Abstract

Abstract Overview

The aim of this review is to estimate the threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) effects on the human brain by analyzing recent research outputs. The main focus is directed towards understanding the threshold of RF EMF effects through two key approaches:

• Physical model analysis: Investigation into the sensitivity restrictions of different stages within the physical model of low-level RF EMF mechanisms.
• Experimental data analysis: Examining the dependence of RF EMF effects on exposure levels using neurophysiological and behavioral data from human studies spanning from 2007 to 2021.

Key Findings

Analysis reveals that a definite, principled threshold of RF EMF effect cannot be determined through non-thermal mechanisms. Notably, a significant correlation between RF EMF exposure and changes in EEG patterns and behaviors was observed:

• The rate of detected RF EMF effects in resting EEG studies was 76.7%.
• Effects were detected at a rate of 41.7% in sleep EEG and 38.5% in behavioral studies.
• The minimum detected RF EMF strength affecting EEG was 2.45 V/m (SAR = 0.003 W/kg).

These effects are often similar to symptoms observed in depression, emphasizing the potential health risk, especially among young people.

Conclusion

This review underscores the lack of a clear threshold for RF EMF effects and highlights the substantial percentage of studies linking RF EMF exposure to significant changes in EEG and behavior. The implications regarding depression and young people’s health require urgent research and attention.