Controversy in Electromagnetic Safety

Abstract

The dramatic increase in electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment has led to public health concerns around the world. Based on over 70 years of research in this field, the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals and that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields. However, controversy on electromagnetic safety continues. Two international groups, the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety of the Institute of Electric and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, have been addressing this issue for decades. While the goal of both groups is to provide human exposure limits that protect against established or substantiated adverse health effects, there are groups that advocate more stringent exposure limits, based on possible biological effects. Both biological and engineering complexities make the validity of many EMF studies questionable. Controversies in research, publication, standards, regulations and risk communication concerning electromagnetic safety will be addressed in this article. The WHO is conducting systematic reviews on the RF biological effects literature. If scientists would discuss the safety issues of EMFs based on validated scientific facts and not on unreproducible possible effects and opinions, the controversy would be minimized or resolved.

The Exposure to 2.45 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation Induced Different Cell Responses in Neuron-like Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

“…Because of EMF controversy, the World Health Organization (WHO) is conducting systematic reviews about this topic that hopefully will improve the validity of future research on the exposure effects of non-ionizing energy [34].…”

The Potential Impact of a High-Frequency Telecommunication Network on Cognitive Functions: A Review

“…To determine the generalizability of the reported effects, investigations in multiple populations and across different countries are essential. The relation between exposure to RF-EMF and cognitive performance is complex, and these types of studies can shed light on the influence of societal, environmental, and genetic factors [72]. Furthermore, investigating the prospective effects of RF-EMF exposure on cognitive domains other than memory, such as speech, executive function, and attention, can provide an in-depth understanding of the cognitive effects of RF-EMF exposure.…”

On the Quasistationarity of the Ambient Electromagnetic Field Generated by Wi-Fi Sources

“…These limits are based on the concept that only exposure above certain thresholds may have adverse effects on human health [9]. While a substantial body of literature examines the potential effects of exposure to EMF below these thresholds, this remains a contentious and extensively debated topic [10]. The prevailing consensus is that interactions between EMFs and living organisms below established exposure limits are too weak to cause harm.…”