Are 5G networks putting our health at risk?

Let’s be honest—whenever there’s a new technology, it’s completely natural to ask, “But is this safe?”

And with 5G, the question has popped up everywhere: in WhatsApp groups, on social media, even in family lunch chats.

You might’ve heard things like:

“5G is causing headaches.”
“It’s messing with our immune systems.”
“Didn’t it start with 5G towers and COVID?”

So… what’s true, and what’s just internet noise?

Let’s break it down in simple, honest terms.

First, what exactly is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks. It’s what lets your phone stream high-quality videos, download entire movies in seconds, and keep smart cities and devices running smoothly.

It’s faster and more efficient than 4G—mainly because it uses higher-frequency radio waves.

That’s where the fear started.

The word “radiation” makes people nervous

We hear the word radiation and we immediately think of danger—nuclear accidents, microwaves, X-rays. But the truth is, not all radiation is the same.

5G uses non-ionizing radiation—the same type you find in:

• Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth

• Baby monitors

• TV and radio signals

It’s very different from ionizing radiation, like X-rays or radioactive materials, which can damage your DNA and cells. 5G waves simply don’t have the power to do that.

What does science actually say?

The short answer?
So far, there is no evidence that 5G is harmful to human health.

Trusted health bodies around the world—including:

• The World Health Organization (WHO)

• The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)

• National health departments, including in South Africa

…have all reviewed the data. Their conclusion? As long as 5G operates within current safety guidelines (which it does), you are not at risk.

And yes, research is ongoing—but no, there’s no secret cover-up. These organizations update their recommendations regularly based on new studies.

But why do these worries keep coming back?

A few reasons:

• New tech always raises fear—we saw it with electricity, radio, even Wi-Fi

• Misinformation spreads fast on social media

• “Radiation” sounds scarier than it is

• And during the pandemic, people were looking for something (or someone) to blame

Fear is understandable—but facts matter.

What should you worry about?

If we’re being honest, there are some real concerns when it comes to our devices and digital world—but they have nothing to do with 5G towers.

Think about:

• Too much screen time and its impact on mental health

• Digital addiction and attention burnout

• Privacy risks in our connected world

• Unequal access to the internet in rural communities

Those are the things we should be paying attention to.

Conclusion

You don’t have to love 5G or even fully understand how it works. But the idea that it’s secretly harming your body? There’s just no science to back that up.

So the next time you hear someone say, “5G is making people sick,” feel free to pause—and gently remind them:
“Actually, it’s been tested. And no, it’s not frying our brains.”

Your Wi-Fi is safe. Your health is safe. And yes, your phone signal is about to get way better.