A recent study investigating the biological impact of 5G frequencies on human cells has found no evidence of harmful genetic or epigenetic effects, even at exposure levels far exceeding safety guidelines. PNAS Nexus, a research arm of the National Academy of Sciences, published the report this month where researchers focused on two types of human skin cells: fibroblasts, which form connective tissue, and keratinocytes, which make up the bulk of the epidermis. The cells were exposed to 27 GHz and 40.5 GHz frequencies—the high-band spectrum used in 5G networks—at various intensities for periods of two and 48 hours. (To see the full abstract, click here.)
In a first-of-its-kind approach, the team employed whole-genome RNA sequencing and DNA methylation arrays to assess both gene expression and epigenetic changes. Their findings showed no alterations beyond what could be attributed to random variation, even at exposure levels 10 times higher than recommended safety thresholds.
The researchers also addressed past studies that suggested potential risks, noting that many failed to control for temperature effects. As 5G exposure can generate heat, they argued that any previously reported biological effects were likely due to thermal factors, not the RF energy itself.
Since the absorption of electromagnetic energy takes place in the upper layers of the skin, thermal effects are particularly critical, according to the researchers.
“At these frequencies and with very high power flux densities far beyond the limits, therefore, pain and also burns may occur,” the study said. “Thermal effects also include those associated with protein denaturation and can cause gene or chromosome damage. Overall, the study results so far do not indicate any nonthermal damage caused by exposure to radiofrequency EMF in the frequency range of 3–100 GHz. The few exceptions point to experiments in which the methods show numerous shortcomings.”
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