Hey Lykkers, have you ever heard concerns about 5G technology and its potential radiation dangers?
With 5G networks being rolled out globally and mobile internet users surpassing a billion, many are questioning whether these new technologies are more harmful than their predecessors.
Recently, there have been claims that 5G base stations emit more radiation than 4G, raising public concern. But is this true? Let's dive into the facts.
A communication base station is essentially a station that allows mobile devices to connect to the internet. It acts as a kind of wireless radio station where information is transmitted between the mobile phone and the communication network. A 5G base station is similar but with a new, faster system designed to handle more data and provide faster internet speeds.
Experts reassure us that these base stations emit very low levels of electromagnetic radiation. The further you are from them, the weaker the signal, and the less impact it has on your body.
With over 4.25 million 5G base stations in operation as of 2024, China leads the world in the number of 5G stations. The question many people ask is: Do more stations mean more radiation? The simple answer is no. Radiation is just a way to transfer energy. More base stations mean better coverage and faster internet, but not necessarily stronger radiation.
The radiation from a base station actually decreases as it gets further from you. So, while we may see more stations, the radiation doesn't increase proportionally.
There are different types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. 5G base stations emit non-ionizing radiation, which is a lot weaker than ionizing radiation (like X-rays or nuclear radiation). Most of the radiation we encounter daily comes from non-ionizing sources: think of radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and the electromagnetic fields around our home appliances. In fact, 5G radiation is far weaker than the radiation emitted by things like microwaves, electric fans, and even the TV!
To determine whether radiation is harmful, we need to consider two factors: the frequency of the radiation and its power. The higher the frequency and the stronger the power, the more likely it could have a negative impact on human health. However, the frequency of 5G signals is still lower than visible light, which is non-ionizing. So, from a radiation perspective, 5G is no more dangerous than your microwave or even the sunlight you're exposed to every day.
Let's make it clearer with some examples. A hairdryer emits around 100 microwatts per square centimeter of radiation. A microwave oven can emit up to 580 microwatts per square centimeter. When you use a router at home, you're exposed to 60 microwatts per square centimeter of radiation just within a meter of it.
Now, compare that to the radiation from a 5G base station, which must stay below 40 microwatts per square centimeter to comply with national safety standards. In fact, most stations operate at around 8 microwatts per square centimeter. So, even compared to household appliances, 5G radiation is almost negligible.
While 5G technology has its perks, such as super-fast internet speeds and better connectivity, it's important to remember that the risks are minimal. Experts encourage us to keep monitoring and studying these technologies to ensure they remain safe. As for staying safe, there's really no need to worry about 5G base stations. If you're still concerned about radiation, simply staying a little further from the base stations can reduce your exposure even more.
So, Lykkers, the bottom line is that 5G radiation isn't something we need to be afraid of. While it's always a good idea to stay informed about technology and its impact, the concerns about 5G being more harmful than previous generations are largely unfounded. We can enjoy faster internet speeds without worrying about radiation risks. As always, let's stay curious and cautious, but also remember that the science here is on our side. Stay safe, stay connected!