Health risk assessment of 5G technologies: the ANSES approach

Abstract

The deployment of 5G technology presents new challenges for health risk assessment due to its technical specificities and accelerated deployment timeline. This article presents the methodological approach developed by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) to evaluate health risks associated with 5G electromagnetic field exposure across three frequency bands: 700–2100 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz. The assessment combined adapted methodologies for each frequency range, working group assessment, and public consultation. For the 700–2100 MHz band, existing knowledge from previous mobile technologies was considered relevant. For the 3.5 GHz band, despite limited specific data, extrapolation from lower frequencies suggested no new health risk. For the 26 GHz band, while effects are mainly localized to superficial tissues, current data remain insufficient for definitive conclusions. The study highlights the need for enhanced exposure characterization and targeted experimental research, particularly for higher frequency bands where wave penetration is limited to skin and eye surfaces.