133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
T+64 4 496 2000
12 July 2023
Bruce
By email: [FYI request #23277 email]
Ref: H2023028536
Tēnā koe Bruce
Response to your request for official information
Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to Manatū Hauora
(the Ministry of Health) on 4 July 2023 for information regarding 5G towers and health. You
requested:
Have any prior studies been conducted to access the health risks associated with the
antennas and the radio waves they emitt?
Please note that Manatū Hauora does not conduct studies or research. However, Manatū
Hauora convenes the
Interagency Committee on the Health Effects of Non-ionising Fields,
which monitors and reviews research on the health effects of electromagnetic fields in meetings
held twice a year. More information about the Committee, including the latest report and a
review of the research, can be found at:
www.health.govt.nz/publication/interagency-committee-
health-effects-non-ionising-fields-report-ministers-2022.
Are there any safety standards or guidelines in place to make sure the antennas don't
pose a health risk to nearby residents?
Exposure levels to radiofrequency (RF) fields are covered by New Zealand Standard NZS
2772.1:1999
Radiofrequency Fields – Part 1: Maximum exposure levels – 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
NZS 2772.1 sets limits for exposure to the RF fields produced by all types of transmit ers.
Further information about this can be found within the report here:
www.health.govt.nz/publication/interagency-committee-health-effects-non-ionising-fields-report-
ministers-2022.
I trust this information fulfils your request. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with
us, including this decision, please feel free to contact the OIA Services Team on:
[email address].
Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.
Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Manatū Hauora website at:
www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-
official-information-act-requests.
Nāku noa, nā
Ross Bell
Acting Deputy Director-General
Public Health Agency | Te Pou Hauora Tūmatanui
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