Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children

Abstract

Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children Jin-Hwa Moon. Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children. Clin Exp Pediatr. 2020 May 26. doi: 10.3345/cep.2019.01494. Abstract In today's world, most children are exposed to various man made electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs are electromagnetic waves less than 300 GHz. A developing child's brain is vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation; thus, their caregivers' concerns about the health effects of EMFs are increasing. EMF exposure is divided into two categories: extremely low frequencies (ELFs; 3-3,000 Hz), involving high-voltage transmission lines and in- house wiring; and radio frequencies (RFs; 30 kHz to 300 GHz), involving mobile phones, smart devices, base stations, WiFi, and 5G technologies. The biological effects of EMFs on humans include stimulation, thermal, and nonthermal, the latter of which is the least known. Among the various health issues related to EMFs, the most important issue is human carcinogenicity. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC's) evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, ELFs and RFs were evaluated as possible human carcinogens (Group 2B). However, the World Health Organization's (WHO's) view of EMFs remains undetermined. This article reviews the current knowledge of EMF exposure on humans, specifically children. EMF exposure sources, biological effects, current WHO and IARC opinions on carcinogenicity, and effects of EMF exposures on children will be discussed. As well-controlled EMF experiments in children are nearly impossible, scientific knowledge should be interpreted objectively. Precautionary approaches are recommended for children until the potential health effects of EMF are confirmed. Key message * The nervous systems of children are more vulnerable to the effects of electromagnetic waves than adults. * The exposure to EMFs among children should be minimized. * According to IARC, EMFs are possibly carcinogenic, it should not be overlooked or interpreted with bias. Open access paper: e-cep.org

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This narrative review summarizes sources and biological effects of ELF and RF EMF exposure relevant to children and discusses WHO and IARC positions on carcinogenicity. It notes that IARC has classified both ELF and RF as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) and states that WHO’s view remains undetermined; it recommends precautionary approaches for children until potential health effects are confirmed.

Outcomes measured

• carcinogenicity (cancer risk)
• biological effects (stimulation, thermal, nonthermal effects)

Limitations

• Review article; no primary study methods or quantitative synthesis described in the abstract
• Well-controlled EMF experiments in children are described as nearly impossible

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.72)
  Discusses WHO view and IARC carcinogenicity classification of EMFs.
• 5g-policy (0.55)
  Mentions 5G technologies as an RF exposure source and recommends precautionary approaches for children.
• school-wi-fi (0.4)
  Includes WiFi as an exposure source relevant to children.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF and RF",
        "source": "mobile phone, smart devices, base stations, WiFi, 5G technologies, high-voltage transmission lines, in-house wiring",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "children",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "carcinogenicity (cancer risk)",
        "biological effects (stimulation, thermal, nonthermal effects)"
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    "main_findings": "This narrative review summarizes sources and biological effects of ELF and RF EMF exposure relevant to children and discusses WHO and IARC positions on carcinogenicity. It notes that IARC has classified both ELF and RF as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) and states that WHO’s view remains undetermined; it recommends precautionary approaches for children until potential health effects are confirmed.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "Review article; no primary study methods or quantitative synthesis described in the abstract",
        "Well-controlled EMF experiments in children are described as nearly impossible"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
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    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
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}

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