Dissemination of knowledge on radio waves and EMF is important
In March 2020, Tommy Ljunggren was appointed as TechSweden's spokesperson for so-called EMF issues, i.e. issues related to electromagnetic fields. EMF issues are generally about people's concerns about negative health effects from radio waves. Public concerns about the health effects of radio waves have existed since mobile phone masts were first built. EMF issues have therefore been important to the industry for a long time. Social media has made it easier to spread false information about EMF issues. With the roll-out of the 5G network, it has therefore become even more important to work on disseminating knowledge in this area.
The WHO and the Public Health Agency of Sweden have concluded that there are no harmful health effects from mobile telephony with the limit values used in Sweden and most countries internationally. This also applies to 5G and the frequency bands used and to be used for 5G. Nevertheless, there is some concern about adverse health effects from radio waves in the general public that has existed since the deployment of the first networks. Initially, EMF issues did not receive much attention, but as operators built base stations and masts for 3G, the issue became more widespread. Tommy Ljunggren, spokesperson for EMF issues, explains the reasons why EMF was discussed at that time.
- When the 3G network was rolled out, a large number of new base stations were built in Sweden. Almost the entire population would be able to connect to 3G and many people were simply concerned about the possible health effects of radio waves when more antennas and masts suddenly appeared in their immediate environment.
Cooperation within the mobile telecommunications industry was intensified and, among other things, a spokesperson was appointed to work specifically on EMF issues. Since the 3G era, a working group of operators and manufacturers in Sweden has been working to produce information material on EMF. When 4G was launched, however, there was not the same great concern and debate. Many people were probably disappointed with 3G and happy to get better connectivity for their smart phones and apps. Now, however, before the expansion of 5G networks, there has been a new wave of concern about EMF, which TechSverige's working group for EMF issues is addressing by producing knowledge-enhancing information material.
- Actually, the concerns we see now about possible health effects linked to mobile phone masts are the same as we have seen before. Some concern is of course natural because people simply do not know what radio waves and 5G mean. The big problem today is that there is a fear that is spread and reinforced on social media and which originates in facts about radio waves and 5G that are simply not true. The disinformation is largely spread by people and organizations who, for various reasons, want to create a general concern among the public, says Tommy Ljunggren.
From an EMF perspective, there is really no difference between 4G and 5G technology. Some of the frequencies used for the 5G network are higher, but they are very close to those used for 4G. Sometimes the frequencies are even exactly the same. The limits and guidelines for 5G are also the same as for previous technologies. On top of that, there is a misconception that lots of new base stations will be built for 5G technology. Rather, the likely development is that operators that currently have 4G masts will update and complement their existing base stations. Informing about how 5G will really be introduced and what it means from an EMF perspective is one of several areas that Tommy Ljunggren will work on.
- My role involves, among other things, working to raise awareness of 5G to dispel misconceptions that exist. The possibility of influencing those who spread disinformation on social media is very small. Therefore, it is important to inform those who make decisions on permits to modify and expand base stations in a factual and correct way. If concerns and misconceptions spread to those who have to make factual decisions, it can affect how quickly we can build out 5G in Sweden," says Tommy Ljunggren.
For TechSverige, it is important to also show the benefits of 5G so that people understand what opportunities the technology can bring. Climate and more cost-effective transport, better opportunities to avoid dangerous jobs and improved healthcare due to better opportunities for remote care are some areas of society that can be improved with 5G. Of course, it is still important that 5G networks are built in a way that does not exceed the limits.
- Our role is to ensure that the limit values are not exceeded, but it is not we in the industry who develop and decide the limit values. It is the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority that has the ultimate responsibility for determining which limit values should apply. At the same time, there is a lot of disinformation that we in the industry can work to address regarding the health effects of 5G. We are also working with other members of TechSverige to remove harmful disinformation such as calls for sabotage of masts on social media.
TechSverige has a specific information page about 5G with Q&A about EMF and information about, for example, what to consider if working near base stations on rooftops. The page is continuously updated with more information for the public and other stakeholders about EMF and 5G. Read more about TechSverige's work on EMF issues here.