Simulation study finds child body models absorb more 5G-band radiation than adult models
This is an editorial summary of research originally reported by Environmental Health News. ProductSafer does not claim ownership of the underlying research. All intellectual property belongs to the original publishers.
A Physics in Medicine & Biology study used 550 computer simulations and found child models had 1.5–1.9 times higher whole-body absorption than adult models below 6 GHz. It did not assess health effects.
A study in Physics in Medicine & Biology used 550 computer simulations to compare how child and adult body models absorb wireless radiation. It covered 15 frequencies across 5G and coming 6G technologies. The source reports this as a first-of-its-kind study. The lead author is Robin Wydaeghe of Ghent University. This is a computer modelling study, not a test on real people.
Below 6 GHz, the child models had 1.5 to 1.9 times higher whole-body absorption than the adult models. At the higher frequencies just below 6 GHz, child models also showed higher brain-to-skin absorption than adults. The simulations also looked at 5G beamforming, which focuses a signal into a narrow beam aimed at devices. In both child and adult models, beamforming created localised "hotspots". At some frequencies, absorption in those tissues exceeded exposure guidelines, even though the power density was within limits.
The source says the simulations used exposure levels higher than typical everyday settings. The researchers conclude that compliance checks for 5G and future wireless technology may need to account for beamforming and body size. The source does not report any confirmed harm to children from this study. The article comes from Environmental Health News, whose publisher says some staff are involved in policy or advocacy work on these topics. It also cites other studies and a 2026 position statement from the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. We have not checked those separately.
What you can do: the source gives no product recall and no advice for shoppers. It says the US FCC and Department of Health and Human Services are now seeking public input on wireless exposure limits. It also notes expert groups recommend exposure reduction strategies in schools, such as prohibiting cell towers on or near school property. If you feel unwell, contact a doctor or NHS 111.
What you can doAI-generated
- ✓Ask your phone provider what beamforming technology your home network uses.
- ✓Read the FCC's specific absorption rate (SAR) limits for your phone model in the manual or online.
- ✓Limit your child's phone use to calls and texts rather than streaming video or gaming, which create longer exposure periods and higher power demands.
- ✓Talk to your pediatrician if your child has a medical implant, since those tissues may be more sensitive to localized radiation hotspots than the general population.
Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice.
Read the full report at the original source
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