Mobile Phones as Vectors of Infectious Disease are increasingly recognised as a public health concern, particularly as their use extends into high-risk environments such as bathrooms. These devices function as fomites—objects capable of carrying and transmitting bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Common examples include doorknobs, clothing, medical equipment, and frequently used electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and pens, all of which are handled regularly and often inadequately disinfected.

Pathogens such as norovirus can survive for prolonged periods on surfaces, enabling indirect transmission between environments and individuals.

Microbial Contamination

A 2025 study by Olsen et al. identified over 2,200 microbial species on mobile phones, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Clinically significant organisms such as ESKAPE (antibiotic-resistant pathogens) and HACEK (associated with infective endocarditis and other infections) were detected.

The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors highlights the potential for mobile devices to act as reservoirs of clinically relevant microbes.

Hygiene and Transmission

Mobile devices are handled continuously yet infrequently disinfected, allowing microbes to transfer between hands, surfaces, and the face. This creates a cycle of contamination through repeated handling and contact.

These risks are further amplified by behavioural patterns, particularly smartphone use in high-contamination environments.

Behavioural Risk: Toilet Use

Smartphone use on the toilet is increasingly common and associated with prolonged sitting time. Research suggests this behaviour may increase the risk of hemorrhoids due to sustained pressure, while also increasing exposure to contaminated surfaces and aerosolised particles.

Children and Vulnerable Groups

Photo by Jill Sauve on Unsplash

The role of mobile phones as vectors of infectious disease is particularly relevant in households with young children. While concerns often focus on radiation exposure, blue light, and screen addiction, an equally important issue is microbial transfer.

Caregivers should be aware that mobile phones can harbour and transfer bacteria even after handwashing. This creates a cycle of recontamination, where clean hands come into contact with contaminated devices, potentially increasing exposure risks for children whose immune systems are still developing.

Limitations and Public Health Implications

Current evidence demonstrates contamination but does not establish direct causation of disease. Further research is required to quantify risk and inform policy. Development of hygiene guidelines—particularly in healthcare and public settings—may be warranted.

Practical Advice

Regular cleaning of mobile devices using appropriate disinfectants, limiting use in high-risk environments, and increasing awareness are practical steps to reduce risk.

Conclusion

Mobile Phones as Vectors of Infectious Disease represent an under-recognised pathway for microbial transmission. Improved hygiene practices and behavioural awareness are essential to mitigate potential public health risks.
These findings demonstrate that mobile phones can act as mobile reservoirs of microbial life, effectively functioning as “petri dishes” that facilitate indirect spread and transmission across geographical boundaries.

Your phone is covered in germs: a tech expert explains how to clean it without doing damage

References

Further reading: Study explores a concerning link between digital screen time and breast cancer risk https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/study-explores-a-concerning-link-between-digital-screen-time-and-breast-cancer-risk/

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The EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter takes a closer look at a widely publicized study that claims 5G is safe. While the media presented reassuring headlines, our analysis reveals key limitations in the research that deserve careful attention. This issue also highlights how antibiotics in cell cultures may confound EMF study results—an important but often overlooked factor.

• Mobile Phone EMF and Brain Activity
A new scoping review outlines major research gaps, especially around 5G-related frequencies. The review urges more consistent research methods and better-quality studies to assess EMF’s influence on brain activity.

• RF-EMF Exposure in Europe
In this issue, the EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter also covers a large-scale study measuring EMF exposure in over 800 microenvironments across ten European countries. One takeaway: stricter national limits often lead to lower background EMF—but can result in higher uplink exposure from personal devices during data transfers.

• Electrohypersensitivity (EHS): Reasonable Accommodation
We include insights from a perspective article that mentions reasonable accommodation for people with EHS, an increasingly recognized issue in workplace and public health discussions.

• EHS Skin Cell Study Emphasizes Need for In Vivo Research
The newsletter covers a new cell study showing delayed ATM protein activity in skin fibroblasts from self-diagnosed EHS individuals. The authors stress that in vivo studies are needed to confirm whether these findings translate to real-life biological responses.

• Upcoming
Stay tuned for Dariusz Leszczynski’s upcoming paper on EHS, recently accepted by the mHealth Journal—previewed in this month’s newsletter.

• Are AI Companions Just a Game?
A timely ethical question: are AI companions harmless, or can they foster addiction and emotional dependency?

• Breast Cancer Infographic: Exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN), especially blue light, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in genetically predisposed women.

• Is taurine in energy drinks a concern?

Read the full EMFSA May 2025 Newsletter: 5G Study Claims Safety

EMFSA April 2025 Newsletter – EMFSA

EMFSA (Electromagnetic Fields South Africa)

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A single swallow flying above abstract waves and digital signals, symbolizing caution in interpreting a single 5G research finding.

Illustration generated by AI using OpenAI’s DALL·E — conceptual design by EMFSA, 2025.

Framing the Narrative: discredit opposition without addressing substance

“This work is a thorough rebuttal to the myths, misconceptions, and conspiracies surrounding 5G networks.”

This kind of framing risks delegitimizing even well-founded or scientifically grounded concerns by categorizing them alongside fringe views.

Loaded Language & Certainty Overreach

Examples:

“Our results show with great clarity…”
“Absolutely nothing”
“We hope to close this debate…”

These statements go well beyond cautious scientific language. In high-quality research reporting, especially in fields with public health implications, phrases like “with great clarity” or “close this debate” are red flags. Science rarely “closes debates” based on one study—especially in complex, emerging fields.

Backward logic

“We devised a comprehensive experimental setup… to close this debate.”

This reflects circular reasoning: the null result is used to retroactively justify the method, rather than the method standing independently of the outcome.

Clarifying 5G Frequency Ranges
It is misleading to present findings from studies on millimeter waves (mmWave) as representative of all 5G frequencies. In reality, 5G includes a wide range of frequencies, each with different coverage and potential biological effects.

Most countries use mid-band 5G, particularly n78 (3.5 GHz), due to its balance of speed and range. Low-band (e.g., 700 MHz, n28) supports broad coverage, especially in rural areas, while mmWave bands like n260 and n261 offer high speeds but remain limited due to short range and infrastructure needs.

Regions such as China and South Korea also use bands like n79 (4.9 GHz) and n257 (26 GHz) to boost capacity. The C-Band (n77/n78) is becoming the global standard for its practicality.

In light of this, studies that only examine mmWave exposures—such as those at 26 or 40 GHz—cannot be taken as definitive evidence for the safety of all 5G technologies. Broader investigation across commonly used mid- and low-band frequencies is essential for a more complete understanding of potential health effects.

Study Relevance (According to the Authors)

• The rollout of 5G technology and the planned use of even higher frequencies have raised public concerns, particularly about potential cancer risks and genetic effects.
  
• Previous studies investigating health effects of radiofrequency radiation have been criticized for:
  
  • Lack of blinded conditions,
    
  • Inadequate temperature control,
    
  • Limited transparency in statistical analysis.
    
• This study aimed to address those criticisms through a rigorously controlled experimental setup.
  
• The researchers exposed two types of human skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) to high-frequency electromagnetic fields under worst-case exposure conditions.
  
• According to the authors, no significant changes were found in gene expression or DNA methylation patterns after exposure.
  
• They suggest these findings may help reduce public uncertainty about 5G by providing “well-founded facts.”
  
• The authors also propose that their statistical approach could be useful in other fields where demonstrating the absence of a biological effect is important.

An independent take on key nuances to be aware of

• The exposure duration was either 2 or 48 hours, which may not reflect real-life chronic, long-term exposure.
  
• Cell cultures in petri dishes are not equivalent to whole human biology—this model lacks the complexity of real tissues and systems.
  
• Only two cell types were used, both from the skin, even though 5G signals (including other than mmwaves) can penetrate deeper or affect neurological and immune systems indirectly.
  

It’s worth noting that the study used penicillin-streptomycin in the culture media. Emerging research shows that antibiotics in mammalian cell cultures—especially streptomycin—can affect gene expression and epigenetic regulation. This could introduce subtle confounders—particularly in transcriptomic analyses—where even minor gene expression shifts can be misinterpreted. For more on this topic: Antibiotic Use in Mammalian Cell Cultures – EMFSA

BERENIS on RF-EMF, ICNIRP Guidelines, and the Precautionary Principle

BERENIS, the Swiss expert group on electromagnetic fields and non-ionising radiation, notes that evidence on health effects from RF-EMF in the millimetre wave (MMW) range (>5.8 GHz) remains limited and uncertain. Some studies suggest possible effects on learning and cellular stress, but data quality is poor and human or ecological studies are lacking. BERENIS recommends applying the precautionary principle and supports stricter guidelines for exposures above 6 GHz until more robust research is available.

This is an excerpt. Read the full statement here:
BERENIS – Swiss Expert Group on Electromagnetic Fields, Newsletter, May 2025. https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/en/home/topics/electrosmog/beratende-expertengruppe-nis-berenis/newsletter-of-the-swiss-expert-group-on-electromagnetic-fields-a.html

One study does not settle the science—just as one swallow does not make a summer. As 5G deployment continues, rigorous multi-frequency, long-term studies—free from media hype—remain essential for public trust and scientific integrity.

Independent analysts such as Einar Flydal and Microwave News have also questioned the framing and interpretation of the study’s findings.

• How to Bluff with Research: Alexander Lerchl Rides Again – Einar Flydal https://einarflydal.com/2025/05/24/hvordan-bloffe-med-forskning-alexander-lerchl-rir-igjen
  
• Alexander Lerchl – Microwave News archive https://microwavenews.com/news-tags/alexander-lerchl

References

• 5G Bands by Country: A Global Guide to Frequency Allocations [2025] – OneSDR
  https://onesdr.com/5g-bands-by-country-a-global-guide-to-frequency-allocations
• 5G wireless signals were extensively tested and the final verdict is out on their human impact – Earth.com
  https://www.earth.com/news/5g-wireless-signals-are-finally-proven-to-be-completely-safe
• Even if 5G penetrates a few millimetres into the skin, it is safe – Cosmos Magazine
  https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/internet/5g-safe-gene-expression
• Jyoti Jyoti, Isabel Gronau, Eda Cakir, Marc-Thorsten Hütt, Alexander Lerchl, Vivian Meyer.
  5G-exposed human skin cells do not respond with altered gene expression and methylation profiles.
  PNAS Nexus, Volume 4, Issue 5, May 2025, pgaf127.
  https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf127
• Most Rigorous Study Of Human Cells Exposed To 5G Strikes Blow At Common Conspiracy Theory – IFLScience
  https://www.iflscience.com/what-happened-when-scientists-exposed-human-cells-to-5g-absolutely-nothing-79247
• Scientists Blasted Human Cells With 5G to See What Would Happen – Gizmodo
  https://gizmodo.com/scientists-blasted-human-cells-with-5g-to-see-what-would-happen-20006025
• Study debunks 5G health conspiracy theory (again) – Popular Science
  https://www.popsci.com/health/5g-conspiracy-theory-debunk
• Take off your tinfoil hat: Exposure to 5G doesn’t alter your genes, new study finds – Android Authority
  https://www.androidauthority.com/5g-study-human-cells-3558167
• Stay calm & keep scrolling: New Constructor University study finds no evidence of cell damage from 5G (Constructor University press release)
  https://nachrichten.idw-online.de/2025/05/14/stay-calm-keep-scrolling-new-constructor-university-study-finds-no-evidence-of-cell-damage-from-5g?groupcolor=1
• Constructor University Facebook Reel – “It is safe to use 5G…”
  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1115881970554429
• Constructor University on Instagram –
  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJmCssECUPq/

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•Freedom of Information (FOI) is regarded as one of the best examples of democracy.

•Access to Information is a Human Right

In South Africa, the right of access to information is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Republic of South Africa, 1996) and enacted through the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) (Republic of South Africa 2000).

The passing of FOI legislation symbolises a commitment to promote democracy and public participation. However, the enactment of PAIA has not translated into democracy and public participation because there is overwhelming evidence suggesting the poor implementation of the legislation.

Most marginalised South Africans do not enjoy the right of access to information because of numerous factors such as a lack of awareness, interpretational issues, inadequate resources, a culture of secrecy, laws inherited from the apartheid government, poor record-keeping and a lack of political will (Mutula, 2006; Odinkalu and Kadiri, 2014; OAsogwa and Ezema, 2017). 

Ref. Mojapelo, M.G. (2024), “A framework towards the implementation of freedom of information legislation in South Africa”, Information Discovery and Delivery, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-11-2022-0121

Access to Information promotes

•Transparency by providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate information.

•Accountability.

•Gives ordinary citizens a right of access to all kinds of information held by public bodies (namely the government) and private bodies (such as companies). It offers only limited justification for withholding such information.

 •Cultivating an informed and engaged public 

 •Building  trust in institutions

 •Assists in transparency and accountability in actions related to environmental justice, scientific integrity, and public health.

The Municipal Systems Act emphasizes governance principles and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) mandates public access to information held by public bodies, including municipalities.

Unfortunately, municipalities often do not make information publicly available by default, instead, they require interested individuals to follow a PAIA application process to access. 

Municipalities are the sphere of government closest to the people. They have powers and duties which directly affect the development of local areas and the daily lives of local residents.

Municipal councils must 

• contribute to the progressive realisation of the fundamental rights contained in the Constitution.
• respect the rights of citizens in the way in which they exercise their powers

The preamble of PAIA states that before the enactment of the Constitution, the South African government was characterised as secretive and unresponsive which led to many abuses of public power. It goes on to state that one of the reasons for enacting PAIA is to foster transparency and accountability in all governance issues, including municipalities. The purpose of PAIA is to improve access to information and not to create a convenient barrier to hide information.

Municipalities’ approach should always favour a position of transparency rather than conditional secrecy.  Ref. Dullah Omar Institute Volume 19, Issue 2, June 2024.The PAIA barrier to access municipal records

One of the most important provisions of the PAIA is the public interest override which provides that despite a ground of refusal applying, the information officer must grant a request for access if the disclosure of the record would:

 •1.Reveal evidence of a substantial contravention of,or failure to comply with the law; or an imminent and serious public safety or environmental risk and

•2.The public interest in the disclosure of the record clearly outweighs the harm contemplated in the ground of refusal.

Ref.  https://africacheck.org/fact-checks/guides/guide-getting-grips-south-africas-promotion-access-information-act

Ref. https://www.lexisnexis.co.za/lexis-digest/legal/access-to-information-the-quest-of-getting-to-the-truth

Guidance on policies and actions and the availability of data

The WHO encourages countries to establish exposure standards that limit EMF exposures to the public and workers as part of national legislation (Ref: Compendium of WHO and other UN guidance on health and environment, 2024 update).The implementation of legal limits, rather than industry self-regulation, should be encouraged. Additionally, national monitoring systems should be established, with data readily accessible to scientists and the public. https://bit.ly/3HkQ4vh

In Australia mobile tower configurations (by all operators) are openly shared on a national website for cumulative safety assessments.

As the deployment of 5G NR networks continues to expand globally, comprehending and monitoring EMF exposure levels have become crucial in ensuring public safety and addressing potential exposure-effect relations. RF-EMF exposure monitoring networks contribute to enhancing our awareness of existing RF-EMF exposures and also serve as valuable resources for policymakers and researchers to make informed decisions regarding human and environmental protection. Ref. Erdal Korkmaz, Sam Aerts, Richard Coesoij, Chhavi Raj Bhatt, Maarten Velghe, Loek Colussi, Derek Land, Nikolaos Petroulakis, Marco Spirito, John Bolte, A comprehensive review of 5G NR RF-EMF exposure assessment technologies: fundamentals, advancements, challenges, niches, and implications, Environmental Research, Volume 260, 2024, 119524, ISSN 0013-9351, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.119524.

“My Parliament, My Freedom, My Voice, My Future“.(the theme for the opening of the South African Parliament July 2024)

In the spirit of “My Parliament, My Freedom, My Voice, My Future,’ we must remember that our esteemed constitution enshrines the public’s right to participation and transparency. Yet, too often, ratepayers, taxpayers, and consumers find their voices unheard, especially in matters relating to telecommunication infrastructure. Our constitutional values should be honored by ensuring that all public inquiries are met with the respect, transparency and responsiveness that fosters trust and empowers our future.

The lessons of history emphasize the importance of Freedom of Information requests

Project MKUltra

An illegal human experiments program designed and undertaken by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to develop procedures and identify drugs that could be used during interrogations to weaken people and force confessions through brainwashing and psychological torture.In 1977, a Freedom of Information Act request uncovered a cache of 20,000 documents relating to MKUltra, which led to Senate hearings

Ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MKUltra#cite_note-nytimes.com-13

Ref.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MKUltra#cite_note-mk1977-22

Tuskegee Syphilis Study

The U.S. Public Health Service called it “The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male.” The world would soon come to know it simply as the “Tuskegee Study” — one of the biggest medical scandals in U.S. history, an atrocity that continues to fuel mistrust of government and health care among Black Americans. Ref. https://apnews.com/article/tuskegee-study-experiment-syphilis-7743bd8c7d51fe0ef9a855b4bec69b1f

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(Review, Open Access) Long-lasting, biochemically modified mRNA, and its frameshifted recombinant spike proteins in human tissues and circulation after COVID-19 vaccination

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/prp2.1218

Abbreviations

²H-D deuterium

mRNA messenger RNA

Polθ polymerase theta

SARS-CoV severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by corona virus

WT natural wild-type

Guest post by James Lech https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslech/

Why It Matters

This study challenges our understanding of how long COVID-19 vaccine components remain active in the body and their potential long-term effects. It highlights the need for more research into the biochemical and quantum mechanisms at play, ensuring we fully grasp the implications of these groundbreaking vaccines.

Dive into the full study to uncover the science behind these startling findings and what they mean for the future of mRNA vaccines.

The study titled “Long-lasting, biochemically modified mRNA, and its frameshifted recombinant spike proteins in human tissues and circulation after COVID-19 vaccination” by Boros et al. presents a detailed analysis of the persistence and impact of modified mRNA used in COVID-19 vaccines. 

Here are the key points and findings from the publication:

Objectives

1. Evaluate the Persistence of mRNA and Spike Protein:
   • Investigate how long the modified mRNA from COVID-19 vaccines remains in human tissues and circulation.
   • Assess the duration for which the recombinant spike protein persists in the body post-vaccination.
2. Examine Immunological and Cellular Responses:
   • Explore the cellular and immune responses elicited by the modified mRNA and its translated products.
   • Analyze the potential off-target effects and immune responses due to frameshifted translation products.
3. Investigate Potential Adverse Effects:
   • Discuss the implications of prolonged presence of spike proteins on organ function and overall health.
   • Highlight any clinical observations of adverse events related to the persistence of these proteins.

Key Findings

1. Persistence of mRNA and Spike Protein:
   • The modified mRNA can persist up to 30 days post-injection in tissues such as the heart and skeletal muscle.
   • Recombinant spike proteins have been detected in the blood for over 187 days after vaccination.
2. Immune and Cellular Responses:
   • The study found increased production of new B-cell antigens and T-cell responses due to +1 ribosomal frameshifting.
   • Identified nine peptides derived from the +1 frame translation of the mRNA, which could impact host T-cell immunity.
3. Adverse Effects:
   • Documented increased uptake of 18-flourodeoxyglucose in heart muscle, indicating inflammation and metabolic changes post-vaccination.
   • Noted potential risks for myocarditis and other cardiac complications linked to prolonged presence of spike proteins.
   • Raised concerns about the stability of deuterium (heavy hydrogen) in proline and hydroxyproline residues in spike proteins, potentially contributing to long-term pathogenicity.

Clinical and Biochemical Insights

• Biochemical Modifications: The mRNA vaccines incorporate pseudouridine and methylpseudouridine, enhancing stability and reducing immediate immunogenicity but potentially contributing to prolonged biological activity.
• Proteomic Analysis: Mass spectrometry identified both in-frame and frameshifted peptides, suggesting that mRNA modifications lead to diverse protein products with possible immune implications.
• Deutenomics: Highlighted the role of deuterium in stabilizing mRNA and spike proteins, affecting their breakdown and potentially leading to extended persistence in the body.

Expanding into the proton tunneling importance from the work of Dr. Judith Klinman’s expertise:

Proton Tunneling and Enzyme Catalysis

1. Enzyme Catalysis and mRNA Stability:

• Proton tunneling is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where protons can pass through energy barriers rather than going over them. This has profound implications for enzyme catalysis, particularly in reactions involving hydrogen transfers.
• In the context of mRNA vaccines, the stability of mRNA molecules and their subsequent translation into spike proteins could be influenced by enzymatic processes where proton tunneling plays a role. This stability could impact the persistence of these molecules in the body.

2. Hydrogen Bonding and Structural Stability:

• Dr. Klinman’s work emphasizes the importance of hydrogen bonding networks in enzyme active sites and their role in facilitating proton transfer.
• Modified mRNA and the resultant spike proteins might have altered hydrogen bonding patterns due to biochemical modifications such as pseudouridine incorporation. These changes could influence the overall stability and degradation pathways of these molecules, potentially contributing to their prolonged presence in tissues.

Quantum Effects in mRNA Degradation and Translation

1. Proton Tunneling in RNA Decay Mechanisms:

• RNA degradation involves various nucleases and ribozymes, where proton transfer is a critical step. Proton tunneling could affect the efficiency and rate of these reactions.
• The biochemical modifications in mRNA vaccines might alter the typical proton transfer pathways, thereby affecting the decay rates of these molecules. This could explain the observed persistence of mRNA up to 30 days post-injection.

2. Enzymatic Processes and Modified mRNA:

• Enzymes like RNA polymerases and ribosomes, involved in the synthesis and translation of mRNA, could exhibit altered catalytic properties in the presence of modified nucleotides.
• Proton tunneling could influence the fidelity and efficiency of these enzymatic processes, potentially leading to the production of frameshifted recombinant spike proteins. This frameshifting might result in the generation of unexpected peptide products, eliciting off-target immune responses.

Implications for Long-term Protein Persistence

1. Proton Tunneling and Protein Folding:

• The proper folding and stability of proteins, including recombinant spike proteins, are crucial for their function and degradation. Proton tunneling can impact the folding pathways and stability of these proteins.
• The introduction of proline residues in spike proteins, as highlighted in the study, could create sites for increased deuterium (heavy hydrogen) binding. These sites might exhibit unique proton tunneling properties, contributing to the long-term stability and resistance to degradation of these proteins.

2. Deuterium and Enzymatic Action:

• Deuterium has different tunneling properties compared to protium (the most common hydrogen isotope), which could affect enzymatic reactions involving spike protein degradation.
• The accumulation of unregulated deuterium in proline-rich regions of spike proteins can lead to reduced degradation by proteases, resulting in their prolonged presence in circulation. This aligns with the study’s findings of spike protein persistence for over half a year.

Ref 12: “To stabilize or not to stabilize RNA – that is still the question”

P olymerase theta (Polθ) provides critical insights into the stability and potential genetic integration of RNA templates, which are directly relevant to understanding the findings in the Boros et al. study on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The role of Polθ in reverse transcribing stable RNA and the impact of deuterium on RNA stability highlight important biochemical mechanisms that could explain the prolonged presence and potential adverse effects of vaccine-derived mRNA and spike proteins in human tissues.

Ref. Boros LG, Kyriakopoulos AM, Brogna C, Piscopo M, McCullough PA, Seneff S. Long-lasting, biochemically modified mRNA, and its frameshifted recombinant spike proteins in human tissues and circulation after COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2024; 12:e1218. doi:10.1002/prp2.1218

Related https://bit.ly/3HkQ4vh

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30th of January 2024

•Accusations of conflict of interest and the quality of science (from both sides).

•An opinion article and a review published in response to said opinion article:

•de Vocht F and Albers P (2022) The population health effects from 5G: Controlling the narrative. Front. Public Health 10:1082031. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1082031

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1082031/full

•Weller S and McCredden JE (2024) Understanding the public voices and researchers speaking into the 5G narrative. Front. Public Health 11:1339513. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1339513

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1339513/full

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Nanoparticles are used in many cosmetic products including moisturisers, hair care products, make- up and sunscreen. Why and how does this relate to radiofrequency exposure? 

Read more in our December 2023 newsletter https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/nanoparticles-rfr-and-skin

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ARPANSA https://www.arpansa.gov.au/

To read the full publication and to download the article:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-022-00497-8

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

The publication can also be downloaded from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365748429_Comment_on_5G_mobile_networks_and_health-a_state-of-the-_science_review_of_the_research_into_low-level_RF_fields_above_6_GHz_by_Karipidis_et_al

Extensive supplementary data that can be downloaded.

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Purpose

The deployment of new 5G NR technology has significantly raised public concerns in possible negative effects on human health by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). The current review is aimed to clarify the differences between possible health effects caused by the various generations of telecommunication technology, especially discussing and projecting possible health effects by 5G. The review of experimental studies on the human brain over the last fifteen years and the discussion on physical mechanisms and factors determining the dependence of the RF EMF effects on frequency and signal structure have been performed to discover and explain the possible distinctions between health effects by different telecommunication generations.

Conclusions

The human experimental studies on RF EMF effects on the human brain by 2G, 3G and 4G at frequencies from 450 to 2500 MHz were available for analyses. The search for publications indicated no human experimental studies by 5G nor at the RF EMF frequencies higher than 2500 MHz. The results of the current review demonstrate no consistent relationship between the character of RF EMF effects and parameters of exposure by different generations (2G, 3G, and 4G) of telecommunication technology. At the RF EMF frequencies lower than 10 GHz, the impact of 5G NR FR1 should have no principal differences compared to the previous generations. The radio frequencies used in 5G are even higher and the penetration depths of the fields are smaller; therefore, the effect is rather lower than at previous generations. At the RF EMF frequencies higher than 10 GHz, the mechanism of the effects might differ and the impact of 5G NR FR2 becomes unpredictable. Existing knowledge about the mechanism of RF EMF effects at millimeter waves lacks sufficient experimental data and theoretical models for reliable conclusions. The insufficient knowledge about the possible health effects at millimeter waves and the lack of in vivo experimental studies on 5G NR underline an urgent need for the theoretical and experimental investigations of health effects by 5G NR, especially by 5G NR FR2.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09553002.2022.2026516

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The WHO (2006) explains how the use of the words guidelines and standards has substantially different implications for public health and EMF radiation protection enforcement:

1. Guidelines are voluntary instruments of instructions and recommendations that are not legally mandated and therefore have no legal standing.

2. Standards are the mandatory, compulsory and legally binding instruments, i.e., laws, acts, regulations, ordinances and decrees.

They require procedures and systems to exist in order to ensure compliance with mandatory standards, i.e., an agency is mandated to check compliance through calculations and measurements in the workplace, residence and other vulnerable areas.

In summary, a standard has mandatory and legally binding instruments, monitoring and enforcement systems.

Identified were municipalities advertising having a “standard” in the form of a Telecommunications bylaw however, the municipalities purposefully do not meet the criteria to qualify as a standard but instead as a guideline.

We shall use the simple example of traffic law and bylaws. Every vehicle within the municipality must be registered and be licensed. The operating of said vehicles requires the operator to have a license that must be renewed and updated regularly. Different zones have different operating requirements such as speed, emissions, weight class, noise etc.…. There is a monitoring system through cameras, traffic inspector officials, and the public.

Finally, there is enforcement in place through fines, inspections, confiscation and court appearances. 

Furthermore, outside parties can obtain access to verifying the operations of the standard and contribute to efficacy, enhancement and progressive development.

The WHO states there is to be no internationally mandated EMF radiation standard but recommends that countries adopt their health-based EMF radiation standard from the large selection of international guidelines published, based on their tolerance of risk value toward accrued benefits to health. It could be argued that EMF radiation protection and interpretation would fall into existing legislation in South Africa with there being no national EMF radiation exposure safety standard in the country. The argument is based on the false sense of safety associated with the lack of a standard and consequently lack of surveillance of EMF exposure to the public.

Because it cannot be denied that there is the potential of harm from exposure to EMF radiation, legally binding exposure standards have been established in many countries worldwide.

Source: https://bit.ly/3HkQ4vh

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