FAQ

The fifth generation of cellular communications has no causal association with the Corona virus, COVID-19.

Connecting the outbreak of the virus to the 5th cellular generation is an artificial attempt to link two unrelated things, based solely on timeliness (running several 5th generation networks in China and the outbreak of the virus in China).

Why are things unrelated?

First, cellular sites are used for wireless transmission and receipt of cellular signals through radio frequency radiation. They cannot distribute material in any form, and certainly not bacteria and viruses. Therefore, claiming their share in spreading the virus has no grounds.

The fifth generation of cellular communications uses two types of frequencies: below GHz 6 in the range of frequencies currently used for cellular communications, and above GHz 24 in frequencies intended for future uses of the fifth generation. Frequencies currently used in China for cellular communications for the general population are the frequencies of previous generations (below 6 GHZ). Non-ionizing radiation, including the high frequency radiation intended for the fifth cellular generation, cannot cause a change in the structure of the atoms within the body cells (unlike the ionizing radiation). Therefore, to the best of our current knowledge, non-ionizing radiation cannot cause direct damage to the hereditary material (DNA) inside the cell, using the mechanism of ionization of the atoms in cells, as well as changes in virus structure and creation of new viruses on the base of existing viruses.

Another argument raised in this regard is that the fifth generation technology can suppress the immune system (which helps the human body fight infectious diseases, such as those caused by invasion of viruses), making the public more susceptible to the virus.

Studies examining the association between radio frequency exposure and the immune system have shown that high-intensity radio frequency exposure, which is significantly higher than the international exposure limits, raises body core temperature and can temporarily affect the immune system.

However, many other studies that have investigated whether exposure to low-frequency radiation, similar to that generated near fifth-generation cellular sites, can affect the immune system, have not presented, to date, established evidence that this exposure can affect the immune system.

Yes. The leading international standards and guidelines for the protection of non-ionizing radiation (by the International Radiation Protection Association, ICNIRP and the IEEE Organization) relate to the non-ionizing radiation spectrum, up to 300 GHz, including the millimeter wave range and the existing and future cellular frequencies, including the fifth cellular generation mobile. Furthermore, the international standards and guidelines have recently been updated (2020) and are now reflecting scientific updates in exposure limits, especially in the high frequencies and the fifth generation technologies. The limitations are based on scientific updates and up-to-date physical models that provide a more accurate estimate of environmental exposure on the human body. In particular, they address the systems closest to the human body and short-pulse transmission (including thermal effects), especially for modern technologies that will use pulse transmission (such as the fifth cellular generation).

The International Committee for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has made it clear that in setting its latest radiation exposure limits it has examined all possible health effects, including non-thermal effects. Nevertheless, recommendations in respect of exposure limitations relate to health effects, which according to ICNIRP's position, are based on established adverse health effects, mainly thermal effects and neural excitation. ICNIRP's position is that exposure limits (thresholds) can only be established when there is well-based and solid scientific knowledge in regard of these effects. Therefore, no separate thresholds for long-term non-thermal effects have been established.

Relatively low strength electrical currents and voltages exist in servers and therefore the non-ionizing radiation in their vicinity is at a very low level (servers are not a special source of radiation, that is, the radiation is not generated by transmitters and antennae intentionally, but rather exists as a by-product).

There are magnetic fields on the electricity grid frequency in the vicinity of power sources that use servers. However, at a distance of one meter or more from them, the field level is mostly below the level of a few milliGauss, and complies with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environmental Protection recommendations for maximal permitted level of exposure to magnetic fields from electrical appliances. 

This question refers to two different issues: "Does using the accessory pose a health hazard through the radiation emitted from the phone?" and "Does using the accessory while driving increase the risk of accidents resulting from the driver's diminished concentration?"  Regarding protection from radiation, using a hands-free accessory is preferable to holding the phone next to the head.  On the other hand, as to the safety of driving, it appears that the use of such an accessory also poses a real risk.  Recent studies have shown that the degree of distraction resulting from phoning while driving, whether using a hands-free accessory or earphones, is similar to that when using the phone placed next to the ear.  This inattention may substantially increase the risk of accidents so that on the whole it is recommended to refrain from talking on the phone while driving. 

Studies have shown that the effect of a phone conversation on the driver's behavior is similar to or even greater than that due to driving under the influence of alcohol.  Even more dangerous situations occur when the driver's sight is diverted from the road to the phone, as when tapping a number on the phone or answering a text message.  Such activities should be avoided altogether.  It must be emphasized that young drivers, for whom driving is not yet a sufficiently automatic activity, are most influenced by diversion of attention through using a phone while driving.

22.10.2015

UV bulb -based nail dryers

In general exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun or from an artificial source might cause advanced skin aging, wrinkles, development of cataracts, and conjunctival damage. A significant health hazard of exposure to this type of radiation is developing various types of skin tumors, including malignant melanoma. Acute exposure to this radiation may cause burns.

Studies have shown that UV bulbs in nail dryers emit mainly UV-A radiation (it is possible that they also emit UV-B and UV-C radiation, but in tiny amounts that cannot be measured).

The ultraviolet radiation emitted from nail dryers depends on the type of device, type of light source, bulb power and number of bulbs in the device. It has been found that the greater the bulb power, the higher the level of radiation emitted by the device.

From scientific finding currently available it appears that exposure to radiation from UV bulbs for nail drying does not significantly increase the risk of skin cancer in the hands throughout life, apart from the effect of cumulative exposure. And therefore the greater the exposure, the risk of skin damage increases. It is recommended to reduce exposure as much as possible.

The risk of exposure may be reduced significantly by wearing fingerless gloves or by applying sunscreen to the hands before exposure.

LED bulb -based nail dryers

These bulbs also emit UV radiation, but in a narrower spectrum and with higher energy concentration than UV bulbs. To the best of our knowledge, LED bulbs used for nail drying do not emit significant UV-B and UV-C radiation or shorter wavelength radiation.

The walls of residential secure spaces are constructed from concrete.

The main effect of the concrete walls compared to block and plaster walls, is greater attenuation (blocking) of radiation. Because of this, radiation entry into residential secure spaces is blocked to a greater degree, causing weakened reception inside these rooms – including the reception of radio transmissions, cellular base stations, routers, Wi-Fi etc.

This weak reception might increase the exposure to radiation emitted from cellphones and devices using Wi-Fi, which increase their strength (or transmit for a prolonged time) in order to overcome the reception difficulty. This is similar to the way cell phones increase their strength when they are at a long distance from cellular base stations and their reception is weak.

The degree to which reception is impaired depends on many factors, including the existence of apertures (windows and doors), the distance from the cellular site and from the wireless router in the house etc.

Similarly, there is also greater attenuation (blockage) of radiation transfer from the residential secure spaces outside (transmissions) and impaired cell phones communication inside these rooms, Wi-Fi communication etc.

It is important to note that radiation is attenuated (blocked) by concrete walls, but it does not accumulate or become trapped inside the secure spaces or inside the walls, even if there are several radiation sources (cell phones, Wi-Fi routers etc.) inside these rooms . In this manner residential secure spaces are similar to ordinary rooms whose walls are made of building blocks or plaster.

Induction cooktops (stoves) are based on the creation of Very Low Frequency (VLF) magnetic fields up to tens of kHz (usually in the range of 20-30 kHz). Those magnetic fields are immersed in metallic heater mounted on the stove, which induces electrical currents inside them. The electric currents cause heating of the bottom of heating utensils (pot, pan, etc.), and, consequently, heating of the food in the utensils. When the stove stops working, the electrical current inside it is interrupted and so are the magnetic fields around it. The fields are completely reset and not stored in the heated food. 

The magnetic fields generated near the stove, to which the person cooking is exposed, are usually at the levels of several microTesla (millionths of Tesla), and are usually below the maximum exposure levels of the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation) guidelines (although in adjoining the cooker physically, those levels can be exceeded in certain situations). It should be noted that the fields fade sharply as the distance from the stove increases.

For the purpose of preserving the precautionary principle of reducing exposure, it is recommended to maintain a separation distance from the stove and operate it according to the manufacturer's instructions; among other things, operate them with cookware on them, use appropriate induction heating utensils, and place them in the center of the hobs.

In general, the level of radiation measured during the use of Wi-Fi is low.  The maximal transmission output of a typical cordless home router is about 100 milli-watts, and at a distance of 1 meter from it the level is only about 1 micro-watts/cm².  This level is only 1% of the recommended threshold in Israel for exposure to transmission at the recognized frequency for the Wi-Fi network.  Modern forms of routers and mobile phones emit levels lower than this, and may drop to a level of 20 milli-watts.

When using laptops or mobile phones connected to the Wi-Fi network, the individual exposure to radiation emitted by the device is greater, because of its proximity to the body: at a distance of 30 cm the maximal exposure is about 9 micro-watts/cm².  This is an exposure additional to that emitted by the cordless router.  In general, the recommended threshold value for exposure to any source of transmission at Wi-Fi frequency is 100 micro-watts/cm², in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

As mentioned under placement of devices during sleep, it is best not to place the cordless router in the bedroom near the bed, or in any room where one spends many hours consecutively near the device.  It is also possible to disconnect the transmission from the router while the Wi-Fi network is not in use, such as at night.

26.10.2015

The desktop computer is a source of two types of non-ionizing radiation exposure:

1. Extremely low frequency (ELF) emitted from the computer as an electric device.
2. Radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from the wireless router when the computer is connected to a WiFi network.

Both types of radiation – ELF from the electric grid and RF from the wireless router have been classified by the World Health Organization as possibly carcinogenic to humans (category 2B).

Radiation from the electric grid:

Electricity is supplied to a desktop computer through the power supply from the electric grid. The computer board and the computer's various components operate by a direct current at low voltage. The computer's transformer converts the high electric voltage from the electric grid to low voltage. The electric currents of the transformer create a relatively strong magnetic field, usually a few tens of milligauss, in its close vicinity (a few tens of centimeters up to one meter). The magnetic field intensity decreases rapidly with distance, to a background level of the typical magnetic field in the home (in an average home the level of exposure is about 1 milligauss).

It is recommended that the user should be situated at least 50 cm from the computer's power supply.

Regarding RF radiation from the wireless router, the answer can be found under "Are there recommendations relating to the use of Wi-Fi networks in private homes?"

Single wire element underfloor heating was manufactured and sold in Israel until a few years ago. In this type of underfloor heating system, the wire leading the current in one direction and the returning wire leading the current in the opposite direction are placed relatively far apart from one another. In this configuration, a high-intensity magnetic field (of up to 200 mG and higher in close proximity to the wires, depending on the depth of the installation of the heating system and on the level at which the measurements were carried out) is created which cannot be cancelled out by the magnetic field of the returning wire.

Following an intervention by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, nowadays dual wire underfloor heating systems are manufactured and sold in Israel. In this type of system the wire leading the current in one direction and the returning wire are adjacent so that the magnetic field created by one wire is cancelled out by the magnetic field of the returning wire. With this type of system, the magnetic field formed above the floor is very low (assuming that it is optimally installed).

In addition to having electric currents and magnetic fields, underfloor heating systems are also characterized by long operating times, thereby leading to long-term exposure to magnetic fields compared to exposure to other domestic electric appliances.

If you are intending to install an underfloor heating system, to minimize the exposure to magnetic fields, plan well in advance and ensure that a dual core element system has been placed optimally prior to laying the floors.

If you have an old underfloor heating system, it is possible to minimize the time of exposure by turning the system on before people enter the room, turning it off when the temperature is pleasant, and restarting the system when people have left the room (using a remote control or a timer).

Notably, there are water- and oil-based underfloor heating systems that operate by passing electrically-heated water or oil through pipes laid under the floor. Heating of the water or oil can take place in one central location within the building where energy is supplied for heating the liquid to the appropriate temperature. As high-intensity electric and magnetic fields may form in the location of the system's electric component for heating the liquid (water or oil), it is recommended to identify this location and to avoid spending a long time in its vicinity. If domestic heating is distributed through permanent smaller heating devices in the home, it is recommended to avoid spending long periods of time near such devices and to keep a distance of at least several tens of centimeters from their electric component.   

29.6.16