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Reply to Foster, K.R.; Balzano, Q. Comment on "Redmayne, M.; Maisch, D.R. ICNIRP Guidelines' Exposure Assessment Method for 5G Millimetre Wave Radiation May Trigger Adverse Effects. <i>Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health</i> 2023, <i>20</i>, 5267".

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Effective Analysis of Human Exposure Conditions with Body-worn Dosimeters in the 2.4 GHz Band

Effective Analysis of Human Exposure Conditions with Body-worn Dosimeters in the 2.4 GHz Band

Published on: May 2, 2018

ICNIRP Guidelines' Exposure Assessment Method for 5G Millimetre Wave Radiation May Trigger Adverse Effects.

Mary Redmayne¹, Donald R Maisch^2,3

¹School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6012, New Zealand.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

|April 13, 2023

Summary

New 5G millimeter wave frequencies may pose risks not fully addressed by updated safety guidelines. Insufficient research exists on potential heat damage and bio-effects from 5G beamforming technology.

Keywords:

beamforming electromagnetic radiation exposure evaluation public health safety hazards

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Area of Science:

Electromagnetic field (EMF) research
Bio-effects of non-ionizing radiation
Telecommunications technology standards

Background:

The global deployment of 5G utilizes millimeter wave frequencies (30-300 GHz) with high data rates (Gbps).
Beamforming technology, new to near-field exposures, is employed for 5G transmission.
The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has recently revised its safety guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the adequacy of the updated ICNIRP guidelines for 5G millimeter wave frequencies.
To assess potential risks of heat damage and adverse bio-effects from 5G exposure.
To challenge the surface-only exposure assessment for localized exposures above 6 GHz.

Main Methods:

Review of current ICNIRP guidelines in relation to 5G millimeter wave characteristics.
Analysis of potential bio-physical interactions, including Brillouin precursor pulse formation.
Assessment of existing research gaps concerning 5G New Radio (NR) signals.

Main Results:

The adequacy of ICNIRP guidelines for preventing heat damage from 5G millimeter waves is questioned.
Concerns are raised regarding the surface-only exposure assessment method for frequencies above 6 GHz.
A significant lack of published in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological research on 5G beamformed signals is identified.

Conclusions:

Current research is insufficient to guarantee safety from 5G millimeter wave exposure, even concerning thermal effects.
The methodology for assessing localized exposure to high-frequency 5G signals requires re-evaluation.
Further comprehensive research is critically needed to understand the biological impacts of 5G technologies.