Consultancy, mentoring and training Science communication Smells

Exposure, causal effects and risk perception of 5G through citizen participation

Budget:

SFC:

Partner

Program:

HE (Horizon Europe)

Duration:

2022-2027

Consortium:

21 partners in 11 countries

The GOLIAT project (5G expOsure, causaL effects, and rIsk perception through citizen engAgemenT) aims to investigate the possible health effects of 5G exposure. The project will develop next-generation methods to estimate radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in young people and workers and identify effective means to reduce it. In parallel, the consortium will assess the neuropsychological effects of RF-EMFs also in young people and workers and quantify the potential impact on the health of the population. A series of experiments will investigate the possible effects of 5G on brain function, thermoregulation and radical stress.

Another line of work will aim to improve knowledge on RF-EMF and 5G risk perceptions and collaborate with society to co-design communication methods that address concerns and misconceptions about RF-EMF. Finally, the project findings will be translated into policy recommendations.

Project challenge

Over the last decades, much research has been done on exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in the general population and in occupational settings, and the assessment of their potential health effects.

To date, no harmful effects of low levels of RF-EMF’s commonly used in telecommunications have been demonstrated. However, recent epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that RF-EMF may have neuropsychological effects, such as on cognitive function, mental health and sleep, and biological effects, such as on brain function or thermoregulatory function.

The increased use of next-generation communication technologies such as 5G, both in industry and in everyday life, increases the need for research to assess the potential risks and effects that this exposure may have on human health.

Solutions

GOLIAT is a five-year project aimed at answering some of the questions posed by new wireless technologies, with a special focus on 5G, to provide valuable information for understanding their potential health effects.

New tools will be developed to monitor the evolution of exposure levels and patterns in different populations. Special attention will be paid to the most vulnerable populations: adolescents and young people up to 25 years old and the most exposed people (occupational setting).

At SfC we engage young people and workers to co-design and test, together with citizens, efficient communication methods and tools that lead to a change in risk prevention behaviour. Through citizen participation we want to understand how 5G exposure is perceived and communicated in order to co-design efficient and quality communication methods in relation to new wireless technologies.

Results

Creation of new knowledge on how the population is exposed to 5G, its potential effects and the measures that can be taken to reduce exposure.
Validation of a methodology for citizen participation in socio-environmental challenges.
Development of innovative methods for assessing exposure to next generation RF-EMF including 5G.
Development of appropriate messages and formats for widespread communication of RF-EMF exposure and health effects.
Co-design of a tool to measure the level of RF-EMF exposure to be used by researchers and citizens to measure and minimise their daily exposure.

Publications:

Epidemiological and experimental results provide causal evidence for a better understanding of the health effects of RF-EMF exposure.
Appropriate messages and formats for widespread communication of RF-EMF exposure and health effects. of RF-EMF exposure and its health effects.