First, I'd like to state that I'm aware of the issues associated with 5G cell towers and the health risks associated with them. Cities and communities across the world have vocally opposed and even banned their construction, and I think they are right to do so.
However, I am curious as to whether the 5G problem is associated with "5G" cell phones.
I have a based friend who may end up needing a new phone for work. Problem is, every phone on the market is "5G", and he wants to take care of himself as best as he can, hence why he's been hesitant to take the plunge on a newer phone.
Fortunately, we live in a county that recently denied multiple permit requests for 5G towers, so we're not as worried about 5G towers.
But do 5G smartphones have the same health risks as the 5G towers?
I'd appreciate feedback from people in the know.
Radio is radio whether it’s 5G, 4G, 3G, whatever. It’s all a frequency space. Like FM radio is in the 88-107Mhz range, that’s one most people are familiar with. Mobile phone’s traditional are 700-2100 and have been for years. Many of these frequencies date back to analog or PCS days. A phone sold as 5G may speak “5G language” on any or all of these frequencies but it’s still just radio. It would be really illogical and seem uninformed to avoid something called “5G” on these frequencies but be ok with every other previous technology.
The new stuff is the 3.6Ghz C-band and the millimeter wave (mmWave) bands 26Ghz+. I personally wouldn’t bother avoiding C-band either. If you’re using Wi-Fi at home, you’re already exposing yourself to 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. C-band sits right in the middle. If you’re going to make a point to avoid it, start thinking about Wi-Fi too.
So, you’re left with mmWave and I think that’s the one usually being discussed regarding “Dangerous 5G” whether they are clear or not. Well good news, it barely travels any distance at all and he phone companies don’t deploy it that much right now. If you’re inside your house, the chance of getting mmWave signals is near zero. It’s often killed by glass on the front of a building. To avoid mmWave, avoid places where there are often large crowds of people in open space. That’s it. I’d not really trust a 4G phone to protect me there anyway. If you’re in a crowd and the person next to you is using mmWave you’re exposed to it too. Maybe even if they aren’t using it.
Also, a lot of those things you see presented as scary 5G towers (like the cylindrical things) are just more “decorative” standard cell towers. There’s little difference to them and in most cases aren’t going to be on mmWave, but just a standard mobile band. You’re more likely to see mmWave stuff on top of a streetlight in a city than a special purpose built tower unless you’re in a really open area.