EM Radiation Research Trust raises concerns over health risks and decision-making in the £600 million 5G rollout in Wales – Letter sent to Royals
The EM Radiation Research Trust has today written to Their Royal Highnesses, Prince William and Princess Kate, regarding Vodafone’s recent pledge of £600 million to expand 5G coverage across Wales, announced at the Wales Investment Summit an event attended by His Royal Highness Prince William. (Welsh Government announcement) & (Nation.Cymru report).
We are deeply concerned about the long-term public health and environmental impacts of densified 5G networks. Independent scientific evidence highlights the potential risks of long-term exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation from wireless technologies. The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified RF radiation as a possible human carcinogen (Class 2B) in 2011, and many experts now advocate upgrading this to Group 1.
Historical evidence across Europe, including UK studies from the early 2000s, shows patterns of cancer clusters, neurological symptoms, and other health effects in communities living near mobile phone masts. Many residents experienced significant health improvements once exposure ceased. Laboratory studies confirm that even low-level RF exposure can cause DNA damage and cellular stress, providing a biological basis for these health trends.
With the rollout of denser networks, small‑cell technology, and 5G, overall population exposure will be significantly higher than during earlier warning periods. We are deeply concerned for vulnerable groups: children whose bodies and brains are still developing; pregnant women and their unborn babies; older people who may have reduced resilience; individuals living with electrohypersensitivity; those with medical implants; and people with cancer or who are immune‑compromised.
These risks cannot be dismissed. They must be addressed with urgency, transparency, and precaution.
We therefore respectfully urge Their Royal Highnesses to encourage transparency, independent health research, precautionary siting policies, and protection of vulnerable groups. A full list of studies and further information can be found on our website: Early European Warnings – The Wishaw Mast Cluster.
You can also read the full PDF of our letter to Prince William and Princess Kate here:
Letter to Prince WilliamDownload
We call on policymakers, communities, and companies investing in 5G to consider these risks seriously and to prioritise public health over profit.
Eileen O’Connor
Co‑founder & Charity Director
Brian Stein CBE
Chairman
EM Radiation Research Trust