5G Guide: Technology & Health Implications

5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, promises faster speeds, seamless connections, and an entirely new digital era. From smart homes to self-driving cars, it’s often described as the backbone of the future. But alongside the excitement, a central question has emerged… Is 5G safe?

Communities around the world are raising concerns about potential health effects, cybersecurity threats, and environmental impacts tied to 5G’s rapid rollout. While many scientists argue there’s no clear evidence of harm yet, others warn that research is still incomplete, and that widespread exposure to new frequencies and infrastructure could have unforeseen consequences.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about 5G technology, the controversies surrounding it, and what it may mean for your health and safety.

This guide is meant to help you form a clear, informed opinion about 5G. As with any new technology, it’s important to weigh both benefits and risks, and take precautions where needed.

What Is 5G and How Does It Work?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, deployed in 2019. It is designed to deliver higher speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect vastly more devices compared to 4G and 3G.

Unlike earlier networks that exist below 3 GHz, 5G uses a wider range of electromagnetic frequencies, including:

  • Low-band spectrum (sub-1 GHz): Long range, slower speeds.
  • Mid-band spectrum (1–6 GHz): Balance between coverage and performance.
  • High-band spectrum (millimeter waves above 24 GHz): Extremely fast, but limited range.

To make these higher frequencies work, telecoms rely on small cells — miniature base stations installed on street poles, buildings, and other infrastructure — alongside satellites and dense antenna networks.

5G cell towers are closer to each other than with previous networks, sometimes as close as 250-300 meters apart. These small cells transmit data via radiofrequency (RF) radiation, the same type of non-ionizing radiation used by WiFi and previous generations of cellular networks.

This increased density of antennas has sparked concerns, particularly among people living close to 5G installations, who worry about constant exposure. We explore this issue in more depth in our article: Are 5G Towers Really Safe – or a Hidden Health Risk?.

5g spectrum

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What is the Difference Between 4G and 5G?

To understand the debate around 5G safety, it helps to first compare it with its predecessor, 4G. While both rely on radiofrequency radiation to transmit data, 5G introduces significant changes in speed, efficiency, and infrastructure:

  • Speed: 5G can deliver speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, enabling near-instant downloads and seamless streaming.
  • Latency: 5G reduces delay to around 1 millisecond, compared to tens of milliseconds with 4G, which is essential for real-time applications like remote surgery or autonomous driving.
  • Capacity: 5G supports massive device connectivity, handling far more simultaneous connections than 4G.
  • Efficiency: With improved bandwidth management and reduced power use, 5G is designed to better support the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city infrastructure.

While these advancements promise to transform how we live and work, 5G uses different frequencies, different cell towers, and completely different data transfer technologies. They require denser networks of antennas that employ beamforming technology (focused energy straight to your device) to make sure a signal reaches your device.

It’s no wonder that some people are beginning to ask whether the benefits truly outweigh the potential risks. To better understand this debate, let’s first look at why 5G is being rolled out in the first place.

Why Is 5G Being Rolled Out?

The rollout of 5G is being driven by a mix of consumer demand, business opportunity, and global competition. For everyday users, 5G promises lightning-fast download speeds, seamless streaming, and real-time responsiveness for applications like online gaming, video calls, and immersive virtual or augmented reality. In crowded areas, where 4G often struggles, 5G can deliver stronger, more stable connections.

Beyond consumer benefits, industries stand to gain even more. The low latency and high capacity of 5G open the door for innovations like autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, smart factories, and highly efficient logistics networks. Entire sectors of the economy, from healthcare to manufacturing, are preparing to leverage 5G for automation and efficiency. 

Governments, too, view 5G as a strategic priority. The global race to deploy these networks is seen as essential to national competitiveness and economic growth. Telecom companies, backed by political support, are moving quickly to expand coverage and build infrastructure.

Yet for all its promise, the pace of 5G adoption has sparked heated debate. Many experts and communities are questioning whether this rush has left enough time to fully evaluate the technology’s long-term health and environmental impacts.

How 5G Is Changing the Way We Use Technology?

The advantages of 5G are not just theoretical or something of the future: they’re already visible in our daily lives, whether you’ve noticed them or not. From personal devices to business operations, 5G is actively transforming how we connect, work, and interact with technology.

On a personal level, it enables ultra-HD video streaming, smooth cloud-based gaming, and the growth of immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality. Smart homes, filled with connected appliances and devices, rely on 5G’s low latency to function seamlessly. In conjunction with the transition to more work-from-home jobs, our homes have never been more connected. 

In business, the technology is unlocking new possibilities such as real-time logistics tracking, automated factories, and advances in telemedicine. Even cities themselves are being transformed, with 5G powering “smart city” projects designed to optimize traffic flow, manage energy grids, and monitor public infrastructure. It is opening up the playing field to integrate AI into everyday business.  

For the modern individual, this rapid acceleration of technology means everyday life is changing at a pace that can be difficult to fully adapt to. Our routines, work habits, and even social interactions are evolving, and it’s a shift that not everyone may be prepared for.

However, this new wave of connectivity comes with undeniable benefits. But it also raises an important question: what risks accompany such a profound shift in the way we live and work?

Which Health Concerns Are Linked to 5G?

Health-related concerns about 5G include whether it may increase cancer risk, affect fertility and reproductive health, or disrupt neurological and immune system function. Some individuals report symptoms such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, conditions sometimes referred to as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).

5G, like all wireless technologies, emits radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic field (EMF). Unlike ionizing radiation such as X-rays, RF radiation may not directly damage DNA. However, many scientists and health advocates caution that this doesn’t mean it’s entirely without risk, with studies finding DNA damage is still associated with this lower-frequency exposure, especially when it’s long-term.

A specific area of concern for 5G, often termed 'proximity exposure', involves its use of high-frequency millimeter waves (MMWs), particularly in the bands starting at 30 GHz. These MMWs have a shorter range and do not easily penetrate buildings, necessitating a much denser network of small cell towers - potentially millions, deployed every few hundred feet and increasing the potential for constant, close-range exposure. While these shorter waves may not penetrate as deeply into the body as lower frequencies, their energy is rapidly and significantly absorbed by the skin. This has led researchers to voice concerns about potential damage to the body’s largest organ, including an increased risk of skin diseases, inflammation, and cellular damage through oxidative stress. Furthermore, certain frequencies are theorized to resonate intensely with human sweat ducts, which could act like antennas and enhance the spread of EMF signals throughout the body. The biological effect of MMWs on skin is notable enough that the military has developed non-lethal crowd-control systems using similar technology, which induces an intense burning sensation.

Mainstream organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maintain that current 5G exposure levels are within established safety limits. In fact, the FCC hasn’t released any updated guidance regarding 5G health safety, and maintains their current RF safety standards that were set back in 1996, when the very first flip cell phone was released by Motorola. 

Still, independent scientists point out that there are very few long-term studies on the biological effects of these higher 5G frequencies and denser infrastructure. The absence of clear evidence of harm does not necessarily mean proof of safety, and research could take decades to conduct. Whether we like it or not, we are the guinea pigs testing how much our bodies can take, and how much our bodies can adapt to this irrevocably digital world.

Are Children and Pregnant Women More Vulnerable to 5G?

Children and pregnant women are often considered more vulnerable to environmental exposures, including RF radiation, due to their developing bodies and tissues. Studies have shown that children absorb more RF energy than adults, particularly in the head and brain regions, due to their smaller size and thinner skulls.

In pregnant women, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis examined prenatal and early-life EMF exposure and found links to developmental delays, behavioral issues, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children. While these associations do not prove causation and were not done on 5G-specific frequencies, they highlight a need for caution.

For more detailed information on this topic, check out our article on health experts warning about harmful effects of prenatal EMF radiation exposure.

Although much of the conversation around 5G focuses on human health, there are other important considerations as well. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore how 5G may affect cybersecurity and the environment, highlighting the broader implications of this rapidly expanding technology.

What Cybersecurity Threats Does 5G Introduce?

Experts warn that poorly secured IoT devices could be hijacked by hackers to form botnets, launch denial-of-service attacks, or intercept sensitive data. Every new device, from smart doorbells to industrial sensors, represents a potential vulnerability. 

Privacy is another concern. With 5G, location tracking can become far more precise (even when your device is off or in airplane mode!), raising questions about how user data is collected, stored, and shared. Many inexpensive IoT devices also lack regular security updates, leaving them permanently exposed to cyberattacks. While 5G promises innovation, it also expands the digital attack surface in ways that demand new levels of vigilance.

One practical response to these risks is using a Faraday bag, which can block incoming signals and help protect sensitive devices from unwanted access. Additionally, regularly updating IoT devices, using strong passwords, and enabling built-in security features are essential steps to reduce vulnerability.

Beyond cybersecurity, 5G’s rapid rollout also raises questions about its environmental impacts, from energy consumption to effects on wildlife and ecosystems, issues we’ll explore in the next section.

What Are the Environmental Impacts of 5G?

The most serious environmental impacts of 5G are related to energy consumption, as well as potential disruptions to satellite monitoring and weather forecasting.

The conversation around 5G often focuses on people, but the environment is also part of the equation. Current exposure stands are directed towards human life, without any regard for nature. Researchers have raised concerns about possible effects of RF radiation on wildlife, particularly smaller species such as bees and birds, along with plants, that may be more sensitive to electromagnetic changes brought on by this new technology. 

Another issue is energy consumption. The global expansion of 5G requires billions of devices and an enormous amount of supporting infrastructure, which could significantly increase the technology sector’s carbon footprint.

High-band frequencies may also interfere with satellite monitoring and weather forecasting that use similar frequencies, raising concerns about our ability to track storms and climate patterns accurately.

Does 5G Increase Overall Radiation Exposure?

Yes: 5G does increase overall exposure, mainly because of the higher density of antennas and the growing number of connected devices. 5G has increased the number of network antennas in the U.S. from 300,000 in 2016 to millions today. Even with the use of beamforming technology, those holding or near 5G-enabled devices will be exposed to the small cell signals.

While exposures from individual 5G transmitters generally remain below international safety limits, even if those limits were appropriate the cumulative effect of multiple sources (small cells, smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices) represents an important research gap. 

In short, while regulatory bodies state that 5G frequencies are within established safety thresholds, the increase in tower density and constant device connectivity means that total environmental exposure is higher than in previous generations. This is a factor scientists say needs careful monitoring.

Which brings us to the next question: are authorities taking action to manage 5G radiation exposure? And if so, what measures are in place to protect the public?

What Are the Regulatory Limits for 5G Exposure?

Regulatory bodies worldwide have established limits for general RF exposure to safeguard public health. These limits vary by country and are based on guidelines from organizations such as: 

  • FCC (United States): The FCC sets a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of 1.6 W/kg, averaged over 1 gram of tissue, for mobile devices operating between 300 MHz and 6 GHz.
  • ICNIRP (European Union): The ICNIRP guidelines recommend a SAR limit of 2.0 W/kg, averaged over 10 grams of tissue, for mobile devices operating between 100 kHz and 300 GHz.
  • Australia and Asia: Similar to the EU, Australia and many Asian countries adhere to the ICNIRP guidelines, with SAR limits of 2.0 W/kg for mobile devices.

It's important to note that these limits are designed to prevent thermal health effects from RF exposure. There are many reasons that these safety limits are deceiving and outdated, which you can read more about here. In fact, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled against the FCC in 2021, calling for them to update their SAR standards for cell phone radiation. They do not account for potential long-term, non-thermal effects, which remain a topic of ongoing research.

What Do Scientific Studies Say About 5G and Human Health?

Short answer: the evidence is mixed and evolving. While not much research has been done on 5G specific frequencies, general radio-frequency radiation exposure from frequencies used in older generations show a mixed bag of results. However, one researcher found that independently-funded studies showed a much higher positive association (47%) with cancer than in studies funded by the telecom industry (11%).

Even though many major reviews and regulators find no proven, causal harm at current exposure levels, animal and laboratory studies show incriminating evidence that warrants further, long-term research. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that research is ongoing and that long-term health effects still require monitoring.

The ICNIRP updated its guidelines in 2020, reviewing exposures across 100 kHz–300 GHz (the range covering 5G) and concluding that its limits protect against established health effects. At the same time, ICNIRP acknowledged data gaps on newer frequencies and long-term, low-level exposures, urging continued research.

Recent meta-analyses done on large amounts of EMF-related studies have shown potential negative effects on all living things.

The most landmark study showing harm was done by the NTP, funded by the FDA over the span of 10 years. They conducted large-scale rodent studies and in 2018 found increased risks of certain rare tumors in male rats exposed to high doses of RF radiation. Similarly, the Ramazzini Institute in Italy observed tumor increases in animals exposed to base station-level RF fields.
Remaining uncertainties include limited research on millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands, which are increasingly used in 5G, and on cumulative exposures from the dense networks of small cells, smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices that characterize modern connectivity. Reviews consistently call these priority areas for further study.

What Is the Ongoing Research on 5G Health Impacts?

​​Although 5G networks are already being deployed globally, research into their long-term health impacts is still catching up. Much of the existing data on radiofrequency radiation comes from studies on earlier generations of wireless technology, such as 3G and 4G. These studies suggest that while short-term exposure within regulatory limits does not appear to cause direct harm, the effects of long-term, low-level exposure are less clear.

Large-scale epidemiological studies are being undertaken in multiple countries to address these uncertainties. European research initiatives such as the GERoNiMO project assessed the links between RF exposure and health outcomes by combining laboratory work with population-based studies. Similarly, the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) has investigated the biological effects of prolonged RF radiation, raising questions about cancer risk that warrant further exploration.

International collaborations are also ramping up, with groups like the World Health Organization’s International EMF Project coordinating research efforts across countries. These projects aim to fill critical gaps, including how millimeter-wave frequencies (used in some 5G applications) interact with human tissue, and whether cumulative exposure from multiple devices may pose new risks.

Are There Independent Expert Opinions on 5G Safety?

Although many organizations state that 5G exposure is within existing safety limits, a growing number of independent experts urge caution due to gaps in long-term research. Concerns center on the increased density of transmitters, higher frequencies, and cumulative exposure from both devices and small cells, which may have subtle biological effects that are not yet fully understood.

Some experts have highlighted the potential health implications of widespread 5G deployment and argue that more rigorous studies are needed before global rollout continues.

“Epidemiological studies have shown use of such cell phones that were compliant with the current safety standards and emitted radiation levels that were below current safety limits for over 10 years led to an increased risk of developing brain cancer.”

– Professor Dariusz Leszczynski, World Expert in Radio Frequency EMF emissions. He was in the 2011 World Health Organization evaluation group that classified all radio frequency emissions as possible carcinogens.

“At the cell level, mitochondria and metabolism are deeply affected by ion nervous pulses. The effects lie dormant for years. It’s the latency timeline that’s a problem. Cancers often do not appear for twenty or thirty years. With the screens generation, we see cancer-causing problems starting in the embryo.”

– Dr. Fiorella Belpoggi, Director of Research at the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Centre, Ramazzini Institute, in Bologna, Italy. Belpoggi is well versed on many health effects of EMF radiation, including acoustic nerve tumors and facial tumors.

“I have published 7 studies showing there exists exquisite sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the voltage sensors in each cell… 5G will be much more active in activating the VGCCs (voltage sensors) and producing health impacts, because of its rapid absorption by materials in the body, because of its very rapid pulsations and because of the huge number antennae they are planning to put up, at least 200 times the number of antennae from all current cell phone towers. What this means is that the impacts on the outer one to two inches of our bodies will be massive.”

– Dr. Martin Pall, a Biochemistry Professor at the Washington State University. Pall been vigorously opposing the introduction of 5G and wrote a letter discussing the severe biological and health effects resulting from this new technology.

Research also shows mixed findings in lab and observational studies. While some experiments report no immediate effects, others suggest possible impacts on cell biology, gene expression, and neurodevelopment, especially with chronic exposure. A 2023 study in the Journal of Environmental Health points out that the safety of 5G technologies has not been conclusively demonstrated and calls for more thorough investigation.

While 5G may offer significant technological advantages, independent experts caution that the potential health risks have not been ruled out. Many advocate for a precautionary approach, continued monitoring, and more long-term studies before assuming that widespread 5G exposure is entirely safe.

How to Reduce Personal Exposure to 5G Radiation?

For individuals concerned about RF exposure, particularly 5G radiation, several practical steps can be taken to minimize potential risks:

  • Limit close-range device usage, such as holding a phone directly against the body. Like a ripple in water, the closer you are to the source, the stronger and more intense the waves are. 
  • Turn on airplane mode when devices are not in use. By turning off the radio antennas within your devices, this decreases the amount of signals being emitted and received, thus decreasing exposure.
  • You can also turn off 5G on most phones, and opt for 4G LTE or other connections.
  • Use EMF shielding for your devices, and EMF clothing to reduce exposure to ambient radiation. However, clothing uses a more flexible shielding fabric that can’t block the entire range of 5G frequencies. It is important that any shielding product you use is tested and verified for its efficacy, as there are many fake products on the market. For more information on protective measures, visit our guide on reducing electromagnetic radiation exposure.

Is 5G Really Safe?

The rollout of 5G has ushered in a new era of connectivity, with clear benefits in speed, efficiency, and innovation. At the same time, it has sparked concerns about health, privacy, and the environment. Though most 5G exposures technically remain within international safety limits, questions remain about the legitimacy of the standards, effects of millimeter-wave frequencies, cumulative exposure from multiple devices, and the long-term impact of living in a world saturated with wireless radiation.

Scientific bodies like the WHO, FCC, and ICNIRP maintain that 5G is safe at current exposure levels, but independent researchers continue to highlight gaps in the evidence, especially around biological effects beyond simple heating. Add to this the cybersecurity risks of billions of connected devices and the environmental costs of building and powering dense networks, and it’s clear that 5G is not without trade-offs.

For individuals, the best approach is awareness and precaution. Practical steps, such as reducing unnecessary device use, keeping some distance from wireless equipment, and exploring shielding solutions,  can help limit exposure without sacrificing the advantages of new technology.

In the end, the question isn’t just “Is 5G safe?” but rather “Are we adopting it responsibly?” Staying informed, supporting ongoing research, and applying precautionary measures ensure that society can benefit from 5G while minimizing its potential risks.