Speaker
Description
The Horizon Europe-funded project, SEAWave, investigates the health risks of 5G and future wireless technologies, particularly millimeter-wave (MMW) frequencies (24.25–29.5 GHz). While 5G shares exposure parameters with previous generations, key differences, especially in the FR2 spectrum, require further research. The project focuses on the 27.5 GHz band, assessing its biological effects on vulnerable tissues, including the skin and male reproductive system. This study assesses chronic 5G FR2 (27.5 GHz) exposure using a Car-S mouse model highly susceptible to skin carcinogenesis. Mice were exposed for 100 days under high-power density (HPD), low-power density (LPD), or sham conditions. This study found no evidence that 5G exposure promotes tumorigenesis in mice, as no significant differences in papilloma incidence were observed between exposed and control groups. Molecular analysis showed distinct differences between short-term exposure in young mice and prolonged exposure in the Car-S model. While young mice exhibited chronic inflammation with increased inflammatory markers (Ccl4, Csf2, Tnfsf11, Il4, and Il13) and downregulation of nociceptors (Cgrpα, MrgprD), prolonged exposure resulted in persistent Cgrpα and MrgprD downregulation but reduced inflammation. This suggests nociceptor plasticity, neuroimmune interactions, and receptor downregulation may influence inflammatory responses. Additionally, male fertility assessments revealed reductions in sperm concentration, vitality, motility, and increased morphological abnormalities, particularly tail defects, suggesting potential reproductive health risks. While the study does not support a tumor-promoting role of 5G, it highlights potential long-term biological effects, particularly impairment in male fertility. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying molecular pathways.
