most of the frequencies used for 5G deployment are similar to those of previous generations, which suggests that there should not be any significant difference in exposure levels.
**Interviewer:** What specific concerns does the agency have regarding 5G frequencies, particularly the new ones?
**Dr. Dubois:** The report highlights three frequency bands used in 5G—those previously used by 2G to 4G, around 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz. While the first two bands should not pose new health risks based on existing research, the effects of frequencies at 26 GHz are still largely untested. Thus, ongoing research is crucial, especially to understand how these newer frequencies may affect human health, particularly concerning the skin and eyes.
**Interviewer:** What recommendations does ANSES provide regarding exposure, especially for vulnerable populations?
**Dr. Dubois:** ANSES maintains its recommendations to limit exposure, particularly for children, reflecting a precautionary approach. Parents and guardians should be mindful of their children’s exposure to all sources of electromagnetic waves, while it’s also essential to continue monitoring actual exposure levels as 5G technology rolls out.
**Interviewer:** what should consumers take away from this updated report regarding the safety of 5G?
**Dr. Dubois:** The key takeaway is reassurance rather than alarm. The scientific consensus, as reinforced by ANSES, indicates that the current understanding of mobile technology, including 5G, does not indicate a direct risk to health. However, it’s always wise to stay informed and advocate for ongoing research to ensure public health safety as technology evolves.
