Potential Impacts of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on the Central Nervous System, Brain Neurotransmitter Dynamics and Reproductive System

Abstract

Category: Neuroscience, Reproductive Health, Environmental Health Tags: Radiofrequency, Electromagnetic fields, Nervous system, Reproductive health, Oxidative stress, Neurotransmitter dynamics, Health risk DOI: 10.22060/eej.2025.23753.5631 URL: eej.aut.ac.ir Overview Human life has been increasingly affected by the rapid advancement of electronic technology and the widespread use of devices emitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR), such as Wi-Fi and mobile phones. While much remains unclear, studies suggest that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can influence human health, particularly reproduction and the nervous system. Findings - EMF exposure, including from non-ionizing radiation produced by Wi-Fi and mobile phones, has been linked to potential effects on the male and female reproductive systems, embryonic development, and neuronal health. - Key mechanisms include oxidative stress, thermal effects, changes in neurotransmitter metabolism, receptor function, nerve cell apoptosis, and ion channel dynamics. - Long-term health risks, especially in children and adolescents due to prolonged exposure, remain a topic of debate. - Studies have not confirmed that RF-EMW from Wi-Fi exceeds safety guidelines, but further research is needed to fully understand the implications of RF-EMW exposure on human health. - The review stresses the need for updated safety standards, refined regulatory frameworks, and long-term investigations to clarify potential biological and neurobiological consequences of EMF exposure. Conclusion - RF-EMR is a form of nonionizing radiation that does not directly destroy biological structures but crucially impacts the human nervous system. - Exposure can bring about thermal effects at higher frequencies, which may impact cellular processes. - Non-thermal biological responses may occur through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, altered neurotransmitter activity, and changes in neuronal calcium ion flux, potentially leading to neuronal apoptosis and affecting cognition and behavior. - The nervous system is particularly sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances, potentially making it vulnerable to prolonged exposure, particularly for children and teenagers. - Conflicting evidence and complexity in biological systems require more comprehensive, long-term studies to ascertain truly safe exposure levels. - There is ongoing concern about possible risks—especially to the nervous and reproductive systems—occurring above threshold values; disruptions may include neurotransmitter function, neuronal health, and sperm and egg cell integrity. - The compounding exposure from ongoing technological advancements such as 5G accentuates the need for continuous research, accurate safety guidelines, and regulatory updates to protect public health.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This narrative review summarizes literature suggesting RF-EMF exposure from sources such as Wi‑Fi and mobile phones has been linked to potential effects on nervous system function (including neurotransmitter dynamics) and reproductive outcomes, with proposed mechanisms including oxidative stress, thermal effects, receptor/ion-channel changes, and apoptosis. It notes that studies have not confirmed Wi‑Fi RF-EMW exceeds safety guidelines, emphasizes conflicting evidence, and calls for updated standards and more long-term research, including in the context of increasing exposures such as 5G.

Outcomes measured

• Central nervous system effects
• Brain neurotransmitter dynamics/metabolism
• Oxidative stress
• Thermal effects
• Neuronal apoptosis
• Ion channel dynamics (e.g., calcium flux)
• Cognition and behavior (potential)
• Male reproductive system effects
• Female reproductive system effects
• Embryonic development effects
• Sperm and egg cell integrity

Limitations

• No specific exposure metrics reported (frequency, SAR, duration not quantified)
• Conflicting evidence noted; conclusions framed as potential/linked rather than definitive
• No primary-study methods, inclusion criteria, or quality assessment described in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• school-wi-fi (0.55)
  Discusses Wi‑Fi RF exposure and potential health effects, including concern for children/teenagers.
• 5g-policy (0.45)
  Mentions compounding exposure from technological advancements such as 5G and calls for regulatory updates.

{
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    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "wi-fi and mobile phones",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "long-term/prolonged exposure (discussed)"
    },
    "population": "Humans (general; mentions children/adolescents)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Central nervous system effects",
        "Brain neurotransmitter dynamics/metabolism",
        "Oxidative stress",
        "Thermal effects",
        "Neuronal apoptosis",
        "Ion channel dynamics (e.g., calcium flux)",
        "Cognition and behavior (potential)",
        "Male reproductive system effects",
        "Female reproductive system effects",
        "Embryonic development effects",
        "Sperm and egg cell integrity"
    ],
    "main_findings": "This narrative review summarizes literature suggesting RF-EMF exposure from sources such as Wi‑Fi and mobile phones has been linked to potential effects on nervous system function (including neurotransmitter dynamics) and reproductive outcomes, with proposed mechanisms including oxidative stress, thermal effects, receptor/ion-channel changes, and apoptosis. It notes that studies have not confirmed Wi‑Fi RF-EMW exceeds safety guidelines, emphasizes conflicting evidence, and calls for updated standards and more long-term research, including in the context of increasing exposures such as 5G.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "No specific exposure metrics reported (frequency, SAR, duration not quantified)",
        "Conflicting evidence noted; conclusions framed as potential/linked rather than definitive",
        "No primary-study methods, inclusion criteria, or quality assessment described in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.66000000000000003108624468950438313186168670654296875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
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        "RF-EMF",
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        "Wi-Fi",
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        "central nervous system",
        "neurotransmitter dynamics",
        "oxidative stress",
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}

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