In-Depth Summary

The rollout of 5G technology, the latest advancement in wireless cellular technology, began around 2019 amid calls for a pause to study its health impacts. Despite these calls, the deployment proceeded, and recent significant government research into the potential dangers of wireless radiation was abruptly halted.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF), produced by various electronic devices, including cell phones, pose ongoing safety concerns. The NIH had been conducting research on how microwave radiation from cell phones affects human cells, but this study was unexpectedly terminated. Deborah Davis, a long-time advocate for awareness of cell phone health risks, highlighted the importance of continuing this research, which had already shown troubling results, including cancerous tumors in male rats and DNA damage in mice.

Despite a government advisory board’s recommendation to continue the study, the NIH cited technical challenges and resource demands as reasons for its termination. In a 2019 report, Professor Martin Paul discussed the broad impacts of EMF on human health, raising concerns about the additional risks posed by 5G.

While the wireless industry and certain government agencies assert that current data does not definitively show health risks from RF energy, some experts, including Christopher Collins, advocate for more careful studies and practical measures to reduce exposure. The article concludes with a note on the National Science Foundation’s $25 million investment to enhance 5G operations in critical sectors.

The health risks associated with 5G and wireless radiation remain a contentious topic, necessitating continued research and public awareness to fully understand and mitigate potential dangers.

Full transcript

Introduction to 5G Technology

The latest technology powering our smartphones is 5G, the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology, designed to improve speed and functionality. Despite calls from governments, activists, and scientists for a pause to study its health impacts before its deployment around 2019, the rollout proceeded without such evaluations.

Abrupt Halt of Government Study on Wireless Radiation

Earlier this year, a significant government study investigating the potential dangers of wireless radiation was abruptly halted. Today, we will explore both sides of this controversy.

Understanding Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by devices like electrical appliances, computer screens, and cell phones are invisible areas of radiation. As technology advances, safety concerns persist. Specifically, cell phones emit radiofrequency microwave radiation, leading to new controversies and halted safety research under the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Commitment and Termination of NIH Study

The NIH had committed significant resources to study how microwave radiation affects cells. This research was unexpectedly terminated for undisclosed reasons.

Expert Opinions and Historical Context

Deborah Davis: A Longtime Advocate

Deborah Davis, a professor of medicine, has been raising awareness about the health risks of cell phones for 16 years. In 2008, she issued a memo with the Cancer Institute’s Center for Environmental Oncology, advising cancer doctors against carrying phones close to their bodies. The recent government research aimed to investigate how cell phone radiation impacts behavior, stress, and DNA damage.

Concerns Over Study Termination

Davis expressed her concerns over the study’s termination, suspecting industry influence. She emphasized the need to keep microwave radiation away from bedrooms and homes due to its potential risks. Prior to its termination, the study had already produced alarming results, including evidence of high levels of cell phone radiation causing cancerous heart tumors in male rats and DNA damage in mice.

Government Advisory Board Recommendations

An important government advisory board recommended continuing the research, citing clear evidence of cancer. However, the NIH declined to answer questions, referring to a statement that cited technical challenges and unexpected resource intensity as reasons for halting the research.

The 2019 Full Measure Report

Professor Martin Paul’s Insights

In a 2019 Full Measure report, Professor Martin Paul, a leading scientist, discussed the impacts of EMF on human cells, including neurological, psychiatric, and reproductive effects, as well as chronic diseases. He expressed deep concern about the potential health impacts of 5G.

Potential Health Impacts of 5G

Paul believes current EMF exposures are already affecting health, and 5G could exacerbate these effects. At least three expert medical groups have linked certain EMF types to cancer, particularly childhood leukemia. These groups include the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a World Health Organization working group, and a European scientific committee.

EMF and Common Health Issues

Paul noted that EMF exposures could cause various health issues such as depression, sleep disturbances, headaches, and anxiety. Since the 2019 report, more concerns have emerged, with some scientists suggesting a possible link between 5G rollout and the COVID-19 pandemic, although this theory is widely dismissed as a conspiracy.

Industry Perspective on 5G Safety

The wireless industry, however, maintains that current data does not show definitive risks from RF energy emitted by wireless phones. Government agencies like the FDA and FCC agree, stating adverse effects have not been conclusively proven.

Christopher Collins’ Commentary

Christopher Collins, a professor of radiology at New York University and a paid consultant to the wireless industry, commented on the halted research. He suggested that negative findings about 5G were unlikely the reason for stopping the study. Collins emphasized the need for more careful studies, noting that current animal studies use much lower power levels than what we encounter in daily life.

Practical Advice for Reducing EMF Exposure

Collins advised using speakerphone or other methods to reduce cell phone radiation exposure. He raised the question of whether people, despite being aware of potential harms, would be willing to change their habits due to their dependence on cell phones.

Simple Measures to Reduce Exposure

Simple measures, such as programming phones and routers to sleep when not in use, could significantly reduce exposure. This is technically feasible, as demonstrated when France banned the iPhone 12, prompting the company to quickly adjust the software to comply with regulations.

Government Investment in 5G

While one government arm stopped its wireless radiation research, the National Science Foundation announced a $25 million investment to enhance 5G operations for the military, federal government, and critical infrastructure sectors.