Technology is advancing at an amazing pace. Now we have no choice but to join the ongoing flow of technological advancements. We are all enjoying the privileges, but it this all worth the environmental risk? Recently, I have spent quite some time on my Spectrum TV and internet package, checking out various channels and websites for relevant stuff concerning the 5G technology.
So, is it going to take us towards new heights of cellular technology advancements, or bring down further by implying irreversible health and environmental risks? Before we decide anything, let’s get to know this technology a bit first!
What is 5G Technology
Although it is creating quite a hype these days, this technology is not entirely new. This year, however, it has been rolled out in the market for the general public to use. Not more than a dozen cities would get access to this technology this year, and it is going to take about 5 more years for it to be accessible to half of the world population.
But this is not stopping top cellular manufacturing companies from jumping in into the competition of coming up with 5G enabled mobile phones. Samsung’s latest Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Fold are 5G-compatible. LG, Motorola, Huawei have also launched 5G compatible models of their own.
5G: the Benefits
This technology is going to benefit a lot more avenues than were previously expected. It is going to be integrated into augmented and virtual realities. We’ll be able to see self-driving cars requiring low latency, latencies even lower than 1-millisecond mark. Mobile phones would be able to share information in thousandth parts of a second. But for all this to happen, 5G infrastructure is needed.
The Concerns over Time
Well, the rumors you have been listening to, concerning the hazards of the latest 5G technology, are not all baseless. It is almost been a decade since environmentalists all around the world have been talking about the dangers of electromagnetic radiation. You too must have come across those controversies related to Wi-Fi technology being a health risk, and smart meters being not so smart environmentally.
People are concerned, but the concerns are, so far, mainly hypothetical. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity, a disease in which you experience certain symptoms in the presence of devices that work with electromagnetic technology, Wi-Fi’s and mobile phones, for example, have been nothing so far but observed behaviors based on hypothesis of different people. Despite the claims, scientific reviews from experts all around the world claim otherwise. They say that the majority of such people cannot even confirm the presence of such devices if they are not able to see them.
But recently, the state of California has passed the law that stores and shops should display a notice if any radiation-emitting devices are present. This has again raised questions regarding the safety concerns of common people.
Radio frequency: Dangerous or Not?
The root cause of all the concerns about 5G technology is the radio frequency radiation (RFR). RFR includes every device that emits electromagnetic spectrum waves. This includes x-rays, microwaves, cordless phones, even the sun. We can say that RFR in its origin, is not that dangerous. What makes it dangerous are the circumstances it might be passing through before coming in contact with humans. So, what is the deciding factor? It is the ionizing or non-ionizing radiation which makes it safe or dangerous. To simplify it, non-ionizing radiation is not strong enough to affect chemical bonds. Your power lines, FM radio, Wi-Fi, these are all safe. Microwave is an exception though. They are non-ionizing but can damage and penetrate tissues.
The Risks: Worth it or Not?
A common view is that, due to the increased demand, there are going to be many more 5G transmitters. The new technology is going to require thousands of wireless antennas in all of our neighborhoods. All cities and towns are going to be filled by them.
Another concern is that the greater the frequency, the higher the risk. 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4g technologies work on 1-5 gigahertz frequency. The range of 5G frequency is between 24 to 90 gigahertz. Depending on it, the greater the frequency, the riskier it is for all living organisms.
But these are all speculations and assumptions. For now, the data points out that 5g is a non-ionizing technology, is safe, and there is no need to be alarmed. So, I assume it is still safe to call my Spectrum service number and get my package renewed.
If you have any questions or concerns, do share in the comments below!
Thank you for Is 5G Dangerous to Your Health? [Explained], is very informative.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.