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

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the potential health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on children in light of their biological vulnerability. Systematic and brief reviews were conducted on epidemiological, animal, and mechanistic studies to determine any adverse health effects.

Findings

• The review summarized findings on cancer, birth outcomes, neurocognitive development, and behavioral issues linked to RF-EMF exposure in children.
• Recent animal studies indicate possible carcinogenic effects, though the biological mechanisms are uncertain.
• The evidence from reviewed studies was insufficient to definitively determine the adverse effects of RF-EMF on children.
• The quality of many epidemiological studies was ranked from low to moderate, often due to poor exposure assessment methods.
• Behavioral problems in children may be indirectly related to mobile phone usage rather than directly due to RF-EMF exposure, highlighting the complexity of isolating specific causes.

Conclusion

Current evidence does not conclusively link RF-EMF exposure to adverse health outcomes in children. High-quality research with improved exposure assessment and study designs are required to better understand these potential links. Recommendations for future research include integrating data from telecommunication operators to minimize recall and measurement biases, and enhancing study designs to allow for better causal inferences.