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

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.