Abstract

Overview

The growing deployment of 5G technologies has raised concerns about its potential biological impacts due to increased carrier frequencies. Human skin, being a primary target due to its surface exposure, calls for an evaluation of these effects in cellular contexts.

Findings

• Exposure to a 24-hour 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz signal influences mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes, with varying effects depending on the specific absorption rate (0.25, 1, and 4 W/kg).
• The study highlights a significant reduction in mitochondrial ROS in fibroblasts under specific conditions, whereas a slight increase was noted in keratinocytes when co-exposed to UV-B radiation.
• There were no observed changes in mitochondrial membrane potential or apoptosis in the cell types and exposure conditions used for this study.

Conclusion

While 5G exposure did alter mitochondrial ROS production under certain conditions, more studies using 3D or in vivo skin models are essential to comprehensively assess the potential health risks and cellular responses to 5G RF-EMF exposure, highlighting the necessity for further research into protective or harmful bioeffects of increased ROS, especially considering UV-B interactions.