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9 postsFilters: tag: exposure-guidelines Clear
Flora and fauna: how nonhuman species interact with natural and man-made EMF at ecosystem levels and public policy recommendations
This review discusses how increasing ambient nonionizing EMF (0–300 GHz), particularly RF from modern wireless technologies and satellites, may affect flora and fauna at ecosystem levels. It states that many nonhuman species rely on electro/magneto-reception and that even low-intensity EMF exposures are capable of disrupting critical biological functions and behaviors. The authors conclude that current exposure standards focus on human health and recommend policy reforms and mitigation measures to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
Non-thermal biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation: Mechanistic insights into male reproductive vulnerability in the era of ubiquitous exposure
This narrative review discusses proposed non-thermal mechanisms by which chronic, low-intensity RF-EMR from ubiquitous wireless sources may affect male reproductive health. It highlights oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired testosterone synthesis/steroidogenesis, and declines in sperm quality as reported outcomes. The authors argue that current SAR/thermal-based guidelines may not capture these endpoints and call for updated standards and precautionary measures.
Radiofrequency radiation-induced gene expression
This review summarizes studies reporting radiofrequency radiation (RFR)-associated changes in gene expression across biological systems. Reported affected genes relate to cellular stress responses, oxidative processes, apoptosis, DNA damage detection/repair, protein repair, and neural function regulation. The authors highlight reported gene expression effects at or below 0.4 W/kg SAR and argue this challenges current guideline assumptions, while noting that not all studies find significant effects.
Thermal and SAR-Based Limits for Human Skin Exposed to Terahertz Radiation
This conference paper uses COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to evaluate thermal and SAR-based exposure limits for modeled human skin exposed to terahertz radiation (0.1–5 THz). The authors report negligible temperature increases at power densities consistent with keeping SAR below 1.6 W/kg, but note that higher power densities can yield minimal heating while producing SAR values above recognized safety thresholds. They conclude that existing sub-THz standards are not directly transferable to the full THz band and call for updated guidelines, especially for prolonged exposure.
Microwave and RF Exposure-Induced Molecular and Genetic Alterations
This review discusses recent studies on microwave and RF exposure and their reported impacts on molecular and cytogenetic materials. It states there is growing evidence that RF exposure can induce DNA damage at levels considered safe by current standards, and cites newly reported genetic alterations in rat cancers after lifetime low-level RF exposure. The article concludes that these findings challenge existing exposure guidelines and support reconsideration of regulatory limits.
Building the gulf of opinions on the health and biological effects of electromagnetic radiation
This narrative article examines how opposing views formed regarding health and biological effects of electromagnetic radiation, focusing on ELF and RF exposures. It highlights historical controversies (e.g., childhood leukemia and ELF fields) and disputes over thermal versus non-thermal effects and reliance on SAR. The author argues that social and institutional factors, including industry influence, shaped interpretation and public discourse around EMF safety.
Impact of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cardiac Activity at Rest: A Systematic Review of Healthy Human Studies
This systematic review evaluated evidence on RF-EMF exposure and cardiac activity (heart rate and heart rate variability) in healthy humans at rest. Across 28 studies spanning 100 to 110,000 MHz and exposures from minutes to a week, most studies reported no significant effects on resting heart rate, and HRV findings were largely null under calm conditions. Some position-dependent HRV changes were reported, and the authors note possible effects during physiological challenges, but conclude evidence is insufficient for firm conclusions beyond resting healthy populations.
Human achromatic flickers and phosphenes thresholds under extremely low frequency electric stimulations
This study estimated thresholds and locus for human phosphene perception during non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation at 20, 50, 60, and 100 Hz. Perception depended significantly on stimulation intensity, with the lowest threshold at 20 Hz and no reported phosphenes at 100 Hz. The authors report dosimetry consistent with a retinal origin and frame the findings as relevant for informing cautious ELF exposure limits in safety guidelines.
Rapid Deployment of 5G Wireless Communication and Risk Assessment on Human Health: Quid Novi?
This review discusses the rapid deployment of 5G and the associated debate about potential human health impacts from EMF exposure, particularly at 3.5–26 GHz including millimeter waves. It emphasizes limited published studies in these exposure ranges and highlights EU-funded initiatives and research consortia aimed at closing knowledge gaps. The authors state that guidelines are generally considered adequate at present, but argue that uncertainties—especially regarding long-term exposure—support continued research and precautionary approaches.