On assessing health risks related to implementation of 5G networks

This review covers publications with their focus on analyzing methodological approaches to assessing health risks that might occur due to implementation and development of 5G communication networks. Publications were sought in such databases as Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, Global Health, and Russian Science Citation Index. Results obtained by examining exposure to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation in animal studies have revealed carcinogenic effects in some cases. However, population studies involving large samples of humans who are active mobile communication users have not established any significant effects that may cause health impairments. At the same time, some peculiar features of the 5G technology should be considered including extremely high network density, new scenarios of locating base stations, multiplicity of 5G-devices, networks relying on multiple different ranges (including use of decimeter-, centimeter- and millimeter-long waves). All this, together with use of signals having a great range width and new modulation types with their biological effects still remaining unknown, makes it possible to assume that an electromagnetic background in residential areas will undergo significant transformation involving growing intensity of modulated wideband electromagnetic radiation with a complex spectral structure. Conducted social surveys confirm people’s concerns about health effects produced by 5G technologies. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop new methodological approaches to accomplishing investigations aimed at assessing health risks associated with implementation of such networks. This research work should consider technological peculiarities of 5G networks; results of such studies should give grounds for developing new safe standards and implementing relevant activities aimed at providing electromagnetic safety of the country population.