There is no evidence of interaction with COVID-19

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kuşaf mentioned that the data sharing through the Internet has gained momentum in our country and the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Prof. Dr. Kuşaf underlined that as the 5G era approaches, there is a discussion about the possible effects of this new generation technology on human health.

Noting that the new generation mobile communication system is designed to further increase the data transfer speed and capacity of 5G, Prof. Dr. Kuşaf said, “the operating frequencies of the mobile communication system 5G is considered to be below 6 GHz and at 26 GHz. Electromagnetic radiation emitted in both frequency bands has no ionizing properties. However, the amount of energy absorbed and the increase in the body temperature may vary depending on the duration of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic field intensity, frequency, and distance from the source of radiation.”

“The increase of radiation power density harms human health”
Prof. Dr. Kuşaf informed that in studies conducted on radiation threshold values ​​ to prevent human health from being affected, the threshold values ​​in the 100 kHz-10 GHz band were determined based on the specific absorption rate (SAR) and current density, while the threshold values ​​in the 10 GHz-300 GHz band were determined based on the power density.

Stating that the distance to the base station of the mobile communication device increases in the 26GHz and above the band, which is planned to be used in the 5G communication system, Kuşaf said that this situation has negative effects on human health.

“We need to bring it to our ear after answering the phone”
Prof. Dr. Kuşaf pointed out that there is no scientifically proven study of any interaction between COVID-19 and 5G mobile communication system.

Prof. Dr. Kuşaf said, "However, in the radiation measurements we made with the Narda NBM-520 (Broadband field meter) in the CIU Electrical-Electronic Engineering laboratory, it was revealed that the power density increased from the time of the call acceptance to the beginning of the call acceptance to the mobile device."

Also, Kuşaf stated that the power density increased again until the confirmation of the call acceptance of the device opposite the time to be called in his research, "Therefore, it will be better for our health to bring our mobile device to our ear after the acceptance of the call."

Emphasizing that it is important to turn off the Wi-Fi and mobile data feature of the mobile device in cases where the calls are not made via the Internet, Kuşaf said, “By turning off the Wi-Fi and mobile data feature, a healthier environment will be created as the radiation power will decrease.”