5G Radiation Dangers: The Complete Guide

You’ve probably heard the phrase 5G thrown around a lot lately. It’s in cell phone commercials and on the news, with many calling it a total game-changer for technology. Telecom companies are racing to increase their 5G coverage, nationwide. A lot of people are very heavily interested in having this technology spread as widely as possible, as quickly as possible.

At first glance, that’s an understandable goal. If 5G is truly as big as it’s predicted to be, it brings with it huge potential for innovation. But how much has the technology been tested? Are we sure these antennas that are popping up everywhere are even safe?

Well, no. We’re not sure. In fact, there’s some evidence to the contrary.

If you’re familiar with EMF radiation, it probably comes as no surprise to you to find out that the type of RF wave used for certain kinds of 5G signals has hardly been tested for its effect on human health. And the research that does exist indicates there may be some cause for concern.

Whether you are just learning about 5G, or you already know the risks and just want to know what you can do about them, we’ve put together this guide for you.

What is 5G?

The term 5G simply stands for the fifth generation of wireless technology. Anything that uses the cellular network to transmit data will be affected, from cell phones to tablets to security cameras, drones, and more. Experts see 5G as an opportunity for a huge amount of growth across multiple industries, meaning there is a lot of money already invested in the technology, with a whole lot more to come. What this basically translates to, which we will get into more a little later, is that this level of investment gives the telecommunications companies a great deal of power — especially over existing legislation.

The 5G network operates a little differently than its predecessors. It offers significantly faster speeds and can accommodate much larger amounts of traffic than 4G or 3G networks. This is possible in part because of the frequency 5G networks operate at. Low band 5G networks operate between 600MHz and 700MHz. These networks have a range of several hundred square miles, and they are designed to be used in more rural areas.

Mid band 5G networks operate at 2.5GHz to 3.5GHz and have a range of a few miles. Mid band networks will be widespread throughout urban areas. High band 5G networks, on the other hand, require an antenna every mile or less. The high band delivers the fastest speed available, however, and operates at a frequency of 24GHz to 39GHz. It utilizes what’s called a millimeter-wave to transmit data and will likely be used only in settings with a large number of people, such as sports stadiums.

The primary difference between 5G and earlier cellular networks are millimeter waves. The 4G and 3G networks operated at a much lower frequency — that’s the main reason high band 5G is so fast. There isn’t the same level of congestion at those higher frequencies.

Is 5G Radiation Dangerous?

The reality is, 5G networks have not been extensively studied. Low band and mid-band 5G networks operate at frequencies similar to existing technology. So the risks inherent in that type of 5G aren’t really any different than the risks that already existed with 4G and 3G.

That’s hardly a reassuring thought when you’re familiar with the risks associated with earlier cellular networks, however. One study from Korean researchers looked at the impact on 4G LTE exposure to male fertility in rats. The rats were placed in four different groups, and each group was exposed to 4G LTE for differing lengths of time, at different distances. One group served as a control and wasn’t exposed to any signal at all, while the rest were exposed either at 3cm or 10cm, for 18 or six hours, depending on the group. Researchers found that the group exposed at the closest distance for the longest time experienced the highest decrease in sperm quality, and concluded that further research was warranted.

Another study involving rats examined the effects of exposure at frequencies from 700 MHz to 2700MHz, so within the range used by both low band and mid band 5G. The rats were exposed over a two-year period, including before birth. For male rats, in particular, tumors in the heart, brain, and adrenal gland were noted. Radiation in this frequency range has also been tied to deadly forms of heart and brain cancer, miscarriages, and depression.

As many side effects as low and mid band can have, millimeter waves are where 5G stands out. They have not been studied much yet, making the health risks associated with them unclear. Early research, however, may indicate that they have some concerning health effects. One study, for example, linked exposure to millimeter waves to the heating of the skin.

Some also believe that bird deaths around the world have been tied to 5G rollouts and tests. This has not been studied or confirmed, but it’s worth noting.

The bottom line with 5G is that we do not know what the long-term effects of exposure are. Most of the studies have involved rats, with exposure limited to hours per day. People living in close proximity to a 5G antenna of any kind may be exposed to even more constant amounts of radiation, for longer periods of time. Much more research is warranted before the technology should be rolled out on a wide scale, and that research doesn’t seem to be happening.

What is the government doing about it?

The federal government has removed roadblocks to widespread rollout of 5G. Many of the regulations that did exist have been revoked in an effort to spur progress. Citizens and local officials have tried to challenge the repealing of FCC regulations on telecommunications companies. One high profile court case involved a coalition of cities, led by San Jose, California. The communities wanted the right to control where telecommunications companies could place their 5G antennas. The case was taken to the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, who ultimately sided with the FCC and its weakened regulations. If nothing else, the San Jose case shows that there is an effort to fight back against 5G.

Likewise, some local and state governments have also stepped in to protect citizens from 5G. In March of 2019, the Portland city council unanimously passed a resolution urging the FCC to engage in research related to the health effects of 5G. The city of Mill Valley, in Northern California, passed legislation blocking telecommunications companies from installing high band 5G towers in residential neighborhoods. One New York Congressman wrote to the FCC reiterating the need for further research due to potential health concerns tied to 5G.

State and local governments may be stepping in, but it’s not enough. Until we know conclusively that 5G technology is safe, the federal government should be increasing regulations, not easing up on them. If there are long-term health effects, they won’t be realized until many years after we’ve all been exposed.

If you’re feeling like a human guinea pig, you’re not alone. The lack of research and regulations makes 5G even scarier. To learn what you can do to protect yourself, keep reading.

How can you protect yourself?

There are steps you can take to protect yourself from 5G radiation, although not all steps may be practical for everyone. It may be more necessary for someone living in a dense city center to take protective measures than someone in a relatively rural setting, as well.

Finding out if your home is near a 5G cell tower isn’t a cut and dry process. You can try checking your local cell carriers’ coverage maps. Be sure to note the difference between 5GE and 5G, however. The 5GE network is actually another name for AT&T’s 4G network — the “E” stands for “evolution”, and it implies 4G is an important part of the evolution of the 5G network. While technically true — companies can use 4G networks to provide coverage in areas that are lacking 5G towers — the name can be a bit misleading.

You could also run tests yourself to see how much a 5G signal reaches your home. This is a challenge, however, as a standard EMF meter isn’t capable of detecting millimeter wave frequencies. You would need a meter capable of detecting frequencies in the 29 to 34 GHz range. The TriField TF2, for example, can only detect frequencies up to 6GHz.

If you have access to a spectrum analyzer, that is your best bet for detecting millimeter wave frequencies. These devices can be quite expensive, so this may be a more realistic option for those who already have one for other applications, or can borrow one for a friend. If you are considering purchasing one, Anrtisu’s Field Master Pro is an excellent option, able to detect frequencies up to 54GHz, depending on the model.

If you use a spectrum analyzer, you are looking for millimeter wave frequencies in particular. You will need to analyze the spectrum in each room of your home. Because the signal from a high band 5G antenna can travel such a short distance, it’s entirely possible for one part of your home to be within range while another portion of the home is not.

You can also use third party websites to try and pinpoint the location of cell towers near your home. SCADAcore operates a cell tower map of the United States that allows you to find cell towers and dead zones near you. You can also input your latitude and longitude and even view the line of sight range from a cell tower to your location.

Once you’ve determined that your home is close enough to a 5G tower to warrant taking action, there are a few things you can do.

The goal is to create a zone where the 5G signal doesn’t penetrate, so you at least have a safe space to retreat to. You will still be exposed to 5G radiation when you are outside of the home, but your overall exposure will be significantly lessened. it’s important to note that these steps will likely require you to purchase a landline if you wish to make or receive phone calls inside the home. You may also need to switch to a wired internet connection.

To protect your home from 5G radiation, you will want to purchase high-quality EMF paint. This can be pretty expensive, but it’s a one-time investment. YShield makes a great, high-quality EMF protection paint that was tested as being 99.995% effective at blocking frequencies up to 18GHz. Note that this is still below the millimeter wave range. However, that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective in the millimeter wave range — just less effective. Some protection is still better than no protection, and YShield will help reduce your home’s overall exposure.

EMF protection paint such as YShield’s generally takes two coats. The paint acts as a primer, so you can cover it up with the wall color of your choice. This paint is also unique in that it requires it is grounded by a registered electrician. You will need to purchase the grounding apparatus separately, and each wall needs to be grounded.

Painting your home with EMF protection paint creates a dead zone for RF signals. This requires some drastic lifestyle changes, and it may take time before you can afford to paint every room in your house. If you have a larger home, you may require multiple buckets of paint. You’ll also need one or more grounding kits. This is far from a cheap solution, but if you are serious about reducing your exposure to 5G signals, it may be the best thing you can do.

In addition to EMF paint, there are also EMF barriers and blankets available on the market. If, for example, you know that there is a nearby high band 5G tower, you could place an EMF barrier against the wall facing the tower. You could also use an EMF blanket while you sleep if you are concerned about radiation in the bedroom. EMF barriers and blankets are typically made from a blend of nickel, aluminum, and copper. They tend to be cheaper than EMF paint for your entire house, making them useful and practical.

One good EMF barrier is made by RadiantGUARD. The Ultima Radiant Barrier looks like a giant roll of aluminum foil. Easy to apply, simply wrap the foil around your walls, windows, under your roof panel, and anywhere else needing shielding.

As for blankets, if you’re looking for an adult-sized model consider DefenderShield’s EMF Blanket, which features multiple levels of shielding and is perfect for wrapping up at night.

When it comes to protecting yourself from 5G radiation, your best bet is to take multiple steps. Even painting your entire house in EMF protection paint wouldn’t shield you against 100% of millimeter wave frequencies. However, painting certain walls of your home, using protective barriers on other walls, and sleeping with a protective blanket could drastically reduce your exposure. And reducing your exposure while at home will give your body time to heal from the effects of 5G when you’re outside the house.

To test if your paint, barriers, and other measures are actually working, you can use the spectrum analyzer we previously mentioned. Test each room in the house prior to installing each protective method. Record the measurements. Repeat the process once the protective measure has been installed. There should be a significant reduction in all EMF radiation, although we are particularly interested in the 29 to 34GHz range.

Hopefully, as 5G becomes more popular, more products that block against those specific millimeter wave frequencies will come onto the market. For the time being, however, most products will still allow small amounts of those frequencies through. Any reduction is still beneficial, though, and doing something beats doing nothing.

Are there any natural ways to protect against 5G radiation?

If you wish to take it one step further, you could also enlist the help of homeopathic remedies. While they are less tested than their standard counterparts, these alternative methods are said to promote healing and repel dangerous frequencies. They may be worth trying if you are concerned about not doing enough to protect yourself from 5G.

Plants are a great way to purify the air in your home. Some, like sunflowers, have been used for years to cleanse the soil of toxic radiation, such as after the Chernobyl disaster. One plant that tends to thrive indoors that is especially purifying is the cactus plant. NASA has even tested the cactus plant inside the International Space Station and found that it is extremely effective at both oxygen production and air purification. If you are concerned about 5G radiation, you may want to pick up a couple of cacti. As an added bonus, they are fairly easy to care for, as they require very minimal water.

Another natural way to guard against 5G radiation is through the use of Shungite, a carbon-based stone typically found in Russia. You can purchase Shungite online or at your local rock shop or metaphysical store. The inside of a Shungite stone is comprised of something called fullerenes. These fullerenes are thought to absorb and purify EMF radiation from the surrounding air. Because of this, Shungite is a popular stone to use in EMF protection products such as blankets and cell phone cases. While one stone won’t protect your entire house, placing these stones around windows, near your bed, and throughout the house may help lower your overall levels of exposure. If you have a phone that uses 5G technology, you may also want to buy a Shungite case or sticker to help absorb some of the radiation from the phone.

In addition to lowering your exposure levels and purifying the air around you, there are also supplements available to help you heal from the inevitable amounts of radiation you are still exposed to. Iodine supplements, for example, are said to protect against all forms of radiation. Taking one of these each day may help your body recover from 5G radiation.

Reishi mushrooms are also taken in supplement form to speed up healing and protect the body. Considered a “superfood” capable of protecting against cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other health issues, Reishi could potentially fight off some of the harmful effects of 5G radiation exposure.

While none of these alternative methods have been rigorously tested in a scientific study, they still may be worth trying. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that things like Reishi and Shungite are effective at helping the body heal, and blocking EMF radiation. If the standard methods of protection are too extreme — or not extreme enough — alternative methods are certainly worth considering.

Are there any legal issues surrounding 5G?

In the United States, the primary legal issue surrounding 5G goes back to those cities that are trying to protect their citizens. Towns like Mill Creek, California, that have set bans on 5G infrastructure, have come under fire from the federal government and the FCC. In response to the bans from Mill Creek and other communities, the FCC passed a regulation that essentially supersedes local control of property such as utility poles where a 5G tower could be placed. This was done to help speed up 5G adoption by making things easier for telecommunications companies. What this actually did, according to a statement by the United States Conference of Mayors, was misapply federal law in a way that strips local communities of their property rights.

Another case on 5G is currently still in the courts. The city of Rochester, New York, was sued by Verizon over the price they charge for utility pole space. The FCC had earlier passed legislation limiting cities to charging a maximum of $270 per utility pole. Rochester was charging $1,500, citing their harsh winters and increased maintenance demands. Verizon sued on the grounds that the city of Rochester is violating the FCC regulation.

It remains to be seen how the Rochester case will play out in the courts. It seems likely that in the coming months and years, property rights and 5G will become a hot legal issue, however. Right now, the courts seem to be siding with the FCC and telecommunications companies, as was evidenced by the San Jose case we talked about earlier. However, the more people that speak out against forced cell towers, the more the courts and lawmakers will have to listen.

Is anyone fighting back against 5G?

There are indeed groups fighting back against the spread of 5G. One such group is the International EMF Scientist Appeal, a global coalition of scientists and academics who wrote a letter to the United Nations Environmental Programme, urging the international body to reconsider the potential health impact of 4G and 5G technology. The letter highlights the fact that The World Health Organization’s International Association for Cancer Research classifies RF-EMF radiation as possibly carcinogenic, as it stresses the fact that antennas are being placed throughout the globe with little regard for human health or the planet.

Citizens are speaking out, as well. At the time of this writing, a petition to halt the spread of 5G had over 20,000 signatures on Change.org. A similar petition on the website MoveOn had over 2,000 signatures. In May 2019 in Long Island, New York, protesters held an anti-5G rally. The rally was organized by the nonprofit Grassroots Environmental Education, an organization dedicated to educating the public about health risks. The group lists wireless radiation as one of its primary focus points. Nonprofits such as Grassroots Environmental Education are becoming more aware of and more involved in the fight against 5G.

An increasing number of individuals are vowing to forgo 5G technology until the health risks have been thoroughly studied. Even politicians are getting involved — politicians like the New York Congressman mentioned earlier, and Tonia Antoniazzi, a British Member of Parliament. In June of 2019, Ms. Antoniazzi gave a speech in Parliament advocating against the widespread adaptation of 5G technology because of its status as a potential carcinogen.

What can the average person do?

It can feel like there’s nothing you can do about the spread of 5G. The telecommunications companies have a great deal of power, and that can be daunting. How can one person tackle giant corporations with seemingly limitless pockets?

Never underestimate the underdog. There are still plenty of things you can do to fight back.

Write your state, local, and federal politicians, urging them to take action against 5G. Let them know your concerns, and ask what they are doing to fight for them. Let your vote be your voice, by voting for and even donating to candidates who are concerned about the spread of 5G.

Keep an eye on court cases regarding 5G related issues, and if an antenna gets placed near your home consider contacting a lawyer of your own. This can be a pretty scary step to take, and it’s potentially expensive, but if you have the funds this is a great way to try and bring about change. If a court does side against the FCC and telecommunications companies, it would be a huge blow to the industry and a monumental win for the anti-5G movement. It won’t happen unless we keep trying, either.

There are dozens of anti-5G social media groups you can join, as well, to meet like-minded people and find opportunities to get involved. While one person alone can’t take on the telecommunications companies and the FCC, many people together can. Other industries, such as the cigarette industry, have had to own up to the harmful effects of their products due in part to the will of the people.

Sign online petitions, and start your own if one doesn’t go far enough. Educate your friends and family on the dangers of 5G technology and the existing research. Share social media posts on the topic — so long as they’re factual — in order to help spread awareness. The more people who are concerned, the more our politicians and our government will be forced to listen.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt that 5G can be scary. But if there’s one thing you should take away from this guide, it’s that there are things being done, and things that you can do — both to protect yourself and to fight back.

Taking steps to protect your home, such as painting rooms with EMF protection paint and sleeping with an EMF protection blanket, will ultimately help reduce your exposure to 5G radiation. Other, homeopathic remedies may also help. Things such as reishi mushrooms have been used for years to purify and cleanse the body, and it may safeguard against the effects of EMF radiation, as well. Cactus and Shungite stones can absorb EMF radiation and purify the air in your home.

In addition to protecting yourself and your family, it’s also important to fight back. As time goes on, 5G will only become more common and widespread. Speaking out against 5G antennas in residential areas, in particular, and making your politicians aware of your concerns are two huge things you can do to stop 5G. Spreading awareness is also important. The more people who are concerned, the more people who will speak out. The more people who speak out, the louder our voices will be. The louder our voices, the more politicians will have to listen.

Whatever you do, don’t let the fear of 5G prevent you from living your life. Take steps to protect yourself, and take comfort in the fact that there are things you can do to fight back.