Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aka RFK Jr., is voicing strong concerns about the potential health risks of cellphone radiation and 5G technology. His comments came as his own department launched a new study to examine the evidence.
RFK Jr. talks about 5G and cellphone towers
RFK Jr. told USA Today that “electromagnetic radiation is a major health concern,” responding to questions about 5G towers and their potential impact. “Generally speaking, electromagnetic radiation is a major health concern. I’m very concerned about it,” he said.
He expanded on his position, claiming that there are “more than 10,000 studies” documenting harmful effects linked to electromagnetic radiation, including cancer, tumor growth, and DNA damage. “EMFs are bad depending on the pulse rates and the wavelengths. Some of them are very bad,” he said.
The remarks followed the Department of Health and Human Services’ initiation of a study focused on electromagnetic radiation and health outcomes. According to the department, the research aims to identify gaps in existing knowledge, particularly as new technologies like 5G become more widespread.
The Food and Drug Administration removed older webpages that stated cellphones are not dangerous. Department spokesperson Andrew Nixon explained that the FDA “removed webpages with old conclusions about cell phone radiation while HHS undertakes a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy.”
Moreover, RFK Jr.’s comments on 5G come amid broader policy discussions around cellphone use, particularly among children. The department shared that 22 states have restricted cellphone use in schools as part of the Make America Healthy Again movement. However, officials clarified that these restrictions focus on mental health, social media exposure, cyberbullying, and constant online access, not concerns about electromagnetic radiation.
Despite RFK Jr.’s statements, many health authorities continue to push back on claims that 5G or cellphone use poses proven health dangers. Cell providers maintain that 5G networks meet safety standards, even as skeptics question potential long-term effects.
