The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has reassured the public that the new Fifth Generation network popularly known as 5G has no negative health effects. The Enugu Zonal Controller of the NCC, Mr Ogbonnaya Ugama, made the clarification in Enugu on Saturday at a round table with members of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments (AHFEs). Ugama explained that there was no convincing evidence associated with emissions from electromagnetic devices including handsets were harmful to the body. According to him, international bodies including the World Health Organizations (WHO) had established a threshold that there is no solid evidence that 5G causes negative health effects on humans and animals. The controller, however, advised users not to hold these electromagnetic devices like handsets close to their bodies if they had doubts.
“NCC will do everything possible to guarantee the safety of the citizenry and ensure that every piece of equipment with set standards is approved. Ugama reiterated the benefits of the 5G network saying that it was designed to increase speed, reduce latency and improve the flexibility of wireless services. “5G has a theoretical peak speed of 20 Gigabytes per Second (GBPS) while the peak speed of 4G is only one GBPS. “5G can transform Nigeria’s economy, dwelling on its projected impact in sectors of education, finance, security, agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, and even governance,” he said. The controller disclosed that Nigeria was the third country in Africa that had rolled out the 5G network adding that it was operational in six states of Lagos, Imo, Borno, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Ugama said the network would be extended to other states by 2025.
• Source: www.guardian.ng
Telecoms group warns of e-waste cancer risk
The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group has said electronic waste contains elements such as lead, zinc, and mercury and can cause danger to life. It stated that because Nigeria doesn’t have proper waste disposal management of Information Communication, Technology products, people living around dump site or areas where waste lead to pollution were at greater risk of having cancer. It disclosed that Nigeria generated N64.2bn worth of ICT waste in 2019 and ranked second in Africa after Egypt. It stated that while there was an ever-growing consumption of ICT products such as computers, phones, and televisions in the nation, the improper disposal of these products after the end of their life cycle was leading to an environmental problem called electronic waste, which causes pollution. According to the group, 80 per cent of e-waste from developed countries is illegally exported to low-income countries like Nigeria. Since many electronic markets and informal dumpsites were located near or in residential areas, individuals were predisposed to ICT emissions.
The group stated that while risk of cancer might be the more prominent headline, exposure to ICT pollution could also lead to damage of the nervous system, blood, and respiratory organs from contacting these dangerous substances. In a study signed by Epa Stevens, it said, “ICT waste or e-waste contains elements like lead, zinc, and mercury, which can cause danger to life when the toxic materials in these heavy metals are released into the soil, air, or underground water. “The result will be a devastating disease outbreak in crops, livestock, and humans. Unfortunately, Nigeria does not yet practice proper waste disposal management of ICT products. So, people that live around dump sites or areas where the waste leads to pollution, may be at a greater risk of having cancer.” It added, “One of these solutions includes recycling digital products, which involves re-evaluating the need for an extra gadget, buying refurbished products, and creating a sustainable e-waste recycling program. “Other solutions include supporting better e-waste legislation and raising ICT footprint awareness, amongst many others.”
• Source: www.punchng.com
