Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has reignited debunked fears on 5G and cell phone transmissions. He has now begun targeting cellphones in school in his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. RFK Jr. suggests that these towers and cell phones “produce electromagnetic radiation which has been shown to do neurological damage.”
In a public statement
RFK Jr. stated he believed that 5G technology and cell phones pose serious health risks. In a 2023 interview on a famous podcast, RFK Jr. stated that 5G technology is responsible for the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and an increase of risk for glioblastomas. Other claims from RFK Jr. on the dangers of 5G technology is that it damages human DNA and causes various cancers.
However, according to a comprehensive review by the WHO and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), there is no evidence to verify 5G frequencies cause any health effects. Other scientific studies had also concluded that RFK Jr.’s claims that 5G radiation disrupts the blood-brain barrier is not supported by any evidence.
Understanding 5G
5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology that promises to increase speed, capacity, and reliability compared to previous networks. It operates across low, mid, and high-frequency bands, including millimeter waves, which enable ultra-fast data transmission but have limited range and penetration. 5G uses advanced technologies like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), small cells, and network slicing to efficiently handle massive data traffic.
Growing Concerns
Despite concerns, 5G emits non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which lacks the energy to damage DNA or cells. Extensive research by health authorities, including the WHO and FCC, finds no credible evidence linking 5G to cancer, immune system harm, or neurological damage. Some animal studies have shown increased blood-brain barrier permeability under high-intensity RF exposure, but these conditions far exceed typical human exposure to 5G signals. It is also critical to note that sometimes animal trials do not correlate with human trials.
Heath Claims and The Science
Claims by RFK Jr. that 5G causes blood-brain barrier breakdown and cancer sparks age-old debunked fears about 5G. However, scientific evidence does not support these assertions. Regulatory standards ensure 5G operates well below harmful exposure levels, and real-world evidence does not support these health fears.
Overall
5G technology safely advances wireless communication without causing the alleged neurological or health risks. Even though the evidence says contrary to RFK Jr.’s claims, his plans include banning 5G towers near schooling areas, mandate warnings on the risks of phone use and enforce stringent safety guidelines. Several school districts across the United States have already prohibited cell towers on or near school property. Some states might sway towards RFK Jr.’s persuasion, possibly banning or limiting cell phone use amongst school children.
Blood-Brain Barrier and Cancer Claims
Regarding the blood-brain barrier, some animal studies have observed increased blood-brain barrier permeability after elongated exposure to high-intensity RF radiation at frequencies used in 5G (approximately, 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz). However, these studies involve exposure levels and durations that go far beyond what humans will be exposed to from 5G networks. Moreover, human studies have come up inconclusive. Results do not show any consistent evidence that 5G disrupts the blood-brain barrier or causes brain damage.
RFK Jr.s Claims
RFK Jr.s claims that 5G increases glioblastoma incidence, which is not supported by epidemiological data. The National Cancer Institute and cancer registries such as the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program report no increase in glioblastoma rates correlating with the rollout of wireless technologies.
While radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B), this classification is based on limited evidence, primarily from older generation technologies and does not confirm causation.
Legal Implications and RFK Jr.’s Agenda
Kennedy’s activism has prompted legal challenges against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for failing to update its radio-frequency exposure guidelines, which the agency last revised in the 1990s. Critics argue that these guidelines may not fully reflect the latest scientific data or account for cumulative exposure from multiple wireless devices.
RFK Jr.’s influence may push for stricter policy, updated regulations and potentially bans for 5G and cell phones in school. Some of his advocates view this as a positive step toward ensuring public safety. However, some might argue that while the premise seems noteworthy, the evidence it is based on is of concern.
Cell phone activity and depression, especially in the youth, share a striking correlation to each other. Some critics argue that policymakers should work on stringent restrictions on phones and social media, and not focus on debunked radiation scare tactics.
As 5G continues to expand, ongoing research and regulatory oversight remain essential to monitor health effects, but current evidence affirms that 5G poses no proven neurological or carcinogenic risk. Public health policies should balance precaution with scientific rigor to address concerns without hindering technological progress.
Read More: RFK Jr. Faces Backlash Over Plan to Create Autism Registry and Track Diagnoses
