Last year will always be remembered for the year when all the United Kingdom finally turned to 5G. The big changes came into effect throughout the summer, with WeLoveBrum offering the best places for the network in Birmingham. However, when the announcement was made that 5G would be coming into effect, there were immediate concerns about health risks that could come with the network.
There were various online petitions demanding inquiries into the technology, and that attracted over 32,000 signatures. People were worried about the potential health risks such as the damage that could be infected onto DNA, which could lead to cancer. The public unrest also led to many scientists asking the United Nations for further time to test the network before it is released, but what could the actual health risks include?
What Is 5G?
In essence, the introduction of 5G was brought in to deal with the demand for quick download speeds. The new network speed is much quicker than 4G, and also boasts further incentives such as a more reliable connection and fewer delays. As 4G, the newly introduced network uses radio signals to transmit data with base stations.
The introduction immediately gained the attention of the leading mobile networks, with EE, Three and Vodafone all investing in the 5G. These big companies all began to push out the new network options to their punters, with the major cities the best place to take advantage of the increased speeds.
Cause For Concern
Many of the leading health organizations have downplayed the fears that there could be adverse health conditions with the increased frequencies used for 5G. However, WHO is one of the health organizations that have kept the frequency of radios on their ‘possibly carcinogenic’ list.
It finds itself in this list because there is evidence that it can cause cancer in humans, but that evidence isn’t conclusive enough to believe that it is a trend. To put that into context, also in that list are pickled vegetables. Alcohol and processed meats are both considered bigger health risks.
However, there could be more proof that there is a damaging relationship according to a report from the US Department of Health. During testing, they found that male rats who were exposed to higher levels of frequency were developing a cancer in the heart. Interestingly, there were no signs of cancer in the female rats that were tested.
There has been a reaction by some local council’s in the south-west as they have blocked masts from being built. They have blocked these due to issues with their potential risks. Among these areas to prevent the development were Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Totnes. Along with the problems that there could be a cancerous risk with the increased frequencies, the councils also believe that there may be potential problems with dementia, anxiety, depression and suicide if the 5G network is rolled out in their area. However, there is no scientific proof that has been revealed yet to show 5G as being harmful to humans.