Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the human resting state wake EEG and event-related potential: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The rapid growth of mobile phone usage and its use of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have raised concerns about potential health risks. Researchers have conducted studies to examine the effects of RF-EMF on the brain using electroencephalography (EEG). We conducted a systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis of published research in this field to establish high-quality studies as references for future protocols. The electronic search yielded 244 records from which a total of 51 studies were included in the review after excluding studies based on study design, and data or report availability. Of these 51 studies, 31 (61%) focused on resting state wake EEG and 20 (39%) on event-related potentials (ERP). None of the 51 studies were free from risk of bias. From the 51 included studies, we were able to use seven studies to create three different groups for meta-analysis for resting state wake EEG and five studies to create 10 different groups for meta-analysis for ERP. Per group the number of studies varies from 1 to 5. Our procedure is the first systematic quality assessment in this field and revealed three important findings. First, there is evidence of an effect on the EEG of a 2G protocol using an eyes-open condition. Second, we did not find evidence for EEG effects during task performance. This suggests that the impact of EMF during task performance is less pronounced compared to the resting state condition. Third, this meta-analysis shows that the field is unable to create an evidence base for most comparisons due to heterogeneity. We therefore advise that all future studies are double-blind in nature, adhere to the methodological standard of randomized experiments, and publish their protocols first.

Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Enhances Melanin Synthesis by Activating the P53 Signaling Pathway in Mel-Ab Melanocytes.

The skin is the largest body organ that can be physiologically affected by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). We investigated the effect of RF-EMFs on melanogenesis; Mel-Ab melanocytes were exposed to 1760 MHz radiation with a specific absorption rate of 4.0 W/kg for 4 h/day over 4 days. Exposure to the RF-EMF led to skin pigmentation, with a significant increase in melanin production in Mel-Ab melanocytes. The phosphorylation level of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which regulate the expression of tyrosinase, were significantly increased in Mel-Ab after RF-EMF exposure. Interestingly, the expression of tyrosinase was significantly increased, but tyrosinase activity was unchanged in the RF-EMF-exposed Mel-Ab cells. Additionally, the expression of p53 and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), which regulate MITF expression, was significantly increased. These results suggest that the RF-EMF induces melanogenesis by increasing phospho-CREB and MITF activity. Importantly, when Mel-Ab cells were incubated at 38 °C, the melanin production and the levels of tyrosinase significantly decreased, indicating that the increase in melanin synthesis by RF-EMF exposure is not due to a thermal effect. In conclusion, RF-EMF exposure induces melanogenesis in Mel-Ab cells through the increased expression of tyrosinase via the activation of MITF or the phosphorylation of CREB, which are initiated by the activation of p53 and MC1R.

Physical therapy approach and non-invasive modalities in treatment of vaginal laxity: a literature review.

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) and noninvasive modalities can be more safe and available treatments for vaginal laxity (VL) with less risk of postsurgical complications. The purpose of this review is to define the concepts of PFPT and noninvasive modalities, examine the evidence supporting those modalities as a treatment for VL, and evaluate their effectiveness. Between 2002 and 2023, clinical studies including women diagnosed with VL were examined in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Exclusion criteria included studies with no outcomes or inadequate data, procedures, suggestions, editorials, book chapters, letters to editors, reviews, meta-analyses, animal research, and articles in languages other than English. Only seventeen studies have been identified. Four studies have demonstrated the impact of PFPT (low- and medium-energy radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, low-energy laser treatment, par sacral stimulation, the knack method, and pelvic floor exercises), and thirteen studies have discussed the impact of noninvasive modalities (RF, combined multipolar RF with pulsed electromagnetic, combined RF and pulsed electromagnetic field, high-intensity focused ultrasound, CO2 laser, combining multipolar RF and hybrid fractional laser, microfocused ultrasound, and the VIVEVE surface-cooled RF) on vaginal laxity. This review indicates many knowledge areas that must be attempted in order to understand the influence of nonstrengthening physical therapy and noninvasive methods on vaginal laxity. In addition to the mechanisms behind their impacts. In addition, we strongly recommend that more clinical trials of high methodological and interventional quality are required to investigate the efficacy of various physical therapy approaches, including electrical stimulation, biofeedback exertion, acupressure, manual therapy, neuromodulation, core exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, well-designed ultrasound therapy protocols, and vaginal weight training.

Assessing the Potential Dangers of Cell Phone Use to Human Health: A Review of the Evidence on Cancer Risk

Cell phones have become ubiquitous in modern life, leading to concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by these devices. This review examines the current scientific evidence on the potential link between cell phone use and cancer risk, focusing on epidemiological studies, experimental research, and mechanistic investigations. Epidemiological studies, including large-scale cohort studies and case-control studies, have produced mixed results, with some indicating possible associations between cell phone use and specific cancers such as glioma and acoustic neuroma, while others find no significant link. Experimental research has explored potential biological mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and DNA damage, but definitive connections to cancer remain elusive. Regulatory perspectives and public health recommendations emphasize cautious use, particularly among vulnerable populations. Despite extensive research, significant gaps remain, including limited long-term data and inadequate exploration of new technologies like 5G. Future research should address these gaps through long-term, interdisciplinary studies and improved exposure assessment methods. This review highlights the complexity of the issue and underscores the need for ongoing research to provide clearer insights and inform public health guidelines. Keywords: Cell phone use, cancer risk, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), epidemiological studies.

Electromagnetic exposure of population in three cities of Romania at four years difference, based on data recorded by the fixed national radiofrequency monitoring network

Abstract The blooming of wireless technologies and the deployment of the fifth generation (5G) of mobile communications have been accompanied by a significant increase in the risk perception related to human exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF). Therefore, EMF monitoring has become necessary in areas with increased densification of the EMF sources. Present work made use of the raw data kindly provided by the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) in Romania from the fixed EMF sensor network nationally deployed. We aimed to analyze the case of electric field level evolution after four years, in three cities. In each city a single monitoring station was chosen in the analysis. Database in the wide- and narrow-bandwidths covering the range (100 kHz – 7 GHz) was processed for whole years 2019 and 2023. Comparisons between locations and years were enabled by means of: a) descriptive statistics; b) time series analysis with Poincare plots for time-variability characterization; c) recurrence quantification analysis to emphasize the nonlinear dynamics of the exposure levels, respectively the recurring exposure levels dynamics. Similarities and dissimilarities were observed and discussed.

Does radiofrequency radiation impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study.

The most common source of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) exposures during sleep includes digital devices, yet there are no studies investigating the impact of multi-night exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted from a baby monitor on sleep under real-world conditions in healthy adults. Given the rise in the number of people reporting to be sensitive to manmade electromagnetic fields, the ubiquitous use of Wi-Fi enabled digital devices and the lack of real-world data, we investigated the effect of 2.45 GHz radiofrequency exposure during sleep on subjective sleep quality, and objective sleep measures, heart rate variability and actigraphy in healthy adults. This pilot study was a 4-week randomised, double-blind, crossover trial of 12 healthy adults. After a one-week run-in period, participants were randomised to exposure from either an active or inactive (sham) baby monitor for 7 nights and then crossed over to the alternate intervention after a one-week washout period. Subjective and objective assessments of sleep included the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS-20), electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy and heart rate variability (HRV) derived from electrocardiogram. Sleep quality was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) and clinically meaningful during RF-EMF exposure compared to sham-exposure as indicated by the PIRS-20 scores. Furthermore, at higher frequencies (gamma, beta and theta bands), EEG power density significantly increased during the Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in HRV or actigraphy were detected. Our findings suggest that exposure to a 2.45 GHz radiofrequency device (baby monitor) may impact sleep in some people under real-world conditions however further large-scale real-world investigations with specified dosimetry are required to confirm these findings.

Electromagnetic fields exposure and neuropsychological effects in young people

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been a large increase in the use of communication/connected devices and technologies. This raises a question about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure levels and neuropsychological effects of RF-EMF in young people. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of use of communication/connected devices and technologies and its impact on cognition and mental health of early school age children in Poland. Methods The study population consists of 293 children from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). The study was based on questionnaire data covering type and duration of usage of communication/connected devices and technologies by mothers during pregnancy and children at age of 7 years. The environmental exposure to RF-EMF was also taken into account. Based on such data RF-EMF exposure was assessed. Child emotional and behavioral assessment was done by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire whereas IQ and psychomotor development of children was performed by psychologist using Intelligence and Development Scales. Results About 75% of young people used smartphones (2% for voice calls and 7% for Internet browsing at least one hour per day). Tablet or laptop use was declared by 59% and 56% of respondents, respectively. More than 10% declared that they use these devices at least one hour a day. The main factors determining the use of new technology devices were parental age and education (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and the age at which youth started school education (p = 0.06). In multivariable regression model higher level of RF-EMF was associated with total difficulties and emotional problems (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions This study presents the pattern of use of new technology devices by early school age children in Poland and the association between the exposure to RF-EMF and child mental health. Key messages • The use of communication/connected devices and technologies is common among young people in Poland. • The exposure to RF-EMF can increase mental health problems among young people.

Genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on mammalian cells in vitro: A systematic review with narrative synthesis

BackgroundOver the last decades, great concern has been raised about possible adverse effects to human health due to exposures to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF, 100 kHz – 300 GHz) emitted by wireless communication technologies. In 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF-EMF as possibly carcinogenic to humans, highlighting that the evidence was weak and far from conclusive. Updated systematic reviews of the scientific literature on this topic are lacking, especially for mechanistic studies. ObjectivesTo perform a systematic review of the scientific literature on genotoxic effects induced by RF-EMF in in vitro experimental models. The overall aim is to assess the confidence and level of evidence of the induced effects in mammalian cell cultures. MethodsFull details regarding the eligibility criteria, information sources, and methods developed to assess risk of bias in the included study, are reported in our published protocol (Romeo et al. 2021). The databases NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, and EMF-Portal were used as information sources (last searched on 31st December 2022). In developing the systematic review, we followed the guidelines provided by the National Toxicology Program-Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP-OHAT), adapted to the evaluation of in vitro studies. A narrative synthesis of the body of evidence was performed by tabulating data classified according to meaningful groups (endpoints) and sub-groups (exposure parameters). This report, abstract included, conforms to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. ResultsOut of 7750 unique records identified, 159 articles were eligible for inclusion. From the extracted data, we identified 1111 experiments (defined as independent specific combinations of diverse biological and electromagnetic parameters). The large majority (80%) of experiments reviewed did not show statistically significant genotoxic effects of RF-EMF exposures, and most “positive” studies were rated as of moderate to low quality, with negative ratings in the key bias domains. A qualitative evidence appraisal was conducted at the endpoint level, and then integrated across endpoints. DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the scientific literature on genotoxic effects in mammalian cell cultures in relation to RF-EMF exposure, which confirms and strengthens conclusions from previous syntheses of this specific topic thanks to the use of transparently reported methods, pre-defined inclusion criteria, and formal assessment of susceptibility to bias. Limitations of the evidence included the frequent reporting of findings in graphical display only, and the large heterogeneity of experimental data, which precluded a meta-analysis. ConclusionsIn the assessment restricted to studies reporting a significant effect of the exposure on the outcome, we reached an overall assessment of “low” confidence in the evidence that RF-EMF induce genotoxic effects in mammalian cells. However, 80% of experiments reviewed showed no effect of RF exposure on the large majority of endpoints, especially the irreversible ones, independently of the exposure features, level, and duration (moderate evidence of no effect). Therefore, we conclude that the analysis of the papers included in this review, although only qualitative, suggests that RF exposure does not increase the occurrence of genotoxic effects in vitro. Framework and fundingThis systematic review addresses one of the evidence streams considered in a larger systematic review of the scientific literature on the potential carcinogenicity of RF-EMF, performed by scientists from several Italian public research agencies. The project is supported by the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL) in the framework of the CRA with the Istituto Superiore di Sanità “BRiC 2018/06 – Scientific evidence on the carcinogenicity of electromagnetic fields”.

A Universal Plug-and-Play Approach to In Situ Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Electrochemical Phenomena in Commercial Battery Cells.

Advancing electrochemical energy storage devices relies on versatile analytical tools capable of revealing the molecular mechanisms behind the function and degradation of battery materials in situ. The nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon plays a pivotal role in fundamental studies of energy materials and devices because of its exceptional sensitivity to local environments and the dynamics of many electrochemically relevant elements. The jelly roll architecture is one of the most energy-dense and, therefore, most popular concepts implemented in pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical Li- and Na-ion cells. Such widely commercialized designs, however, represent a significant obstacle for a range of powerful in situ magnetic resonance-based methodologies due to negligible radio frequency electromagnetic field penetration through conductive metal casings and current collectors. In this work, we introduce an experimental setup that enables direct RF wave transmission through the cell terminals and current collectors, and provides efficient excitation and detection of NMR signals. An RF adapter designed as a plug-and-play device effectively turns the battery cell into an NMR probe that can be tuned to a broad range of Larmor frequencies. Due to its exceptional sensitivity, versatility, and multinuclear capability, the proposed methodology is suitable for fundamental research and industrial high-throughput screening applications. In situ NMR lineshapes provide a direct quantitative description of the chemical environments of electrochemically active elements and enable new metrics for the accurate assessment of state-of-charge (SoC) and state-of-health (SoH). Specifically, in commercial pouch cells based on lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, and sodium nickel iron manganese oxide chemistries, 7Li and 23Na NMR data unambiguously show electrochemical transformations between intercalated and metallic forms of charge carrier ions, and reveal anisotropic magnetic properties of the electrode coating.

Characterising core body temperature response of free-moving C57BL/6 mice to 1.95 GHz whole-body radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields.

The present study investigated the core body temperature (CBT) response of free-moving adult male and female C57BL/6 mice, during and following a 2-h exposure to 1.95 GHz RF-EMF within custom-built reverberation chambers, using temperature capsules implanted within the intraperitoneal cavity and data continuously logged and transmitted via radiotelemetry postexposure. Comparing RF-EMF exposures (WBA-SAR of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 W/kg) to the sham-exposed condition, we identified a peak in CBT within the first 16 min of RF-EMF exposure (+0.15, +0.31, +0.24, +0.37°C at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 W/kg respectively; statistically significant at WBA-SAR ≥ 2.5 W/kg only), which largely dissipated for the remainder of the exposure period. Immediately before the end of exposure, only the CBT of the 5 W/kg condition was statistically differentiable from sham. Based on our findings, it is apparent that mice are able to effectively compensate for the increased thermal load at RF-EMF strengths up to 5 W/kg. In addition, the elevated CBT at the end of the exposure period in the 5 W/kg condition was statistically significantly reduced compared to the sham condition immediately after RF-EMF exposure ceased. This would indicate that measures of CBT following the end of an RF-EMF exposure period may not reflect the actual change in the CBT of mice caused by RF-EMF exposure in mice.

Effects of 4G Long-Term Evolution Electromagnetic Fields on Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and Behavioral Changes in Adolescent Male Mice.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) can penetrate tissues and potentially influence endocrine and brain development. Despite increased mobile phone use among children and adolescents, the long-term effects of RF-EMF exposure on brain and endocrine development remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of long-term evolution band (LTE) EMF exposure on thyroid hormone levels, crucial for metabolism, growth, and development. Four-week-old male mice (C57BL/6) were exposed to LTE EMF (whole-body average specific absorption rate [SAR] 4 W/kg) or a positive control (lead; Pb, 300 ppm in drinking water) for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the mice underwent behavioral tests including open field, marble burying, and nest building. Blood pituitary and thyroid hormone levels, and thyroid hormone-regulating genes within the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis were analyzed. LTE exposure increased T3 levels, while Pb exposure elevated T3 and T4 and decreased ACTH levels. The LTE EMF group showed no gene expression alterations in the thyroid and pituitary glands, but hypothalamic Dio2 and Dio3 expressions were significantly reduced compared to that in the sham-exposed group. Pb exposure altered the hypothalamic mRNA levels of Oatp1c1 and Trh, pituitary mRNA of Trhr, and Tpo and Tg expression in the thyroid. In conclusion, LTE EMF exposure altered hypothalamic Dio2 and Dio3 expression, potentially impacting the HPT axis function. Further research is needed to explore RF-EMF's impacts on the endocrine system.

Effect of 6 GHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field on Cytokine Levels in Rats

Effect of 6 GHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field on Cytokine Levels in Rats

Transcriptional response of primary hippocampal neurons following exposure to 3.0 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been associated with the modulation of neuronal electrophysiology and synaptic plasticity. Given the potential of these changes to coincide with alterations in gene expression, this study investigated whether a transcriptional response would occur in neurons following exposure to RF-EMF, under both thermal and nonthermal conditions. Rat primary hippocampal neurons (PHNs) underwent either a single (one-time) or a multiple (3-times, once a day) exposures to RF-EMF (3.0 GHz, CW) at two different mean specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 0.57 W/kg or 5.91 W/kg, which induced a temperature change (ΔT °C) of approximately 0.3°C or 3.6°C, respectively. Alteration in transcription in the RF-EMF-exposed PHNs versus the sham counterparts was assessed at 0, 4, and 24 h postexposure via high-throughput RNA sequencing using Illumina HiSeq. 2000. A total of 20 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibited significant upregulation due to RF-EMF exposure, observed only with the high SAR dose that induced a thermal rise. However, the expression of these DEGs was not significant at 24 h postexposure. Our findings confirmed a lack of nonthermal effects on gene expression under low RF-EMF exposure conditions as evaluated. Additionally, the results indicated a slight thermal effect of exposures at the dose nearing the standards threshold of 4 W/kg; however, the effect appeared to be transient. The study suggests that RF-EMF exposures at a level close to the standards threshold, despite inducing mild temperature elevations (i.e., 3-5°C above normal), would not trigger biologically critical cellular changes.

Assessment of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure from Wi-Fi Routers in LAUTECH Campus, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Wi-Fi routers play a crucial role in enabling internet connectivity within the academic environment. However, there are concerns that radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from Wi-Fi routers may be hazardous to human health. The main objective of the research is to assess the safety of RF-EMF exposure in educational environments. A total of 14 Wi-Fi routers were randomly selected and investigated across LAUTECH campus using stratified random sampling method. Measurement of the power density and the electric field strength from these routers were taken using a hand-held electrosmog, TES-593, radiofrequency meter. Measurement points were selected at various distances of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 m from the Wi-Fi routers, representing typical distances between users and routers. At each measurement point, the TES-593 meter was held 1 m above the ground at a fixed position for 30 seconds to record the E-field strength and the power density. The measured power density and the electric field strength, varied from routers to routers depending on their location and the distance of measurement from the routers. The power density recorded for all the Wi-Fi routers investigated ranged from 0.001 to 3.302 W/m2 with a mean of 0.390 W/m2. For all the Wi-Fi routers investigated. The overall exposure levels for the power density decreases with distances for all the routers. The measured electric field strength also decreases with distance ranging from 0.106 to 3.528 V/m with a mean of 0.981 V/m. The measured power densities and the electric field strengths in this research work were comparable and similar with reports from other research work from different environments including educational, residential, and urban settings. The power densities and the electric field strengths recorded were below the 10 W/m2 and 5 V/m recommended by various regulatory agencies respectively. All the Wi-Fi routers considered in this research work were within safety guidelines set by regulatory agencies for the power density and the electric field strength, thus emitting radiations at a level that are considered safe for human exposure within the academic communities. The operation of RF-EMF exposure from Wi-Fi routers in the academic environment of LAUTECH will no pose any potential health risks on staff and students of the institution. The evidence-based insights into potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi routers in this research can guide policymakers in establishing safety regulations that will limit exposure levels. It can also inform guidelines on the optimal placement of routers, frequency of usage, and the implementation of periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Comparison of a radiofrequency electric and magnetic field source-based job-exposure matrix with personal radiofrequency exposure measurements.

Assessing occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) presents significant challenges due to the considerable variability in exposure levels within and between occupations. This spatial and temporal variability complicates the reliable evaluation of potential health risks associated with RF-EMF exposure in the workplace. Accurate assessment methods are crucial to understand the extent of exposure and to evaluate potential health risks, especially given the potential for higher exposures in occupational settings compared to the general population. This study compares the historical RF-EMF exposure estimates in the INTEROCC RF-EMF job-exposure matrix (RF-JEM) with recent personal measurement data collected in 2 countries as part of the OccRF-Health study, to assess the broader applicability of the RF-JEM. Weighted kappa (k w) coefficients and Spearman rank correlation tests were performed to assess the alignment between RF-JEM estimates and measurements for 8h time-weighted average exposure intensity and prevalence estimates across various occupations. The comparisons were mainly based on 22 jobs having ≥5 measured workers in the OccRF-Health study. Poor agreement was found for both exposure prevalence and intensity between both methods (k w < 0.1). RF-JEM values likely overestimated exposure levels for both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields (mean percentage difference >194%) compared to current personal measurements. Findings suggest that the INTEROCC-JEM likely overestimates current exposure intensity levels in the measured jobs. Adopting a semiquantitative JEM could also mitigate misclassification errors due to exposure variability, improving accuracy in exposure assessment. These findings indicate the need for more targeted personal measurements, including among highly exposed workers, and for potentially considering new exposure metrics to more accurately assess occupational RF-EMF exposures in occupational epidemiological research.

Occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and brain tumor risk: Application of the INTEROCC job-exposure matrix.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF, 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). This study evaluates the potential association between occupational RF-EMF exposure and brain tumor risk, utilizing for the first time, a RF-EMF job-exposure matrix (RF-JEM) developed in the multi-country INTEROCC case-control study. Cumulative and time-weighted average (TWA) occupational RF-EMF exposures were estimated for study participants based on lifetime job histories linked to the RF-JEM using three different methods: (1) by considering RF-EMF intensity among all exposed jobs, (2) by considering RF-EMF intensity among jobs with an exposure prevalence ≥ the median exposure prevalence of all exposed jobs, and (3) by considering RF-EMF intensity of jobs of participants who reported RF-EMF source use. Stratified conditional logistic regression models were used, considering various lag periods and exposure time windows defined a priori. Generally, no clear associations were found for glioma or meningioma risk. However, some statistically significant positive associations were observed including in the highest exposure categories for glioma for cumulative and TWA exposure in the 1- to 4-year time window for electric fields (E) in the first JEM application method (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.08, 1.72 and 1.27, 95% CI 1.01, 1.59, respectively), as well as for meningioma for cumulative exposure in the 5- to 9-year time window for electric fields (E) in the third JEM application method (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.11, 4.78). We did not identify convincing associations between occupational RF-EMF exposure and risk of glioma or meningioma.

Determining the relationship between mobile phone network signal strength and radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure: protocol and pilot study to derive conversion functions

Mobile phones continuously monitor and evaluate indicators of the received signal strengths from surrounding base stations to optimise wireless services. These signal strength indicators (SSIs) offer the potential for assessing radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on a population scale, as they can be related to exposure from both base stations and handset devices. Within the ETAIN (Exposure To electromAgnetic fields and plaNetary health) project, an open-access RF-EMF exposure app for smartphones, named "5G Scientist Monitor”, has been developed using citizen science. This paper delineates a measurement protocol for deriving formulas to convert the app SSIs into electric field values to estimate RF-EMF exposure. It presents pilot study results from measurements taken at four locations in Lyon, France (FR), and 14 locations in the Netherlands (NL), using three different phone models and the most common network providers in each country. The measurements were conducted while executing different usage scenarios, such as calls or data transmission. The exposimeter ExpoM-RF4 and on-body electric field probes were used to measure exposure from far-field sources and the handset, respectively. Two-minute aggregates were considered the sample unit for analyses (n=891 in NL and n=395 in FR). Regression analyses showed a positive log-linear relationship between Long Term Evolution (LTE) SSIs and far-field RF-EMF exposure when aggregating data by location (coefficients for the normalised RSSI: 0.91 [95% CI: 0.55 - 1.28] in FR, 1.09 [95% CI: 0.96 - 1.22] in NL). Negative log-linear trends were observed for handset-related RF-EMF exposure at the ear (-0.31 [95% CI: -0.46 - -0.16]) and chest (-0.20 [95% CI: -0.37 - -0.03]) during data transmission scenarios. These results demonstrate that the 5G-Scientist-Monitor app can be implemented for smartphone-based RF-EMF estimation. However, uncertainties in individual measurement points highlight the need for further data collection and analysis to improve the accuracy of exposure estimates.

Effect of 1800 MHz radiofrequency field exposure on cytokine and signal transduction protein expression in differentiated THP-1 cells

Purpose To evaluate the effects of 1800 MHz continuous wave (CW) and global system for mobile communications (GSM) modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RFEMF) exposures on signal transduction (ST) protein and cytokine expression in differentiated human-derived monocytic THP-1 cells. Materials and methods THP-1 cells were differentiated into adherent macrophage-like cells using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Following differentiation, cells were exposed to 1800 MHz CW or GSM modulated RFEMF for 0.5, 4, or 24 h at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0 (sham) or 2.0 W/kg. Concurrent positive controls (lipopolysaccharide for cytokines; anisomycin for ST proteins) and negative controls were included in each experiment. The expression levels of cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) from culture media and phosphorylated and total ST proteins (CREB, JNK, NF-κB, p38, ERK1/2, Akt, p70S6k, STAT3, STAT5) from cell lysates were assessed using Milliplex magnetic bead array panels. Results No consistent effect of RFEMF exposure was observed in differentiated THP-1 cells. A statistically significant effect of overall exposure condition was observed for IL-6 with GSM modulation (P = 0.042), but no difference between RFEMF and sham for any exposure condition remained following adjustment for multiple comparisons (P ≥ 0.128). No statistically significant effect of exposure condition was detected for any other cytokine evaluated with either of the RFEMF modulations (P ≥ 0.078). There were no statistically significant changes in expression levels for any of the ST proteins under any studied exposure condition (P ≥ 0.320). Conclusions In this study, no evidence of changes were observed in differentiated human derived THP-1 cells following exposure of up to 24 h to 1800 MHz RFEMF at SARs of 0 and 2.0 W/kg on the expression of ST proteins or cytokines.

Effects of website-based risk communication of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields on general public.

Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are utilized in communications and appliances and are indispensable in daily life. However, some people have concerns about the adverse health effects of RF-EMFs; therefore, effective risk communication (RC) is needed in this field. In this study, we investigate public attitudes towards RF-EMFs and examine the impact of RC via a website on these attitudes and objective knowledge. Three web surveys were conducted over 10 weeks with the same participants. The questionnaires were conducted at three different time points with 5-week intervals: baseline survey (T1), RC evaluation survey (T2), and follow-up survey (T3). Participants of T2 were randomly recruited from among those of T1, and participants of T3 were randomly selected from among the T2 respondents. Approximately half of the respondents in each of T2 and T3 were assigned to the control group. Twelve items regarding attitudes toward RF-EMFs and objective knowledge were evaluated in all surveys (T1-T3). After removing low-engagement data, the number of valid answers was 782 in T3. Differences between T1 and T2 (Sub T1-T2) and T1 and T3 (Sub T1-T3) were analyzed. Participant selection was randomized and the authors were blind to this selection until analysis. Four clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (Non-anxious, 25.0%), Cluster 2 (Anxious, 16.0%), Cluster 3 (Low-interest, 40.5%), and Cluster 4 (High-interest, 18.5%). A decrease in subjective RF-EMF exposure levels was noted in Cluster 2 immediately after website viewing. Temporary increases and decreases in health concerns about RF-EMF usage activities were observed in Clusters 1 and 2, respectively, immediately after viewing. Clusters 1 and 3 showed a temporal decrease in needs for RF-EMF usage activities at T2 but it returned to the baseline level 5 weeks later. Cluster 4 was less responsive to the risk communication. Subanalysis stratified by gender and age showed fluctuations in responses, especially in Clusters 1 and 2. We demonstrate the effectiveness of RF-EMF risk communication via websites, particularly for Cluster 2. The results of this study showed that offering objective and comprehensible information through a website can significantly reduce concerns and perceived risks related to RF-EMFs.

Affective evaluation and exposure perception of everyday mobile phone usage situations.

To understand citizens' reactions to the 5G rollout, their affective reaction and perception of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure are of interest. Although precursor studies on 2G-4G have investigated exposure perception mostly quantitatively, the present study applied a qualitative exploratory approach. A number of 35 individual interviews and 6 focus groups with the same participants were conducted in December 2022. Participants were recruited from several locations in Germany, where 5G rollout was at different stages. Interactive tasks, particularly an affective evaluation task and a ranking task, encouraged participants to consider their affect regarding mobile communications and their exposure perception. This approach allowed the participants to first engage with the topic of mobile communications/5G in an intuitive way, before talking about their specific beliefs on RF-EMF exposure. Several pictures showing a person (1) interacting with a mobile phone, (2) surrounded by other peoples' mobile phones, or (3) in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations (antennas) were used as stimulus materials. Data were analyzed using an exploratory content analysis. In the affective evaluation task participants revealed more negative associations with base stations than with mobile phones. The analysis showed that the reasons for their evaluation were very diverse, whereby exposure to RF-EMF only played a subordinate role. Further, the ranking task indicated that most participants (n=20) felt more exposed from base stations than from mobile devices. Results are mostly in-line with the literature on 2G-4G and do not indicate a substantially different exposure perception for 5G.