Scientists' Group Calls On EU To Follow Brussels In Halting 5G Projects Due To Health Risk

EU countries and cities should follow the example of Belgium and Brussels and halt projects related to 5G high-speed internet development because of potential health risks, Advisors to the International Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Scientist Appeal, an international advocacy group uniting specialists in the field, told Sputnik

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 04th April, 2019) EU countries and cities should follow the example of Belgium and Brussels and halt projects related to 5G high-speed internet development because of potential health risks, Advisors to the International Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Scientist Appeal, an international advocacy group uniting specialists in the field, told Sputnik.

On Monday, The Brussels Times reported that plans for a pilot project to provide 5G wireless internet in the Belgian capital had been halted because of health risk concerns. Environment minister said that such technology could not be welcomed if it did not meet radiation standards, which are rather strict in Brussels region.

"The Advisors have stated that 5G technologies must be subjected to an independent health and safety assessment before they are launched. It is our hope that other cities and nations in the European Union and elsewhere in the world will follow the example set by Brussels, Belgium, and call a halt to the deployment of 5G due to concerns about the potential harm to human health and nature," Elizabeth Kelley, director of EMF Scientist, said, noting that she replied on behalf of the Advisors to the International EMF Scientist Appeal.

The group is calling upon the United Nations and other bodies such as the World Health Organization and the UN Environment Programme to introduce greater health protection standards on EMF exposure.

It has already made several appeals to the UN Secretary-General.

"The Advisors to the Appeal believe that, while the science on the biological and health effects related to 5G is limited, there is sufficient scientific evidence to cause concern among independent scientists, that this new infrastructure, on top of existing electrical and wireless infrastructures, will cause more harm to mankind and nature. People who suffer from electrical sensitivity are facing the reality that they may have no place to go that is free from EMF hazards," Kelley added.

Meanwhile, South Korea on Wednesday became the first country in the world to launch a 5G network. Several hours later, Verizon began selling 5G-compatibe smartphones and services.

In Europe, plans for a 5G network have been marred by the doubts about Huawei, the Chinese equipment maker, which the United States suspects of potentially being able to spy for Beijing. Unlike the United States, which barred Huawei from government agencies, the European Commission did not go so far as to ban the company. However, it asked member states to submit nation-wide risk assessments. Huawei is now suing the US government over the restrictions.