I’d like to reassure the community that 5G technology is safe.
There is no evidence telecommunication technologies, such as 5G, cause adverse health impacts.
This position is supported by health authorities in Australia – such as the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) – and around the world, such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mobile phone networks and other wireless telecommunications emit low-powered radio waves also known as radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME). This is different to ionising radiation associated with nuclear energy or use in medicine.
The radio waves to which the general public is exposed from telecommunications are not hazardous to human health.
To ensure the public remains protected, ARPANSA established limits for EME through a Standard. This Standard is designed to protect people from exposure to radio waves. Limits are set well below the levels where there is evidence of some biological effects such as tissue heating.
Under the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s regulatory framework, all telecommunications, including new 5G technology, have to comply with the exposure limits in the ARPANSA Standard.
In order to further improve understanding about this issue, the Australian Government recently announced an investment of $9 million over four years to assure the public of the safety of telecommunications networks, including new 5G mobile networks.
New initiatives under the Enhanced EME Program will include more targeted scientific research and public information to address community concerns.
Further information about exposure to the 5G network is available from the ARPANSA website and the Department of Communications and the Arts website, including:
- 5G and your health
- Misinformation about Australia’s 5G network
- 5 facts on 5G
- Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy Emissions