Conspiracy theories debunked: 5G does not alter DNA and does not penetrate deeper than a few millimeters into the skin
Even at ten times the safe level of radiation, 5G signals are not capable of causing mutations, altering genes or affecting human skin, a new large-scale study by German scientists has confirmed.
As Popular Science reports , a team of scientists from Constructor University in Germany published a study in the journal PNAS Nexus that for the first time demonstrated the complete safety of the frequencies used in 5G communications at the cellular level. The researchers exposed human skin cells to frequencies of 27 and 40.5 GHz — the so-called millimeter waves used in current and future generations of mobile internet.
The experiment involved fibroblasts (connective tissue elements) and keratinocytes (the basis of the outer layer of the skin). They were irradiated in two modes: short-term (2 hours) and long-term (48 hours), and radiation levels in some tests exceeded the recommended limit by 10 times.
The most precise methods were used to analyze the effects: whole RNA sequencing and epigenetic analysis of DNA methylation. This would have revealed even minimal changes in the cells – if they existed. But no effects were detected.
“The energy of millimeter waves is not sufficient to cause photochemical or ionizing effects. That is, there is no carcinogenic potential, even theoretically,” the authors concluded.
The paper also criticized previous studies that recorded some effects from 5G: those experiments often did not take into account the heating of cells, which simulated a change in activity, although it was actually a side effect of temperature.
The most popular conspiracy theories about 5G
- 5G causes cancer
This is one of the oldest horror stories, which arose back at the launch of 3G and 4G. With the transition to 5G, the theory evolved: they say that millimeter waves (higher frequencies) penetrate the body, heat tissues, cause tumors, etc. All studies, including the latest one from Constructor University (see above), have not found any effect on DNA or human health, even when the permissible norms are significantly exceeded. - 5G causes COVID-19
One of the most absurd theories that gained popularity at the beginning of the pandemic. Supporters claimed that the coronavirus is not a virus, but a consequence of the effects of 5G on the body. In some versions, it was about the “activation” of the virus through radiation. Amidst the panic in Britain and the Netherlands, 5G towers were even set on fire, confusing them with the cause of the disease.
- 5G is a tool of mass control
This theory suggests that 5G is not just a communication network, but a network of total surveillance. Some believe that the towers can scan faces, control thoughts or connect people to artificial intelligence. In other versions, they are “directed energy weapons” that can be used against protesters or dissidents.
- Microchips through vaccines and 5G
A combo of several conspiracies: supposedly, under the guise of vaccination, people are being implanted with microchips that are activated by a 5G signal. This idea is so absurd that it has become a meme, but some have taken it seriously. In reality, wireless technology cannot “power” or control a microchip inside the body.
- Mass death of birds and bees — due to 5G
Another common version is that 5G affects bird navigation, kills bees, and destroys the ecosystem. All this is unconfirmed: the mass death of birds or bees has natural causes — diseases, pesticides, climate change.
According to IEEE and WHO, 5G signals do not penetrate deeper than a few millimeters of skin and have no biological effect on the body.
5G technology is currently being actively implemented in a large number of civilized countries, including Ukraine. Recently, Huawei and Nokia received permission from the National Commission for the Development of 5G communications in three cities.
