Exposures to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and their impacts on children's health – What the science knows?

Abstract

Overview

The possible health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on children have become a public concern due to the biological vulnerability of developing children. This study systematically reviews epidemiological and experimental studies to evaluate the evidence of potential adverse health effects caused by RF-EMF exposure in children.

Findings

• Analysis focused on the impact of RF-EMF on cancer, birth outcomes, neurocognitive development, and behavior.
• Recent large-scale animal studies show carcinogenic findings, stressing the need for well-designed future studies to better understand these effects.
• The evidence is insufficient to conclusively determine adverse effects on children.
• Several behavioral and health outcomes such as shortened pregnancy duration and changes in children's behavior were observed. These findings are cautious due to potential confounding factors and exposure misclassification.

Conclusion

The current evidence does not provide conclusive results about the association between RF-EMF exposure and children's health. The study highlights the necessity for improved assessment methods and high-quality research to establish potential harmful effects and support safety regulations concerning RF-EMF exposure in children.