In an article by Tim Diacono (
More health studies are needed before Malta introduces 5G technology”.
In comments to Lovin Malta about the technology, Prof. Charmaine Gauci cited the World Health Organisation and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks who said that should the overall population exposure to electromagnetic frequency (EMF) remain low, no public health consequences should be expected.
“Given 5G devices and networks are a new concept, the potential increase in overall exposure to EMF is unclear,” she said.
“In view of the uncertainty of potential exposure from 5G and the possible resulting health effects especially in the long term, and considering the high level of urbanisation in Malta, the precautionary principle underlining public health should be upheld and more time allowed for international studies to be carried out and updated guidelines from the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection ) which are currently being revised, be issued.”
Some scientists and doctors have flagged potential health scares as a result of 5G, including Partit Demokrariku leader Godfrey Farrugia, who has questioned whether he developed prostate cancer early in life because he used to carry his phone in his pocket.
However, the WHO has stated that there exists no conclusive research which establishes such links. Malta’s mobile service providers have already started upgrading their networks to be compatible with 5G when it eventually rolls out.
A spokesperson for Vodafone told Lovin Malta that 5G is designed to comply fully with existing international EMF exposure guidelines, providing protection for everyone, including children, against all established health hazards.
“These guidelines are regularly reviewed and issued by independent public health authorities and expert groups including the ICNIRP and the World Health Organisation (WHO), and reflect decades of research,” she said.
“In July 2018, the ICNIRP reviewed the science published since its last exposure guidelines were produced, concluding that 5G spectrum does not require additional protection measures.”
She also cited the WHO’s stance that no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.
For the full article please see below:
Malta’s Public Health Authority Sounds 5G Warning, States Potential Danger Is ‘Unclear’