THE debut of 5G, the latest-generation telecommunications network technology, is inevitable. The wireless technology promises unlimited computing, the seamless transmission of large amounts of data, high speeds, and multiple connections to devices, also referred to as the Internet of Things.

Besides effecting lifestyle change, it is also expected to transform communication in businesses, education and healthcare systems, public entertainment, and functions in the government. The lure of 5G’s revolutionary technologies is too enticing. Current concerns are about security and invasion of privacy, overshadowing discussions on its implications for public health. There have been non-mainstream debates on the potential health hazards, including the risk of cancer.

Networks running on 5G use millimetre-wave frequencies of between 30GHz and 100GHz, unlike the current 4G networks, which use up to 6GHz. Earlier-generation networks, from 1G to 3G, used even lower frequencies – 800MHz to 2GHz. The higher frequencies with a much shorter wavelength in 5G allow it to carry more data, faster. The downside of the shorter wavelength is that the signal reach is limited to 300m, unlike older-generation networks, which could reach several kilometres.

Hence, numerous small-cell antennas at close distance have to be installed with power supply to support the network. Adding to the existing networks, which are already using microwave frequencies, means that the entire network area will be “ovened” in the field of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Supporters of 5G are quick to argue that the non-ionising RF-EMR poses no harm. Such backing is provided for in scientific reports, some of which have been found to be industry-funded, or leave undeclared any conflict of interest. Their argument, citing decades-old studies, is that non-ionising radiation is too low to break chemical bonds and cause DNA mutation. It is non-thermal and not measurable. As for electromagnetic hypersensitivity, it is brushed off as a hypothetical disease.

Many unanswered questions remain. Will the radiation from these microwaves cause cancer? Will added frequencies and a dense network of antennas cause harm to humans? What does science say?

Non-ionising radio frequency radiation (RFR) was listed in “Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency on Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2011. However, some researchers feel this listing should be changed to “Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans”, or even “Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans”. Since the 2011 IARC classification, epidemiological studies reviewing cohort, case-control and case studies have shown an association between RF-EMR and brain tumours.

Coureau et al (2014) in the CERENAT case-control study showed an association between heavy mobile phone use, and glioma and meningioma. Higher risks were found in ipsilateral, or same side of the cellphone, use. The French CERENAT study corroborates another by a Swedish team, and the 2010 INTERPHONE study by 13 countries on the risks of glioma. A similar study by Peleg et al (2018), but on the occupational/military setting, focusing on hematolymphatic cancers, observed that RFR and carcinogenicity have a cause-effect relationship. The Atzmon et al (2016) study on microwave RFR exposure and the cancer risk, using a meta analysis of accumulated empirical evidence, found an increased risk of lymphoma, leukaemia, melanoma, and breast and brain cancers.

An experimental animal model study has confirmed observational epidemiological studies. A 2018 US National Toxicology Programme (NTP) study on 2G and 3G cellphone radiation exposure found “clear evidence” of cancerous heart tumours, and “some evidence” of tumours in the brain and adrenal gland of male rats. The Ramazzini Institue rat study by Falcioni et al (2018) confirmed the NTP study, even when using much lower levels of radio frequency.

Although the epidemiological studies were observational ones and did not show cause and effect, there is a serious need for further studies and the continuous monitoring of the outcome of long-term RF-EMR exposure and cancer. There are now numerous scientific reports showing evidence of non-thermal RF-EMR causing adverse effects on protein synthesis, neuronal function, melatonin production, sperm damage, immune dysfunction and gene expression. Citing supporting studies would be lengthy. There are also many reports on electromagnetic hypersensitivity experienced by people exposed to RF-EMR who suffered ailments such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, insomnia, palpitations and depression.

The 5G roll-out in Malaysia has started, with the introduction of a pilot project in Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, on July 3, stressed that priority is being given to security issues. It appears that the minister and the National 5G Task Force are anxious to get the revolutionary infrastructure ready, racing to be the first in the region to utilise it. Concerns about health and the environmental impact, meanwhile, seem secondary.

Months prior to the 5G roll-out, there should have been at least a research proposal written by someone qualified, to be deliberated on by the ethics committee. The proposal would ideally be well-designed, prospective and cross-sectional, using the survey method to evaluate the causal relationship with various types of ailments, such as headaches, dizziness and lethargy, as well as sleep patterns, menses cycle, etc.

Malaysians trust the minister and task force to know what they are doing. We do not want to be sorry only after billions have been spent. – July 11, 2019.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.