What actions is the Government taking to protect flora and fauna from adverse effects linked to 5G millimetre wave radiation?

Department for Culture, Media and Sport did not have the information requested.

Dear Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,

I originally sent the FOI request below to DEFRA (reference EIR2022/15570). In a reply dated 26th August 2022, it said:

"...we can also advise that some of the information you have requested may be held by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport".

I'd therefore like to address the same FOI request to the DCMS, as follows:

Ofcom recently consulted on making millimetre wave spectrum (at 26 GHz and 40 GHz) available for 5G telecommunications. However, many scientific experts have warned that millimetre wave radiation may have profoundly negative effects on flora and fauna, and especially on pollinators, such as bees.

1. What scientifically-based risk assessments have been carried out by, or on behalf of, the Government, in order to determine the extent of any possible risk to non-human species that may result from the rollout of 5G millimetre wave devices and infrastructure, and the saturation of the environment with millimetre wave radiation?

2. What scientific research into possible effects on flora and fauna has the Government initiated, and/or supported?

3. The UK follows the non-ionising radiation exposure limits that are set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which only apply to humans. As flora and fauna are NOT covered by the ICNIRP Guidelines, what measures is the Government taking to ensure that the UK's non-ionising radiation limits protect flora and fauna, and which body is responsible for setting these limits?

I would appreciate the release of all information that is held by your Department, or any other Government Department, on these matters.

Yours faithfully,

Dave Ashton

FOI Team, Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Our ref: FOI2022/11049

Dear Dave Ashton,

Thank you for your request for information which was received on 31st
August. Your request is being considered under the terms of the Freedom of
Information Act 2000.

The Act requires that a response must be given promptly, and in any event
within 20 working days. We will therefore reply at the latest by 28th
September.

Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future
communications.

Yours sincerely,

Freedom of Information Team

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

FOI Team, Department for Culture, Media and Sport

1 Attachment

Our Ref: FOI2022/11049

Please see the attached letter from the Department for Digital, Culture,
Media and Sport.

Kind regards,

Ministerial Support Team

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport