The development and establishment of mobile communication technologies has necessitated assessments of possible risks to human health from exposures to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). A number of expert committees have concluded that there is no evidence for such risks as long as exposures are at or below levels that do not allow tissue heating. These assessments have been based primarily on studies investigating frequencies up to 6 GHz including frequencies similar to those used by two of three major bands of fifth generation (more accurately 5G New Radio or 5G NR) of mobile communication. Bioeffects studies in so-called high-band at 25–39 GHz are particularly sparse. Future assessments relevant for these frequencies will need to rely on still unperformed studies. Due to few available studies at 5G NR “high band” frequencies, and questions raised by some existing studies, a recent review recommended a wide range of RF biostudies be done at 5G NR “high band” frequencies. It is of importance that such studies be done using the best possible science. Here we suggest factors to consider when performing future studies in this area. The present focus is on laboratory studies to clarify biological effects of radiofrequency (RF) energy at 5G “high band” frequencies and, more generally at millimeter wave (mm-wave) frequencies (30-300 GHz) which will be increasingly used by communications technologies in the future. Similar comments would apply to epidemiology and exposure assessment studies, but those are not the focus of the present Perspective.

Conflict of Interest

Author M-OM and MS were employed by the company SciProof International AB. KRF receives minor research support on an unrelated topic (thermal dosimetry) from an industry group (Mobile and Wireless Forum).

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frcmn.2021.724772/full

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Abstract 

Uncertainty is a crucial issue for any risk assessment. Consequently, it also poses crucial challenges for risk communications. Many guidebooks advise reporting uncertainties in risk assessments, expecting that the audience will appreciate this disclosure. However, the empirical evidence about the effects of uncertainty reporting is sparse and inconclusive. Therefore, based on examples of potential health risks of electromagnetic fields (EMF), three experiments were conducted analysing the effects of communicating uncertainties separately for hazard identification, risk characterisation and risk protection. The setups aimed to explore how reporting and how explaining of uncertainty affects dependent variables such as risk perception, perceived competence of the risk assessors, and trust in risk management. Each of the three experiments used a 2×2 design with a first factor presenting uncertainty descriptions (as used in public controversies on EMF related health effects) or describing a certainty conditions; and a second factor explaining the causes of uncertainties (by pointing at knowledge gaps) or not explaining them. The study results indicate that qualitative uncertainty descriptions regarding hazard identification reduce the confidence in the professional competencies of the assessors. In contrast, a quantitative uncertainty description in risk characterisation-regarding the magnitude of the risk-does not affect any of the dependent variables. Concerning risk protection, trust in exposure limit values is not affected by qualitative uncertainty information. However, the qualitative description of uncertainty regarding the adequacy of protection amplifies fears. Furthermore, explaining this uncertainty results in lower text understandability.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0253762

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The deployment of 5G networks is a fundamental step to enable a variety of innovative services. Although the benefits of 5G are clear and well recognized, a portion of the general public is extremely concerned about the impact of 5G on human exposure to ElectroMagnetic Fields (EMFs). In this context, many allegations – mainly generated from non-scientific communities – are made against 5G, claiming that 5G technology will significantly increase human exposure to EMF. Despite efforts by national and international organizations to inform the population about the fact that 5G complying with international guidelines does not constitute a danger for human health, the terms “5G” and “exposure” are commonly connected to thoughts of suspicion and fear.

The goal of the Research Topic is to investigate human EMF exposure from 5G and Beyond-5G (B5G) Networks, by adopting a scientific approach to address population concerns. More specifically, we solicit contributions about 5G and B5G exposure coming from the following orthogonal (yet interconnected) areas: i) risk assessment and communication, ii) policy impact, and iii) engineering-based solutions.

Focusing on risk assessment, works tailored to the investigation of health effects due to 5G exposure are welcome. This category also includes papers that evaluate the level of risks connected with adoption of 5G (and B5G) networks. In addition, contributions about epidemiological analysis of 5G exposure matching the scope of this Research Topic are appropriate. Finally, submissions targeting the debunking of fake theories about 5G exposure with scientific approaches are welcome.

The second category is tailored to the investigation of the impact of policies on EMF exposure. For example, works showing the impact on EMF from the decommissioning of legacy wireless technologies are encouraged. In addition, we solicit contributions to show the impact of changes to national EMF regulation on 5G and B5G deployment. Finally, other topics of interest in this area include contributions focused on harmonization of EMF exposure limits and adoption of international guidelines for EMF compliance assessment.

The third and last category includes contributions from the engineering domain of 5G and EMF. In particular, solutions to reduce EMF exposure from 5G and B5G networks are welcome. We also solicit contributions reporting case studies of EMF assessment/measurement from 5G and B5G networks. Finally, network-wide solutions targeting EMF-aware network planning and EMF-aware communications are within the topics of interest of the proposal.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following ones:
• Health effects investigation of 5G (and B5G) exposure;
• Epidemiological studies of human exposure to 5G (and B5G) cellular networks;
• Electro Magnetic (EMF) measurements of 5G networks/devices;
• Exposure-aware design of 5G User Equipment / Base Station;
• Impact of new architecture paradigms on EMF levels: large intelligent-aided communications, densification, offloading;
• EMF-aware cellular network planning;
• EMF-aware resource allocation and communications protocols;
• Scientific debunking of fake theories abot 5G exposure;
• EMF-aware policies: decommissioning of legacy wireless technologies and the impact on exposure levels, national exposure regulation updates, harmonization of EMF compliance assessment procedures;
• EMF assessment of 5G features: mm-Waves, beamforming, densification, Internet of Things;
• EMF risk minimization via intelligent reflecting surfaces;
• EMF risk minimization via visible light communications and free space optics;
• Co-existence of 5G with weather satellites and Radio-Frequency (RF) sources;
• Case studies and proof of concepts about EMF exposure measurement/assessment scenarios for 5G (and B5G).

More information: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/18001/emf-exposure-from-5g-and-b5g-networks-risk-assessment-policy-and-engineering

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RECORDED

07 December 2020, 10:00 – 12:00

Panel for the Future of Science and Technology – Workshop on 5G

https://tinyurl.com/yyh2u9tx

Added note by EMFSA:

5G Workshop Summary by Electromagnetic Radiation Safety

https://www.saferemr.com/2020/12/european-parliament-workshop-on-5g.html?fbclid=IwAR27dE-bAnc

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OTS0206, March 6, 2020, 5:29 pm

Authors see the need for new forms of dialogue about uncertainties and risks

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Vienna (PK) – From August 2019 to February 2020, the ARGE “ITA-AIT-Parlament” was commissioned by the Austrian Parliament to assess the state of health regarding possible health risks of electromagnetic fields in mobile radio with a special focus on the new generation of mobile radio “5G” in to collect and summarize a short study. The lead study by the Institute for Technology Assessment (ITA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) is now available and is available on the Parliament’s website. The aim was to raise the level of discussion regarding 5G at the level of relevant international and national scientific bodies.

The study authors point out that “5G” is a collective term that variably combines different aspects. In addition, key data on the medium to long-term implementation of 5G technology (frequency ranges, supply infrastructures or areas of application) are still very unclear, which is why statements about the effects are only possible to a very limited extent. It seems important to them to continuously expand their knowledge of the effects of 5G. When implementing the technology, a wide range of options for action can be used to deal with possible risks or to avoid them as far as possible. These should be taken into account by the actors involved.

Seven key findings to discuss 5G

On the basis of the examined contributions to mobile radio technology and in particular 5G, the present study comes to seven central findings which characterize the current state of discussion about 5G:

There are currently still large differences in the risk assessment on the part of the relevant committees, a consensus is not foreseeable.

In any case, there is agreement that acute, short-term, individual effects are unlikely for 4G.

According to the study, however, there is still a broad spectrum of risk hypotheses for mobile communications in general. Its electromagnetic fields were classified as “potentially carcinogenic” by a recognized committee in 2011.

As far as the 5G risk hypotheses are concerned, effects on the eyes, skin and small organisms seem to be possible.

It is further stated that there are still large gaps in knowledge and ambiguities on these questions and that there is therefore a need for further research, in particular on 5G.

According to the authors, there is also agreement that the real exposure situation of the population manifests itself in a wide variety of radiation emissions due to the increasing ubiquity of electronic devices (from baby monitors and children’s toys to mobile phones, smart meters, self-driving cars and Internet of Things) a variety of sources will further complicate and exacerbate.

According to the study, the discussion about 5G shows agreement on the general need for precautionary measures and improved risk communication. However, there is disagreement about the type of recommended preventive measures.

There is currently no consensus regarding 5G’s health risk potential

The authors of the study come to the conclusion that no clear and consensual assessment of the health risk potential with regard to established mobile phone radiation is currently foreseeable. With regard to 5G, a more robust evidence situation also does not appear to be foreseeable or even unlikely, since this would require or lack sophisticated studies. The study authors recommend considering the broadest possible range of options for action in the evidence-based further discussion of governance strategies.

The study authors first point out the application of protective principles of “prudent avoidance” in addition to existing limit values. Attention must also be paid to the formulation of specific guidelines in the context of transmitter system construction, the technical design of end devices and the design of the basic service infrastructure.

The study also indicates that, in view of the current state of knowledge, further independent, national and international research of the highest quality is required to ensure the most robust evidence possible. It would also require greater clarity and more targeted communication on the technological details of all planned expansion stages as well as on the areas of application and exposure situations that can actually be expected from 5G.

In this context, the study also says that new ways of providing uncertainty and risk information must be sought. It should be taken into account here that the application of the new technology takes place against the background of uncertainty, inconsistency and controversiality that cannot be finally resolved. Therefore, it is important to take new paths for the uncertainty and risk dialog, since there is a high need for exchange from different stakeholders. At the same time, the lack of independent institutions for the organization and moderation of such an inter- and transdisciplinary exchange in Austria is noted. The study therefore recommends an evaluation of the existing risk governance system, e.g. B. with regard to the institutional separation and the legitimation criteria of evaluation, recommendation,

The knowledge gained can now be discussed in the Committee on Research, Innovation and Digitization with the responsible minister. (Conclusion) sox

https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20200306_OTS0206/studie-zu-gesundheitsrisiken-von-5g-verweist-auf-fehlenden-konsens-der-risikobewertung-und-weiteren-forschungsbedarf?fbclid=IwAR017PFcOGmkrvLoqoKQr1o8dNucC2_BZZZRSy3tqFho0PzHG2gJAyx2iKE

The study on “5G and health” is available on the Parliament’s website:

www.parlament.gv.at/SERV/STUD/FTA/Einzelstudien/index.shtml

Further information from the Institute for Technology Assessment can be found at: www.oeaw.ac.at/ita

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9 October 2019

Today the European Commission welcomes the publication by Member States of the high-level report on the EU-wide coordinated risk assessment of 5G Networks cybersecurity.

This major step is part of the implementation of the European Commission Recommendation of March 2019 to ensure a high level of cybersecurity of 5G networks across the EU. Prepared with the support of the European Commission and ENISA , the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, the Member States’ report identifies the main cyber threats and threats’ actors, the most sensitive assets, the main vulnerabilities (technical ones and other types of vulnerabilities) and a number of strategic risks.

In addition, ENISA prepared a specific threat landscape mapping related to 5G networks, which considers in more detail certain technical aspects covered in the high-level report.

Member States will start now working together with the Commission and ENISA, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity on a set of a possible risk management measures (‘toolbox’) to mitigate the cybersecurity risks identified in the EU-wide coordinated risk assessment. This toolbox should be ready by the end of the year.

With worldwide 5G revenues estimated at €225 billion in 2025, 5G is a key asset for Europe to compete in the global market and its cybersecurity is crucial for ensuring the technological sovereignty of the Union.

https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/eu-wide-coordinated-risk-assessment-5g-networks-security

ReportEUriskassessmentpdf

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Link to the presentation: https://cdn.website-editor.net/2479f24c54de4c7598d60987e3d81157/files/uploaded/S._Starkey_Presentation_5th_November_2018.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3-ivAJKiUe-hcXXlBVfhr2umq6fHjbj3S1oYsA9-KSO6eKsv9NrDhUkGM

Selected slides and information from the presentation:

More on the topic:

Dr Sarah Starkey: Technology and Education: How safe are our children?

Physicians’ Health Initiative for Radiation and Environment  (PHIRE) – click on “Home’ below:

http://phiremedical.org/

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Technologies which emit radiofrequency signals are commonly used in schools and other workplaces. Concerns have been expressed by scientists and doctors about the possible harmful effects which the signals may be having on our health, based on scientific evidence. Of particular concern are the possible effects on foetal development and on children and young people.

Under the UK Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999 or 2000 (NI)), employers need to carry out a risk assessment for any potential hazards in the workplace. Schools in the UK are expected to carry out a risk assessment before any new technologies are introduced or used.

An example risk assessment for schools and other workplaces is provided on page 2 .This is a working document and feedback is welcomed.

Background information on risk assessments can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive.

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