Explainer | Do 5G towers pose a health risk? What the science says – and what we still don’t know

5G networks offer near instant communication but use high-frequency radio waves. More antennae will be needed than at present and they will be closer to people

The effects on humans of near constant exposure to these are unknown, although scientists say brief exposure, such as from airport body scanners, is harmless

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Protesters march against 5G technology in The Hague, Netherlands. They are worried about possible side effects from prolonged exposure to high frequency radio waves. Photo: Michel Porro/Getty Images

Published: 8:45pm, 2 Oct 2020Updated: 8:45pm, 2 Oct 2020

Do ultra-fast wireless 5G mobile telephones and networks pose health risks? Worries about the effects the technology has on humans and the environment have persisted as it has been set up in countries around the world. What do scientists have to say about it?

What is 5G?

Globally, 5G networks are touted as promising an exponential leap in the amount and speed of wireless data, enabling advances in self-driving vehicles, virtual reality, connected health and more as sensors and servers communicate instantly.

To get that speed, 5G uses higher frequencies than current networks. The trade-off with higher frequencies is that their signals don’t travel as far and are easily blocked by buildings. This means more antennae will be needed.

Workers rebuild a cellular tower with 5G equipment for the Verizon network in the US state of Utah. Photo: George Frey/Getty Images

This is what concerns some people, who were already skittish about the giant antennae placed on top of towers and buildings.

The 5G networks will use many smaller antennae placed closer to people, such as on top of street lights, potentially exposing people to even more radio waves.

Explainer | Do 5G towers pose a health risk? What the science says – and what we still don’t know

What is 5G?

What is the health impact of radio waves?