Since 5G was announced, it has polarised public opinion. Many claim that it will revolutionise the world, while others fear that it poses a threat to our health. In Malta, the installation of new antennas on rooftops and public spaces has fueled debate. But what is 5G, how does it work, and is it actually dangerous? THINK speaks with Dr Julian Bonello, a researcher from UM’s Department of Physics, to separate fact from fiction.
We live in an age of constant communication and content consumption. From streaming videos to messaging friends, we rely on our phones and laptops as a window into this information highway. Yet, how information flows across the globe almost instantly still seems like magic to most of us. It is almost as if the carrier pigeons of the past have been transformed into an invisible force that sends data through the air. What feels like magic is actually physics, and this invisible force is electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
Understanding Electromagnetic Radiation
Put simply, EMR is energy that travels through space in a broad spectrum ranging from low-frequency radio waves to high-frequency gamma rays. The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into two main categories: ionising and non-ionising radiation. Ionising radiation, such as shortwave ultraviolet radiation or X-rays, carries enough energy to break chemical bonds and potentially damage human DNA, leading to health risks like cancer. Non-ionising radiation, which includes radio waves, microwaves, and visible light, lacks the energy to interact with matter in this way.
Wireless communication like 4G, Wi-Fi, and 5G works by encoding information into non-ionising electromagnetic waves, which travel through the air between different devices. You can think about it as a language with which your phone, antennas, and other electronic devices can communicate.
5G operates in the non-ionising part of the spectrum, using frequencies between 24 and 48 GHz in its higher energetic band. ‘The frequencies of the high band of 5G are higher than previous generations, allowing us to reach speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G,’ says Dr Julian Bonello. Despite this increase in frequency, 5G’s radiation remains well below the ionising threshold.
(Image courtesy of SCAMP/Imperial College London/EBU)
5G and Health Risks: What Does Science Say?
One of the primary fears about 5G is that its higher frequencies might pose unknown health risks. Some worry that prolonged exposure to 5G signals could lead to issues such as cancer, neurological disorders, or immune system disruptions. However, extensive research conducted by international health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), has found no evidence that 5G poses a danger to human health.
Most effects of radiofrequency radiation at these levels are thermal, meaning they can cause minor heating of body tissues, similar to what happens when using a mobile phone. Moreover, thanks to ‘its higher frequency, the penetration of 5G signals decreases, reaching only about 0.5 to 1 mm into the human body. This means that internal tissues are actually less exposed to 5G radiation than to previous generations of wireless communication,’ mentions Bonello.
Furthermore, ‘there is a very good network of people and very strict regulations safeguarding the general public,’ Bonello points out. The current regulations account for children and other sensitive populations, such as pregnant women or people with medical implants, ensuring that the radiation limits are well below any harmful level.
Why Are There So Many Antennas?
Another concern relates to the visibility of 5G antennas, which are appearing on Malta’s rooftops and roundabouts. As Bonello explains, ‘5G has a shorter range than previous generations, which requires a different set of antennas and network architecture.’ In other words, more antennas are required to ensure a stable and fast connection. These are positioned strategically to optimise coverage and minimise interference.
For those worried about the growing number of antennas in their neighbourhoods, experts emphasise that 5G technology operates well within established safety guidelines. If a 5G antenna is installed on a rooftop, it adheres to strict exposure limits designed to protect both the general public and workers who maintain the equipment. Governments and regulatory agencies continuously monitor exposure levels to ensure compliance with these safety standards.
Should You Panic?
While 5G antennas may seem scary, the science behind EMR suggests there is little reason for alarm. Decades of research and strict international regulations ensure that the exposure levels remain safe for the public.
Ongoing projects and long-established organisations, such as the SEAWave project, ICNIRP, and the WHO, continue to investigate and communicate the long-term effects of exposure to millimetre waves and non-ionising radiation in general. If you are looking for in-depth information, these are excellent resources to follow.
As with any new technology, scepticism is natural and necessary. Public debate helps clarify misconceptions and encourages scientific scrutiny and communication. As it stands, evidence suggests that 5G is not a threat, and the strict regulations ensure that there is no compromise on public health.
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