The deployment of 5G has caused a lot of talk. More networks, new frequencies, didn’t this technology risk being harmful to our health? The National Food Safety Agency (ANSES) considers not for the moment, in a notice published on April 20.
Initially in France, 5G will be deployed via frequency bands 3.5GHz in addition to those already used for 4G. The amount of data transferred will be much larger. Secondly, the band 26GHz should complement. What can be observed for the moment is that 5G uses the same networks as for 3G, namely the band between 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz.
A priori no risks, but we lack data
“Previous work carried out by ANSES on the effects of exposure to electromagnetic waves in the radiofrequency range indicate that there is currently no evidence of health effects related to exposures to sources of electromagnetic fields corresponding to common digital uses.” So on these frequencies, a priori, no particular risks. Although, ANSES specifies that research on possible cancers, alterations in cerebral functioning or even fertility continue to be studied.
If this frequency information is technical, it is however quite clear that between 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz, the difference is enormous. Could it be any more dangerous? On this subject, ANSES has some reservations. For the moment, we can only observe a small use of the 3.5 GHz network (not representative of the suite). It therefore specifies that it lacks data. But compared to what could be observed abroad, it “considers it unlikely that the deployment of 5G in the frequency band around 3.5 GHz currently poses new health risks.”
The 26 GHz band, when used, may have a (minimal) effect on the upper layers of the skin and eye. That said, ANSES still says it lacks the tools to decide. Be that as it may, studies will continue to be carried out and the Agency reserves the right to change its opinion or to engage new expertise.
Source: ANSES, 20 April.
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