Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This review evaluates the potential health impacts of new 5G NR technology on the human brain, addressing public concerns about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). It examines differences in health effects across various generations of telecommunication technology.

Findings

• Analysis of experimental human studies on RF EMF effects from 2G, 3G, and 4G within 450 to 2500 MHz frequencies.
• Indication that no human experimental studies have been conducted for 5G or at RF EMF frequencies higher than 2500 MHz.
• At RF EMF frequencies under 10 GHz, no significant difference in impact between 5G NR FR1 and earlier generations. Higher frequencies used in 5G result in shallower penetration depths, potentially reducing effects compared to previous generations.
• At frequencies over 10 GHz, the effects and impacts of 5G NR FR2 become unpredictable due to different mechanisms.

Conclusion

The absence of consistent relationship between RF EMF effects and exposure parameters across different telecommunications generations points towards a need for thorough theoretical and experimental investigations into 5G NR, especially at frequencies utilized by 5G NR FR2. Inadequate data and theoretical understanding of RF EMF effects at millimeter waves pose significant challenges in drawing reliable conclusions about health effects.