France's health and safety agency ANSES has published a much-awaited report into the health risks associated with population exposure to 5G radio frequencies. The study was commissioned by the government, following the release of a preliminary study in January 2020. With regard to the 3.5 GHz band, there is little likelihood that current 5G deployments represent a new risk to health, said the agency in its latest assessment. The report also looked into the available evidence on the 26 GHz band, which could be used by French networks in the future, finding that there is not sufficient data to draw firm conclusions at this stage.
Among the bands approved for 5G use in France, three operators (Bouygues Telecom, Orange, and SFR) are relying on the 2.1 GHz band, as well as 3.5 GHz frequencies, while Free Mobile is also deploying 5G on the 700 MHz spectrum. The agency's assessment found that exposure to radio frequencies hardly changes when looking at cell sites using the 700 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands in 3G, 4G and 5G networks.
ANSES is recommending a continuation of the studies into the potential impact to health, particularly on specific variables such as intermittence of exposure in the case of 26 GHz frequencies. Meanwhile, its 200-page document has been opened up to public consultation, and a final version of the report will be published to take into account feedback gathered in the next six weeks.
