The FDA has not researched 5G, nor cell towers. In addition, the FDA has not evaluated the totality of the science on wireless radiation. There is no FDA report or review that looks at issues such as impacts to memory, pregnancy or reproduction. There is no FDA report that looks at oxidative stress. 

Fact: The FDA has never evaluated the totality of the science to conclude any opinion on the safety of human exposure to 5G technology or cell tower radiation.  All the FDA has done is to release a now outdated literature review (ending in 2018) focused solely only on cell phones and cancer. This literature review omits studies on damage to DNA, the brain and reproduction. The FDA literature review is not a systematic review nor is it a risk analysis nor is it an evaluation of FCC cell tower radiation limits, despite being presented in this way. 

Fact: The FDA has no authority in regards to cell tower radiation and 5G infrastructure. This was confirmed in a January 11, 2022 letter by Ellen Flannery of the Director of the FDA Office of Policy Center for Devices and Radiological Health who wrote that the FDA doesn’t regulate cell towers. When asked about the safety of a cell tower outside a California mother’s window, she responded,  “The FDA does not regulate cell towers or cell tower radiation.  Therefore, the FDA has no studies or information on cell towers to provide in response to your questions.” Link to FDA Letter. 

Below is an email from FDA Ombudsman Laurie Lenkel stating that the FDA  does not have authority regarding cell towers, as well as an email from Ellen Flannery of the Director of the FDA Office of Policy Center for Devices and Radiological Health who wrote that the FDA doesn’t regulate cell towers.

On Mar 29, 2022, at 12:21 PM, OC Ombudsman <Ombuds@oc.fda.gov> wrote:

TO REDACTED NAME 

In follow-up to our initial conversation, FDA is responsible for protecting the public health from hazardous or unnecessary radiation from radiation emitting electronic products. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has jurisdiction over all radiofrequency transmitting structures in the United States.  Therefore, the 5G tower you inquired about is under the authority of the FCC, not the FDA…

When I inquired into your concerns I found that a few months ago the Deputy Director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) explained the scope of FDA’s regulatory authority as well as responded to your questions.  In addition, the Ombudsman for CDRH offered to be your contact if you had any new questions that had not been answered by the Center.

I understand that this issue is very important to you.  I hope this information is helpful.

Laurie Lenkel FDA Ombudsman 

On January 11, 2022 FDA Attorney Ellen Flannery of the Director of the Office of Policy Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA  responds that the FDA does not regulate cell towers. 

January 11, 2022 at 3:59 PM 

Excerpt of email From Ellen.Flannery@fda.hhs.gov to a mother concerned about the health effects of a 5G “small” cell tower in front of her home. 

I have read your emails, and I appreciate your questions and concern for your family and neighbors.

We have reviewed the questions that you listed below. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate cell towers or cell tower radiation.  Therefore, FDA has no studies or information on cell towers to provide in response to your questions. 

Thank you for contacting FDA. 

Sincerely,

Ellen

Ellen J. Flannery, J.D.

Deputy Center Director for Policy, Director, Office of Policy

Center for Devices and Radiological Health

U.S. Food and Drug Administration