EMF Exposure Research Articles

Age-Dependent Comparative Study of 4 Hz and 8 Hz EMF Exposure on Heart Muscle Tissue Hydration of Rats

Previously we have shown that 4 Hz and 8 Hz EMF exposures have depressing effect on the thermodynamic activity of water, which decreases peroxide formation. It has also been shown that 4 Hz EMF-treated physiological solution modulates the growth and development of microbes and heart muscle contractility, but 8 Hz EMF has pronounced inhibitory effect on bacterial growth and development. Therefore, in order to elucidate the possible mechanism of 4 Hz and 8 Hz EMF effects on heart muscle function, in the present work the effects of 4 Hz and 8 Hz EMF exposures on heart muscle tissue hydration, the sensitivity of 4 Hz and 8 Hz EMF-induced tissue hydration to 10−4 M ouabain (Na+/K+ pump inhibition) and 10−9 M ouabain (activation of intracellular signaling system) as well as the effects of 4 Hz and 8 Hz EMF exposures on the number of Na+/K+ pump units in the membrane of both young and old rats have been studied. The obtained data allow us to suggest that 8 Hz EMF exposure has more pronounced age-dependent modulation effect on tissue hydration of heart muscle than 4 Hz EMF and this effect is sensitive to Na+/K+ pump activity and intracellular signaling system.

EMF exposure variation among MRI sequences from pediatric examination protocols.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exposure environment is unique due to the mixture and intensity of magnetic fields involved. Current safety regulations are based on well‐known acute effects of heating and neuroexcitation while the scientific grounds for possible long‐term effects from MRI exposure are lacking. Epidemiological research requires careful exposure characterization, and as a first step toward improved exposure assessment we set out to characterize the MRI‐patient exposure environment. Seven MRI sequences were run on a 3‐Tesla scanner while the radiofrequency and gradient magnetic fields were measured inside the scanner bore. The sequences were compared in terms of 14 different exposure parameters. To study within–sequence variability, we varied sequence settings such as flip angle and slice thickness one at a time, to determine if they had any impact on exposure endpoints. There were significant differences between two or more sequences for all fourteen exposure parameters. Within–sequence differences were up to 60% of the corresponding between‐sequence differences, and a 5–8 fold exposure increase was caused by variations in flip angle, slice spacing, and field of view. MRI exposure is therefore not only sequence‐specific but also patient‐ and examination occurrence‐specific, a complexity that requires careful consideration for an MRI exposure assessment in epidemiological studies to be meaningful. Bioelectromagnetics. 40:3–15, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Real-world cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures

In 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) from cell phones as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The National Toxicology Program and the Ramazzini Institute have both reported that RF EMF exposures significantly increase gliomas and Schwannomas of the heart in rodent studies. Recent studies indicate that RF EMF exposures from cell phones have negative impacts on animal cells and cognitive and/or behavioral development in children. Case-control epidemiological studies have found evidence for cell phone use and increased risk for glioma and localization of the glioma associated with the consistent exposure site of regular cell phone use. Understanding the exposure level, or power density, from RF EMF emitted by cell phones under real-world usage and signal reception conditions, as distinct from the published measurements of maximum Specific Absorption Rate values, may help cell phone users decide whether to take behavioral steps to reduce RF EMF exposure. Exposure measurements were conducted on phone models from four major mobile network operators (MNOs) in the USA for calls received under strong and weak reception signal conditions, near the phone face and at several distances up to 48 cm. RF EMF exposure from all phones was found to be greater under weak (1–2 display bars) than under strong (4–5 display bars) reception signal conditions by up to four orders of magnitude. Notably, RF EMF exposure levels under weak reception signal conditions at a distance of 48 cm from the phone were similar to or greater than those detected under strong reception signal conditions at a distance of 4 cm. Under weak reception signal conditions, power density reductions of up to 90% occurred at 16 cm typical for speaker phone or texting over the 4 cm near-ear exposure. The results of this investigation of second-generation (2G) technology suggest that reduced and precautionary use of cell phones under weak signal conditions could lower a user's RF EMF exposure by up to several orders of magnitude. Bluetooth headset power density exposures were 10–400 times lower than those of the cell phones to which they were connected and dependent on the headset rather than the connected phone. The results of this study informed the development of public health guidance regarding cell phone use.

Prenatal RFR Exposure and Cognitive Development of 5-Year-Old Children

BackgroundThere is a growing global concern about the potential harmful effects on human health as the use of cell phones and electronics increases dramatically. However, the health effects of children exposed to prenatal RFR (radiofrequency radiation) during pregnancy are not well known. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between RFR exposure in the fetal period and cognitive development in 5-year-old children.MethodsThe subjects were 633 children aged 5-year-olds in the (MOCEH) cohort study. Of the 633 participants, 118 participated in the RFR exposure measurement using the personal exposure measuring device (EME-Spy100®, Satimo, France) before the birth of the child during the period 2007. 11. - 2010. 8. IQ for 5-year-olds was assessed using the Korean version of the Korean Intelligence-Revised Edition (K-WIPPSI-R). We estimated associations with a generalized linear model that adjusted for potential confounders. Gender, region, maternal education level, maternal occupation, maternal smoking and drinking, maternal IQ, average daily call time for children, cord blood lead were considered considered as confounding factors.ResultsThe child's IQ was significantly higher for large urban residents than for industrial complexes, and most mothers (92.4%) used their mobile phones during pregnancy. The change in the child's total IQ with increasing non-phone RF index was -1.8, but not statistically significant (95%CI : -4.66, 1.08). Child's IQ tended to decrease with increasing RF indices, but not statistically significant.ConclusionsWe have not found evidence for a significant association between fetal RFR exposure and cognitive development in 5-year-old children.AcknowledgementThis study was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Research and the IT R&D program of MSIP/IITP [2017-0-00961, Study on the EMF Exposure Control in Smart Society].

Individual variation in temporal relationships between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and non-specific physical symptoms: A new approach in studying ‘electrosensitivity’

BackgroundEveryday exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted from wireless devices such as mobile phones and base stations, radio and television transmitters is ubiquitous. Some people attribute non-specific physical symptoms (NSPS) such as headache and fatigue to exposure to RF-EMF. Most previous laboratory studies or studies that analyzed populations at a group level did not find evidence of an association between RF-EMF exposure and NSPS. ObjectivesWe explored the association between exposure to RF-EMF in daily life and the occurrence of NSPS in individual self-declared electrohypersensitive persons using body worn exposimeters and electronic diaries. MethodsWe selected seven individuals who attributed their NSPS to RF-EMF exposure. The level of and variability in personal RF-EMF exposure and NSPS were determined during a three-week period. Data were analyzed using time series analysis in which exposure as measured and recorded in the diary was correlated with NSPS. ResultsWe found statistically significant correlations between perceived and actual exposure to wireless internet (WiFi - rate of change and number of peaks above threshold) and base stations for mobile telecommunications (GSM + UMTS downlink, rate of change) and NSPS scores in four of the seven participants. In two persons a higher EMF exposure was associated with higher symptom scores, and in two other persons it was associated with lower scores. Remarkably, we found no significant correlations between NSPS and time-weighted average power density, the most commonly used exposure metric. ConclusionsRF-EMF exposure was associated either positively or negatively with NSPS in some but not all of the selected self-declared electrohypersensitive persons.

OA260] Development of a flowcharts tool for the risk assessment of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields

Purpose The performed occupational EMF exposure assessment in Greece 1 revealed, apart from EMF hazards during maintenance procedures, serious difficulties in the implementation of the legal framework; a handy integration of the legislative requirements and the accumulated knowledge is needed as the released practical-guides 2 , even though they contain valuable information, they didn’t cover many practical aspects. Methods At the early stages of the 2013/35/EU Directive preparation 3 , the application of a zoning safety system had been proposed but not finally adopted. Moreover, EN50499 standard 4 proposes certain zones for the occupational and general public EMF exposure assessment. For the low frequencies, an amended zoning system with flowcharts has already been proposed 5 in order to clarify and facilitate the EMF protection scheme. Results A practical tool unifying the occupational EMF exposure assessment for the low, high and intermediate frequencies is proposed in the form of a zoning classification system (zones 0–3), implemented with flowcharts. It takes into account all the Directive’s requirements, like the WPM (weighted peak method), the low, high and limb ALs (Action Levels), the various ELVs (Exposure Limit Values) and the ability to apply appropriate corrective OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) measures as well as the possibility of derogations. Conclusions The accumulated occupational experience 1 indicates that most of the exposures are correlated to zone 0 and this can be done only on the basis of exposure estimation. Measurements are needed for zones 2, 3 and their reliable conduction, highlighted in many ways 6 , allows for reproducibility in order to effectively contribute to surveys concerning EMF effects.

Can explicit suggestions about the harmfulness of EMF exposure exacerbate a nocebo response in healthy controls?

While there has been consistent evidence that symptoms reported by individuals who suffer from Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) are not caused by EMF and are more closely associated with a nocebo effect, whether this response is specific to IEI-EMF sufferers and what triggers it, remains unclear. The present experiment tested whether perceived EMF exposure could elicit symptoms in healthy participants, and whether viewing an ‘alarmist’ video could exacerbate a nocebo response. Participants were randomly assigned to watch either an alarmist (N = 22) or control video (N = 22) before completing a series of sham and active radiofrequency (RF) EMF exposure provocation trials (2 open-label, followed by 12 randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced trials). Pre- and post-video state anxiety and risk perception, as well as belief of exposure and symptom ratings during the open-label and double-blind provocation trials, were assessed. Symptoms were higher in the open-label RF-ON than RF-OFF trial (p < .001). No difference in either symptoms (p = .183) or belief of exposure (p = .144) was observed in the double-blind trials. Participants who viewed the alarmist video had a significant increase in symptoms (p = .041), state anxiety (p < .01) and risk perception (p < .001) relative to the control group. These results reveal the crucial role of awareness and belief in the presentation of symptoms during perceived exposure to EMF, showing that healthy participants exhibit a nocebo response, and that alarmist media reports emphasizing adverse effects of EMF also contribute to a nocebo response.

Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) pollution from overhead powerlines is known to cause biological effects across many phyla, but these effects are poorly understood. Honey bees are important pollinators across the globe and due to their foraging flights are exposed to relatively high levels of ELF EMF in proximity to powerlines. Here we ask how acute exposure to 50 Hz ELF EMFs at levels ranging from 20–100 µT, found at ground level below powerline conductors, to 1000–7000 µT, found within 1 m of the conductors, affects honey bee olfactory learning, flight, foraging activity and feeding. ELF EMF exposure was found to reduce learning, alter flight dynamics, reduce the success of foraging flights towards food sources, and feeding. The results suggest that 50 Hz ELF EMFs emitted from powerlines may represent a prominent environmental stressor for honey bees, with the potential to impact on their cognitive and motor abilities, which could in turn reduce their ability to pollinate crops.

Gene Expression Analysis in Human Peripheral Blood Cells after 900 MHz RF-EMF Short-Term Exposure.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) are a basic requirement of modern wireless communication technology. Statutory thresholds of RF-EMF are established to limit relevant additional heat supply in human tissue. Nevertheless, to date, questions concerning nonthermal biological effects have yet to be fully addressed. New versions of microarrays (8 × 60K v2) provide a higher resolution of whole genome gene expression to display adaptive processes in cells after irradiation. In this ex vivo/ in vitro study, we irradiated peripheral blood cells from five donors with a continuous wave of 900 MHz RF-EMF for 0, 30, 60 and 90 min. Gene expression changes ( P ≤ 0.05 and ≥twofold differences above or below the room temperature control exposed samples) were evaluated with microarray analysis. The results were compared with data from room temperature + 2°C samples. Verification of microarray results was performed using bioinformatic analyses and qRT-PCR. We registered a lack of an EMF-specific gene expression response after applying the false discovery rate adjustment (FDR), using a high-stringency approach. Low-stringency analysis revealed 483 statistically significant deregulated transcripts in all RF-EMF groups relative to the room temperature exposed samples without an association with their corresponding room temperature + 2°C controls. Nevertheless, these transcripts must be regarded as statistical artefacts due to the absence of a targeted biological response, including enrichment and network analyses administered to microarray expressed gene subset profiles. Correspondingly, 14 most promising candidate transcripts examined by qRT-PCR displayed an absence of correlation with respect to the microarray results. In conclusion, these findings indicate that 900 MHz EMF exposure establishing an average specific absorption rate of 9.3 W/kg to whole blood cells is insufficient to induce nonthermal effects in gene expression during short-time exposure up to 90 min.

EVALUATION OF EMF EXPOSURE OF MOBILE PHONES ON HUMAN HEAD

Introduction. Mobile phones are worldwide spread nowadays. Smartphones penetration is growing year after year. Numerous studies indicate the negative effect of EMF exposure of these devices on humans. Therefore, it is important to study the peculiarities of their influence on the target organ-the brain. It is important for solving this problem to find out the real situation of the distribution of energy flux density (EFD) of EMF exposure near the front panel of the apparatus. The aim of the study is to determine and compare EMF exposure from smartphones and classic mobile phones on human head. Material and methods. The original method patented in the Russian Federation was used in this study. The used original measuring setup is also patented, developed and assembled by the authors of the study. The object of the study was classical mobile phones and smartphones widespread at the time of work. Results. We got the graphic of matrices of distribution of energy flux density (EFD) of EMF exposure in the plane against the front panel of 10 apparatus corresponding to the topography of a human head. The study revealed peculiarities of this distribution in smartphones and the classic mobile phones and got the values of energy flux density (EFD) of EMF exposure in the investigated devices acting primarily on the brain. Conclusions. The design of smartphones and mobile phones determines the overall picture of distribution of EFD of EMF exposure in the plane against the front panel for devices of a particular type. This picture must be taken into account when planning epidemiological and experimental studies to obtain comparable results. Progress in the development of mobile communication technologies has led to an increase in the electromagnetic load on users of modern devices.

In silico modelling of influence from low or intermediate frequency magnetic fields on users of wearable insulin pumps

Purpose: The aim was to model the effects of exposure to a low or intermediate frequency electromagnetic field (LIF-EMF), characterized by the electric field induced in the body, in order to evaluate how the type of insulin needle and the way it is injected influences the exposed user of a wearable insulin pump.Material and methods: Numerical models of exposure scenarios (sources of LIF-EMF, with a dominant magnetic component: 50Hz–1MHz; the insulin needle type; the way it is injected and insulin pump user) were worked out. The influence of the insulin needle on the user’s safety (the ratio of the induced electric field in tissues surrounding the needle and tissues of a person without an injection, both exposed identically) were calculated.Results: The effects of LIF-EMF exposure in insulin pump users were found to be up to approximately 7-times higher, varying with statistically significance (p < .05) with the material of the needle, the way it is injected and the polarization of the affecting magnetic field.Conclusions: When steel insulin needles is used, the assessment of user’s EMF exposure should be carried out using magnetic field limits at least 5-times lower than given in general international requirements.

Hazardous Genomic Bioeffects of Home Wi-Fi Systems

Objective of this study is to investigate the changes of gene expression in rat brain induced by 2,4 GHz wireless radiofrequency electromagnetic field (WiFi -RF EMF). Total RNA was extracted immediately and purified from the rat brain, after 12 hours/day exposed or sham-exposed to a frequency of 2,4 GHz WiFi –RF- EMF for 14 days. Roche-Nimblegene-Agilent Microarray System was applied to investigate the changes of gene expression in rat brain. Roche-Nimblegene-Agilent Genespring Software for Microarray Analysis was used in bioenformatic analysis. After 14 days of WiFi -RF EMF exposure, 69 genes in experimental group showed statistical significant down regulation compared with the control group. Ten genes in experimental group showed statistical significant up regulation compared with the control group. In this study, it was detected that WiFi -RF EMF exposure to brain cells resulted with the down and up regulation of transcription level of some important genes.

Generation and propagation of yeast prion [URE3] are elevated under electromagnetic field.

In this study, we studied the effect of 2.0GHz radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and 50Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on prion generation and propagation using two budding yeast strains, NT64C and SB34, as model organisms. Under exposure to RF-EMF or ELF-EMF, the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prions [URE3] were elevated in both strains. The elevation increased over time, and the effects of ELF-EMF occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The transcription and expression levels of the molecular chaperones Hsp104, Hsp70-Ssa1/2, and Hsp40-Ydj1 were not statistically significantly changed after exposure. Furthermore, the levels of ROS, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were significantly elevated after short-term, but not long-term exposure. This work demonstrated for the first time that EMF exposure could elevate the de novo generation and propagation of yeast prions and supports the hypothesis that ROS may play a role in the effects of EMF on protein misfolding. The effects of EMF on protein folding and ROS levels may mediate the broad effects of EMF on cell function.

IEI-EMF provocation case studies: A novel approach to testing sensitive individuals.

The etiology of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) is controversial. While the majority of studies have indicated that there is no relationship between EMF exposure and symptoms reported by IEI-EMF sufferers, concerns about methodological issues have been raised. Addressing these concerns, the present experiment was designed as a series of individual case studies to determine whether there is a relationship between radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and an IEI-EMF individual's self-reported symptoms. Three participants aged 44-64 were tested during a series of sham and active exposure trials (2 open-label trials; 12 randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced trials), where symptom severity and exposure detection were scored using 100 mm visual analogue scales. The RF-EMF exposure was a 902-928 MHz spread spectrum digitally modulated signal with an average radiated power output of 1 W (0.3 W/m2 incident power density at the participant). In the double-blind trials, no significant difference in symptom severity or exposure detection was found for any of the participants between the two conditions. Belief of exposure strongly predicted symptom severity score for all participants. Despite accounting for several possible limitations, the present experiment failed to show a relationship between RF-EMF exposure and an IEI-EMF individual's symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:132-143, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Reducing EMF exposure from WSNs using transmission scheduling

SummaryThere is increasing pressure from the public to study the effects of electromagnetic field exposure and reduce this exposure for future networks or, at the least, keep it at a constant level. According to the World Health Organization, no link has been found between low levels of exposure to radio waves (as emitted by WiFi devices or mobile phones) and adverse health effects, but reducing exposure has other benefits besides public acceptance, such as reduced interference and improved network performance. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have rarely been studied from an exposure point of view, but their continuing expansion as part of the new Internet of Things vision is slowly bringing them to the spotlight. This work presents a novel evaluation of WSN emissions, using the Exposure Index proposed by the Low EMF Exposure Future Networks (LEXNET) project. Together with this evaluation, a method of reducing exposure by intelligently scheduling WSN transmissions is also proposed. The scheduling method is evaluated using a proposed scenario (compatible with evaluations of other technologies performed in LEXNET) both from a theoretical perspective and in a practical implementation, and results are compared with a baseline solution. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

O2 Thermal sensation threshold (TST) when exposed to millimeter waves (MMWS) in japanese

Objectives The millimeter-wave usage have recently expanded in our daily life, such as automobile collision avoidance radar system, airport active scanner system, WiGig, and so on. Thermal sensation induced by the millimeter-wave EMF exposure has not been fully studied. For the millimeter-wave guideline, we need objective data of the sensation threshold to millimeter waves. Methods This study was approved by the ethical committee of FMU and supported by the fund from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan. TST to MMW was measured in 30 Japanese healthy adult volunteers. 95 GHz or 40 GHz MMWs were exposed to the palm of over three different sized exposed area more than 20 times. The subjects pressed a response button when she/he felt some sensation in each trial. We estimated the threshold evoking thermal sensation with three duration of exposure at 50% probability using two-dimensional cumulative distribution function and the maximum likelihood method. Results In both 95 GHz and 40 GHz MMW exposures, the longer the stimulation duration, or the larger the exposed area, the lower was TST. These non-linear relations of TST with the duration and area size of MMW stimulation are compatible with those of previous studies. Discussion Our present results support that our measurement method is reliable for TST measurement, and we are now measuring TSTs to 40 GHz in normal, male and female normal volunteers with different ages. Conclusions Normal values of TST to MMWs for the Japanese person will be established in this study. Significance The results was useful to establish the guideline for the MMWs in Japan.

Effects of long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiations emitted by mobile Jammers on reproduction parameters in rats

Objective: To evaluate the effect of long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiations emitted from mobile jammers onrat's reproductive parameters. Methods: Eighty male rats were divided into neonatal group (n=20), immature group (n=30) and mature group (n=30). Neonatal rats were randomly divided into two subgroups. Immature and mature rats were randomly divided into three subgroups. Experimental rats were fixed in the restraining tube and were exposed to radiofrequency radiations emitted from mobile jammers at a distance of 100 cm, for 30 d (7 h/d). Sham group rats were also fixed in restraining tube but without radiations. The control group was allowed to move freely without being exposed to radiation. At the end of the experiment, weight of testes, sperm quality, histological testicular sections and serum testosterone levels were evaluated. Results: Long-term exposure to radiofrequency from mobile jammers could adversely affect neonatal rat fertility, but it did not have significant effects on male mature and immature rat's reproduction parameters. However, restraint stress induced by immobilizing them for a long-period could adversely affect male mature rat's reproductive parameters, but it had no significant effect on male immature rat's reproduction parameters. Conclusion: The effects of EMF exposure to be various based on the life stage.

Acute effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phone on brain function.

Due to its attributes, characteristics, and technological resources, the mobile phone (MP) has become one of the most commonly used communication devices. Historically, ample evidence has ruled out the substantial short-term impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) emitted by MP on human cognitive performance. However, more recent evidence suggests potential harmful effects associated with MP EMF exposure. The aim of this review is to readdress the question of whether the effect of MP EMF exposure on brain function should be reopened. We strengthen our argument focusing on recent neuroimaging and electroencephalography studies, in order to present a more specific analysis of effects of MP EMF exposure on neurocognitive function. Several studies indicate an increase in cortical excitability and/or efficiency with EMF exposure, which appears to be more prominent in fronto-temporal regions and has been associated with faster reaction time. Cortical excitability might also underpin disruption to sleep. However, several inconsistent findings exist, and conclusions regarding adverse effects of EMF exposure are currently limited. It also should be noted that the crucial scientific question of the effect of longer-term MP EMF exposure on brain function remains unanswered and essentially unaddressed. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:329-338, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Occupational EMF exposure and risk of breast cancer

Occupational EMF exposure and risk of breast cancer

A Potential Role of Chronic Exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in Triggering Persistent Pain Post Breast Cancer Surgery: A Review

Persistent Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery (PPBCS) ranks second to amputation of extremities for neuropathic chronic pain. PPBCS is associated with the formation of intercostobrachial neuroma bulbs along the lateral chest. These neuroma bulbs are either un-/thinly myelinated and express hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli. Hypersensitivity is manifested as spontaneous pain in response to innocuous stimuli and exaggerating pain in response to noxious stimuli. Excision of neuromas, a common intervention to alleviate pain, has been reported as ineffective. Experience of individuals with amputation of extremities and experimental models of human nerve injuries confirm anthropogenic EMF evoke excruciating pain. Findings from invitro and animal studies clearly support that EMF exposure depolarizes cell membranes, interrupts voltage gated calcium channels which then activates peripheral sensory neurons and initiates propagation of a train of action potentials along the axons of primary afferent nerve fibers. The World Health Organization guidelines, established based on approximation of the human anatomy are limited and assumes no potential compounding effects of nerve injuries or alterations of physiological milieu of tissues. The objective of this review is to direct the attention of the medical community to the potential role of anthropogenic EMF as a risk factor for persistent pain after breast surgery. Patients rely heavily on the recommendations of their providers to manage their pain. The current epidemic of opioid abuse in the US has been partially attributed to the high prescription rate of opioid-based pain killers. Understanding the potential triggers of chronic pain can reduce dependency on pharmaceutical agents.