Risk Perception and 5G
Hugo Bibby is a Consultant at Link Microtek. He is a specialist in test and measurement equipment for Extremely Low Frequency( ELF), Radio Frequency( RF) and microwave applications with almost 40 years ' experience of EMF measurements within the aerospace, broadcast, telecoms, industrial, scientific and medical sectors.
Concerns about the potential health risks of 5G technology have been circulating for years. From social media debates to urban myths, many people wonder: is 5G a real hazard, or is it just another unfounded fear? To answer that question, let ' s examine what 5G actually is and how it compares to previous generations of mobile technology.
Understanding 5G Frequencies First, it ' s important to know that 5G doesn ' t refer to frequency or power level- it ' s simply the name given to the fifth generation of mobile networks. Like 2G, 3G and 4G before it, 5G operates across a range of frequencies.
These frequencies are generally divided into two main bands:
• Frequency Range 1( FR1): This includes lower frequencies below 6 GHz, commonly used in mobile networks today
• Frequency Range 2( FR2): This refers to higher frequencies, typically around 24 to 28 GHz and even beyond 60 GHz. These are known as millimetre waves( mmWave)
While high-frequencies enable faster data speeds they also come with limitations. Their short wavelengths don ' t propagate efficiently, meaning they are more easily absorbed by objects like trees, buildings, and even rain. Because of this, high-frequency 5G networks require more infrastructure, such as small-cell antennas placed closer together. For this reason, while it makes sense to use FR2 in high-capacity venues like stadiums, it tends to be uneconomic for widespread network use.
In the UK, the majority of 5G networks therefore currently operate in the FR1 band, using frequencies like 700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, which are very close to those used in previous 2 / 3 / 4G networks, plus 3500 MHz which was in use for wireless applications over 25 years ago. This challenges the common misconception that all 5G operates at extremely high frequencies.
Are High Frequencies More Dangerous? One of the biggest concerns voiced is whether higher frequencies pose a greater risk to human health. The reality is that the human body most efficiently absorbs radio waves in the range 30 MHz to 400 MHz. At these frequencies, the waves can penetrate deeper into body tissues. By contrast, millimetre waves( such as those in the FR2 band) barely penetrate beyond the skin. While no exposure is necessarily ideal, assuming that higher frequencies are inherently more hazardous isn ' t supported by current scientific understanding.
Moreover, high frequency millimetre waves are already in use for other applications, such as automotive radar systems( used in collision avoidance and parking sensors). These have been widely deployed with little to no public concern over health risks.
What About Power Levels? Besides frequency, another crucial factor in assessing electromagnetic field( EMF) safety is power output. In mobile networks, power levels determine how strong a signal is and
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