Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

RF electromagnetic design and field tuning study of the coupled ladder RFQ-IH DTL structure

The coupled ladder RFQ-IH DTL structure is designed for transportable accelerator-based neutron source to accelerate the proton beam to 2.5 MeV with a peak current of 15 mA. The Kombinierte Null Grad Struktur (KONUS) dynamics scheme is chosen in the IH-DTL section to obtain compact structure, high transmission efficiency and small emittance growth. Three KONUS periods, including two quadrupole doublets are housed in the IH-DTL section. The field distribution of coupled structure is studied and the evaluation of the coupled field is quantified. The optimization voltage ratio and electric flatness are carried out based on three-dimension full model. In addition, the structure error analysis is performed to evaluate the acceptance of different errors. The tuning system is designed to compensate the machining and alignment errors and the field tuning strategy is proposed for the coupled cavity. The RF electromagnetic design and optimization, structure error analysis and field tuning will be comprehensively presented in this paper.

Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation alters the transcription levels of the genes encoding the SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide and their receptors in Ixodes ricinus synganglion

The research of the influences of man-made electromagnetic fields on tick physiology has been very sparse and long neglected since the pioneer studies published in 1996 and 2000. Once multiple behavioral tests confirmed an attraction and possible perception of electromagnetic fields in ticks, a new interest in this topic erupted in recent years. In this study, qRT-PCR is utilized to determine the changes in the mRNA transcript levels of neuropeptides SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide (mip and sifa) and their representative receptors (mip-r1 and sifa-r1) in the synganglia of the tick Ixodes ricinus irradiated by 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field. It was determined that 40 V/m intensity has a significant suppressory effect on the transcript levels of all genes after at least 60 minutes of constant exposure in both sexes. Commonly occurring intensity of radiation in urban areas (2 V/m) produced an elevation in mRNA levels after various timespans in every gene. A significant decrease of transcript abundances was detected in females after one hour of exposure to 2 V/m. Results of this study widen the knowledge of EMF-induced alterations in the neurophysiology of I. ricinus, the most commonly distributed hard tick in Europe.

The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on biomarkers of oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro: A systematic review of experimental studies

The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on biomarkers of oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro: A systematic review of experimental studies

Investigating the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment: analysis from a systematic map

ABSTRACT Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) from anthropogenic sources have become ubiquitous in the environment. International guidelines have been set by expert scientific bodies to protect human health from excessive exposure. There are no specifically established exposure guidelines to protect plants and animals. A previous systematic map identified 334 studies investigating the effects of RF EMF exposure from anthropogenic sources on animals and plants. This study aimed to analyse the effect of RF EMF and its relationship to different exposure parameters and the quality of those studies. Statistically significant inverse relationships were found between effect size and exposure-level parameters for studies investigating effects in animals. The results indicated that quality score is more indicative of the magnitude of the effect size than exposure-level parameters or exposure duration. This highlights the need for further, high-quality research on the effects of RF EMF exposure on plants and animals.

Radio frequency regulates the multi‐scale structure and functional properties of starch from different genotypes of corn

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the multi‐scale structures, thermal, pasting, and textural properties of starch from different genotypes (dent and flint) of corn with varying moisture content (MC) (0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 kg kg−1 in dry basis) following radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. As the MC increased, the amylose content in dent and flint corn starch rose from 14.60% to 19.70% and 14.80% to 24.63%, respectively, after the hot air (HA)‐RF treatment. With the increase in MC, the enhancement of starch–protein interaction and the change in starch molecule structure caused decreases in the crystallinity, short–range order structure, and enthalpy, while there were increases in the gelatinisation temperature, pasting viscosity, and textural properties of starch. The results showed that the RF treatment is an effective method for improving the processing performance of starch. Our data provide a foundation to expand the application of radio frequency in the food industry.

Fabrication of the Cu/AgCuTi/Nb composite for superconducting radio-frequency material under extreme service conditions based on electroplating additive manufacturing

The primary objective of this study is the development of Cu/Nb composite materials for Superconducting Radio-Frequency (SRF) applications under extreme service conditions characterized by a strong RF electromagnetic field, extremely low temperatures, and relatively low heat loss. A novel integrated manufacturing approach is proposed, which combines cold-sprayed AgCuTi alloy as an intermediate coating on the Nb surface and an electroplated Cu layer with a subsequent heat treatment brazing effect. This strategy aims to address the significant challenge of non-intermelting Cu and Nb while also considering effective lateral heat transfer. Mechanical property tests showed that the bond strength of Nb/AgCuTi/Cu composites exceeded 150 MPa. Low-temperature thermal transport tests indicate that the Residual Resistance Ratio (RRR) of the Cu layer surpasses 150, with a thermal conductivity at 4.2 K exceeding 1600 W/(m·K). Moreover, both the composite interface and mechanical properties of the specimens remain stable even after undergoing cyclic cold shock experiments. These findings suggest that the Nb/AgCuTi/Cu composite material developed in this study meets the technical requirements for long-term stable and high-performance operation in high-current and high-power superconducting accelerators.

Structural and molecular alterations in murine tissue due to far-field radiofrequency exposure

Public concern over exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields has prompted several studies to determine possible health outcomes. However, studies on low level far-field radiofrequency (RF) exposure remain inconclusive on whether it can alter biological systems. Our study's aim was to evaluate structural and molecular modifications such as apoptosis and gene expression in murine brain, liver and kidney tissues exposed to a far-field RF of 915 MHz at a whole-body specific absorption rate of 1.17 W/kg. Forty (40) Swiss male mice were equally and randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group and an RF-exposed group. Each were further equally subdivided (n=5 per subgroup) based on different time points: baseline or no exposure, 3-day exposure, 6-day-exposure and 9-day exposure subgroups. Biometric parameters such as body temperature, body weight, and organ weight were obtained. Tissue samples were collected and analyzed using light and electron microscopy, followed by qPCR assay for both the p53 and Hsp-70 genes. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. There was evidence of both structural and molecular modification beginning Day 3 from continuous-wave far-field RF exposure. The study established multi-level alterations in the murine system due to far field RF exposure providing a glimpse of possible biological effects, and therefore, a need for further studies to translate such evidence in a larger biological perspective.

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cognitive performance in human experimental studies: Systematic review and meta-analyses

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cognitive performance in human experimental studies: Systematic review and meta-analyses

Rydberg-atom-based radio-frequency sensors: amplitude-regime sensing

Rydberg atom-based radio frequency electromagnetic field sensors are drawing wide-spread interest because of their unique properties, such as small size, dielectric construction, and self-calibration. These photonic sensors use lasers to prepare atoms and read out the atomic response to a radio frequency electromagnetic field based on electromagnetically induced transparency, or related phenomena. Much of the theoretical work has focused on the Autler-Townes splitting induced by the radio frequency wave. The amplitude regime, where the change in transmission observed on resonance is measured to determine electric field strength, has received less attention. In this paper, we deliver analytic expressions that are useful for calculating the absorption coefficient in the amplitude regime. Our main goal is to describe the analytic expressions for the absorption coefficient and demonstrate their validity over a large range of the interesting parameter space. The effect of the thermal motion of the atoms is explicitly addressed. The analytic formulas for the absorption coefficient for different types of Doppler broadening are compared to estimate the sensitivity under conditions where it is limited by the laser shot noise. Residual Doppler shifts are shown to limit sensitivity. The expressions, approximations and descriptions presented in the paper are important for understanding the absorption of Rydberg atom-based sensors in the amplitude regime. This provides insight into the physics of multi-level interference phenomena.

A critical appraisal of the WHO 2024 systematic review of the effects of RF-EMF exposure on tinnitus, migraine/headache, and non-specific symptoms

Abstract The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012 initiated an expert consultation about research on the health effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) for a WHO monograph that was last updated in 1993. The project was abandoned over concerns about the quality of the commissioned review papers. The WHO restarted the project in 2019 by commissioning 10 systematic reviews (SRs) of the research on RF-EMF exposure and adverse biological and health outcomes in laboratory animals, cell cultures, and human populations. The second of these SRs, published in 2024, addresses human observational studies of RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms, including tinnitus, migraine/headache, and sleep disturbance. The present commentary is a critical appraisal of the scientific quality of this SR (SR7) employing criteria developed by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Based upon our review, we call for a retraction of SR7 and an impartial investigation by unconflicted experts of the currently available evidence and future research priorities.

Comparative Study of RF Electromagnetic Field Exposure Standards

Nowadays it is necessary to know the different electromagnetic field exposure standards for getting the information regarding power density and electric field near to us. Since mobile phone is the integral part of the personal and daily life, electromagnetic field exposure from base stations is increased. Over the past eight to ten years, there has been a notable surge in wireless data traffic and the introduction of new communications technologies, leading to a rapid development of the technologies employed in mobile phones. This paper compares various electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure guidelines and examines radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure estimates from base stations in the Kolhapur region. Exposure levels are measured in V / m and mw / m2 for 15 selected sites from urban rural areas of Kolhapur using KM-195 exposure meter. Total 15 sites were selected for the measurement of power density and electric field. Summary and statistics of power density and electric field in miliwatt / m2 and volt / m for each measurement area is done. Finally, all EMF exposure levels are compared with global standards. After comparing it is found that the stricter country in EMF exposure is Austria, its exposure level standard is 0.001 w/m2. It is very lesser than other countries. Followed by Austria the other stricter countries are Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Paris, Hungary, Russia and Bulgaria. Their EMF exposure levels are 0.09, 0.095, 0.1 and 0.2 w /m2 respectively. Keywords— ICNIRP, mobile base station, Department of Telecom, ARP & SNA, Exposure standard

Prospective cohort study on non-specific symptoms, cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health in relation to electronic media use and transportation noise among adolescents (HERMES): study protocol

Electronic media (eMedia) devices along with exposure to transportation noise are integral to the daily routines of adolescents. The concerns associated with excessive eMedia usage extend beyond sleep deprivation to include the heightened exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by these wireless devices. The aim of HERMES (Health Effects Related to Mobile PhonE Use in AdolescentS) study is to better understand biophysical and psychological pathways in relation to eMedia, RF-EMF exposure use and transportation noise that may effect on cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health, as well as non-specific symptoms. Following two previous HERMES cohorts conducted between 2012 and 2015 we have initiated the third wave of HERMES study as a prospective cohort with intermediate (every four months) and one year follows-up. Eligible participants are adolescents attending 7th or 8th school grades in Northwest and Central Switzerland. Baseline examinations are a questionnaire on eMedia usage and selected health outcomes, as well as computerized cognitive tests. In addition, parents/guardians are asked to fill in a questionnaire about their child’s health and potential eMedia use determinants. Far-field RF-EMF exposure and transportation noise at the place of residence and school are predicted based on a propagation model. Cumulative RF-EMF brain dose is calculated based on self-reported eMedia use, mobile phone operator data, and RF-EMF modelling. A follow-up visit is conducted one year later, and two interim questionnaires are sent to adolescents to be completed at home. Between baseline and 1-year follow-up, a subsample of 150 study participants is invited to collect personal RF-EMF measurements as well as sleep and physical activity data using accelerometers. This new recruitment wave of HERMES study provides a greater understanding of causal pathways between eMedia, RF EMF, and transportation noise exposure and their effects on health outcomes, with relevant implications for both governmental health policy and lay people alike.

The effects of radiofrequency exposure on adverse female reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of human observational studies with dose–response meta-analysis

BackgroundTo inform radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure guidelines the World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on RF-EMF in relation to health outcomes prioritised for evaluation by experts in this field. Given this, a network of topic experts and methodologists have conducted a series of systematic reviews collecting, assessing, and synthesising data of relevance to these guidelines. Here we present a systematic review of the effect of RF-EMF exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes in human observational studies which follows the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines. MethodsWe conducted a broad, sensitive search for potentially relevant records within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; and the EMF Portal. Grey literature searches were also conducted through relevant databases (including OpenGrey), organisational websites and via consultation of RF-EMF experts. We included quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure in adults’ preconception or pregnant women on pre-term birth, small for gestational age (SGA; associated with intrauterine growth restriction), miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW) and congenital anomalies. In blinded duplicate, titles and abstracts then full texts were screened against eligibility criteria. A third reviewer gave input when consensus was not reached. Citation chaining of included studies was completed. Two reviewers’ data extracted and assessed included studies for risk of bias using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. Random effects meta-analyses of the highest versus the lowest exposures and dose–response meta-analysis were conducted as appropriate and plausible. Two reviewers assessed the certainty in each body of evidence using the OHAT GRADE tool. ResultsWe identified 18 studies in this review; eight were general public studies (with the general public as the population of interest) and 10 were occupational studies (with the population of interest specific workers/workforces).General public studies.From pairwise meta-analyses of general public studies, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF from mobile phone exposure on preterm birth risk (relative risk (RR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97–1.34, 95% prediction interval (PI): 0.83–1.57; 4 studies), LBW (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.96–1.36, 95% PI: 0.84–1.57; 4 studies) or SGA (RR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.24, 95% PI: 0.99–1.28; 2 studies) due to very low-certainty evidence. It was not feasible to meta-analyse studies reporting on the effect of RF-EMF from mobile phone exposure on congenital anomalies or miscarriage risk. The reported effects from the studies assessing these outcomes varied and the studies were at some risk of bias. No studies of the general public assessed the impact of RF-EMF exposure on stillbirth.Occupational studies.In occupational studies, based on dose–response meta-analyses, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF amongst female physiotherapists using shortwave diathermy on miscarriage due to very low-certainty evidence (OR 1.02 95% CI 0.94–1.1; 2 studies). Amongst offspring of female physiotherapists using shortwave diathermy, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF on the risk of congenital malformations due to very low-certainty evidence (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.32; 2 studies). From pairwise meta-analyses, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF on the risk of miscarriage (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.18; very low-certainty evidence), pre-term births (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.32 to 4.37; 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence), and low birth weight (RR 2.90, 95% CI: 0.69 to 12.23; 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Results for stillbirth and SGA could not be pooled in meta-analyses. The results from the studies reporting these outcomes were inconsistent and the studies were at some risk of bias. DiscussionMost of the evidence identified in this review was from general public studies assessing localised RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone use on female reproductive outcomes. In occupational settings, each study was of heterogenous whole-body RF-EMF exposure from radar, short or microwave diathermy, surveillance and welding equipment and its effect on female reproductive outcomes. Overall, the body of evidence is very uncertain about the effect of RF-EMF exposure on female reproductive outcomes.Further prospective studies conducted with greater rigour (particularly improved accuracy of exposure measurement and using appropriate statistical methods) are required to identify any potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on female reproductive outcomes of interest.

Exploring and validating heating dynamics in a radio-frequency electromagnetic field-based resonant chamber for mouse hyperthermia research

ABSTRACT Mild whole-body hyperthermia has been shown to have anti-tumor effects through an immune-modulating mechanism. Before it is widely applied in the clinic, tremendous mechanistic research in animals is necessary to adhere to evidence-based principles. The radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) based heating facility could be a good choice for hyperthermia treatment, but the heating characteristics of a facility, including structure design, electromagnetic and thermal dosimetry, and the biologic effects of hyperthermia, need to be well elucidated. Here, we reported the heating characteristic study on a resonant chamber (RC) excited by a 1800 MHz solid source. The EMF in the RC was stirred by 24 static reflectors, which resulted in the standard deviation of electric field intensity being below 3 dB in the EM homogeneity evaluation. For the exposure scenario, six free-moving mice were loaded into separate cases and exposed simultaneously in the RC. The EMF energy absorption and distribution in exposed mice were calculated with the 12-plane-waves method of numerical simulation. Different levels of core body temperature increment in exposed mice were achieved through regulation of the source output power. Overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) was detected in the liver, lung and muscle, but not in the brain of the exposed mice. The levels of representative inflammatory cytokines in the serum, TNF-α and IL-10 increased post RC exposure. Based on the heating characteristic study and validation, the applied RC would be a qualified heating system for mild whole-body hyperthermia effect research in mice.

The effects of radiofrequency exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of human observational studies with dose–response meta-analysis

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in relation to health outcomes, previously identified as priorities for research and evaluation by experts in the field, to inform exposure guidelines. A suite of systematic reviews have been undertaken by a network of topic experts and methodologists to collect, assess and synthesise data relevant to these guidelines. Following the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines, we systematically reviewed the evidence on the potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility in human observational studies. MethodsWe conducted a broad and sensitive search for potentially relevant records within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; Web of Science and EMF Portal. We also conducted searches of grey literature through relevant databases including OpenGrey, and organisational websites and consulted RF-EMF experts. We hand searched reference lists of included study records and for citations of these studies. We included quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure in adult male participants on infertility: sperm concentration; sperm morphology; sperm total motility; sperm progressive motility; total sperm count; and time to pregnancy. Titles and abstracts followed by full texts were screened in blinded duplicate against pre-set eligibility criteria with consensus input from a third reviewer as required. Data extraction from included studies was completed by two reviewers, as was risk of bias assessment using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. We conducted a dose–response meta-analysis as possible and appropriate. Certainty of the evidence was assessed by two reviewers using the OHAT GRADE tool with input from a third reviewer as required. ResultsWe identified nine studies in this review; seven were general public studies (with the general public as the population of interest) and two were occupational studies (with specific workers/workforces as the population of interest).General public studies.Duration of phone use: The evidence is very uncertain surrounding the effects of RF-EMF on sperm concentration (10/6 mL) (MD (mean difference) per hour of daily phone use 1.6 106/mL, 95 % CI −1.7 to 4.9; 3 studies), sperm morphology (MD 0.15 percentage points of deviation of normal forms per hour, 95 % CI −0.21 to 0.51; 3 studies), sperm progressive motility (MD −0.46 percentage points per hour, 95 % CI −1.04 to 0.13; 2 studies) and total sperm count (MD per hour −0.44 106/ejaculate, 95 % CI −2.59 to 1.7; 2 studies) due to very low-certainty evidence. Four additional studies reported on the effect of mobile phone use on sperm motility but were unsuitable for pooling; only one of these studies identified a statistically significant effect. All four studies were at risk of exposure characterisation and selection bias; two of confounding, selective reporting and attrition bias; three of outcome assessment bias and one used an inappropriate statistical method.Position of phone: There may be no or little effect of carrying a mobile phone in the front pocket on sperm concentration, total count, morphology, progressive motility or on time to pregnancy.Of three studies reporting on the effect of mobile phone location on sperm total motility and, or, total motile count, one showed a statistically significant effect. All three studies were at risk of exposure characterisation and selection bias; two of confounding, selective reporting and attrition bias; three of outcome assessment bias and one used inappropriate statistical method.RF-EMF Source: One study indicates there may be little or no effect of computer or other electric device use on sperm concentration, total motility or total count. This study is at probably high risk of exposure characterisation bias and outcome assessment bias.Occupational studies.With only two studies of occupational exposure to RF-EMF and heterogeneity in the population and exposure source (technicians exposed to microwaves or seamen exposed to radar equipment), it was not plausible to statistically pool findings. One study was at probably or definitely high risk of bias across all domains, the other across domains for exposure characterisation bias, outcome assessment bias and confounding. DiscussionThe majority of evidence identified was assessing localised RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone use on male fertility with few studies assessing the impact of phone position. Overall, the evidence identified is very uncertain about the effect of RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones on sperm outcomes. One study assessed the impact of other RF-EMF sources on male fertility amongst the general public and two studies assessed the impact of RF-EMF exposure in occupational cohorts from different sources (radar or microwave) on male fertility.Further prospective studies conducted with greater rigour (in particular, improved accuracy of exposure measurement and appropriate statistical method use) would build the existing evidence base and are required to have greater certainty in any potential effects of RF-EMF on male reproductive outcomes. Prospero Registration: CRD42021265401 (SR3A)

Investigation of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles’ Behavior in a Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field for Medical Applications

This work raises the hypothesis that it is possible to use ferromagnetic carbon nanotubes filled with iron to hyperthermally destroy cancer cells in a radiofrequency electromagnetic field. This paper describes the synthesis process of iron-filled multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe-MWCNTs) and presents a study of their magnetic properties. Fe-MWCNTs were synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). Appropriate functionalization properties of the nanoparticles for biomedical applications were used, and their magnetic properties were studied to determine the heat generation efficiency induced by exposure of the particles to an external electromagnetic field. The response of the samples was measured for 45 min of exposure. The results showed an increase in sample temperature that was proportional to concentration. The results of laboratory work were compared to the simulation using COMSOL software.

Электромагнитные поля сотовой связи как факторы риска негативного воздействия на центральную нервную систему детей и подростков (обзор). Часть 1. Моделирование. параметры электроэнцефалографии и сенсомоторных реакций

It is quite relevant to investigate possible outcomes of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) since contemporary children and adolescents have become active users of the most advanced technologies. They are especially susceptible to electromagnetic factors; therefore, it is necessary to have a proper insight into outcomes of such exposures for the body. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the main targets under exposure to RF EMF. In most cases, users hold mobile phones close to their heads thereby directly exposing their brains to RF EMF. As the analysis of literature data has shown, there are few studies in this area; however, proposed options for assessing the impact of RF EMF on children and adolescents are very diverse. This part of the review focuses on various types of modeling. These are not only phantom, voxel models or the finite difference method but also new approaches such as distribution matrices, Monte Carlo simulations and an integrated radio frequency model based on the results of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and other methods. The review provides the results obtained by investigating encephalography under exposure to RF EMF created by mobile communication devices. They are rather contradictory; however, changes in the bioelectrical activity of the brain are detected in most cases, in particular, a decrease in the alpha rhyme. Since the characteristics of sensorimotor reactions quite clearly reflect the power relations in the cerebral cortex, we analyzed changes in the parameters of simple auditory-motor and visual-motor reactions in children and adolescents who were mobile communication users. In addition, the review covers the results of changes in working capacity, fatigue, the duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a given rhythm.

Electromagnetic fields of cellular communication as risk factors able to produce negative effects on the central nervous system of children and adolescents (review). Part 1. Modeling. parameters of electroencephalography and sensorimotor reactions

It is quite relevant to investigate possible outcomes of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) since contemporary children and adolescents have become active users of the most advanced technologies. They are especially susceptible to electromagnetic factors; therefore, it is necessary to have a proper insight into outcomes of such exposures for the body. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the main targets under exposure to RF EMF. In most cases, users hold mobile phones close to their heads thereby directly exposing their brains to RF EMF. As the analysis of literature data has shown, there are few studies in this area; however, proposed options for assessing the impact of RF EMF on children and adolescents are very diverse. This part of the review focuses on various types of modeling. These are not only phantom, voxel models or the finite difference method but also new approaches such as distribution matrices, Monte Carlo simulations and an integrated radio frequency model based on the results of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and other methods. The review provides the results obtained by investigating encephalography under exposure to RF EMF created by mobile communication devices. They are rather contradictory; however, changes in the bioelectrical activity of the brain are detected in most cases, in particular, a decrease in the alpha rhyme. Since the characteristics of sensorimotor reactions quite clearly reflect the power relations in the cerebral cortex, we analyzed changes in the parameters of simple auditory-motor and visual-motor reactions in children and adolescents who were mobile communication users. In addition, the review covers the results of changes in working capacity, fatigue, the duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a given rhythm.

The effects of radiofrequency exposure on cognition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human observational studies

BackgroundWe aimed to assess evidence of long-term effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on indicators of cognition, including domains of learning and memory, executive function, complex attention, language, perceptual motor ability and social cognition, and of an exposure–response relationship between RF-EMF and cognition. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and the EMF-Portal on September 30, 2022 without limiting by date or language of publication. We included cohort or case-control studies that evaluated the effects of RF exposure on cognitive function in one or more of the cognitive domains. Studies were rated for risk of bias using the OHAT tool and synthesised using fixed effects meta-analysis. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach and considered modification by OHAT for assessing evidence of exposures. ResultsWe included 5 studies that reported analyses of data from 4 cohorts with 4639 participants consisting of 2808 adults and 1831 children across three countries (Australia, Singapore and Switzerland) conducted between 2006 and 2017. The main source of RF-EMF exposure was mobile (cell) phone use measured as calls per week or minutes per day.For mobile phone use in children, two studies (615 participants) that compared an increase in mobile phone use to a decrease or no change were included in meta-analyses. Learning and memory. There was little effect on accuracy (mean difference, MD −0.03; 95% CI −0.07 to 0.02) or response time (MD −0.01; 95% CI −0.04 to 0.02) on the one-back memory task; and accuracy (MD −0.02; 95%CI −0.04 to 0.00) or response time (MD −0.01; 95%CI −0.04 to 0.03) on the one card learning task (low certainty evidence for all outcomes). Executive function. There was little to no effect on the Stroop test for the time ratio ((B-A)/A) response (MD 0.02; 95% CI −0.01 to 0.04, very low certainty) or the time ratio ((D-C)/C) response (MD 0.00; 95% CI −0.06 to 0.05, very low certainty), with both tests measuring susceptibility to interference effects. Complex attention. There was little to no effect on detection task accuracy (MD 0.02; 95% CI −0.04 to 0.08), or response time (MD 0.02;95% CI 0.01 to 0.03), and little to no effect on identification task accuracy (MD 0.00; 95% CI −0.04 to 0.05) or response time (MD 0.00;95% CI −0.01 to 0.02) (low certainty evidence for all outcomes). No other cognitive domains were investigated in children.A single study among elderly people provided very low certainty evidence that more frequent mobile phone use may have little to no effect on the odds of a decline in global cognitive function (odds ratio, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.58, 649 participants) or a decline in executive function (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.37 to 3.05, 146 participants), and may lead to a small, probably unimportant, reduction in the odds of a decline in complex attention (OR 0.67;95%CI 0.27 to 1.68, 159 participants) and a decline in learning and memory (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.29 to 1.99, 159 participants). An exposure–response relationship was not identified for any of the cognitive outcomes. DiscussionThis systematic review and meta-analysis found only a few studies that provided very low to low certainty evidence of little to no association between RF-EMF exposure and learning and memory, executive function and complex attention. None of the studies among children reported on global cognitive function or other domains of cognition. Only one study reported a lack of an effect for all domains in elderly persons but this was of very low certainty evidence. Further studies are needed to address all types of populations, exposures and cognitive outcomes, particularly studies investigating environmental and occupational exposure in adults. Future studies also need to address uncertainties in the assessment of exposure and standardise testing of specific domains of cognitive function to enable synthesis across studies and increase the certainty of the evidence. OtherThis review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme and prospectively registered on PROSPERO CRD42021257548.

The exposure of nonhuman living organisms to mobile communication emissions: A survey to establish European stakeholders' policy option preferences.

There is an unprecedented exposure of living organisms to mobile communications radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) emissions. Guidelines on exposure thresholds to limit thermal effects from these emissions are restricted to humans. However, tissue heating can occur in all living organisms that are exposed. In addition, exposure at millimetric frequencies used by 5G may impact surface tissues and organs of plants and small-size species. It is also expected that the addition of 5G to existing networks will intensify radiofrequency absorption by living organisms. A European Parliament report proposed policy options on the effects of RF-EMF exposure of plants, animals, and other living organisms in the context of 5G: funding more research, implementing monitoring networks, accessing more information from operators on antennas and EMF emissions, and developing compliance studies when antennas are installed. However, there is no evidence on the preferences of relevant stakeholders regarding these policy options. This paper reports the findings of a survey of key European stakeholders' policy option preferences based on the European Parliament's report. It reveals a broad consensus on funding more research on the effects of exposure of plants, animals, and other living organisms to EMFs. It also highlights the need for deliberation concerning the other policy options that could provide solutions for regulatory authorities, central administrations, the private sector, nongovernmental associations and advocates, and academics. Such deliberation would pave the way for effective solutions, focusing on long-term output from funding research, and enabling short-term socially and economically acceptable actions for all parties concerned.