No link between coronavirus and 5G

There is no scientific evidence that mobile phone radiation could have an effect on the spread of viruses.

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) dismisses reports of a possible link between the spread of the coronavirus and 5G, the new generation of mobile communications technology. There is no scientific evidence that radiation from mobile communications could affect the spread of viruses. The same is true for 5G.

Over the past few weeks, several rumours have been circulating about the coronavirus and 5G. These include a general suggestion that mobile phone radiation encourages the spread of the virus, as well as information alleging that 5G suppresses the immune system. In late January, speculation was already circulating to the effect that 5G causes cell breakdown that emulates the effects of a virus and leads to flu-like symptoms.

No indications of a link

Mobile base station

From a scientific perspective, all of this speculation is unfounded. There are no indications of a link of this kind in either biology or physics: 5G causes neither cell breakdown nor flu-like symptoms. Likewise, there has not yet been any scientific evidence that high-frequency electromagnetic fields – and therefore also mobile phone radiation – have an adverse effect on the immune system.

The frequency range used for mobile communications until now has been the subject of extensive research. Indeed, in the German Mobile Telecommunication Research Programme (DMF) and subsequent studies, the BfS has examined the possible health risks and fundamental biological effects and mechanisms associated with the high-frequency electromagnetic fields used for mobile communications. The results of the DMF and other current studies at the national and international level have not confirmed any harmful effects on health due to high-frequency electromagnetic fields with intensities below the limit values.

Findings for mobile communications can be applied to 5G

As applications of 5G are, for the time being, found in frequency bands in which mobile communications already operate, that are allocated to similar uses, or that are adjacent to such frequency bands, the findings can also be applied to 5G.

The only proven effect of high-frequency electromagnetic fields is the warming of body tissue. However, an increase in core body temperature by less than one degree is considered unproblematic from a health perspective. The applicable limit values ensure that this warming remains slight and therefore harmless.