Local group rallies in Asheville as part of national protest over 5G technology

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Stop 5G Asheville met at Pack Square on Wednesday to protest the rollout of the fifth generation mobile data streaming.

Some group members are nurses and information technology professionals who say long-term exposure to 5G's increased radiation has all kinds of health risks -- especially for children.

The rally at Pack Square was part of a much larger effort -- about 90 organizations came together for a national day of action. More than 25 protests were held across the country in 14 different states, including two protests in North Carolina -- one in Asheville and the other in Durham.

Experts said the 5G mobile stream is expected to run 100 times faster than 4G.

Some said 5G is still more than a year away from coming to Asheville, although cell towers are already going in.

Protesters said the health risks from higher levels of radiation far outweigh the benefits

“Peer reviewed studies show damage to skin and eyes and DNA and a lot of exposure to that can cause cancer,” Stop 5G member Mary Anne Tierney said.

Tierney is a long time nurse and public health educator.

The 5G network requires more cell antennas that are closer together than current wireless networks. Federal regulators said the new technology is safe.