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258 postsEffect of electromagnetic radiations from mobile towers on genetic damage and genetic polymorphism in humans: a review on India's perspective
This narrative review examines research on radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile towers and its potential association with genetic damage and genetic polymorphism in humans, with an emphasis on India. The abstract states that RF-EMR exposure may affect genetic material and suggests a link between EMR exposure and genetic damage, with possible implications for cancer risk and cell death. It also highlights that genetic polymorphisms may modify susceptibility and calls for further research to clarify health impacts.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses for the WHO assessment of health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, an introduction
This editorial introduces a special issue supporting the WHO assessment of health effects from RF-EMF exposure, based on nine protocols and twelve systematic reviews developed over four years by more than 80 experts. It summarizes that human evidence for major cancers was moderate-certainty for no or only small effects, with lower certainty for some cancer sites, while animal evidence reported higher-certainty effects for several cancer types and adverse effects on male fertility. For cognition, symptoms, and oxidative stress, certainty was generally lower and findings more variable, and the editors note ongoing methodological challenges and the possibility of unidentified mechanisms.
Altered development in rodent brain cells after 900 MHz radiofrequency exposure
This animal and in vitro study examined non-thermal 900 MHz RF-EMF exposure during prenatal and postnatal development at 0.08 and 0.4 W/kg SAR. The authors report changes consistent with altered neurodevelopment, including reduced BDNF, reduced in vivo cell proliferation, and disrupted synaptic balance in rat pup brain regions. In vitro, exposed neural stem cells showed increased apoptosis and DNA double-strand breaks and shifts in cell populations toward glial lineages. The authors conclude that regulatory-level 900 MHz exposure can disrupt key neurodevelopmental processes in rodents.
Oxidative stress and testicular damage induced by chronic exposure to 35.5 GHz millimeter wave radiation in male Wistar rats
This randomized controlled animal study examined chronic 35.5 GHz millimeter wave exposure in male Wistar rats (2 hours/day for 60 days) compared with control and sham groups. The exposed group showed reduced sperm count and viability along with testicular histopathological changes. Oxidative stress markers shifted toward increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant defenses, and comet assay results indicated increased DNA damage.
Prospective long-term follow-up of patients with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields after a provocation trial
This long-term follow-up recruited participants from an earlier IEI-EMF provocation trial and re-administered the same questionnaire by telephone. Of 70 completers (35 IEI-EMF patients and 35 referents), 62.9% of patients reported recovery after an average of 1.8 years, with most recoveries described as spontaneous. Symptoms and EMF-related concerns generally decreased over time, and the authors suggest IEI-EMF may often be self-limited and consistent with nocebo mechanisms rather than direct EMF effects.
From particulates to pathways: environmental exposures and their impact on Alzheimer's disease
This review discusses how environmental exposures across air, water, and soil pollutants may influence Alzheimer's disease (AD) onset and progression. It highlights EMFs as a potential aggravating factor, reporting associations with oxidative stress, inflammation, calcium dysregulation, and accelerated amyloid-beta plaque accumulation in animal and human studies. The authors emphasize risk reduction strategies and call for further research and public health interventions.
Acoustic Pressures in the Head from Pulsed Microwaves: Can They Explain the Havana Syndrome?
This preprint discusses the microwave auditory effect, in which pulsed microwave exposure can produce perceived clicks or buzzing sensations. It considers whether acoustic pressures in the head generated by pulsed microwaves could explain health conditions such as "Havana Syndrome." The abstract emphasizes evaluating potential risks from electromagnetic field exposures but does not provide specific methods or quantitative results.
Assessment of 5G RF-EMF Exposure during Large-Scale Public Events via Field Measurements
This exposure-assessment study conducted field measurements of 5G downlink RF-EMF during a large public festival in Valencia, Spain, and compared them with a baseline day. Measurements covered 700 MHz and 3500 MHz bands across three network operators and five locations, using 6-minute and 30-minute durations. The study reports higher event-related power density (up to eightfold at 3500 MHz) but states that all measured levels remained well below international safety limits.
Assessment of spatial-average absorbed power density and peak temperature rise in skin model under localized electromagnetic exposure
This numerical dosimetry study modeled localized RF exposure (3–30 GHz) in multi-layer human skin constructs including skin, fat, and muscle, with an added synthetic blood vessel model. Vascular modeling had negligible impact on peak spatial-averaged absorbed power density and a modest impact on peak temperature rise (about 8% at 3 GHz, <3% above 6 GHz). The authors conclude that including vasculature can refine predictions of localized thermal distributions for dosimetry accuracy.
Traceable Assessment of the Absorbed Power Density of Body Mounted Devices at Frequencies Above 10 GHz
This paper presents a traceable experimental dosimetry method to measure absorbed power density (APD) from body-mounted wireless devices at frequencies above 10 GHz. It combines a miniaturized broadband probe, a composite skin-equivalent phantom, and reconstruction/calibration procedures, with validation using reference antennas. The approach is reported as validated for 24–30 GHz and extendable to 10–45 GHz, supporting regulatory-type testing aligned with international safety standards.
Assessing exposure from different vehicular antennas in military applications: a computational study
This computational study modeled electromagnetic exposure for military personnel near vehicular communication antennas across HF, VHF, and UHF scenarios. All simulated configurations reportedly met ICNIRP Basic Restrictions, though some exceeded ICNIRP Reference Levels in certain positioning and frequency combinations. The authors conclude that safety is generally maintained across the modeled conditions and that results can inform operational guidance and safety regulations.
Instruments and Measurement Techniques to Assess Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
This paper presents a quantitative framework for selecting extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) measurement instruments. It uses a weighted scoring matrix across six criteria and a logic-based flowchart to guide instrument choice based on operational needs. The framework is demonstrated in an occupational case study and is positioned as supporting transparent, adaptable device selection for occupational safety and public health.
Weak anthropogenic electric fields affect honeybee foraging
This animal ecology study reports that weak anthropogenic-like airborne electric fields can reduce honeybee floral landing rates. It reports deterrent effects for AC and positive DC fields, with no statistically significant effect for negative DC fields. The authors also report that electric fields measured near high-voltage power lines can match the levels that affected bees and extend tens of meters at foraging-relevant heights.
Combined effects of constant temperature and radio frequency exposure on Aedes mosquito development
This laboratory study tested combined effects of constant temperature and RF exposure on development of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from hatching to adult emergence. Temperature was reported as the primary determinant of developmental timing, with optimal development around 30 2 C. RF exposure (900 MHz and 18 GHz) was described as a secondary factor that could accelerate or prolong development depending on temperature, with synergistic shortening at 25 0 C and prolongation under suboptimal conditions.
Effect of Static Electromagnetic Field on Growth Parameters, Survival Rate, Sex Distribution, Ratio, and Liver and Gonadal Health of Zebrafish
This animal study exposed zebrafish embryos to static electromagnetic fields for 63 days post-hatching across aquariums positioned 30–99 cm from the source, with an EMF-free control. The abstract reports strong shifts in sex distribution (including 100% female at the closest distance), markedly reduced survival in exposed groups, and histological liver and gonadal damage. The authors frame the findings as evidence of potential ecological risk via disrupted sex ratios and compromised health.
Building the gulf of opinions on the health and biological effects of electromagnetic radiation
This narrative article examines how opposing views formed regarding health and biological effects of electromagnetic radiation, focusing on ELF and RF exposures. It highlights historical controversies (e.g., childhood leukemia and ELF fields) and disputes over thermal versus non-thermal effects and reliance on SAR. The author argues that social and institutional factors, including industry influence, shaped interpretation and public discourse around EMF safety.
Impact of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cardiac Activity at Rest: A Systematic Review of Healthy Human Studies
This systematic review evaluated evidence on RF-EMF exposure and cardiac activity (heart rate and heart rate variability) in healthy humans at rest. Across 28 studies spanning 100 to 110,000 MHz and exposures from minutes to a week, most studies reported no significant effects on resting heart rate, and HRV findings were largely null under calm conditions. Some position-dependent HRV changes were reported, and the authors note possible effects during physiological challenges, but conclude evidence is insufficient for firm conclusions beyond resting healthy populations.
Exploring research trends in health effects of 5G antennas: a bibliometric analysis
This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of Web of Science literature (2012–2025) on potential health effects related to 5G antennas. It reports a marked increase in publications in the past five years, with substantial attention to dosimetric metrics (SAR and power density) and their regulatory limits. The authors forecast continued growth in the field and emphasize the need for ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on potential health risks and compliance.
Comparative Analysis of Beamforming Techniques and Beam Management in 5G Communication Systems
This engineering paper reviews and classifies beamforming techniques in 5G New Radio and examines beam management procedures at Layer 1 and Layer 2. It analyzes the spectral spectrogram of Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs) to illustrate how configuration parameters influence spectral occupancy and synchronization-related performance in different deployment scenarios, including FR2. The work is framed as technical optimization, with only a general note that such knowledge may inform safety considerations related to EMF exposure.
Numerical Analysis of Human Head Exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation Due to 5G Mobile Phones
This conference paper uses numerical simulations to evaluate near-field exposure and thermal effects in a detailed human head model from a realistic 5G mobile phone operating at 26 GHz. The preliminary modeling suggests moderate, localized temperature increases in superficial tissues. The authors emphasize the need for higher-resolution models, refined tissue segmentation, longer exposure durations, and varied phone placements to better characterize potential impacts.
Smartphone Usage Patterns and Sleep Behavior in Demographic Groups: Retrospective Observational Study
This retrospective observational study analyzed Murmuras app data from 1074 participants in 2022 to examine demographic differences in smartphone use and nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration (a proxy for sleep-related behavior). Nighttime smartphone use increased, especially for social media and entertainment, and usage patterns varied by gender, age, education, and employment status. Most demographic groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nocturnal inactivity, although some subgroups showed correlations in either direction. The authors frame excessive nighttime smartphone use as potentially adverse for sleep and link this behavioral exposure to electromagnetic fields with sleep health risks.
Assessment of Electromagnetic Exposure to a Child and a Pregnant Woman Inside an Elevator in Mobile Frequencies
This study uses anatomically detailed computational models of a five-year-old girl, a pregnant woman in the third trimester, and a fetus to simulate mobile phone RF exposure inside an elevator cabin. Simulations at 1000 MHz and 1800 MHz across 48 configurations evaluated SAR10g, whole-body SAR, and maximum temperature. The abstract reports that configuration (positioning and phone orientation) can substantially change absorption and temperature metrics and calls for broader scenario testing to inform safety guidance for vulnerable populations.
Cluster Analysis of RF-EMF Exposure to Detect Time Patterns in Urban Environment: A Model-Based Approach
This paper applies a model-based clustering approach (Log-Normal Mixture Model) to continuous RF-EMF monitoring data from the Serbian EMF RATEL network in Novi Sad to characterize temporal exposure patterns. The analysis reports separation of night versus day exposure values and identification of daytime periods where exposure persists longer. The work is positioned as supporting improved understanding of when and where elevated exposures occur in urban environments.
Impact of Anthropomorphic Shape and Skin Stratification on Absorbed Power Density in mmWaves Exposure Scenarios
This dosimetry study used FDTD simulations at 28 GHz to evaluate how skin stratification and anthropomorphic modeling affect absorbed power density (APD) estimates. APD was higher with stratified skin than with homogeneous skin for a wearable patch antenna (16%–30% higher), while plane-wave differences were smaller (<11%). The authors argue that simplified skin models may underestimate exposure in mmWave wearable scenarios.
Analysis of Human Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields While Charging and Driving an Electric Vehicle
This paper describes planned experimental measurements of electric and magnetic fields generated by electric vehicles during charging and driving. The abstract emphasizes that occupants can experience notable EMF exposure due to proximity to vehicle electrical systems, while stating that specific health risks in the EV context remain uncertain. It also notes that manufacturers implement technological design solutions intended to reduce exposure.