If you own a smartphone or similar device, chances are you’re already benefiting from 5G technology. Introduced in 2019, 5G, or fifth generation, offers high-speed wireless connections surpassing its predecessor, 4G. Beyond faster speeds, 5G enables a multitude of new applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) realm, thanks to its high bandwidth and low latency. This advancement enhances performance and introduces innovations such as telemedicine, remote surveillance, and telesurgery, bolstering e-Health capabilities.
In Malaysia, significant progress has been made in 5G coverage, with 80.2% achieved in populated areas as of January 1, as reported by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on January 10. However, the rollout of 5G using super high-frequency radio airwaves has revived concerns regarding potential increased exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation.
“If you are worried about electromagnetic radiation being connected to cancer or other health problems, all you have to do is to find out everything you need to know about how 5G works,” said Prof Emeritus Dr Tharek Abd Rahman from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
“Indeed, so far there is no concrete evidence or conclusive findings that prove 5G could harm human’s health,” he said during a media briefing at My5G Portal Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) recently.
DNB is actively progressing with the deployment of the 5G network, having successfully attained its target of 80% coverage in populated areas by the end of 2023. Additionally, it is focused on upholding network performance and service level agreements as per the signed access agreements, ensuring satisfaction for all its customers.
Tharek, serving as an advisor for the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Academy, highlighted that 5G operates on electromagnetic waves with higher frequencies compared to previous wireless networks, resulting in enhanced speed and efficiency
“The radio frequency of 5G uses is higher than the previous iterations of wireless communication, including 4G and 3G. Compared to the 4G which provides 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) fast speed, 5G is 10 times faster than that which provides 10 to 20 Gbps speed.
“When it comes to 5G, greater speed means greater connectivity. The 5G mobile broadband will be able to support up to a million connected devices per square kilometre compared to 4G which only supports 10,000 per square kilometre.
“This will be a revolutionary enhancement for industrial plants with thousands of connected devices sending and receiving information in real-time,” he said.
During his presentation titled ‘5G Towers: Are They a Health Risk?’, Tharek highlighted the multifaceted benefits of 5G technology. Apart from facilitating smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and sophisticated commercial complexes through the Internet of Things (IoT), he emphasised the significant enhancement in broadband bandwidth compared to 4G.
Tharek emphasised that 5G ensures secure transmission of data by encrypting all traffic data sent over its radio network, along with protecting user identity and location, and ensuring data integrity through mutual authentication. He elaborated on the extensive connectivity possibilities enabled by 5G, ranging from home devices to large-scale industrial operations in construction, mining, and manufacturing.
Furthermore, Tharek emphasised how 5G enables remote medical consultations and pre-diagnosis sessions between doctors and patients via video calls, eliminating the need for physical presence. This aspect signifies the transformative potential of 5G in revolutionising various sectors and enhancing connectivity across diverse domains.
Non-ionising radiation
Addressing the misconception surrounding the health implications of 5G, Tharek clarified that within the electromagnetic spectrum, common devices like radios, microwaves, mobile phones, remote controls, and ultrasound instruments emit non-ionizing radiation, which is not harmful to health.
Tharek explained that Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF), which encompasses 5G technology, falls under non-ionising radiation. This means that the electromagnetic waves lack the energy to break molecular bonds and ionise atoms, unlike ionising radiation.
He emphasised that exposure to non-ionizing radiation may only result in thermal effects, which are insufficient to cause long-term damage to human tissues. In contrast, ionizing radiation possesses higher energy levels capable of inducing health effects through the ionization process. This distinction underscores the safety of non-ionising radiation emitted by 5G technology.
“Some examples that are categorised as ionising radiation are Xrays and Gamma light, which are used for medical purpose,” he said.
He said sunlight ultraviolet rays, can be more harmful to one’s health than everyday devices or the telco towers that are built in residential areas.
“The radiation from the sun is a thousand times stronger than the radiation emitted by these devices, which can also cause skin cancer due to its heat directly to our skin,” he added.
Permissible RM-EMF exposure
Radiation Health and Safety Division manager at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia), Roha Tukimin, revealed ongoing collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on extensive research concerning 5G RF-EMF exposure across urban, suburban, and rural regions since the early 2000s.
She highlighted initial concerns among the public regarding the proximity of 5G towers to residential areas and fears of potential health hazards due to perceived radioactivity. Similar apprehensions have been voiced in other countries regarding the health risks associated with 5G technology.
Roha, also serving as the non-ionising radiation group researcher, assured that RF-EMF exposure from telecommunication structures remains well below the permissible exposure limit (PEL). These levels align with both the MCMC Mandatory Standard and international guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
“In Malaysia, in regulating the RF`-EMF compliance, three documents that we shall refer to are the Mandatory Standard (MS) for Electromagnetic Field Emission from Radiocommunication Infrastructure; Determination No.5 of 2021 Technical Code (TC); and Prediction and Measurement of RF-EMF Exposure from Base Station.
“The objective is to achieve EMF Compliance and applicable to all Network Service Providers (NSP) and Network Facilities Providers (NFP),” she said.
Roha said the PEL set for 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) is at 61 v/m (volt per metre), yet Kuala Lumpur recorded 1.72 v/m, Johor Bahru 0.12v/m, and Penang is at 0.08v/m.
Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), she said current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low levels of electromagnetic fields (RF).
“The total Electromagnetic Fields measured for the study sites were only below 10 per cent of the limit, and well below the recommended exposure limit stipulated by the MCMC Mandatory Standard.
“The results of RF-EMF emitted by 5G transmitters are in compliance with the permissible exposure limits for the public,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Sunway Medical Centre haematologist Datuk Dr Chang Kian Meng advised the public to take precautions to limit their exposure, especially those who are consistently exposed to radiation from devices such as computers and electronic devices,
“I believe it is a good practice to minimise exposure to environmental chemicals and pollutants as a preventive measure against cancer.
“I don’t think there is a clear correlation to assert that excessive use of mobile phones can cause brain cancer or that prolonged use of computers with radiation can lead to cancer,” he told a local media at Sunway Cancer Centre recently.
