5G monitoring same as for all wireless tech: Health Canada

Health Canada has responded to an MPs’ query about what steps it is taking to monitor potential health effects of 5G networks, indicating it is treating 5G no differently than previous generations of wireless technology. “It is Health Canada’s position that the health of Canadians is protected from , including those that will be used by emerging 5G technology, when the human exposure limits recommended by Safety Code 6 are respected,” the department said in a document tabled in Parliament in April. Health Canada first published that safety code in 1979 and has updated it periodically since; Innovation, Science and Economic Development uses the code to develop its regulatory standards, the document outlined. The document was tabled in response to an order paper question from Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant, who asked in February about Health Canada’s official position on health risks of 5G, including what studies it has funded on the topic. In recent years, conspiracy theories have emerged around 5G networks and their impacts on health, which have intensified with the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Conspiracy theorists who falsely believe that 5G is responsible for the pandemic have set cell towers in several European countries on fire. In Canada over the past week, arsonists have attacked four cell towers in separate incidents in Quebec. “Reminder: there is no connection between cell phone towers, 5G technology, and COVID-19. Vandalizing these towers is illegal,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu said on Twitter Wednesday. Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains tweeted a day earlier that he is “very troubled by the reports of vandalism of Canadian cell towers. As many of us are staying home, we’re relying on wireless and internet services to connect to our work, school, and loved ones. These criminal acts are completely unacceptable and threaten emergency services.” In the response to Gallant, Health Canada pointed out that 5G networks will use existing 4G network infrastructure, and will also use spectrum in the 3-4 GHz and millimeter wave ranges. “The main difference between 5G devices/networks versus previous generations of wireless technology will be the use of frequencies above 6 GHz by 5G devices/networks,” the document pointed out. It said Health Canada has funded research on potential health risks of various spectrum ranges, but it has not published research on health risks associated with 5G. It listed more than 60 published studies going back to 1977. The most recent, from September 2019, focused on millimeter wave spectrum. “The Department continuously monitors the scientific literature as it relates to radiation exposure (including 5G),” while Health Canada scientists contribute to international projects, including at the World Health Organization. “That means if new scientific evidence were ever to demonstrate that exposure to RF/EMF energy from wireless technologies (including 5G) below the limits set out in Safety Code 6 is a concern for human health, Health Canada would be well positioned to take appropriate action to help protect the health and safety of Canadians.” — With reporting by Anja Karadeglija at akarad@thewirereport.ca and editing by Michael Lee-Murphy at mleemurphy@thewirereport.ca

5G monitoring same as for all wireless tech: Health Canada

News | May 6, 2020

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5G monitoring same as for all wireless tech: Health Canada

News | May 6, 2020

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