RF EMF Research Articles

К оценке риска негативного воздействия электромагнитных полей сотовой связи на центральную нервную систему детей и подростков (Обзор). Часть 2. Параметры когнитивных процессов

This paper continues the authors’ review that dwells on modeling radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and results obtained by measuring electroencephalography indicators, sensorimotor reactions, fatigue, work capacity, duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a given rhythm in children and adolescents. Health risk assessment is always based on data obtained by either laboratory tests or epidemiological studies. This paper analyses publications that describe effects of RF EMF exposure, including Wi-Fi, on cognitive processes in children and adolescents as well as methodical approaches to investigating this exposure. However, there are few such studies; in particular, effects produced by Wi-Fi exposure on cognitive indicators of adolescents aged 14–17 years, were found only in two publications. Literature analysis has established that research findings do not always give an unambiguous estimation of RF EMF effects. The review covers the reasons for ambiguous interpretation of research results: a variable range of test-systems used for investigating indicators of cognitive processes; simultaneous analysis of single exposures including descriptions of ‘effect of improvement’ in indicators; changes in cognitive indicators registered for a group of children and adolescents in a wide age range. Nevertheless, most results give evidence of negative changes in attention and memory of children and adolescents. Given that, longitudinal studies are becoming especially relevant since they estimate changes in various indicators in dynamics, including those induced by changes in mobile phone use. The review highlights the relevance of comprehensive investigations with their focus on health outcomes of RF EMF exposure intrinsic to 5G technologies considering their global implementation.

Assessing the risk of negative effects produced by electromagnetic fields of cellular communication on the central nervous system of children and adolescents (Review). Part 2. Indicators of cognitive processes

This paper continues the authors’ review that dwells on modeling radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) and results obtained by measuring electroencephalography indicators, sensorimotor reactions, fatigue, work capacity, duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a given rhythm in children and adolescents. Health risk assessment is always based on data obtained by either laboratory tests or epidemiological studies. This paper analyses publications that describe effects of RF EMF exposure, including Wi-Fi, on cognitive processes in children and adolescents as well as methodical approaches to investigating this exposure. However, there are few such studies; in particular, effects produced by Wi-Fi exposure on cognitive indicators of adolescents aged 14–17 years, were found only in two publications. Literature analysis has established that research findings do not always give an unambiguous estimation of RF EMF effects. The review covers the reasons for ambiguous interpretation of research results: a variable range of test-systems used for investigating indicators of cognitive processes; simultaneous analysis of single exposures including descriptions of ‘effect of improvement’ in indicators; changes in cognitive indicators registered for a group of children and adolescents in a wide age range. Nevertheless, most results give evidence of negative changes in attention and memory of children and adolescents. Given that, longitudinal studies are becoming especially relevant since they estimate changes in various indicators in dynamics, including those induced by changes in mobile phone use. The review highlights the relevance of comprehensive investigations with their focus on health outcomes of RF EMF exposure intrinsic to 5G technologies considering their global implementation.

Numerical simulation in magnetic resonance imaging radiofrequency dosimetry

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) employs a radiofrequency electromagnetic field to create pictures on a computer. The prospective biological consequences of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) have not yet been demonstrated, and there is not enough evidence on biological hazards to offer a definite response concerning possible RF health dangers. Therefore, it is crucial to research the health concerns in reaction to RF EMFs, considering the entire exposure in terms of patients receiving MRI. Monitoring increases in temperature in-vivo throughout MRI scan is extremely invasive and has resulted in a rise in the utilization of computational methods to estimate distributions of temperatures. The purpose of this study is to estimate the absorbed power of the brain exposed to RF in patients undergoing brain MRI scan. A three-dimensional Penne’s bio-heat equation was modified to computationally analyze the temperature distributions and potential thermal effects within the brain during MRI scans in the 0.3 T to 1.5 T range (12.77 MHz to 63.87 MHz). The instantaneous temperature distributions of the in-vivo tissue in the brain temperatures measured at a time, t = 20.62 s is 0.2 °C and t = 30.92 s is 0.4 °C, while the highest temperatures recorded at 1.03 min and 2.06 min were 0.4 °C and 0.6 °C accordingly. From the temperature distributions of the in-vivo tissue in the brain temperatures measured, there is heat build-up in patients who are exposed to electromagnetic frequency ranges, and, consequently, temperature increases within patients are difficult to prevent. The study has, however, indicated that lengthier imaging duration appears to be related to increasing body temperature.

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.

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.

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.

Эффекты воздействий радиочастотных электромагнитных полей на нервную систему. Эксперименты in vitro (обзор)

The effects of mobile communications on the population, primarily on children and adolescents as the cohort most vulnerable to any environmental factors, dictates the need for a thorough investigation into the impact of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on the central nervous system (CNS) as the main target of their action. In this regard, the analysis of experimental data as an indirect assessment of possible negative changes in the body of young animals under the influence of RF EMF, including 5G and Wi-Fi, is highly relevant. We performed a systematization of experimental data, which will be presented in two parts: in vitro and in vivo experiments. This article introduces materials indicating both diversity of approaches to studying the effects of RF EMF on the central nervous system and difficulties of systematizing the results of the experiments. The analysis of literature data showed that, despite the numerous studies into the effects of RF EMF in vitro, CNS cell cultures are used rather rarely. However, this paper examines in detail the results of in vitro experiments: changes in the action potential, morphological changes in cells and the myelin sheath, and changes in the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (using cultures of only nerve cells). It was established that, despite some inconsistency in the results obtained, most studies indicate a negative effect of RF EMF on CNS cells. The morphological and histological changes in CNS structures under the influence of RF EMF will be presented in the next part of the review.

A Comparative Study of In Situ Methodologies for Assessment of RF EMF Exposure From a 5G FR2 Base Station

A Comparative Study of In Situ Methodologies for Assessment of RF EMF Exposure From a 5G FR2 Base Station

Radio Frequency Radiation Exposure from Selected Mobile Transceiver Stations in Minna, Nigeria

Lately, there has been massive development in the use of mobile phones especially in developing countries. But electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emissions from various mobile transceiver stations (MTS) have raised debates on whether they are hazardous to human or not. In this study, we aim at presenting an assessment of human exposure to RF radiation from mobile transceiver stations in Minna. The power flux densities radiations (W/m2) on residential buildings around the MTS were measured using a handheld Extech RF EMF strength meter. The highest mean power flux density value recorded for Minna, was 69.17mW/m2 while the least value was 2.11mW/m2. The result shows that the measured mean power flux density from mobile transceiver stations in Minna, have been compared with standard limit set by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The measured value is far below the threshold limit. Therefore, RF emission from MTS in this study area may pose no known health hazards to the general public within the chosen vicinity.

Exposure levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile base stations in Mpumalanga province, South Africa

This study assessed the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure levels proximal to primary school structures in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. A calibrated Acoustimeter was used to measure the RF EMF levels at defined distance points of 50 and 100m away from the three mobile base stations, that provide a 4G network coverage. All the measurements were obtained from three mobile stations, each from one district municipality, using 30 minutes intervals for repeated measurements. The measured peak exposure level at 50m was 887 μW/m2 and 905 μW/m2 at 100m. No statistical difference was found when comparing the measurement data obtained at 50 and 100m from the three district municipalities. However, comparison of measurements obtained at 50 and 100m for all base stations were statistically significant, p-value< .002 and p< .003 respectively. The measured RF EMF exposure levels at both distance points were below the reference levels found under International Commission for Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) RF guidelines. It is therefore essential for mobile base station companies to consider proximity of residential structures when installing new base stations in the future, and regularly maintain the components of mobile base towers, especially in the current state of power load shedding in South Africa.

Assessment of Background Radiation Around Telecommunication Masts of the Major Network Service Providers in Kaduna South, Kaduna State, Nigeria

This work assessed the electromagnetic radiation from telecommunication masts of major service providers (AIRTEL, ETISALAT, GLO, and MTN) around residential areas in Kaduna South, Nigeria. The Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Force (RF EMF) strength meter of serial number (480836) and a measuring tape were used to obtain readings away from the masts. The electric field strengths E, magnetic field strengths H, and power densities were measured at 0 m, 100 m, 200 m, 300 m, 400 m, and 500 m away from the mast base in V/m, A/m, and W/m2, respectively. The power densities measured were: 0.000091 W/m2 for Airtel, 0.000195 W/m2 for Etisalat, 0.000488 W/m2 for GLO, and 0.421352 W/m2 for MTN. These readings were compared with the standard valve (4.5 W/m2) recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the 6.05 W/m2 recommended by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) for exposure limits of radio frequency waves and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and were discovered to be below the recommended values. The radiological health effects, absorbed radiation dose rates, the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and the excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) were evaluated. The values of absorbed dose rates were 0.000091 Gys-1 for Airtel, 0.000195333 Gys-1 for Etisalat, 0.000488333 Gys-1 for GLO, and 0.421352 Gys-1 for MTN, which were observed to be far lower than the world permissible value of 0.02472 Gys-1, except that of MTN, which is higher than the permissible value. However, the estimated annual effective dose equivalents (AEDE) were found to be higher than the ICNIRP permissible limits of 1.00 mSvy-1 for the public, which implies that the base stations do pose radiological risks in the long term. Also, the excess lifetime cancer risk for the stations’ users was all above the 0.29 × 10-3 per Sievert world recommended value by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations, UNSCEAR (2018), and Audu et al., (2019). This, therefore, suggests there is a high probability of the base station workers and residents within 500 m of the base mast to develop radiation-related illnesses over a long time. Regular radiological monitoring of all the base stations is recommended.

Electromagnetic fields of cellular communication as a health risk factor for children and adolescents (review)

Modern telecommunication technologies rely on using radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF). They have brought many useful services into our life able to solve multiple issues. However, we should bear in mind that this exposure is open, uncontrollable and permanent. Given that, it seems relevant to investigate possible negative influence exerted by RF EMF on health of children and adolescents since this population group is the most vulnerable and sensitive to any external exposure. This review analyzes Russian and foreign studies with their focus on chronic influence of RF EMF created by cellular communication means on health of children (aged 6–10 years) and adolescents (aged 11–16 years). We have established several manifestations of health disorders in children and adolescents including asthenic syndrome (headache, irritability, increased fatigue, sleeping disorders, periodical pains in the heart and joints); mental deadaptation (anxiety, stress, depression, etc.); as well as their combinations. Along with all the aforementioned syndromes, effects produced by exposure to RF EMF become apparent through some indirect signs of memory and attention failure such as forgetfulness (inability to recall the necessary information in time) and inattention (inability to concentrate on an event or activity) and even through growing frequency of respiratory diseases. Basing on the analyzed studies by Russian and foreign researchers, we can conclude that they provide solid evidence of negative influence of electromagnetic fields created by cell phones on health of children and adolescents. Therefore, implementation of modern gadgets and their active use by children and adolescents should be accompanied with assessment of actual threats posed by them, health risk assessment, and development of scientifically substantiated standards for their safe use.

Электромагнитные поля сотовой связи как фактор риска для здоровья детей и подростков (обзор)

Modern telecommunication technologies rely on using radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF). They have brought many useful services into our life able to solve multiple issues. However, we should bear in mind that this exposure is open, uncontrollable and permanent. Given that, it seems relevant to investigate possible negative influence exerted by RF EMF on health of children and adolescents since this population group is the most vulnerable and sensitive to any external exposure. This review analyzes Russian and foreign studies with their focus on chronic influence of RF EMF created by cellular communication means on health of children (aged 6–10 years) and adolescents (aged 11–16 years). We have established several manifestations of health disorders in children and adolescents including asthenic syndrome (headache, irritability, increased fatigue, sleeping disorders, periodical pains in the heart and joints); mental deadaptation (anxiety, stress, depression, etc.); as well as their combinations. Along with all the aforementioned syndromes, effects produced by exposure to RF EMF become apparent through some indirect signs of memory and attention failure such as forgetfulness (inability to recall the necessary information in time) and inattention (inability to concentrate on an event or activity) and even through growing frequency of respiratory diseases. Basing on the analyzed studies by Russian and foreign researchers, we can conclude that they provide solid evidence of negative influence of electromagnetic fields created by cell phones on health of children and adolescents. Therefore, implementation of modern gadgets and their active use by children and adolescents should be accompanied with assessment of actual threats posed by them, health risk assessment, and development of scientifically substantiated standards for their safe use.

Effects of generalization descriptions on risk perception

The study addresses the effects of generalization descriptions on risk perceptions. In a 1-factorial online experiment, 629 participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Group G1 received an excerpt of an original press release from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) regarding mobile phones and cancer, classifying RF EMF as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Group G2 received an additional explanatory text module, and Group G3 received a rewritten text, with both G2 and G3 highlighting that the possible cancer risk only refers to mobile phones. Risk perceptions regarding cell phones and related personal devices, base stations, and high voltage power lines were used as dependent variables measured before and after text reading. Further, the degree to which participants generalized from cell phone-related to other RF EMF exposures was assessed to determine whether this was predictive of their post-text risk perceptions.Regarding risk perceptions, no differences between the three groups were observed after reading the presented texts. Instead, all three experimental groups indicated increased risk perceptions for all electromagnetic field sources. However, we found significant differences according to the prevailing risk generalization belief. Respondents expressing a strong risk generalization belief showed significantly higher risk perceptions for all tested EMF sources (except mobile phones) than subjects with a weak risk generalization belief.

Impact of Beamforming Algorithms on the Actual RF EMF Exposure From Massive MIMO Base Stations

Impact of Beamforming Algorithms on the Actual RF EMF Exposure From Massive MIMO Base Stations

Kontroverzia vzostupu využívania 5G sietí

This overview study deals with 5G networks - their architecture, applications and use and analyzes the latest studies describing the impact of 5G signal on human health (carcinogenic potential and effect on human fertility in two frequency bands). In the 450 – 6000 MHz frequency band, enough studies have been carried out to allow partial conclusions to be drawn, but in the 24 – 100 GHz frequency band, research on the adverse effects of RF EMF exposure is only beginning and remains unknown. The work also analyzes the introduction of new guidelines and recommendations from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Methods and Practices for In Situ Measurements of RF EMF Exposure From 5G Millimeter Wave Base Stations

In this article, a methodology for in situ measurements of the radio frequency electromagnetic fields exposure from 5G base stations (BSs) operating at millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies is presented. Measurements were performed in proximity of two BSs operating around 28 and 39 GHz. The measured power density from the BSs when extrapolated for the maximum transmit power was below 30 mW/m <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> at a distance of about 10 m (i.e., below 1% of the ICNIRP limits). A systematic analysis of the challenges related to in situ measurements of 5G mmW exposure is conducted for the first time. It was found that exposure measurement procedures developed for frequencies below 6 GHz (such as those based on extrapolation of the synchronization signal block) are generally applicable also at mmW. When in line-of-sight, dual-polarized directional antennas can be used to accurately characterize the maximum exposure. The angular variation of the incident power density at the measurement location was studied by means of a motor-controlled panorama tilt unit. At the same time, a network counter was used to monitor the directional time-averaged power transmitted by the BS. The study is of importance to standardization committees addressing measurement techniques to assess exposure from mobile networks.

Self-referencing authorships behind the ICNIRP 2020 radiation protection guidelines.

In March 2020, ICNIRP (the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) published a set of guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100kHz to 300GHz). ICNIRP claims this publication's view on EMF and health, a view usually termed "the thermal-only paradigm", is consistent with current scientific understanding. We investigated the literature referenced in ICNIRP 2020 to assess if the variation in authors and research groups behind it meets the fundamental requirement of constituting a broad scientific base and thus a view consistent with current scientific understanding, a requirement that such an important set of guidelines is expected to satisfy. To assess if this requirement has been met, we investigated the span of authors and research groups of the referenced literature of the ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines and annexes. Our analysis shows that ICNIRP 2020 itself, and in practice all its referenced supporting literature stem from a network of co-authors with just 17 researchers at its core, most of them affiliated with ICNIRP and/or the IEEE, and some of them being ICNIRP 2020 authors themselves. Moreover, literature reviews presented by ICNIRP 2020 as being from independent committees, are in fact products of this same informal network of collaborating authors, all committees having ICNIRP 2020 authors as members. This shows that the ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines fail to meet fundamental scientific quality requirements and are therefore not suited as the basis on which to set RF EMF exposure limits for the protection of human health. With its thermal-only view, ICNIRP contrasts with the majority of research findings, and would therefore need a particularly solid scientific foundation. Our analysis demonstrates the contrary to be the case. Hence, the ICNIRP 2020 Guidelines cannot offer a basis for good governance.

Systematic review of the physiological and health-related effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from wireless communication devices on children and adolescents in experimental and epidemiological human studies.

BackgroundFor more than 20 years, the potential health risks of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure from mobile communication devices on children and adolescents have been examined because they are considered sensitive population groups; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure poses any particular risk to them.ObjectivesThe aim of this review was to systematically analyze and evaluate the physiological and health-related effects of RF EMF exposures from wireless communication devices (mobile phones, cordless phones, Bluetooth, etc.) on children and adolescents.MethodsThis review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methodological limitations in individual studies were assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) Risk-of-Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies.ResultsA total of 42 epidemiological and 11 experimental studies were eligible for this review. Most of the studies displayed several methodological weaknesses that limited the internal validity of the results. Due to a lack of consistency regarding the outcomes as well as the lack of scientific rigor in most reviewed studies, the body of evidence for the effects of RF EMF of mobile communication devices on subjective symptoms, cognition, and behavior in children and adolescents was low to inadequate. Evidence from the studies investigating early childhood development, brain activity, cancer, and physiological parameters was considered inadequate for drawing conclusions about possible effects.DiscussionOverall, the body of evidence allows no final conclusion on the question whether exposure to RF EMF from mobile communication devices poses a particular risk to children and adolescents. There has been rapid development in technologies generating RF EMF, which are extensively used by children and adolescents. Therefore, we strongly recommend high-quality systematic research on children and adolescents, since they are generally considered as sensitive age groups.