5G and Health Concerns
Claims that 5G cellular networks cause health problems including cancer, COVID-19 spread, and immune system damage.
Tracking Conspiracy Theories — Old, New, Emerging, Evolving
Claims that 5G cellular networks cause health problems including cancer, COVID-19 spread, and immune system damage.
As 5G networks have been rolled out worldwide, various conspiracy theories have emerged linking the technology to health concerns and other phenomena.
Proponents of this theory claim that 5G technology:
- Emits dangerous radiation that causes cancer
- Weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to COVID-19
- Was developed as a weapon for population control
- Is being deployed to enable mass surveillance
The scientific consensus is clear that 5G technology operates within established safety guidelines. 5G uses non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to damage DNA or cells directly. Multiple studies have found no evidence of health risks from 5G exposure at levels below international safety standards.
The theory gained significant traction during 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. It led to real-world consequences including arson attacks on cell towers in multiple countries. The theory has been debunked by health organizations including the WHO and numerous scientific studies.
Despite being thoroughly debunked, the theory persists in certain online communities and continues to evolve with new claims about 6G technology.