133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
27 October 2020
D. Griffiths
By email: [FYI request #13947 email]
Ref:
H202007725
Dear D. Griffiths
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) on 10 October 2020
to the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) for:
“1) what data or analysis has been used for the New Zealand government to decide that
the roll out of 5g is safe for humans?
2) Can this data be shared with the public?”
There has been much public interest in 5G recently and the Ministry is continuing to monitor new
research on the subject. However, it is important to remember that 5G is just a new application of
radio technology, and that existing research on the possible health effects of radiofrequency fields
research applies equally to 5G.
The balance of research evidence suggests the radiofrequency fields produced by transmit ers
that comply with international guidelines do not cause adverse health effects. This includes
radiofrequency fields produced by 5G. You can find links to many of the significant review papers
prepared by national and international health and scientific bodies that guide the Ministry’s policy
and advice on its website (www.health.govt.nz) by searching ‘research into non-ionising
radiation’. This page is regularly updated.
The Ministry recommends the use of exposure limits as outlined in New Zealand Standard: NZS
2772.1:1999 Radiofrequency fields – Maximum exposure levels – 3 kHz to 300 GHz. More
information about this can be found on the Ministry’s website by searching ‘exposure standards’.
This Standard sets limits on exposures to radiofrequency radiation produced by all types of radio
transmit ers (including 5G transmit ers), for both the workplace and the general public. These
limits are consistent with international guidelines.
The Ministry also convenes an expert advisory commit ee, known as the Interagency Commit ee
on the Health Effects of Non-Ionising Fields, to review new research. The Commit ee meets every
six months, and should there be reasonable suspicion of health hazards, or other significant
issues, it is required to bring such information to my attention as Associate Minister of Health. The
Commit ee wil continue to monitor new research as it becomes available. In addition, the Ministry
participates in a World Health Organization project to assess the health effects of electromagnetic
fields.
The Ministry has recently developed a factsheet, 5G and Health, which provides information for
New Zealanders about the technology that wil be used by 5G, and a 5G questions and answers
page. You can find this information on the following web addresses:
•
https:/ www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/environmental-health/radiation-
environment/cellsites-and-5g
• https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/environmental-health/radiation-
environment/cellsites-and-5g/5g-questions-and-answers
I trust this information fulfils your request. Under section 28(3) of the Act you have the right to
ask the Ombudsman to review any decisions made under this request.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Ministry website.
Yours sincerely
Deborah Woodley
Deputy Director-General
Population Health and Prevention
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