It is mandatory to review environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic field measurement protocols and exposure regulations: An opinion article

Abstract

Overview

This opinion article underscores the urgent need to reconsider environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) measurement protocols and exposure regulations. Current standards are obsolete and do not adequately reflect the advancements in communication technologies and methodologies.

Findings

• The exponential increase of mobile subscriptions and devices worldwide, with a significant rise in 5G technology.
• Existing discrepancies in EMF exposure limits across countries, highlighting more restrictive limits in nations like Denmark and Italy compared to others.
• Current standards primarily address thermal effects, neglecting non-thermal effects that include gene expression alterations and oxidative processes, which have been observed at lower intensities.
• The necessity of a holistic approach in EMF research that includes various parameters such as intensity, frequency, modulation, and exposure time as significant factors influencing biological responses.

Conclusion

The paper calls for a comprehensive review of the existing EMF measurement protocols and a deeper assessment of all EMF effects. There is a strong emphasis on the need to include multiple parameters like frequency and modulation when considering potential biological impacts.