The commenter calls for independent research on non-thermal and cumulative exposure, updated standards, c…

I am submitting this comment as a licensed Professional Engineer (environmental engineering master’s degree), U.S. Navy veteran, and concerned citizen. Current federal exposure guidelines for RF/EMF from wireless devices, Wi-Fi, and 5G infrastructure are outdated, based primarily on thermal effects, and fail to adequately protect public health—especially children, pregnant women, and those with electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Independent research, including the National Toxicology Program animal studies and multiple peer-reviewed papers, has shown clear evidence of biological effects at levels well below current FCC limits, including increased cancer risk, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and reproductive harm. These findings have been dismissed or minimized while industry-funded studies and captured agencies continue to claim “no proven harm.” This pattern mirrors other failures of public health agencies that prioritize corporate interests over independent science. I urge HHS to: Commission and fund truly independent research that examines non-thermal effects, cumulative exposure, and real-world chronic low-level RF from 5G small cells and densified networks. Update safety standards to account for biological effects, not merely heating of tissue. Require transparent disclosure of conflicts of interest in all studies relied upon by the agency. Support a precautionary approach: pause further dense 5G deployments near homes, schools, and hospitals until safety is demonstrated, and prioritize wired alternatives where feasible. Investigate and publicly report on the health impacts of the existing nationwide 5G infrastructure that has been rolled out with insufficient long-term data. The public has a right to accurate information and protection from involuntary exposure. Continuing to rely on 1990s-era thermal-only limits while saturating the environment with pulsed RF is not acceptable. I call on HHS to put human health ahead of industry expansion. Shelly Arnoldi Licensed PE | Navy Veteran | Virginia resident