5G and your health – ABC News asks the experts

With our ever increasing use of smartphones and tablets likely to ramp up even more with the launch of 5G; it is understandable that people can be concerned about the potential health effects from using such devices.  ABC News has explored this issue in a recent online article, and while 5G is new, the science around health effects discussed in the article remains the same.

AMTA members are preparing for the introduction of 5G to Australia’s mobile networks in the next year or two.  5G is being designed to meet the very large growth in data and connectivity of today’s modern society, the internet of things with billions of connected devices, and tomorrow’s innovations.

5G will initially operate in conjunction with existing 4G networks before evolving to fully standalone networks in subsequent releases and coverage expansions.  Australian mobile operators have announced that the first commercial 5G services will be available from 2019.

Ray McKenzie, Manager of the Mobile Carriers Forum, explains:

The electromagnetic frequencies used for 5G are part of the radio frequency spectrum which has been extensively researched in terms of health impacts for decades. Over 50 years of scientific research has already been conducted into the possible health effects of the radio signals used for mobile phones, base stations and other wireless services including frequencies planned for 5G and mmWave exposures.

International guidelines already exist governing exposure to radio waves including the frequencies proposed for 5G. The limits have been established by independent scientific organizations, such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP),and include substantial margins of safety to protect all people against all established hazards.

These guidelines have been widely adopted in standards around the world and are endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

To read more about how 5G will work click here.