Electromagnetic fields related to the current rollout of 5G mobile networks Technical aspects and biological effects in the upper frequency range (FR2, above about 24 GHz)

Germany has begun rolling out fifth-generation mobile networks (5G) in 2019. This is the next logical step in the development of the 2G, 3G and 4G digital cellular mobile communication systems, all of which operate by transmitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The 5G wireless standard offers new capabilities beyond voice communication and broadband data transmission and is therefore regarded as a core technology for the digitalisation of industry, automated and networked transport systems, the Internet of Things, and many other technological developments.

In this context, the German Commission on Radiological Protection carried out an overall assessment of the effects of electromagnetic fields of 5G mobile communications on humans, specifically also in comparison to the mobile networks already in operation for some time. Particular attention was paid to evaluating the current state of research into potential adverse health effects from high-frequency electromagnetic fields associated with mobile communications, as well as to recommending ways to minimise public exposure and for the regulatory treatment of mobile communication networks regarding population exposure.

A first statement, published in March 2022, addressed 5G mobile communications in the frequency range below around 7 GHz (Frequency Range 1, FR1), which has already been used intensively for mobile communications for many years. In the present second statement, the Commission on Radiological Protection assesses the technical aspects and biological effects of 5G applications in the frequency range above about 24 GHz (FR2), which may possibly be used more intensively in the future. The first and second statements should therefore be regarded as a single, coherent document.

As a result of the second statement, the German Commission on Radiological Protection concludes that, at present, the available data do not permit any conclusions to be drawn regarding possible health-relevant effects from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in FR2 at levels below those currently applicable as limit values in Germany. At the same time, the data currently available do not indicate that there are potentially negative biological effects in FR2 other than those based on thermal effects in body tissue, which are already known from FR1.