Some conspiracy theorists are blaming 5G - the fifth generation of wireless communications technologies - for causing the coronavirus pandemic.
Some believe the theory so strongly that they carried out arson attacks on 5G masts and towers.
However, one doctor has spoken out against the conspiracy theory, explaining why it is impossible to link 5G to the coronavirus.
NHS GP Dr Gero Baiarda- launched a 'myth-busting' series last week and he has been clearing up any coronavirus myths and misconceptions in the interest of our health during the pandemic.
Dr Baiarda, who is a doctor at online GP-on-demand service GPDQ, explains why the 5G conspiracy is scientifically incorrect and should be treated as fake news.
Myths related to 5G
Myth 1: 5G suppresses the immune system so much that it allows you to catch the coronavirus easily.
Truth: No, it doesn’t. 5G radio waves are very inert low frequency waves that have no discernible effect on human beings.
The facts
- 5G radio waves don't carry enough energy to cause harm. There have been many research studies that demonstrate this beyond all doubt. The wavelengths emitted from your microwave oven are more powerful than 5G – both are perfectly safe.
- 5G occupies the same wavelengths as those previously used by analogue TV. The reason that you can no longer access the analogue television signal is because it was phased out to make way for new 5G mobile phone technology.
- Therefore, claiming that 5G waves will weaken your immune system to the point that you are defenceless against Covid-19 is like saying that the old-fashioned TV signals caused pandemics. We lived with them for more than 70 years, and they clearly did not.
- Your immune system can be compromised by other co-existing health conditions such as diabetes or asthma. It will also naturally decline as you get older- none of these factors have anything to do with mobile phone radio waves.
- Most people who have been affected by the virus have been the elderly and those with existing health conditions. This has been regardless of their level of exposure to 5G radio waves.
Myth 2: The virus can travel on 5G waves and invade the human body
Truth: No, it can’t. There are only very specific sites in the human body where the virus can invade and start to make you ill.
The facts
- To enter the human body, the virus needs to be absorbed by receptors predominantly found in our eyes, noses and mouths. There are also receptors deep down in the lungs- for the 5G theory to be true, the virus would have to somehow hitch a ride on these very specific low frequency wavelengths, which is impossible, before making their way like guided missiles into your eyes, nose or mouth.
- The virus is, transferred very effectively from one person to another. Social distancing is so effective because the virus has no way of moving on its own. It is not propelled much beyond 2 metres even by coughing and sneezing.
- All viruses, including the SARS-Cov-2 virus (that causes Covid-19), decay relatively rapidly if they do not find a host. It is not possible for them to be transferred by 5G over even short distances, let alone over cities, lakes and rivers, through walls and into you.
- Earlier this year, the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) published its findings that there is no evidence of a link between the wavelengths used by mobile networks and cancer or any other illness.
Myth 3: 5G masts are killing smaller animals including birds
Truth: No, they are not. If birds appear to be impacted by 5G masts, it might be because AM radio signals and the very weak electromagnetic fields produced by the equipment interfere with the animals' "internal compass".
The facts
- Prof Henrik Mouritsen, from the University of Oldenburg in Germany, carried out research over seven years which revealed that birds have a built-in magnetic compass, which senses the Earth's magnetic field and helps them to find their way.
- Over the course of the next seven years, he and his team carried out numerous experiments to look at how the weak electromagnetic field affected the behaviour of the robins.
- He found that birds exposed to electromagnetic "noise" between 50 kHz and 5 MHz lost all sense of direction. But when the field was blocked out, they found their bearings again.
What does cause Covid-19 and how can you avoid it?
The virus is passed from individual to individual either directly by human contact, or indirectly by picking up virus on our hands and passing it to our eyes/noses or mouths. There is no other route of transmission.
The best way to avoid catching Covid-19 is to practice social distancing, self-isolation, and frequently washing our hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, even during time at home.
