Health impact of 5G: Current state of knowledge of 5G-related carcinogenic and reproductive/developmental hazards as they emerge from epidemiological studies and in vivo experimental studies

2021 · Harm · Insufficient evidence

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HarmInsufficient evidencePaper 1082

Study snapshot

Publicationmanual · 2021

Study typereview

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Health impact of 5G: Current state of knowledge of 5G-related carcinogenic and reproductive/developmental hazards as they emerge from epidemiological studies and in vivo experimental studies Fiorella Belpoggi. Health impact of 5G: Current state of knowledge of 5G-related carcinogenic and reproductive/developmental hazards as they emerge from epidemiological studies and in vivo experimental studies. Panel for the Future of Science and Technology. European Parliamentary Research Service. Scientific Foresight Unit (STOA). PE 690.012. June 2021. Abstract The upcoming deployment of 5G mobile networks will allow for significantly faster mobile broadband speeds and increasingly extensive mobile data usage. Technical innovations include a different transmission system (MIMO: use of multiple-input and multiple-output antennas), directional signal transmission or reception (beamforming), and the use of other frequency ranges. At the same time, a change is expected in the exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of humans and the environment. In addition to those used to date, the 5G pioneer bands identified at EU level have frequencies of 700 MHz, 3.6 GHz (3.4 to 3.8 GHz) and 26 GHz (24.25 to 27.5 GHz). The first two frequencies (FR1) are similar to those used for 2G to 4G technologies and have been investigated in both epidemiological and experimental studies for different end points (including carcinogenicity and reproductive/developmental effects), while 26 GHz (FR2) and higher frequencies have not been adequately studied for the same end points. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency (RF) EMF as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B) and recently recommended RF exposure for re-evaluation 'with high priority' (IARC, 2019). Since 2011 a great number of studies have been performed, both epidemiological and experimental. The present review addresses the current knowledge regarding both carcinogenic and reproductive/ developmental hazards of RF as exploited by 5G. There are various in vivo experimental and epidemiological studies on RF at a lower frequency range (450 to 6000 MHz), which also includes the frequencies used in previous generations' broadband cellular networks, but very few (and inadequate) on the higher frequency range (24 to 100 GHz, centimetre/MMW). The review shows: 1) 5G lower frequencies (700 and 3 600 MHz): a) sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in epidemiological studies; b) sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental bioassays; c) sufficient evidence of reproductive/developmental adverse effects in humans; d) sufficient evidence of reproductive/ developmental adverse effects in experimental animals; 2) 5G higher frequencies (24.25-27.5 GHz): the systematic review found no adequate studies either in humans or in experimental animals. Conclusions: 1) cancer: FR1 (450 to 6 000 MHz): EMF are probably carcinogenic for humans, in particular related to gliomas and acoustic neuromas; FR2 (24 to 100 GHz): no adequate studies were performed on the higher frequencies; 2) reproductive developmental effects: FR1 (450 to 6 000 MHz): these frequencies clearly affect male fertility and possibly female fertility too. They may have possible adverse effects on the development of embryos, foetuses and newborns; FR2 (24 to 100 GHz): no adequate studies were performed on non-thermal effects of the higher frequencies. Open access report: europarl.europa.eu See also: European Parliament: 5G Health Effects and Environmental Impact

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typereview

Effect directionharm

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: unknown

Main findings

This review reports that for lower 5G-relevant frequencies (FR1; 450–6000 MHz, including 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz) there is described as sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in epidemiological studies and experimental bioassays, and sufficient evidence of reproductive/developmental adverse effects in humans and experimental animals. For higher 5G-relevant frequencies (FR2; 24–100 GHz, including 26 GHz), it states that no adequate studies in humans or experimental animals were found for these endpoints.

Outcomes measured

carcinogenicity (cancer)
glioma
acoustic neuroma
reproductive/developmental effects
male fertility
female fertility
embryo/foetus/newborn development

Limitations

For higher 5G frequencies (FR2; 24–100 GHz), the review states that adequate studies were not available.
No specific study selection methods, inclusion criteria, or quantitative synthesis details are provided in the abstract.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "5G mobile networks",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "carcinogenicity (cancer)",
    "glioma",
    "acoustic neuroma",
    "reproductive/developmental effects",
    "male fertility",
    "female fertility",
    "embryo/foetus/newborn development"
  ],
  "main_findings": "This review reports that for lower 5G-relevant frequencies (FR1; 450–6000 MHz, including 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz) there is described as sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in epidemiological studies and experimental bioassays, and sufficient evidence of reproductive/developmental adverse effects in humans and experimental animals. For higher 5G-relevant frequencies (FR2; 24–100 GHz, including 26 GHz), it states that no adequate studies in humans or experimental animals were found for these endpoints.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "For higher 5G frequencies (FR2; 24–100 GHz), the review states that adequate studies were not available.",
    "No specific study selection methods, inclusion criteria, or quantitative synthesis details are provided in the abstract."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "unknown",
  "keywords": [
    "5G",
    "radiofrequency",
    "RF-EMF",
    "FR1",
    "FR2",
    "700 MHz",
    "3.6 GHz",
    "26 GHz",
    "MIMO",
    "beamforming",
    "carcinogenicity",
    "glioma",
    "acoustic neuroma",
    "reproductive toxicity",
    "developmental toxicity",
    "male fertility",
    "IARC Group 2B"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.95,
      "reason": "European Parliamentary Research Service report focused on health impacts of 5G bands and evidence gaps."
    },
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.55,
      "reason": "Abstract references IARC classification and re-evaluation priority for RF exposure."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: Not supplied

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