- The ANFR has just published its latest report (April 2023) on exposure to electromagnetic odes in France following the arrival of 5G
- On the whole, the arrival of the new network has not really translated into an increase in the exposure of the population
- The arrival of the millimeter network (mmWave) could however change the situation
- Despite recurring concerns, no link between exposure to low-intensity magnetic waves and human health has, since the launch of the first GSM network, been scientifically demonstrated.
With each launch of a new mobile network, concerns rise about its effects on health. The subject has existed since at least the commercial launch of the very first GSM wireless telecommunications network, and there are echoes of it in many countries. However, studies are regularly carried out by national authorities such as the frequency agency (ANFR) in France and independent bodies.
And it is in this context that the ANFR, precisely, has just published a new report in April 2023. This compiles thousands of measurements taken in 2021, particularly near 5G sites. According to this report, the average contribution of 5G to public exposure to the airwaves remains well below regulatory thresholds.
The launch of the 5G millimeter (mmWave) network could be a game-changer
Overall, in the first four months of 5G network ignition, exposure remained stable. However, the agency notes a slight increase after 4 months – but even more than 5G, this is attributed to the general increase in mobile internet traffic. 8 months after the commercial launch, the agency noted an average increase in overall exposure of 0.18 V/m in the 3500 MHz band, near the antennas.
The rise was smaller in the other frequency ranges: 0.11 V/m in the 2100 MHz range and 0.09 V/m in the 700 MHz band. However, traffic was low at the time of the measurements on the 5G network and the agency therefore notes that this increase in the figures was mainly due to “higher exposure to other mobile telephony bands, in particular the bands allocated to 4G”.
For the moment, the 5G available in France remains an incomplete network, only based on part of the possibilities of the technology that the future millimeter network (mmWave) should eventually make it possible to exceed. To function, however, this network will require the installation of a much denser mesh of mmWave antennas – which should only be concretely possible in cities. The use of this network should, however, significantly increase exposure to waves in dense urban areas.
No serious study confirms the concerns around the waves
To date, it should be emphasized: nothing scientifically demonstrates the slightest causal link between exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic waves and health problems. However, maximum exposure thresholds do exist – they are the result of work by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which has observed the appearance of real effects beyond certain limits.
And they are validated by the WHO – which means that these thresholds are used in many countries including France. However, the World Health Organization itself maintains that there is no convincing evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields below these thresholds can have adverse health effects. There is indeed a unique case in Italy, where a glioma (a type of cancer) was indeed attributed by an Italian court to electromagnetic waves.
The right was returned in 2017: the complainant, Roberto Romeo, had used his mobile phone for 15 years, between three and four hours a day, for professional reasons. He began to experience ringing in his right ear and had his acoustic nerve removed in 2011. He has lost hearing in that ear and suffers from balance issues. He obtained a monthly compensation of 500 euros from the National Institute of Insurance against accidents at work (INAIL).
However, this judgment does not constitute precedent and is not based on a scientific consensus. No study respected by the scientific community has so far succeeded in finding irrefutable proof of a causal link between exposure to electromagnetic waves and cancer.
