Microwaves and Radiofrequency Radiation: Benefits, Risks and Protection

Abstract

Radiofrequency and microwave radiation are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They occupy the lower end of the spectrum with respect to frequency and are on the higher end with respect to wavelength. They have lower energy than the rest of the forms of electromagnetic energy on the spectrum, and as a result, they do not have enough energy to ionize the materials they irradiate. Radiofrequency and microwave radiation have been used in many applications, including communications and the use of radar to be able to predict weather patterns, medicine in both diagnostic and therapeutic uses, and industry. A major development in recent years has been the development of the 5G mobile network, which uses millimeter waves to transmit data to and from mobile phones that operate in the radiofrequency region. However, the rise of the 5G mobile network has many concerns that high exposures to these levels of radiation can be harmful to humans. This has been a point of discussion in the past and has led to decades of research into the potential health effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation on humans. Even with a large amount of research that has been done, the health effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation are still a highly debated subject. The IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic energy coming off from mobile phones as a Group 2B substance, which means that it is not clear whether it causes cancer. Overall, radiofrequency and microwave radiation can be harmful, but research shows that it is mainly in the really high levels of exposure. Oftentimes, the public does not come close to approaching the limits established from the regulatory exposure limits set forth by various regulatory bodies around the world.