Harshil Sharma 11/26/2025
Part 1: Investigation of the Claim
Technology: Wireless Networks (5G)
Claim: “5G towers cause cancer or dangerous RF exposure.”
Some people believe 5G towers cause cancer due to 5G networks using a
high-frequency of radio waves, than the traditional older networks. Groups such as the
Environmental Health Trust cite the possibility that long-term exposure to RF radiation
increases tumor formation, based on older animal studies that suggested a possible link [4].
Experts, consumers, and even the regular community can choose their network based on
preference of speed, efficiency, and the effectiveness, however, these studies showed that
there could be more to it. Antennas installed much too close to residences and schools also
raise public concerns. The suspicion of cover-ups of health risks by telecom companies for
their continued expansion forms conspiracy theories that are spread by such websites and
thus leads to the lack of trust between these companies and consumers. During COVID-19,
these fears have spread intensely, spreading the credibility for many people [6]. Overall,
supporters argue there is not enough long-term research to rule out health risks.
However, major scientific and medical organizations firmly refute any idea of 5G
causing cancer. The world health organization (WHO) states that 5G radio waves are
non-ionizing, meaning they do not have enough energy to break into cells and damage DNA
the way X-rays or UV light may be able to [2]. Health Canada says 5G signals are much
lower than the levels that could be unsafe [3]. Several international reviews, including
studies by the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP),
show no health effects confirmed at 5G levels used in everyday settings [7]. Even many
animal studies, repeatedly discussed by proponents, were done with radiation levels many
thousands of times higher than humans could ever be exposed to from a cell tower [5]. Thus,
the agreement among experts is that there is no scientific evidence proving that 5G
increases cancer risk.
The research shows that the claim “5G towers cause cancer or dangerous RF
exposure” is not supported. Public concerns are understandable with new technologies, but
the best scientific evidence shows just the opposite; 5G does not produce any kind of
radiation that can cause cancer. Many worries come from misinformation,
misunderstandings about RF energy, or distrust of large companies. Engineers and
governments should continue monitoring new research and maintain open and transparent
communication, but based on current data, 5G is safe within existing guidelines. Overall, the
claim is misleading and not supported by any reliable scientific evidence.
, Harshil Sharma 11/26/2025
Part 2: CRAAP Test Evaluation of Three Sources
Source 1 - World Health Organization (WHO)
Source 2 - Environmental Health Trust (EHT)
Source 3 - Generative AI Source (ChatGPT)
CRAAP Test - Source 1
Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/radiation-5g-mobile-networks-and-health
World Health Organization (WHO)
Currency:
This source is up to date and regularly reviewed as new research comes out.
Relevance:
It directly explains whether 5G is harmful, which is exactly what my claim is about.
Authority:
The WHO is one of the most trusted global health organizations, run by medical and
scientific experts.
Accuracy:
The information is supported by peer-reviewed studies and decades of research on
radiofrequency waves.
Purpose:
The goal is to provide accurate public health information, not to sell anything or push
an agenda.
Overall Credibility:
This source is very reliable because it is scientific, unbiased, and written by global
health experts.
Part 1: Investigation of the Claim
Technology: Wireless Networks (5G)
Claim: “5G towers cause cancer or dangerous RF exposure.”
Some people believe 5G towers cause cancer due to 5G networks using a
high-frequency of radio waves, than the traditional older networks. Groups such as the
Environmental Health Trust cite the possibility that long-term exposure to RF radiation
increases tumor formation, based on older animal studies that suggested a possible link [4].
Experts, consumers, and even the regular community can choose their network based on
preference of speed, efficiency, and the effectiveness, however, these studies showed that
there could be more to it. Antennas installed much too close to residences and schools also
raise public concerns. The suspicion of cover-ups of health risks by telecom companies for
their continued expansion forms conspiracy theories that are spread by such websites and
thus leads to the lack of trust between these companies and consumers. During COVID-19,
these fears have spread intensely, spreading the credibility for many people [6]. Overall,
supporters argue there is not enough long-term research to rule out health risks.
However, major scientific and medical organizations firmly refute any idea of 5G
causing cancer. The world health organization (WHO) states that 5G radio waves are
non-ionizing, meaning they do not have enough energy to break into cells and damage DNA
the way X-rays or UV light may be able to [2]. Health Canada says 5G signals are much
lower than the levels that could be unsafe [3]. Several international reviews, including
studies by the International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP),
show no health effects confirmed at 5G levels used in everyday settings [7]. Even many
animal studies, repeatedly discussed by proponents, were done with radiation levels many
thousands of times higher than humans could ever be exposed to from a cell tower [5]. Thus,
the agreement among experts is that there is no scientific evidence proving that 5G
increases cancer risk.
The research shows that the claim “5G towers cause cancer or dangerous RF
exposure” is not supported. Public concerns are understandable with new technologies, but
the best scientific evidence shows just the opposite; 5G does not produce any kind of
radiation that can cause cancer. Many worries come from misinformation,
misunderstandings about RF energy, or distrust of large companies. Engineers and
governments should continue monitoring new research and maintain open and transparent
communication, but based on current data, 5G is safe within existing guidelines. Overall, the
claim is misleading and not supported by any reliable scientific evidence.
, Harshil Sharma 11/26/2025
Part 2: CRAAP Test Evaluation of Three Sources
Source 1 - World Health Organization (WHO)
Source 2 - Environmental Health Trust (EHT)
Source 3 - Generative AI Source (ChatGPT)
CRAAP Test - Source 1
Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/radiation-5g-mobile-networks-and-health
World Health Organization (WHO)
Currency:
This source is up to date and regularly reviewed as new research comes out.
Relevance:
It directly explains whether 5G is harmful, which is exactly what my claim is about.
Authority:
The WHO is one of the most trusted global health organizations, run by medical and
scientific experts.
Accuracy:
The information is supported by peer-reviewed studies and decades of research on
radiofrequency waves.
Purpose:
The goal is to provide accurate public health information, not to sell anything or push
an agenda.
Overall Credibility:
This source is very reliable because it is scientific, unbiased, and written by global
health experts.
