Comment on “5G mobile networks and health-a state-of-the-science review of the research into low-level RF fields above 6 GHz” by Karipidis et al.

Examination of the Karipidis 5G health review reveals many errors in classification and analysis. Some are minor, and although indicating a lack of diligence, they have no substantial implications for the outcomes identified in the papers reviewed. Of much greater concern are the number of misstatements, misclassifications, and exclusions of important findings from sound research.

The Karipidis review is at best a superficial analysis of a restricted set of available publications investigating exposures to radio frequencies in the >6 GHz range. No attempt has been made to understand or reconcile differing study outcomes. Karipidis has simply restated the results for specific endpoints, showing papers that have demonstrated statistically significant effects and those that have not. Divergent findings have been used to suggest ‘inconsistency’ as a problem, thereby diminishing the importance of biological effect findings. In contrast, our assessment [13] provides rational justifications to explain some of the divergent findings. We have also previously discussed a number of physical and biological variables, which underlie the different outcomes from studies investigating biological effects of RF exposures in general [14], and MMW exposures in particular [15]. Karipidis also attributed ‘quality’ deficiencies to a number of studies that are unjustified [13].

A literature search identified a significant number of relevant papers (at least 70 experimental papers and 16 epidemiological papers available from PubMed and ODEB) were missing from the Karipidis collection. These papers cover all major themes presented by Karipidis and more, with the majority showing statistically significant effects. By restricting the paper selection criteria, the balance of evidence can be skewed. A lack of transparency regarding papers found and ultimately discarded by Karipidis means that selection bias cannot be excluded.

Also missing from the Karipidis review is an analysis of potential publication and funding biases, which would allow the reader to assess how such influences affect study outcomes. This is often very obvious. For example, on a related topic, Carpenter [16] found that evidence for magnetic fields increasing the risk of cancer is neither inconsistent nor inconclusive (from government or independent studies), yet almost all industry supported studies fail to find any significant or even suggested associations. A similar industry funding study bias was observed with mobile phones [17].

The biased selections and assessments that have been uncovered in the Karipidis review create an unbalanced view of the science, and skew the final conclusion towards uncertainty. In contrast, when appraising all relevant findings, the evidence found in our review points to risks not fully considered by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) or the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) in their respective RF guidelines and RF standards. These guidelines do not reflect the current state of scientific knowledge and are based on acute heating protection only [10], which is purely for regulatory convenience. The gulf between thermal and non-thermal evaluative frameworks has previously been discussed [6, 18].

Other important works have been omitted from the Karipidis review. Epidemiological studies suggest that RF exposures from other technologies such as radar are associated with an increased risk of hemolymphatic cancers [19], and experimental studies investigating genotoxicity in blood cells [20] have found the same. Such converging evidence requires an immediate focused investigation into RF bioeffects rather than dismissal. Other health risks potentially linked to RF exposures include pregnancy complications, fertility impairment, testicular cancer and brain cancer. These are identified in our analysis [13] and will be discussed in a future paper.

Other researchers [21] agree that the current peer reviewed science points to “predictable harm to life forms within mixed frequency mesh networks with negative consequences likely over time”. Russell assessed the literature on MMW effects on skin and eyes, the immune system, gene expression, and bacterial antibiotic resistance. Because of the shallow penetration of MMW, the skin and eyes are of significant concern. More than a decade ago, research by Feldman et al. [22] indicated that sweat ducts in the skin could behave as antennas and thus respond to MMW. The same group [23] later stated that there is enough evidence suggesting that helical sweat ducts in conjunction with wavelengths approaching the dimensions of skin layers could lead to non-thermal biological effects.

Finally, the Karipidis review lacks representation of many species, including plants, amphibians, birds, domestic animals and most importantly, insects. Therefore, readers are provided with little to no understanding of how MMWs impact these important ecological entities. This is a significant gap.

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