Is 5G Technology and Millimeter Waves Safe

The Tech world has been talking about 5G technologies for years. Ever since the conceptualization of 5G, signal transmission using millimeter waves is always under suspicion due to worries about health risks. Despite the fact that researchers do not have sufficient data about the health risks of millimeter waves, it is a scary topic for many peoples which lead to ongoing discussions.

What are the unique features of 5G technology?

Since the first generation, the cellular network uses radio waves to transmit voice calls and data bits from the base stations to individual mobile devices and vice versa. In LTE (4G) and LTE advanced technology, each mobile device can support multiple frequency bands for various service providers across countries and regions.

The third-generation cellular networks were capable of sending and receiving internet mobile devices and the data rate has significantly increased in 4G technology. 5G network will be capable of providing even higher data rates and low latency services with advanced network technologies. In order to achieve a higher data rate, 5G uses a much higher frequency spectrum, small cells, and complex modulation techniques.

1. Frequency Spectrum – 5G NR (New Radio)

Conventional 3G and 4G cellular networks transmit signals below 3.6 GHz of the radio frequency spectrum. Due to bandwidth limitations, the maximum data rate has limitations as well. 5G tests have confirmed that the technology is capable of achieving a downlink data rate of up to a few gigabits per second.

The frequency spectrum used in 5G technology can be divided into three major bands such as Sub-6 GHz range, mid-range, and high-range millimeter waves.

Sub-6-GHz spectrum: The Frequency range below 6 GHz is grouped under the Sub-6 GHz category.

Millimeter waves: Frequency range above 24 GHz and below 100 GHz (for 5G applications)

Find applications of millimeter waves

Properties of millimeter waves

Highly distorted by atmospheric water molecules and Oxygen-induced atmospheric absorption

Due to its extremely short wavelength, it cannot penetrate concrete walls and strong structures

Low interference from surrounding low-frequency noise

Effects of millimeter waves on the human body

One of the major characteristics of millimeter waves on the human body is skin absorption. At mmWave frequencies (e.g., ~60 GHz), approximately 30-40% of incident electromagnetic wave power is reflected from the skin surface under normal incidence. Of the remaining transmitted power, a large fraction is absorbed in the epidermis and dermis, with penetration depths typically in the sub-millimeter range.

The power of the transmitted signal and the time of exposure a significant factors in this scenario.

Some long-term experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to high-power or chronic RF/microwave radiation may increase risks of certain cancers in animals, and possibly in humans under specific circumstances. However, for typical environmental exposures (e.g., consumer devices, base stations), the evidence remains limited and not yet conclusive.

Similarly, while organisms and plants may show some responses in high-exposure experiments, there is currently insufficient evidence to assert that common levels of exposure cause serious damage over time

2. Large number of transmitting stations

The number of smart devices is growing at an exponential rate every year. The small cell concept is one of the best ways to provide high data rate and low latency services. Hundreds and thousands of small cells will be deployed in 5G technology.

What are small cells in 5G technology?

An increase in the number of base stations and cells causes an increase in wireless noise. More transmitting antennas will be deployed across the streets, on buildings, lamp posts, etc. Network operators will decide where to install new stations; individuals may not be able to control the locations of deployment.

Find: What are 5G frequency bands

Regulations and guidelines

Regulatory authorities like the FCC have strict guidelines for electromagnetic exposure levels in public places and industrial sites where employees are exposed to regular EM radiation. However, the standards were created based on the first-generation technology, which refers to military technology; it has not been updated much in 20 years.

According to experts, the FCC standard was based on the thermal effect of electromagnetic radiation (if the device does not heat the body, it does not harm the body). The biological effects of RF radiation over a long period of time on the human body at different frequency ranges have never been studied.

Independent research shows that long-term exposure to microwave radiation could cause cancer in the human body. In fact, it is hard to collect sufficient evidence to support this claim because conducting a test with direct exposure to the human body has a lot of limitations.

Regulatory bodies across the countries are monitoring exposure levels, but telecommunication is a huge business that pays for a costly frequency spectrum and a lot of competition. More innovative ideas are emerging, and service providers are competing with each other to implement them first.

Military use of millimeter waves

The military uses high-power millimeter waves in active denial systems to control enemy attacks. Active denial systems (ADS) are biological weapons designed for crowd control by activating high-power millimeter waves, which heat up the body during exposure. Highly directive antennas aim at the target and disintegrate the crowd in seconds.

5G Deployment status across the globe

Final thoughts – Is 5G safe?

We are going through a transition stage in wireless technology now; the existing LTE advanced technology will be migrated to 5G technologies by the end of this decade. At this moment, no one is certain about the impact of 5G technologies on the human body. Besides the strict regulations from monitoring authorities, it is important to spread awareness to the public about the downsides of high-frequency radio waves to take necessary steps for safety.

Based on the research data from different sources, long-term exposure to high-power microwave and millimeter waves could cause serious damage to skin and brain cells. Technology offers us convenience and assistance to do more complex tasks; at the same time, everyone has the responsibility to make sure it will not affect human beings and other living organisms.

Just like any other existing wireless technology (3G/4G/Wi-Fi & radios), 5G is also monitored and covered by international and national exposure guidelines and strict regulations. As long as 5G follows national guidelines for exposure, 5G has no significant impact on the human body, and it is safe to use.

Device manufacturers and service providers make sure their products/services meet all regulations and guidelines. According to Vodafone, they have rigorous testing phases for all mobile devices to ensure that they comply with international safety guidelines.

Source: Millimeter-wave interactions with the human body: state of knowledge and recent advances by Maxim Zhadobov, Nacer Chahat, Ronan Sauleau, Catherine Le Quement, and Yves Le Dréan.

Source: Skin Penetration of millimeter waves MDPI