Archive
18 postsLow-Cost Sensors in 5G RF-EMF Exposure Monitoring: Validity and Challenges
This PubMed-listed review examines how 5G deployment (denser small cells and beamforming) changes RF-EMF exposure patterns and evaluates the validity of low-cost sensors for 5G exposure monitoring. Reviewing over 60 studies across Sub-6 GHz and emerging mmWave systems, it reports that well-calibrated low-cost sensors can approach professional instruments within a few dB, but highlights persistent challenges such as calibration drift, frequency coverage gaps, and data interoperability. The authors argue that standardized calibration protocols and open data frameworks could help low-cost sensors complement professional monitoring and improve transparency.
RFK Jr., HHS, and the FDA’s Cell Phone Radiation Reset
This RF Safe article reports that in mid-January 2026 HHS, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., removed or redirected certain FDA webpages that previously conveyed strong “no-risk” conclusions about cellphone radiation. It argues the updated FDA framing emphasizes statutory duties (monitoring, testing, hazard control) and signals a shift from definitive safety messaging toward renewed inquiry, while noting that details of any planned research have not been publicly disclosed. The piece also highlights Kennedy’s past public statements alleging harms from Wi‑Fi/5G and links the policy context to the 2021 D.C. Circuit remand of FCC RF policy.
A Monumental Shift: FDA’s Cellphone Radiation Page Overhaul – From Unsubstantiated Safety Claims to Embracing the 1968 Mandate
RF Safe reports that the U.S. FDA substantially revised its cellphone radiation webpages around January 15, 2026, removing or reducing prior language that broadly reassured the public about safety. The article argues the new framing more closely reflects the FDA’s statutory responsibilities under the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-602), emphasizing research, monitoring, and public information rather than definitive safety conclusions. It also links the change to a reported HHS announcement of a new study and portrays the update as a shift toward greater transparency, while noting some safety language may remain on the page.
U.S. policy on wireless technologies and public health protection: regulatory gaps and proposed reforms
This PubMed-listed paper argues that the U.S. regulatory framework for radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless technologies is outdated, lacks adequate oversight and enforcement, and has not been meaningfully updated since 1996. It contends that FCC exposure limits focus on short-term, high-intensity effects and do not address long-term, low-intensity exposures, with insufficient safeguards for children, pregnancy, and other vulnerable groups. The authors also discuss alleged regulatory capture, gaps in monitoring and compliance, and propose reforms including independent research, updated safety limits, and stronger pre- and post-market surveillance.
Increasing Incidence of Thyroid Cancer and Use of Smart Phones [Health Matters]
This magazine article discusses the rising incidence of thyroid cancer and raises the possibility of an association with increased smartphone use and related RF EMF exposure near the head and neck. It characterizes EMF exposure from personal electronics as a growing public health concern. The piece calls for more research, monitoring, and public awareness, and mentions precautionary measures.
U.S. policy on wireless technologies and public health protection: regulatory gaps and proposed reforms
This policy-focused paper contends that U.S. oversight of radiofrequency radiation from wireless technologies is outdated and insufficient, with exposure limits and testing approaches not aligned with modern long-term, chronic exposure scenarios. It emphasizes gaps in protections for children, pregnancy, vulnerable populations, workers, and wildlife, and describes limited monitoring, research, and enforcement capacity. The author proposes reforms to improve independent research, science-based limits, surveillance, and regulatory transparency.
Exploring the Potential Observations Between Geomagnetic Activity and Cardiovascular Events: A Scoping Review
This scoping review mapped evidence on associations between geomagnetic activity/space weather and cardiovascular events, identifying 36 eligible studies from 1964–2023. Most studies reported correlations between geomagnetic/space-weather exposures and increased myocardial infarction, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, or cardiovascular mortality, but the review emphasizes inconsistency and that much of the evidence is ecological with limited confounding control. The authors call for standardized prospective research to clarify mechanisms and potential public-health utility of space-weather monitoring.
Personal radio use and risk of cancers among police officers in Great Britain: Results from the airwave health monitoring study
This prospective cohort analysis from the Airwave Health Monitoring Study evaluated whether occupational personal radio (TETRA) use is associated with cancer risk among 48,457 police officers and staff. Over a median 11 years of follow-up, the study reports no association with all cancers or with head/neck/CNS cancers, and no evidence of a non-linear dose-response with call duration. The authors emphasize that confidence intervals were wide and that a modestly increased risk at high usage cannot be ruled out, supporting continued monitoring.
The Influence of Mobile Technologies on the Quality of Sleep
This study assessed whether sleeping with versus without a mobile phone (two-week intervals) affects sleep in medical students, using smartwatch-based monitoring. It reports no statistically significant differences in sleep quality or time spent in wakefulness, REM, light, or deep sleep between conditions. The authors report a statistically significant effect on minimum and average blood oxygen saturation during sleep and call for further research on nightly RF-EMF exposure.
RF-EMF Exposure Assessment: Comparison of Measurements in Airports and Flights with and Without Wi-Fi Service
This exposure assessment used personal exposimeters to measure RF-EMF levels in the 2.4 GHz and 5.85 GHz Wi-Fi bands in airport terminals and during four international flights, including flights with and without onboard Wi-Fi service. Reported mean exposures varied by route but were described as substantially below an international reference level (10 W/m²). The authors conclude exposure is low while also recommending ongoing monitoring and precaution due to potential health concerns mentioned as emerging evidence.
Exposure Variability Between 1- or 6-Minute and 30-Minute Averaging Time Lengths in Radiofrequency-Electromagnetic Field Exposure Monitoring
This exposure assessment study compared RF-EMF measurements averaged over 1, 6, and 30 minutes using contiguous 1-minute data collected over 30 minutes at four indoor/outdoor sites across 15 frequency bands. Relative deviations between shorter averaging times and 30-minute averages were largely within ±3 dB. However, statistical comparisons of overall exposure variability between 1- or 6-minute and 30-minute averaging produced inconsistent results, with broadcast and most mobile services <2 GHz appearing broadly similar between 1- and 6-minute averaging.
Empowering the Serbian EMF RATEL System for Monitoring RF-EMF Through Drive Test
This engineering/monitoring paper describes enhancements to the Serbian EMF RATEL system, which has continuously monitored RF-EMF since 2017, by adding drive test functionality to improve spatial coverage. The authors report preliminary quantitative drive test measurements and validation of the upgraded approach. The work emphasizes that characterizing spatial and temporal RF-EMF patterns can support exposure assessment relevant to public health risk evaluation.
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.
Perspectives on terahertz honeybee sensing
This paper describes measurements and simulations to support terahertz (THz) sensing of European honey bees for environmental monitoring. It reports dielectric characterization of bee body parts across 1–500 GHz, scattering-based validation of 3D-printed bee mockups, and THz imaging demonstrating detailed anatomical visualization. The work includes dosimetric simulations at 300 GHz to evaluate feasibility of non-invasive, continuous monitoring and notes potential relevance to assessing high-frequency EMF impacts on insect health and habitat safety.
Evaluation of Personal Radiation Exposure from Wireless Signals in Indoor and Outdoor Environments
This exposure assessment measured personal RF electric field strength in multiple indoor and outdoor micro-environments in Malaysia using an ExpoM-RF 4 meter and modeled exposure with machine learning (FCNN, XG Boost) and linear regression. Reported exposures were usually below the stated public limit (61.4 V/m), but maximum values in dense urban areas with many base stations were reported to approach 56.7365 V/m. The authors frame near-threshold maxima in high-density areas as a potential health risk and recommend caution and monitoring.
5G EMF Exposure at 3.6 GHz in Greece Using Data From Frequency-Selective Monitoring Sensors
This exposure-assessment study analyzed two years of continuous frequency-selective monitoring from 13 sensors in the five largest cities in Greece, focusing on the 3.6 GHz 5G band. It reports a gradual increase in 3.6 GHz environmental EMF levels over time and greater variability than legacy cellular bands, with 30-minute averaging reducing observed fluctuations. Despite the upward trend and variability, all measurements were reported to remain well below Greek and ICNIRP reference levels, and the authors emphasize the value of continuous monitoring as 5G deployment expands.
An approach for annual analysis of EMF exposure in highly sensitive areas of kindergartens and schools
This paper proposes a time-averaging approach for analyzing long-term EMF exposure using time-series data from three sensors in a regulatory monitoring network. Sensors were installed at two kindergartens and one elementary school, and analyses reported daily/weekly patterns, differences between weekdays and weekends, and site-specific annual increases/decreases. The work emphasizes the value of continuous monitoring in sensitive areas, while not directly assessing health outcomes.
Sleep and Arousal Hubs and Ferromagnetic Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Nanoparticle Motion Under Electromagnetic Fields: Neurodegeneration, Sleep Disorders, Orexinergic Neurons, and Air Pollution in Young Urbanites
This review/overview argues that ultrafine particulate matter and industrial nanoparticles can reach the brain and accumulate in sleep and arousal regulatory regions, including orexinergic neuron hubs. It reports that ferromagnetic particles in these regions show motion responsive to low-intensity electromagnetic fields (30–50 μT) and describes links to sleep disturbances and neurodegenerative disease markers in young urban residents. The authors frame combined air pollution nanoparticle exposure and low-level EMF as a significant threat and call for monitoring and protective strategies.