Can 5G radiation make you sick? What we found.

Summary

The video examines concerns that 5G radiofrequency radiation could cause illness, cancer, or environmental harm. It explains that 5G uses non-ionizing radiation, as do earlier mobile networks. Unlike higher-energy ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and some ultraviolet radiation, radiofrequency waves do not have enough energy to damage DNA directly. The video says 5G millimeter waves penetrate only slightly into the skin.

Some people are concerned because 5G can use higher frequencies than 3G and 4G, and its coverage may require more antennas and base stations. However, the video notes that 5G is not entirely new: some of its frequencies have previously been used for radar and airport scanners, and early 5G deployments also use frequencies similar to 4G.

Evidence and uncertainties

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified cellphone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic” in 2011. The video stresses that this category indicates uncertainty, not proof of harm.
• The video describes a large body of research on radiofrequency radiation in people, animals, and human tissues. It says the evidence presented does not establish a link between cellphone radiation and cancer.
• Two often-cited animal studies—the US National Toxicology Program study and research by Italy’s Ramazzini Institute—reported cancers in some exposed male rats. The video calls the findings controversial, in part because the animals received exposures far greater than people typically experience.
• Studies of brain-cancer rates in the United States, Europe, and Australia have not shown an increase since mobile phones became widespread in the 1990s. The video notes that 5G has not been around long enough for equivalent long-term studies.
• A viral claim that 300 birds died during 5G testing in the Netherlands is mentioned as an example of public concern, but the video does not establish that 5G caused the deaths.
• The video concludes that more research is needed, especially on millimeter-wave exposure and long-term health effects. It cautions against treating unsupported online claims—such as the claim that 5G is a mind-control experiment—as scientific evidence.

Researchers and sources featured

• Andrew Wood — researcher interviewed; the subtitle does not clearly identify his institutional affiliation.
• Jackson Ryan — CNET science editor and presenter.
• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) — its 2011 classification of cellphone radiation as possibly carcinogenic is discussed.
• US National Toxicology Program — animal study discussed.
• Ramazzini Institute — animal study discussed.
• World Health Organization and its Environment Programme — named in connection with a petition by more than 240 scientists and researchers calling for further review of radiofrequency radiation’s possible effects.