Fears about the health impacts of new 5G wireless networks have given rise to some troubling conspiracy theories. One of the more bizarre claims being made by 5G critics is that the networks use the human body itself to transmit signals.
Advocates of this theory believe 5G radio waves have the ability to penetrate human skin and fluids. They suggest this allows people's bodies to be utilized as transmission nodes, whether willingly or not.
Being involuntary hosts to 5G signals is said to cause everything from headaches and dizziness to cancer. Some have even tried linking 5G radiation supposedly permeating bodies to the spread of Covid-19.
Of course, no scientific evidence actually supports the assertion that 5G radio waves can use the body as a transmission medium. Electromagnetic radiation is categorized by wavelength, and 5G signals utilize wavelengths much longer than human cells and tissues. There is no mechanism by which such radio waves could resonate with or permeate the body itself.
In fact, 5G radiation is non-ionizing and completely safe below established exposure limits. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation like X-rays can theoretically penetrate the body when focused at high enough intensities. But propagating cell networks utilize much lower power levels spread over a wide area, ruling out any bodily permeation.
While early studies hint that very high levels of 5G exposure can potentially impact health, the radiation intensity involved is orders of magnitude above what real-world access would entail. Overall, the scientific consensus confirms 5G is broadly as safe as existing wireless technologies.
So while the idea of 5G signals coursing through human bodies makes for provocative headlines, the underlying claim lacks any legitimate factual basis. There is no cause for alarm about 5G networks tapping into people as transmission mediums. Such brazen conspiracy theories serve only to fuel irrational fears over a promising next-generation technology.