Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation on the Nervous System

Effects of radiofrequency radiation on the nervous system An EWG fact sheet
By Uloma Uche, Ph.D, ewg.org, 26 May 2022

 

Radiofrequency radiation is a type of electromagnetic field that is emitted by wireless devices like cell phones, tablets and Wi-Fi routers. It’s absorbed by the human body and absorbed by the bodies of children more than adults. Along with the skyrocketing use of wireless devices, research on laboratory animals shows that exposure to radiofrequency radiation affects the nervous system and brain function.

EWG’s scientists reviewed the most recent research on the effects of radiofrequency radiation. In our fact sheet, we’ve summarized these effects and some of the ways radiofrequency radiation can harm the nervous system.

Extract of document:

Effects on the nervous system associated with exposure to radiofrequency radiation

Changes in brain glucose metabolism Among healthy adults, cell phone exposure is associated with increased brain glucose metabolism in the area closest to the cell phone when compared to controls.

Changes in brain blood flow and brain activities Increases in blood flow in the brain and altered electrical brain activity (detected through changes in the alpha-wave power of electroencephalography) have been associated with cell phone exposure in human studies.  Evidence of how radiofrequency radiation affects brain function in response to auditory stimulation has also been observed in human studies. Other studies have found inconsistent associations.

Changes in sleep Changes in sleep structure were observed following exposures to radiofrequency radiation among healthy adults.

Increased risk of headaches The use of cell phones has been associated with headaches and migraines, as well as skin itching among children/adolescents and adults.

Effects on memory Loss of memory and concentration, as well as headaches, dizziness, tremors, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance, were reported at higher rates among individuals living near cell phone stations, compared to those who didn’t. Changes in behavior, learning and memory function have also been observed in laboratory mice and rats exposed to radiofrequency radiation.

Behavioral changes Exposure to cell phones prenatally, and to a lesser degree postnatally, was associated with behavioral difficulties in children at age 7. Damage to the nervous system and evidence of altered behavior has also been observed in animal studies following radiofrequency radiation exposure.

Increased risk of brain tumors Long-term repeated exposure to cell phones on one side of the body has been associated with an higher risk of brain and inner ear tumors in humans. In animals, exposure to radiofrequency radiation has been associated with an increased risk of malignant brain tumors.

This link will take you to the document in pdf:

https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/effects-radiofrequency-radiation-nervous-system-ewg-fact-sheet