Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Emissions and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

Authors: Setia M S, Natesan R, Samant P, et al.

Year: 2025-07-10

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.87671

URL: https://www.cureus.com/articles/381425-radiofrequency-electromagnetic-field-emissions-and-neurodevelopmental-outcomes-in-infants-a-prospective-cohort-study#!/

Abstract

Overview

Children are considered particularly susceptible to the health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). This prospective cohort study was designed to investigate the association between RF-EMF exposure and neurodevelopmental changes in neonates and infants. The study followed 105 neonates born to enrolled pregnant women, tracking the cohort for one year. RF-EMF exposure was measured using a Selective Radiation Meter, while neurodevelopment was assessed via the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Household radiation exposure was categorized into tertiles (low, medium, high) for analysis.

Findings

  • Median household radiation was measured at 8.66 (IQR: 1.58, 23.11) mW/m2, with the highest tertile having a median of 32.36 (IQR: 23.11, 45.60) mW/m2 (p=0.0001).
  • Significantly lower mean scores were observed in the middle and high radiation groups across gross motor, fine motor, and problem-solving domains.
  • Children in the 'high radiation' group had higher odds of being classified as 'monitor/refer' for fine motor (aOR: 2.74) and problem-solving (aOR: 3.67) domains.
  • Low birth weight was also a significant risk factor for adverse fine motor and problem-solving outcomes (aOR: 4.19 and 2.57, respectively).

Conclusion

After adjusting for low birth weight, higher household RF-EMF exposure was still strongly associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in domains such as problem-solving and personal-social skills. Low birth weight also contributed to poorer motor outcomes. Monitoring of neurodevelopment is recommended for children exposed to higher levels of RF-EMF—such as those living near cell phone towers or in homes with many gadgets. These findings add to the growing evidence that EMF exposure poses a health risk, particularly to the developing brain and cognitive abilities in infants.

Additional Notes

  • Limitations include lack of prenatal cell phone use data, absence of parental interaction assessment, and single-point radiation measurement.
  • Further results from this cohort are anticipated, including additional developmental assessments with other validated tools.
RF-EMF neurodevelopment infants cohort study EMF exposure health risk cognitive development
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