Autonomous nervous system responses to environmental-level exposure to 5G's first deployed band (3.5 GHz) in healthy human volunteers

Abstract

Overview

With the global expansion of 5G networks, assessing the health impacts of this technology has become increasingly important. This study focuses on the effects of environmental-level exposure to 3.5 GHz signals—the first deployed 5G band—on the autonomous nervous system of healthy human volunteers.

Methods

• Participants: 44 healthy young volunteers, both sexes.
• Exposure: 3.5 GHz antenna-emitted signals, electric field intensity 1–2 V/m.
• Design: Randomized, cross-over, triple-blinded study; each subject underwent both 'real' and 'sham' exposures, separated by up to 1 week.
• Sessions: Each included baseline, exposure, and postexposure phases, totaling seven runs per subject.
• Measurements: Each run began with 150 s of EDA (electrodermal activity) recording during 10 beeps. Data were analyzed using decomposition methods, and additional standard skin conductance metrics were tracked. Non-invasive, real-time skin temperature readings were collected at the hand, head, and neck.

Findings

• Exposure to 3.5 GHz signals may potentially increase head and neck skin temperature slightly.
• A minimal modulation of certain EDA (electrodermal) metrics was observed after exposure, hinting at a possibly faster physiological response to auditory stimulation.
• Results were statistically significant but remained within normal physiological parameters.

Conclusion

While the pilot study shows exposure to 5G signals at 3.5 GHz can influence certain autonomous nervous system parameters—such as skin temperature and EDA—the observed effects are small and may be influenced by uncontrolled variables. The findings indicate a connection between electromagnetic field exposure and physiological responses, underscoring the need for further studies to confirm these initial results and assess potential long-term health impacts.