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5G is coming soon: Is that good or bad?

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5G, cell phone tower

While most people n the U.S. have been completely absorbed in talks of coronavirus and quarantines, big things were happening behind the scenes at the White House. On a recent Monday, the president signed two 5G Acts into law. 5G stands for “fifth generation.” In this case, it is fifth generation wireless communications technology that support cellular data networks. Mobile phones are the main devices that support this technology.

5G is supposed to increase network speeds and responsiveness. It’s also supposed to be more secure. This advanced technology may help bring about and improve numerous mobile and virtual systems, such as driver-less cars. Verizon, Sprint and other big-name wireless companies started installing 5G systems in 2019. So, here’s the question: If it’s so great, why are many people really unhappy about it?

Potential human health risks

Increased use of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) is a primary concern of many people. They believe the U.S. government should further investigate potential human health hazards associated with 5G technology before installing it across the country. Studies show RF-EMF may have adverse reproductive, neurological and metabolic effects on humans. RF-EMF is believed to cause oxidative stress, which may, in certain circumstances, cause cancer.

Future 5G plans in the U.S. include use of millimeter waves (MMW). Concerned parties say there needs to be further exploration of negative health effects associated with MMW to protect human health. MMW can alter gene expression, raise skin temperature and cause ocular damage. These are only a few of many issues prompting many people to suspect 5G as a potential health hazard.

Some people, however, are very happy about it

Bi-partisan representatives from the House of Energy and Commerce Committee say they were thrilled that the president signed two Acts into law. The first was the Secure 5G and Beyond Act, and the second, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act. The reps say the laws help ensure broadband access to all U.S. residents. It will also supposedly make networks more secure and trusted.

Robotics experts say 5G connectivity made it possible for a brain surgeon to perform remote surgery on a patient that was 1,500 miles away! It was a groundbreaking medical procedure that took three hours. The surgeon used a mobile product with 5G connection to implant a deep stimulation device in the brain of a patient with Parkinson’s disease.

Is it still too soon to tell?

There appear to be many potential benefits and downsides to the use of 5G systems. Chances are, it’s soon coming to a neighborhood near you, so you might want to research the topic. Is this a miracle technology that will change lives for the better or will we regret its invention 20 years from now when the havoc it has wreaked upon human health becomes apparent? Let us know what you think! Doesn’t all advanced technology come with risks? Are some risks simply not worth taking? Even using cell phones can be bad for you health, especially if you have an addiction.

Where do we draw the line? Imagine your loved one needs brain surgery and the best person for the job is 1,500 miles away. Wouldn’t you be thankful if 5G technology makes the surgery possible? Then again, if you develop cancer, vision impairment, migraine headaches, sterility or other health problems that may have been prevented by NOT installing 5G, what would you say then? One thing’s certain: The jury is still out. I don’t know enough about MMW or RF-EFM to form an educated opinion. I do believe, however, that it would be unjust to proceed unless enough tests and studies prove that 5G is not a danger to human health.

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