As the world uses technology to face the new normal, there are also great efforts to malign technology and sow fear in the people’s mind. These emerging technologies will always be the favorite subject of malicious and unfounded claims. In recent weeks, 5G has been the subject of such claims in different parts of the world, including the United States and in Europe.
Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), there are no proven detrimental health effects caused by exposure to 5G or to any wireless technology up to this day.
In a recent article published by the UK’s The Guardian, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the international body in charge of setting limits to exposure to radiation, asserts that 5G is safe.
The ICNIRP also explained that 5G wireless standard uses beam-foaming technology which allows radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) “to be focused on the region where it is needed,” meaning it won’t be spread all throughout a large area.
“We know parts of the community are concerned about the safety of 5G and we hope the updated guidelines will put people at ease,” said Dr. Eric van Rongen, chair of the ICNIRP. Both the WHO and the ICNIRP also noted that 5G isn’t a health risk as long as overall exposure adheres below international guidelines.
Local experts have also shared their opinions on the matter. Dr. Gladys R. Cabrera, Health Physicist IV of DOH, said that since 2001, the Health Department has maintained that no study so far has proven that cell sites cause cancer. “Cell sites do not cause adverse side effects. It is harmless,” she explained.
This position was also supported by a respected oncologist, Dr. Johanna Cañal, VP of the Philippine Radiology Oncology Society, when she maintained that proximity to cell sites does not cause any known health risks, contrary to what many homeowners associations believe.
5G is safe for the public and more importantly, there is no evidence to support the connection between the pandemic and 5G.
