It’s getting real. 5G is coming, and it will change the way the world connects to the internet. But while this may seem like an incredible advancement in technology, is 5G radiation making us sick?

Every 10 years or so, new generations of mobile phones and smartphones are brought out with the promise of faster, better internet service. But is there a danger to being so connected?

5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile phones. The Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance are responsible for releasing new standards for wireless communication, and these standards are updated based, in part, on consumer demand.

According to a Wellness Mama article, ‘4G cell phones (what most people have now) are a data stream that is 2 gigahertz and can pass 10 megabits of information, which is enough to stream video. But the frequency that 4G currently occupies (2 gigahertz) does not have enough room for all of the data 5G will be transferring. Every generation has increased in frequency to allow for more data transfer. A cell phone that is 5G on the other hand uses millimetre waves and is up to 90 gigahertz.’

This is one of the biggest jumps in data streaming (from 2 to 90 gigahertz!) ever seen in wireless communication, and with it, there are obvious benefits such as a faster phone (and other devices), which means being able to send and receive exponentially more information, as well as reduce lag time (between tapping a link and the page loading) down to a millisecond.

5G will also support more connections; stoves, fridges, locks, lights, smart homes, cars, and the list goes on.

However, there are some downsides to the new 5G network…

The Problems with 5G

Scientists conducted studies where mobile phones were placed near or in hives, and set to call-making mode. The bees would sense the signals transmitted when the phone rang, and it would disorientate them. When they flew out of the hive, they weren’t able to find their way back, and so became lost and eventually died.

The impact of this mass die out of bees has been felt all over the world, as the population of bees in the U.S. and the U.K. has decreased by almost half in the last 30 years. It was thought by many researchers that insecticides and pesticides were the main culprits, but with all these new studies coming out, WiFi is now believed to be the bigger killer, impacting birds as well.

Back when mobile phones were first created, around 30+ years ago, they were analogue (1G). From there it switched to digital with the next generation (2G). As new digital generations were created, the speed at which we could send and receive information quickened, too.

Some of the other concerns linked with 5G include:

• More cell towers due to reduced coverage. You may have noticed new cell towers going up in your area? This is because the higher frequencies are more easily absorbed by objects, and aren’t able to pass through walls as easily. With 5G, there won’t necessarily be more cell towers going up, but rather more small cells, like antennas, being installed on already existing towers, rooftops, light poles, etc.
• Health concerns. With the introduction of 5G brings with it much higher EMF exposure.

According to Wellness Mama, some other serious downsides to 5G communication are:

– Reduced cyber security – Because every wireless technology will be under the 5G umbrella, cybersecurity may be affected. With more and more objects on the network, there is more chance for information being compromised. (Learn how to improve your cyber security here.)
– Privacy – Because of the change in tower locations, it will be much easier to pinpoint where you are. For example, if your phone connects to a tower that serves 1 mile of space, you are likely within that space. Turning off location won’t help.

What are EMFs?

EMFs, also known as electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic frequencies, are made up of photons in an electric and magnetic field that run perpendicular to one another. These fields travel together in an invisible waveform. According to a Dr. Axe article, ‘The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences describes EMFs as invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting.’

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are two forms of EMFs:

• High-frequency EMF radiation. This is an ionising radiation and and includes mid- to high-frequency radiation. It runs on a higher frequency than visible light, and can actually cause damage to DNA and cells. Things like X-rays, gamma rays, and Ultra-violet (UV) light are some examples.
• Low-frequency EMF radiation. This is non-ionising radiation and includes low- to mid-frequency radiation. It runs on lower frequencies than visible light, and is generally viewed as harmless due to its lack of potency. Examples are things like computers, microwaves, visible light, WiFi, mobile phones, smart meters, power lines, MRIs, and Bluetooth.

The EMFs produced from 5G technology are thought to be non-ionising, though still function at a much higher frequency than previous generations.

So, are EMFs Dangerous?

The human body is, in fact, made up of its own intricate electromagnetic system. Processes in the body like the circulatory system, the nervous system, and mitochondria run on electrical impulses. Even our planet and solar system have their own natural EMFs, such as the Earth’s magnetic field and the sun’s visible light and UV rays. However, we’ve adapted to cope with these through evolution, and even require these forms of EMFs to live and thrive.

The problems only start to arise when we come into contact with man-made EMFs. The body’s electromagnetic frequency is much weaker compared to these EMFs, and it’s theorised that they can interfere with electromagnetic systems in the body (like what’s happening with the bees).

As of this time, there are not sufficient levels of evidence that point to non-ionising radiation being harmful, however, it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods. It simply means we just don’t have enough information yet. There haven’t been as many studies conducted on non-ionising radiation as there have been on ionising radiation, with no clear studies showing the safety of non-ionising radiation at this time.

We do, however, know that ionising radiation (like X-rays) can cause measurable harm, so it’s not unreasonable to think that non-ionising radiation could potentially be harmful too, particularly if exposed to it long-term.

According to Wellness Mama, ‘5G technology is one third of the way to ionizing radiation.’

As technology is advancing so rapidly, we hardly have time to see how it may impact human health before the next thing rolls out.

I didn’t have a mobile phone until I was 14 (my mum refused to allow me to get one, much to my horror), and at the time I was mortified. I was “the only one” without a phone, and when I had to give all my friends my number, I was forced to use our landline (which was super embarrassing).

However, I survived, and the day finally came when I was able to buy one; a simple Nokia “brick” phone (who remembers those?). It was virtually indestructible, and nothing like the smart phones we have today. All you could do was call and text, no Google, no Instagram updates, no Facebook feeds, nothing. The “fanciest” thing my phone could do was take a picture, which wasn’t anywhere near as good in quality as the phone cameras we have now. It was all pixilated.

This was just 10 years ago, so you can see how quickly technology has grown to become a huge part of our lives.

In one generation, we’ve seeing a complete change in our technological and electrical environment. Kids as young as one know how to operate smart phones at a basic level, with primary school aged kids owning phones now!

The way we live and raise our kids has drastically changed, too.

The other day I was on the train, and across from me I saw a family of five, with kids (aged between 3-10 years) and their parents all on smart phones and tablets, not engaging with one another at all.

According to a Wellness Mama article, ‘current EMF guidelines are based on a 6 foot tall man, not children or babies!’

According to Dr. Josh Axe, EMF radiation may cause:

• Cancer
• Dementia
• Affect brain function
• Loss of antioxidants

In a statement by Wellness Mama:

According to a letter written by biochemistry professor and expert on EMF health effects Dr. Martin Pall, the potential health effects include the following:

– blindness
– hearing loss or deafness
– large increase in male infertility and sperm count drop
– nervous system issues
– thyroid dysfunction
– immune system dysfunction, potentially leading to autoimmunity
– low blood oxygenation

Dr. Pall continues to explain that the impact on plants, animals, and insects is as serious if not more so than the impact on humans.

The cell towers developed for 5G technology will have a maximum coverage area of around 2 km, with some covering only 15 metres; so many will be needed in quite close proximity.

Natural Ways to Reduce 5G Exposure

It can feel a little overwhelming learning about all the concerns around 5G and EMFs, but there are ways we can help to minimise our exposure to it:

• Earthing or grounding. This involves making direct contact with the earth, which carries its own mild negative charge. Everything in the natural world (i.e. plants, animals, water, us) vibrates at a frequency of 7.83 Hz (which is the Schumann resonance). Wireless devices emit what is known as positive ions, which interfere with the waves in our bodies. Through earthing, the body is able to rebalance positive ions with negative ions from the earth.
• Eat a healthy diet. Diet can play a huge role in protecting the body from EMF exposure. One of my favourite recipes for assisting with radiation exposure, that was recommended to me by my naturopath, is stewed apples. Dr. Axe shares specific foods to include more of in the diet that may help with radiation exposure.
• Keep your phone and computer at a distance when possible. Avoid carrying your phone in a pocket or bra, using your laptop on your lap or using a separate keyboard and mouse. Instead, use a laptop that’s plugged into a monitor (that you can place 1 metre away from you), and opt to use the speaker phone setting rather than hold the phone close to your ear.
• Switch on WiFi router ONLY when you need to use it. This is the device that enables computers, smartphones, etc. to connect to the internet wirelessly.
• Avoid Bluetooth headsets and use speakerphone instead
• Stop using wireless altogether and hardwire all your connections. This may seem a little extreme, but it’s the most effective way to reduce WiFi exposure. Also switching to wired peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, and headphones instead of wireless ones can reduce exposure, too.
• Hold off for as long as you can on upgrading to 5G. While 5G may be rolling out, you don’t have to jump on board with it. You can turn off the 5G functionality in your router and avoid buying 5G devices. If you’re only streaming music or a video once in a while, 4G will be fine.
• Switch devices on to Airplane Mode. When the receivers are turned on, mobile phones and tablets emit electromagnetic frequencies. If you need to use a device, but don’t need to be connected, switch to airplane mode.
• Turn off the WiFi before going to bed, and keep sleeping areas EMF-free. WiFi signal can interfere with the brain while you sleep, so it’s a good idea to turn it off before bed (which can actually cut down EMF exposure by about 33%). While we sleep, the body goes about repairing itself, and cells in the body can be even more sensitive to toxins during this time. Keep devices away from the bedroom at night, and turn off devices and WiFi, too.
• Shielding. This is especially helpful if you aren’t able to avoid being around or near devices all day. Some recommendations are EMF shields for your phone and the Defender Pad; you place it under your laptop to protect the body from EMF exposure (always check reviews and talk with a medical professional about which products to buy for EMF protection, as some products aren’t scientifically tested for effectiveness, so may prove to be ineffective).
• Set firm limitations on technology use for kids. This can be a really good way at reducing EMF exposure, as duration is one of the factors that determine how dangerous an EMF is.

As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

What is your opinion on EMFs? Share below.

Lots of love,

🖤 Vanessa

Sources:

Wells, Katie. (April 26, 2019). Is 5G Safe? What You Need to Know. Wellness Mama. Retrieved from https://wellnessmama.com/403178/5g-emfs-safe/

Zimmer, Lori. (May 21, 2011). It’s Official – Cell Phones are Killing Bees. inhabitat. Retrieved from https://inhabitat.com/its-official-cell-phones-are-killing-bees/

Mihai, C. T., Rotinberg, P., Brinza, F., & Vochita, G. (January 8, 2014). Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields cause DNA strand breaks in normal cells. NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897901/

Oliver, Kyra. (February 8, 2018). Electromagnetic Radiation: Are EMFs Really a Risk?. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/electromagnetic-radiation/

Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer. (Updated: January 3, 2019). National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheet

Oliver, Kyra. (February 8, 2018). Electromagnetic Radiation: Are EMFs Really a Risk?. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/electromagnetic-radiation/

Zerbe, Leah, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES. (May 5, 2019). 5G Health Effects: Is This Wireless Technology Even Safe?. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/5g-health-effects/

Zerbe, Leah, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES. (November 11, 2017). Cell Phone Health Impacts: How Are Devices Impacting Our Bodies?. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/cell-phone-health/

Wells, Katie. (January 26, 2019). Is WiFi Safe? Simple Steps to Reduce The Negative Effects. Wellness Mama. Retrieved from https://wellnessmama.com/128198/wifi-safe/