Recent research continues to shed light on the potential health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cell phones and the increasing presence of 5G networks. So why are the feds trying to take away local control over 5G rollout? Action Alert!
THE TOPLINE
- New research links prolonged cell phone use—especially on one side of the head—to higher risks of brain tumors like glioma and meningioma, with notable increases for those using phones over ten years or more than 896 cumulative hours.
- The expansion of 5G technology, which uses higher-frequency millimeter waves, means more antennas in close proximity to populated areas, raising concerns about increased exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
- Despite scientific evidence of EMF health risks—ranging from cancer to neurological effects—the federal government is trying to make it easier for the telecoms industry to preempt local restrictions on 5G rollout.
A new review analyzed recent research on the risk of brain tumors like glioma and meningioma from cell phone use, with some concerning findings. This highlights ongoing concerns with human exposure to EMF radiation that is only increasing as our society becomes ever more dependent on, even addicted to, wireless technologies. In the meantime, the federal government is intervening—on behalf of the telecoms industry. Several bills in Congress remove the ability of local governments to control whether, or how, 5G infrastructure gets rolled out.
Key findings on cell phone radiation and brain tumors
The new study (a meta-analysis, i.e., a study of studies) analyzed existing research on cell phone use, examining factors like which side of the head the phone was used on and the duration of use. Among the study’s findings:
- People who predominantly used their phones on one side of the head were found to have a higher risk of brain tumors, particularly glioma and meningioma, compared to those who didn’t use phones as frequently.
- Individuals who used cell phones for more than ten years were at a greater risk of developing glioma.
- Users with over 896 cumulative hours of cell phone use (equivalent to 16 weeks of daily use, 4 hours a day) faced a notably higher risk for glioma and other types of brain tumors.
These findings underscore the link between prolonged, frequent cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors, especially when used predominantly on one side of the head.
The broader implications of EMF exposure
Dr. Joel Moskowitz, Director of the Center for Family and Community Health at UC Berkeley, has noted that the bulk of peer-reviewed research since 1990 indicates significant adverse effects from radiofrequency radiation and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. A recently published review in Environmental Research, led by Dr. Linda Birnbaum, the former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, supports these concerns, identifying substantial scientific evidence linking radiation from wireless networks to cancer, endocrine, and neurological issues.
The growing concerns with 5G
As 5G networks expand, we’re seeing an even greater focus on millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies (24 GHz to 100 GHz) to meet the demand for faster data streaming. They have massive bandwidth for data transfer, meaning they are regarded as being better suited to cope with the data requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT). Unlike previous generations of networks that used frequencies up to 6 GHz, this form of 5G relies on shorter, high-frequency waves, which means more cell towers and antennas will be installed closer to where people live, work, and spend their time. This proximity, coupled with the new-to-nature waveforms and frequencies, raises serious concerns about mmWave rollout.
Another application for mmWave technology illustrates why we should be concerned with its wider use. The Department of Defense has developed a non-lethal crowd control device called the Active Denial System (ADS). The ADS works by firing a high-powered beam of 95 GHz waves at a target—that is, millimeter wavelengths. Anyone caught in the beam will feel like their skin is burning.
Hundreds of scientists worldwide have expressed “serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices.” These scientists point to effects at levels below most international safety guidelines, citing evidence of cellular stress, genetic damage, cognitive impairment, and more.
Far from all 5G networks currently use mmWave frequencies; most, in fact, are built on top of 4G infrastructure and use the midband spectrum. However, in a number of major urban areas (including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Boston, New York, Atlanta, and Miami) Verizon has rolled out mmWave 5G. There’s also a push to use mmWave 5G in sports arenas and large venues to handle massive data demands.
The three providers getting in behind mmWave are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile:
Verizon has been a significant proponent of mmWave, using it for its 5G Ultra Wideband service, particularly in dense urban areas and venues like stadiums.
AT&T also utilizes mmWave for its 5G+ service, focusing on providing high-capacity connectivity in specific locations.
T-Mobile has focused more on its midband and lowband 5G deployments for broader coverage, but they are also exploring and utilizing mmWave, especially for applications in crowded areas and for fixed wireless access.
Railroading local communities
Due to the health risks from increased exposure to EMF, including mmWave 5G (and subsequently 6G, expected around 2030), not to mention the infrastructure demands of setting up all the small cell towers needed to support mmWave 5G, many local communities have tried to push back against 5G rollout. Outrageously, the federal government, headed by the Federal Communications Commission, is stepping in on the side of industry. Recent legislative efforts are making it harder for local governments to regulate 5G infrastructure, limiting the public’s ability to exercise any control over 5G rollout. Here’s just a sampling of some of the bills currently in circulation:
- HR 339 – Limits local governments’ ability to regulate 5G infrastructure modifications, fast-tracking approvals and reducing oversight of potential health and safety concerns.
- HR 651 – Expands commercial 5G spectrum use without requiring further health research, increasing the number of small cells and 5G base stations along with public RF radiation exposure, with minimal local control.
- HR 1617 – Further erodes state and local authority over modifications to existing wireless facilities, making it harder to regulate 5G expansion.
- HR 1836 – Forces automatic approval of telecom facility installations on federal lands if not acted on in time.
- HR 278 – Preempts local barriers to telecom expansion, weakening municipal control over small cell deployment in residential and sensitive areas.
- HR 1455 – Strengthens federal telecom research but focuses on spectrum efficiency rather than studying potential health risks of increased 5G radiation. This is a taxpayer subsidy to the telecoms industry.
Put simply, government regulators, as in so many other areas of health, are asleep at the wheel, content to let an industry-friendly status quo prevail. Hopefully, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to have more influence on health policy, this concerning trend can be reversed.
As we move further toward the IoT which is dependent on ever greater bandwidths that mmWave provides, awareness and precaution are key. Reducing exposure by using hands-free devices, limiting prolonged use, and keeping devices away from the body when possible can help minimize risks.
The development of 6G involves complex research into new technologies, including terahertz frequencies, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and advanced network architectures. It is our view that this progression should not occur by default, without ample evidence that the projected EMF exposures would be safe. Current data suggests this is unlikely, and it is only public awareness of the potential risks posed by fullscale roll-out that will stop the public becoming guinea pigs in global experiment.
We must also encourage federal regulators to oppose bills that eliminate local control over 5G expansion.
Action Alert! Send a message to Congress calling for a moratorium on 5G rollout until safety can be assessed and urge Congress to update standards for RF radiation exposure to better protect Americans. Please send your message immediately.
