FAQ
Fifth Cellular Generation (5G)
What is a “cellular generation”? What is the fifth cellular generation (5G)? Why it is needed?
The term "cellular generation" refers to the technology of cellular communication. Switching from one "cellular generation" to the next one occurs once a decade or so.
The fifth cellular generation (5G) is intended to replace the major generations currently used (the third and the fourth). The move to the fifth generation is designed to improve the ability to support the operation of smartphones and to enable the use of advanced capabilities and applications which require high volume and fast data transfer. In addition, the fifth generation is designed to support the Internet of Things (IoT), the "Internet of Things", expressed in smart home, smart cities, smart transport, smart shopping and more.
A cellular network is needed to handle efficiently larger information traffic. This requires technological solutions similar to transport solutions, needed to ease the burden of road vehicles. The fifth generation will be able to transmit more data, at a faster rate and at a lower latency. It can also connect more "consumers" to support "Internet of Things" systems.
Do the international radiation protection standards and guidelines address the health risks of the fifth cellular generation and the millimeter waves?
Yes. The leading international standards and guidelines for the protection of non-ionizing radiation (by the International Radiation Protection Association, ICNIRP and the IEEE Organization) relate to the non-ionizing radiation spectrum, up to 300 GHz, including the millimeter wave range and the existing and future cellular frequencies, including the fifth cellular generation mobile. Furthermore, the international standards and guidelines have recently been updated (2020) and are now reflecting scientific updates in exposure limits, especially in the high frequencies and the fifth generation technologies. The limitations are based on scientific updates and up-to-date physical models that provide a more accurate estimate of environmental exposure on the human body. In particular, they address the systems closest to the human body and short-pulse transmission (including thermal effects), especially for modern technologies that will use pulse transmission (such as the fifth cellular generation).
The International Committee for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has made it clear that in setting its latest radiation exposure limits it has examined all possible health effects, including non-thermal effects. Nevertheless, recommendations in respect of exposure limitations relate to health effects, which according to ICNIRP's position, are based on established adverse health effects, mainly thermal effects and neural excitation. ICNIRP's position is that exposure limits (thresholds) can only be established when there is well-based and solid scientific knowledge in regard of these effects. Therefore, no separate thresholds for long-term non-thermal effects have been established.
Health effects
Are there studies showing a link between non-ionizing radiation and developing disease?
There is no unequivocal answer to the question of whether non-ionizing radiation (such as that emitted by mobile phones, household cordless phones, wireless communications networks, cellular base stations and the electric power grid) can endanger health or cause disease. Scientists are divided in their opinions on the topic.
Most studies on radiofrequency emissions have focused on the development of different types of cancer, especially brain tumors, acoustic nerve tumors and salivary gland malignancies. Other health outcomes studied were the effects on fertility (e.g. sperm morphology and motility); on brain function (e.g. cognitive function, attention and concentration deficit disorders in children, brain development in babies); on the heart and circulatory system (blood pressure and heart rate); on hearing, saliva (secretion, composition and flow), fat profile of blood, obesity, development of multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, headaches, and the 'non-ionizing radiation hypersensitivity' syndrome.
In 2011 a Working Group of the International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that there was limited evidence of an increased risk of developing malignant brain tumors (glioma) and benign acoustic nerve tumors among mobile phone users. The Working Group also pointed out that the results of current studies were insufficient for drawing clear conclusions about other types of cancer and/or about occupational or environmental exposure. Based on this conclusion, they classified radiation from radio waves, such as from mobile phones, in Category 2B in the list of carcinogens, thus defining radiofrequency emissions as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Studies on electric power grids (extremely low frequency, ELF) also focused on the risk of developing cancer, especially leukemia in children; effects on pregnancy outcomes (miscarriages and birth weight); effects on children's behavior, on cognitive function, hormones, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's) and heart diseases.
Population studies have pointed to an increased risk of developing leukemia (a blood cancer) among children who lived in close proximity to high tension wires, compared with children who lived further away. Here too, as for non-ionizing radiation from radiofrequency waves, no unequivocal causal effect between exposure and morbidity has been proven. However, on the basis of these studies the IARC classified non-ionizing radiation at lowest frequencies as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (category 2B). To date no link between radiation from the electric power grid and other types of cancer has been established conclusively, neither in children nor in adults.
22.10.2015
Magnetic & electric fields of low frequencies (ELF)
What is the minimal distance allowed between electrical installations (such as power lines or transformers) and residential homes?
The Ministry of Environmental Protection determines the criteria for distances separating electrical installations from sensitive land use sites such as residences, educational institutions, etc. These criteria depend on a large number of factors, such as the type of installation, the electricity that flows through it, the distance and height of the land use site, relative to the wires through which the electricity flows, the layout of the wires, etc. The Ministry of Environmental Protection website lists the criteria for determining distances between electrical installations and residences, for each type of installation (Hebrew).
Recommendations of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Health regarding the maximal allowed level of radiation from electrical installations are:
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2000 milligauss for short-term exposure (momentary exposure)
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4 milligauss daily average for the busiest day (continuous prolonged exposure).
Chronic exposure, or continuous prolonged exposure, is defined as exposure of more than 4 hours daily for more than 5 days a week. Residences, offices, educational institutions, commercial and industrial buildings, etc., are considered locations of chronic exposure.
For precise data on radiation levels, an authorized radiation surveyor may be summoned, from the list of authorized surveyors on the Ministry of Environmental Protection's website (Hebrew).
26.10.15
Do powerline adapters emit stronger or weaker radiation than Wi-Fi (routers and access points)?
Powerline network adapters (working via the electricity network) use information modulation technology (modulation, information construction) on infrastructure wires for transmitting internet communications over short ranges over the home electrical infrastructure.
The modulation is done over a wide range of frequencies, determined by the rate of data transmission and from which the radiation frequencies which could develop during data transmission was determined.
Network adapters utilize two end units, one for receiving the information from the router and data modulation over the electrical infrastructure wires, and another for receiving it in another location.
The radiation levels produced by this technology are very low, because the signals passed through the electricity wires (in house walls) are relatively weak, and because rather than the radiation being produced by a broadcasting antenna (as exists in Wi-Fi technologies), it develops in a “parasitic” manner in the vicinity of the electricity wiring in house walls or in the vicinity of electricity sockets (and the adapters themselves), that do not act as efficient antennae.
Various measurements made for internet powerline network adapters, have shown levels of radiation below one nano-watt (one billionth of a watt) per cm2 at a distance of 1 meter from the electrical wiring – less than one thousandth of the radiation levels produced at a distance of 1 meter from a wireless routers and access points.
It should be noted that there are powerline network adapters that also use wireless technology (for making a wireless connection for cellphones, tablets and computers in the target area), and in these cases they also produce radiation at the 2.45 and 5 GHz frequencies (like the radiation from Wi-Fi networks).
To what degree does exposure to electromagnetic radiation increase when the electrical panel is located inside the house?
Levels of exposure to magnetic fields in the vicinity of electrical panels are mainly dependent on the size of electric currents and the way the conductors are arranged inside the panels. Distance from electrical panels also has a large effect.
The overall value of electrical currents developing inside home electrical panels can reach tens of amperes, as a function of the type of consumer connection to the electric company and the degree of electricity consumption. Exposure levels in the vicinity of the panels may reach several tens of milligauss and even more than this. However, as the distance from the electrical panels increases, exposure levels drop sharply.
The recommended method of reducing exposures to magnetic fields from electrical panels, according to the precautionary principle, is by keeping sufficient distance from the electricity cupboard. Thus, at a distance of 1 meter from the electrical panel, exposure levels drop to a few milligauss. In addition, the location of the electrical cupboard should not be in the walls of residential rooms (in which people may spend prolonged time periods).
What kind of radiation is emitted by hybrid cars?
The hybrid car, as its name implies, combines propulsion based upon energy from traditional fuel and from electric energy that accumulates during motion. Electric currents used in the electric part of propulsion while driving create a surrounding of low frequency magnetic fields. This radiation is defined as non-ionizing radiation from the electricity grid in the Extremely Low Frequency radiation range (ELF).
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Health Ministry recommendations on the maximal radiation exposure level permissible from electrical appliances are available in the article on electric grids.
The power of magnetic fields created in hybrid cars differs from car to car according to the automobile make and model, and there are even differences between different cars from the same manufacturer and the same model. Also, the distribution of the power of the fields, in the car’s interior, varies from place to place within the car.
At present there are different positions regarding levels of magnetic fields created by hybrid cars and their radiation hazards. Also, the scientific knowledge existing on this subject is limited and there are no clear guidelines regarding their use.
In Israel, the issue of hybrid cars was addressed at length by the Ministry of Environmental Protection which authorized their use. The Ministry conducted extensive tests to examine the exposure to non-ionizing radiation inside hybrid cars and inside regular cars.
A link to data on radiation exposure in hybrid cars (Hebrew) in Israel may be viewed, detailing the average yearly level of exposure in each seat in the various cars checked, according to a stringent assumption of 18 hours average weekly time spent in the car.
What radiation is emitted from a server room?
Relatively low strength electrical currents and voltages exist in servers and therefore the non-ionizing radiation in their vicinity is at a very low level (servers are not a special source of radiation, that is, the radiation is not generated by transmitters and antennae intentionally, but rather exists as a by-product).
There are magnetic fields on the electricity grid frequency in the vicinity of power sources that use servers. However, at a distance of one meter or more from them, the field level is mostly below the level of a few milliGauss, and complies with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection recommendations for maximal permitted level of exposure to magnetic fields from electrical appliances.
Mobile phones
Is it safe to use a hands-free accessory for the mobile phone while driving?
This question refers to two different issues: "Does using the accessory pose a health hazard through the radiation emitted from the phone?" and "Does using the accessory while driving increase the risk of accidents resulting from the driver's diminished concentration?" Regarding protection from radiation, using a hands-free accessory is preferable to holding the phone next to the head. On the other hand, as to the safety of driving, it appears that the use of such an accessory also poses a real risk. Recent studies have shown that the degree of distraction resulting from phoning while driving, whether using a hands-free accessory or earphones, is similar to that when using the phone placed next to the ear. This inattention may substantially increase the risk of accidents so that on the whole it is recommended to refrain from talking on the phone while driving.
Studies have shown that the effect of a phone conversation on the driver's behavior is similar to or even greater than that due to driving under the influence of alcohol. Even more dangerous situations occur when the driver's sight is diverted from the road to the phone, as when tapping a number on the phone or answering a text message. Such activities should be avoided altogether. It must be emphasized that young drivers, for whom driving is not yet a sufficiently automatic activity, are most influenced by diversion of attention through using a phone while driving.
22.10.2015
Is it safe to use a mobile phone in elevators?
Elevators are usually built of metal that does not allow radiofrequency waves from the phone to be transmitted outside the elevator to the antenna/base station that receives them. Consequently, the phone 'strains' to contact the external network while emitting its highest level of radiation. In addition, a phone conversation cannot usually be conducted normally and the user will experience reception problems. The screening off of radio waves in the elevator exposes the user to the highest level of radiation from the phone. It is important to note that in such a situation persons in the elevator may be passively exposed. It is thus recommended to refrain from using mobile phones while in elevators (usually a short period of time) and to postpone the call until after leaving the elevator.
