133 Molesworth Street
PO Box 5013
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New Zealand
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2 February 2026

Spencer Jones

By email:  [FYI request #33289 email]
Ref:
H2025077086

Tēnā koe Spencer

Response to your request for official information

Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) to the Ministry of
Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) on 16 December 2025 for information regarding smart
meter exposure and electromagnetic sensitivity. You requested:

“Al  records from 2020–2025 relating to health risk assessments, expert committee
findings, or ministerial briefings on smart meter exposure, electromagnetic sensitivity
(EHS), and non-ionising radiation from consumer devices. Include any guidance issued to
health practitioners, Public Health Units, or electricity retailers.”

Information pertaining to the majority of your request can be found in the Interagency
Committee on the Health Effects of Non ionising Fields Report to Ministers 2022 which is
publicly available through the following link: www.health.govt.nz/publications/interagency-
committee-on-the-health-effects-of-non-ionising-fields-report-to-ministers-2022. The Ministry
notes that this information has previously been provided to you (OIA H2025071277 refers). The
report contains sections on smart meters, electrohypersensitivity, personal devices, Wi-Fi and
the Internet of Things.

The Interagency Commit ee on the Health Effects of Non-ionising Fields meet every six months
to discuss recent reviews and research papers. The minuted conclusions at the end of these
meetings, at which these reviews/papers have been discussed, are that no changes to current
policies and recommendations are needed. The relevant abstracts presented at the Committee
meetings from 2020-2025 are compiled and attached as Document 1 in accordance with section
16(1)(e) of the Act. For expert reviews, the title, name of the expert group and a link to the
report is provided. For research papers, the publication details and the abstract and the abstract
presented to the Commit ee are supplied.

No health risk assessments have been undertaken by the Ministry or by Health New Zealand –
Te Whatu Ora. Aside from the Interagency Report itself, no ministerial briefings or guidance
have been provided to health practitioners, Public Health Units/Services, or electricity retailers
during the period requested. Therefore, these parts of your request are refused under section
18(g)(i) of the Act as the information requested is not held by the Ministry and there are no
grounds for believing it is held by another agency subject to the Act.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request with us, including this decision, please feel
free to contact the OIA Services Team on: [email address].

Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.

Please note that this response, with your personal details removed, may be published on the
Ministry website at: www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-releases/responses-official-
information-act-requests.

Nāku noa, nā

Dr Corina Grey
Director of Public Health
Public Health Agency | Te Pou Hauora Tūmatanui

Page 2 of 2

Document 1
February 2020
Expert reports
None
EHS
Environ Health. 2019 Oct 22;18(1):88. doi: 10.1186/s12940-019-0519-x.
Methodological limitations in experimental studies on symptom development in
individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic �ields
1982
(IEI-EMF) - a systematic review.
Schmiedchen K, Driessen S, Oftedal G.
ACT
BACKGROUND:  Hypersensitivity  to  electromagnetic  �ields  (EMF)  is  a  controversial  condition.
While individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic �ields
(IEI-EMF) claim to experience health complaints upon EMF exposure, many experimental studies
have found no convincing evidence for a physical relation. The aim of this systematic review was
to evaluate methodological limitations in experimental studies on symptom development in IEI-
EMF individuals that might have fostered false positive or false negative results. Furthermore, we
compared the pro�iles of these limitations between studies with positive and negative results.
INFORMATION
METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
guided the methodological conduct and reporting. Eligible were blinded experimental studies
that exposed individuals with IEI-EMF  to  different  EMF  exposure  levels  and  queried  the
development of symptoms during or after each exposure trial. Strengths and limitations in design,
conduct and analysis of individual studies were assessed using a customized rating tool.
OFFICIAL
RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. In
many studies, both with positive and negative results, we identi�ied methodological limitations
THE
that might have either fostered false or masked real effects of exposure.  The most common
limitations were related to the selection of study participants, the counterbalancing of the
exposure sequence and the effectiveness of blinding. Many studies further lacked statistical power
estimates. Methodically sound studies indicated that an effect of exposure is unlikely.
UNDER
CONCLUSION: Overall, the evidence points towards no effect of exposure. If physical effects exist,
previous �indings suggest that they must be very weak or affect only few individuals with IEI-EMF.
Given the evidence that the nocebo effect or medical/mental disorders may explain the symptoms
in many individuals with IEI-EMF, additional research is required to identify the various factors
that may be important for developing IEI-EMF and for provoking the symptoms. We recommend
the  identi�ication  of  subgroups  and  exploring IEI-EMF  in  the  context  of  other  idiopathic
RELEASED
environmental intolerances. If further experimental studies are conducted, they should preferably
be performed at the individual level. In particular, to increase the likelihood of detecting
hypersensitive individuals, if they exist, we encourage researchers to achieve a high credibility of
the results by minimizing sources of risk of bias and imprecision.
Exposures from personal devices
None

Document 1
August 2020
Expert reports
Review of Published Literature between 2008 and 2018 of Relevance to Radiofrequency Radiation
and Cancer.  February 2020 - US Food and Drug Administration
Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/135043/download
Recent  Research  on  EMF  and  Health  Risk.    Fourteenth  report  from  SSM’s  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
Electromagnetic Fields, 2019 - SSM’s Scientiﬁc Council on Electromagnetic Fields
Available at:
1982
www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/publikationer/rapporter/stralskydd/2020/202004/
EHS
ACT
Review Environ Health. 2020 May 6;19(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s12940-020-00602-0.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity: A Critical Review of Explanatory Hypotheses
Maël Dieudonné
Background: Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition de�ined by the attribution of
non-speci�ic  symptoms  to  electromagnetic  �ields  (EMF)  of  anthropogenic  origin.  Despite  its
repercussions on the lives of its sufferers, and its potential to become a signi�icant public health
INFORMATION
issue, it remains of a contested nature. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the
origin of symptoms experienced by self-declared EHS persons, which this article aims to review.
Methods:  As  EHS  is  a  multi-dimensional problem, and its explanatory hypotheses have far-
reaching implications, a broad view was adopted, not restricted to EHS literature but
encompassing all relevant bodies of research on related topics. This could only be  achieved
OFFICIAL
through a narrative approach. Two strategies were used to identify pertinent references.
Concerning  EHS,  a  complete  bibliography  was  extracted  from  a  2018  report  from  the  French
Agency for Food, Environmental and Occu
THE  pational Health & Safety and updated with more recent
studies. Concerning related topics, the appropriate databases were searched. Systematic reviews
and expert reports were favored when available.
Findings: Three main explanatory hypotheses appear in the literature: (1) the electromagnetic
UNDER
hypothesis, attributing EHS to EMF exposure; (2) the cognitive hypothesis, assuming that EHS
results from false beliefs in EMF harmfulness, promoting nocebo responses to perceived EMF
exposure; (3) the attributive hypothesis, conceiving EHS as a coping strategy for pre-existing
conditions. These hypotheses are successively assessed, considering both their strengths and
limitations, by comparing their theoretical, experimental, and ecological value.
Conclusion: No hypothesis proves totally satisfying. Avenues of research are suggested to help
RELEASED
decide between them and reach a better understanding of EHS.
Exposures from personal devices
Environ Int. 2020 Sep;142:105808. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105808.
Estimated whole-brain and lobe-speci�ic radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields doses and
brain volumes in preadolescents

Document 1
Alba Cabré-Riera, Hanan El Marroun, Ryan Muetzel, Luuk van Wel, Ilaria Liorni, Arno Thielens,
Laura  Ellen  Birks,  Livia  Pierotti,  Anke  Huss,  Wout  Joseph,  Joe  Wiart,  Myles  Capstick,  Manon
Hillegers,  Roel  Vermeulen,  Elisabeth  Cardis,  Martine  Vrijheid,  Tonya  White,  Martin  Röösli,
Henning Tiemeier, Mònica Guxens
Objective: To assess the association between estimated whole-brain and lobe-speci�ic
radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ields  (RF-EMF) doses,  using  an  improved  integrated  RF-EMF
exposure model, and brain volumes in preadolescents at 9-12 years old.
Methods: Cross-sectional analysis in preadolescents aged 9-12 years from the Generation R Study,
a population-based birth cohort set up in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (n = 2592). An integrated
exposure model was used to estimate whole-brain and lobe-speci�ic RF-EMF doses (mJ/kg/day)
1982
from  different  RF-EMF  sources  including  mobile  and  Digital  Enhanced  Cordless
Telecommunications (DECT) phone calls, other mobile phone uses than calling, tablet use, laptop
use, and far-�ield sources. Whole-brain and lobe-speci�ic RF-EMF doses were estimated for a
ACT ll RF-
EMF sources together (i.e. overall) and for three groups of RF-EMF sources that lead to a different
pattern  of  RF-EMF  exposure.  Information  on  brain  volumes  was  extracted  from  magnetic
resonance imaging scans.
Results: Estimated overall whole-brain RF-EMF dose was 84.3 mJ/kg/day. The highest overall
lobe-speci�ic dose was estimated in the temporal lobe (307.1 mJ/kg/day). Whole-brain and lobe-
speci�ic RF-EMF doses from all RF-EMF sources together, from mobile and DECT phone calls, and
from far-�ield  sources  were  not  associated  with  global,  cortical,  or  subcortical  brain  volumes.
INFORMATION
However, a higher whole-brain RF-EMF dose from mobile phone use for internet browsing, e-
mailing, and text messaging, tablet use, and laptop use while wirelessly connected to the internet
was associated with a smaller caudate volume.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that estimated whole-brain and lobe-speci�ic  RF-EMF  doses
were not related to brain volumes in preadolescents at 9-12 years old. Screen activities with
OFFICIAL
mobile communication devices while wirelessly connected to the internet lead to low RF-EMF
dose  to  the  brain  and  our  observed  association  may  thus  rather  re�lect  effects  of  social  or
THE
individual factors related to these speci�ic uses of mobile communication devices. However, we
cannot  discard  residual  confounding,  chance  �inding,  or  reverse  causality.  Further  studies  on
mobile communication devices and their potential negative associations with brain development
are warranted, regardless whether associations are due to RF-EMF exposure or to other factors
related to their use. UNDER
February 2021
Expert reports
5G and Health - Heal
RELEASED th Council of the Netherlands
Available at: www.healthcouncil.nl/documents/advisory-reports/2020/09/02/5g-and-health
Is there evidence for oxidative stress caused by electromagnetic ﬁelds? – BERENIS: The Swiss expert
group on electromagnetic ﬁelds and non-ionising radiation
Available at: https://www.bafu.admin.ch/dam/en/sd-
web/u30dBCnIWHGJ/newsletter_berenis_sonderausgabe_januar_2021.pdf

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EHS
Environ Res. 2020 Aug 7;190:110019. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110019.
Prospective study of nocebo effects related to symptoms of idiopathic environmental
intolerance attributed to electromagnetic �ields (IEI-EMF)
Anne-Kathrin Bräscher, Stefan M Schulz, Omer Van den Bergh, Michael Witthöft
The exact causes of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields
(IEI-EMF, i.e., experience of somatic symptoms attributed to low-level electromagnetic �ields) are
still unknown. Psychological causation such as nocebo effects seem plausible. This study aimed to
experimentally induce a nocebo effect for somatic symptom perception and examined whether it
1982
was reproducible after one week. We also examined whether these effects were associated with
increased sympathetic activity and whether interoceptive accuracy (IAcc) moderated these
relationships. Participants were recruited from the general population and instructed
ACT  that
electromagnetic exposure can enhance somatosensory perception. They participated twice in a
cued exposure experiment with tactile stimulation and sham WiFi exposure in 50% of trials. The
two sessions were scheduled one week apart (session 1: N = 65, session 2: N = 63). Before session
1, participants watched either a 6-min �ilm on adverse health effects of EMF or a neutral �ilm on
trade of mobile phones. IAcc was assessed with the heartbeat detection paradigm. Electrodermal
activity served as a measure of sympathetic activation. Evidence for a nocebo effect (i.e., increased
self-reported intensity and aversiveness and electrodermal activity) during sham WiFi exposure
was observed in both sessions. IAcc moderated the nocebo effect, depending on stimulus
INFORMATION
intensity. Contrary to previous �indings, no difference emerged between the health-related EMF
and  the  neutral  �ilms.  Based on negative instructions, somatic perception and physiological
responding can be altered. This is consistent with the assumption that IEI-EMF could be due to
nocebo effects, suggesting an important role for psychological interventions.
N Z Med J. 2020 Jul 31;133(1519):95-102. OFFICIAL
Is there a syndrome caused by radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields?
THE
Mark Elwood
There is insuf�icient scienti�ic evidence to support the idea that exposures to radiofrequency �ields
cause a speci�ic syndrome of ill health, characterised by psychological and physical symptoms.
UNDER
The symptoms reported are generally common, and generally similar to those reported with other
perceived environmental hazards. The more detailed studies suggest the symptoms are related
more closely to the perception of harm  rather  actual  exposures  to  radiofrequency  �ields,
suggesting other aspects of phone or computer use or a nocebo effect are relevant. Irrespective of
their causation, the symptoms experienced are real and affected individuals may have substantial
ill-health and need appropriate supportive management. Public perceptions of a potential hazard
are affected by the in
RELEASED  formation given, and encouraging better understanding of relevant science
is important in this as in many other health issues.
Environ Res. 2020 Dec 4;193:110583.doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110583.
Health disturbances and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields from mobile-
phone base stations in French urban areas

Document 1
Sylvie Martin , Pascal De Giudici , Jean-Christian Genier , Etienne Cassagne , Jean-François Doré ,
Pierre Ducimetière , Anne-Sophie Evrard , Thierry Letertre , Claire Ségala
The effects of radiofrequency exposure on the health of people living near mobile-phone base
stations (MPBSs) have been the subject of several studies since the mid-2000s, with contradictory
results. We aimed to investigate the association between measured exposure to radiofrequency
electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF) from MPBSs and the presence of self-reported non-speci�ic and
insomnia-like symptoms. A cross-sectional survey conducted between 2015 and 2017 in �ive large
cities in France involved 354 people living in buildings located at a distance of 250 m or less from
an MPBS and in the main transmit beam of the antennas. Information on environmental concerns,
anxiety, and non-speci�ic  and  insomnia-like  symptoms  was  collected  with  a  questionnaire
administrated by telephone. A complete broadband �ield-meter measurement [100 kHz - 6 GHz]
1982
was then made at �ive points of each dwelling, followed by a spectral analysis at the point of
highest  exposure,  detailing  the  contribution  of  each  service,  including  MPBS.  The  median
ACT
exposure from MPBS was 0.27 V/m (0.44 V/m for global �ield), ranging from 0.03 V/m to 3.58
V/m, MPBSs being the main source of exposure for 64% of the dwellings. In this study population,
the  measured  exposure  from  MPBSs  was  not  associated  with  self-reported non-speci�ic  or
insomnia-like symptoms. However, for insomnia-like  symptoms,  a  signi�icant  interaction  was
found between RF-EMF exposure from MPBSs and environmental concerns. These �indings do not
support  the  hypothesis  of  an  effect  of  RF-EMF  from  MPBSs  on  non-speci�ic  or  insomnia-like
symptoms in the overall population. Studies are needed to further investigate the positive
association observed between exposure from MPBSs and insomnia-like symptoms among people
reporting environmental concerns.
INFORMATION
Electromagn Biol Med. 2021 Jan 25;1-9.doi: 10.1080/15368378.2021.1874971.
Rede�ining electrosensitivity: A new literature-supported model
Mary Redmayne, Siobhan Reddel
OFFICIAL
In critically examining literature on electrohypersensitivity and the reported somatic responses
to anthropogenic modulated radiofrequen
THE  cy radiation (RFR) exposure, it becomes apparent that
electrohypersensitivity is one part of a range of consequences. Current evidence on the necessity
of considering patients' overall health status leads us to propose a new model in which
electrohypersensitivity is but part of the electrosensitive status inherent in being human. We
propose the likelihood and type of response to environmental RFR include i) a linear somatic
UNDER
awareness continuum, ii) a non-linear somatic response continuum, and iii) the extent of each
individual's capacity to repair damage (linked to homeostatic response). We anticipate this last,
dynamic, aspect is inextricably linked to the others through the autonomic nervous system. The
whole is dependent upon the status of the interconnected immune and in�lammatory systems.
This  holistic  approach  leads  us  to  propose  various  outcomes.  For  most,  their  body  maintains
homeostasis by routine repair. However, some develop electrohypersensitivity either due to RFR
RELEASED
exposure or as an ANS-mediated, unconscious response (aka nocebo effect), or both. We suggest
RFR exposure may be one factor in the others developing an auto-immune disease or allergy. A
few develop delayed catastrophic disease such as glioma. This model gives the blanket term
ElectroMagnetic Illness (EMI) to all RFR-related conditions. Thus, EHS appears to be one part of
a range of responses to a novel and rapidly changing evolutionary situation.
Exposures from personal devices
IEEE Access doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3020831

Document 1
Brain EM Exposure for Voice Calls of Mobile Phones in Wireless Communication
Environment of Seoul, Korea
Ae-Kyoung Lee and Hyung-Do Choi
The aim of this paper is to present the measurement results of the transmitted (Tx) power levels
of mobile phones in currently operating wireless communication networks in Seoul in 2015 and
2017 and the calculation results of the speci�ic absorption rate (SAR) in the brain for voice calls
while holding a mobile phone against the user’s ear when operating at the measured mean power
level. The Tx power levels of mobile phones using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000,
Wide CDMA (WCDMA), and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks were compared for the three
main mobile network operators in South Korea. The actual mean Tx power level was less than
1982
0.5% of the maximum power for the CDMA2000 and WCDMA networks. In the LTE networks,
however, an extremely wide gap in Tx power was observed between the operators; two of the
operators showed a mean power of less than 0.1% of the maximum, whereas the other sh
ACT owed
mean powers of the three bands within the range of 0.8%20% of the maximum power. The
measurement results suggest that the SAR in the user’s brain is strongly dependent on the year
the phone was used, the user-subscribed mobile operator, and the proportion of time connected
to the network/technology. The maximum 1-g peak spatial-average SAR (psSAR) level at the mean
Tx power in an LTE network was 4.8 mW/kg (for a child head model). A maximum gap of 25 dB
in the psSAR was observed between all networks considered.
INFORMATION
September 2021
Expert reports
None
EHS
OFFICIAL
Rev Environ Health. 2021 Jul 6.doi: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0038.
THE
Review of the scienti�ic evidence on the individual sensitivity to electromagnetic �ields
(EHS)
Dariusz Leszczynski UNDER
Part of the population considers themselves as sensitive to the man-made electromagnetic
radiation (EMF) emitted by powerlines, electric wiring, electric home appliance and the wireless
communication devices and networks. Sensitivity is characterized by a broad variety of non-
speci�ic symptoms that the sensitive people claim to experience when exposed to EMF. While the
experienced symptoms are currently considered as a real life impairment, the factor causing these
symptoms remains unclear. So far, scientists were unable to �ind causality link between symptoms
experienced by sens
RELEASED itive persons and the exposures to EMF. However, as presented in this review,
the executed to-date scienti�ic studies, examining sensitivity to EMF, are of poor quality to �ind the
link between EMF exposures and sensitivity symptoms of some people. It is logical to consider
that the sensitivity to EMF exists but the scienti�ic methodology used to �ind it is of insuf�icient
quality. It is time to drop out psychology driven provocation studies that ask about feelings-based
non-speci�ic symptoms experienced by volunteers under EMF exposure. Such research approach
produces only subjective and therefore highly unreliable data that is insuf�icient to prove, or to
disprove, causality link between EHS and EMF. There is a need for a new direction in studying

Document 1
sensitivity to EMF. The basis for it is the notion of a commonly known phenomenon of individual
sensitivity, where individuals' responses to EMF depend on the genetic and epigenetic properties
of the individual. It is proposed here that new studies, combining provocation approach, where
volunteers  are  exposed  to  EMF,  and  high-throughput technologies of transcriptomics and
proteomics are used to generate objective data, detecting molecular level biochemical responses
of human body to EMF.
Exposures from personal devices
Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 Jan 26;18(3):1073. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031073.
Numerical Analysis of Electromagnetic Field Exposure from 5G Mobile Communications at
28 GHZ in Adults and Children Users for Real-World Exposure Scenarios
1982
Maria Sole Morelli , Silvia Gallucci, Beatrice Siervo, Valentina Hartwig
ACT
The recent development of millimeter-wave (mmW) technologies, such as the �ifth-generation
(5G) network, comes with concerns related to user exposure. A quite large number of dosimetry
studies above 6 GHz have been conducted, with the main purpose being to establish the
correlation between different dosimetric parameters and the skin surface temperature elevation.
However, the dosimetric studies from 28 GHz user equipment using different voxel models have
not been comprehensively discussed yet. In this study, we used the �inite-difference time-domain
(FDTD)  method  for  the  estimation  of  the  absorption  of  radiofrequency  (RF)  energy  from  a
microstrip patch antenna array (28 GHz) in different human models. Speci�ically, we analyzed
INFORMATION
different exposure conditions simulating three real common scenarios (a phone call scenario,
message writing scenario, and browsing scenario) regarding the use of smartphones/tablets by
four different individuals (adult male and female, child male and female). From the results of
Absorbed Power Density (Sab), it is possible to conclude that all the considered exposure
scenarios comply with the safety limits, both for adult and children models. However, the high
values  of  the  local  Speci�ic  Absorption  Rate  (SAR)  in  t
OFFICIAL  he super�icial tissues and the slight
differences in its distribution between adults and children suggest the need for further and more
detailed analysis.
THE
Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 17;11(1):3983.doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-82458-z.
Age-dependence of electromagnetic power and heat deposition in near-surface tissues in
emerging 5G bands UNDER
Giulia Sacco, Stefano Pisa, Maxim Zhadobov
With the development of 5th generation (5G) mobile networks people of different ages will be
exposed  in  the  upper  part  of  the  microwave  spectrum.  From  the  perspective  of  non-ionizing
radiation dosimetry, an accurate analysis of age-dependent electromagnetic power deposition
and resulting heating is required. In this study, we evaluate the effect of age on exposure at 26 GHz
RELEASED
and 60 GHz. A near-surface tissue model illuminated by a plane wave is used to asses the exposure
considering  both  frequency-independent  and  frequency-dependent limits. The age-related
variation of the skin thickness and tissue electromagnetic properties has been considered.
Moreover, the blood �low decrease rate has been taken into account to assess the age-dependent
heating. Our results  demonstrate  that  the  overall  variations  of  the  power  density,  speci�ic
absorption rate (SAR) and heating in the near-surface tissues are limited to about 10-15%. These
variations are mainly due to the tissue permittivity and blood �low change with age. In contrast to

Document 1
the transmitted power density that increases with age, the peak SAR decreases at both
frequencies. The peak steady-state heating increases from 5 to 70 years old by roughly 11% at 26
GHz and 13% at 60 GHz.
February 2022
Expert reports
Recent Research on  EMF and Health Risk.  Fifteenth  report  from  SSM’s  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
Electromagnetic Fields, 2020 - SSM’s Scientiﬁc Council on Electromagnetic Fields
1982
Available at: https://www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/en/publications/reports/radiation-
protection/2021/202108/?
ACT
World Cancer Report: Cancer Research for Cancer Prevention - International Agency for Research on
Cancer
Available at: https://www.iccp-
portal.org/sites/default/�iles/resources/IARC%20World%20Cancer%20Report%202020.pdf
EHS
Environ Int. 2021 Sep 6;157:106852.doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106852.
The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and
INFORMATION
non-speci�ic symptoms in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic
review on human observational studies
Martin  Röösli,  Stefan  Dongus,  Hamed  Jalilian,  Maria  Feychting,  John  Eyers,  Ekpereonne  Esu,
Chioma Moses Oringanje, Martin Meremikwu, Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
OFFICIAL
Background: Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to
300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and
in industry (RF heaters). Concern has be
THE en raised that RF-EMF exposure affects health related
quality  of  life,  because  a  part  of  the  population  reports  to  experience  a  variety  of  symptoms
related to low exposure levels below regulatory limits.
Objectives: To systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local and whole
UNDER
human  body  RF-EMF  exposure  on  the  occurrence  of  symptoms  evaluating  migraine,  tinnitus,
headaches, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores as primary outcomes.
Methods: We will follow the WHO handbook for guideline development. For the development of
the systematic review protocol we considered handbook for conducting systematic reviews for
health effects evaluations from the National Toxicology Program-Of�ice of Health Assessment and
Translation (NTP-OHAT) and COSTER (Recommendations for the conduct of systematic reviews
RELEASED
in toxicology and environmental health research).
Eligibility criteria: Peer-reviewed epidemiological studies in the general population or workers
aiming to investigate the association between local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least
one week and symptoms are eligible for inclusion. Only cohort, case-control and panel studies will
be included.

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Information sources: We will search the scienti�ic literature databases Medline, Web of Science,
PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and Embase, using a prede�ined search strategy. This
search will be supplemented by a search in the EMF-Portal and checks of reference lists of relevant
papers and reviews.
Study appraisal and synthesis method: Data from included papers will be extracted according
to prede�ined forms. Findings will be summarized in tables, graphical displays and in a narrative
synthesis of the available evidence, complemented with meta-analyses. We will separately review
effects of local, far �ield and occupational exposure.
Risk of bias: The internal validity of included studies will be assessed using the NTP-OHAT Risk
of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies, elaborated to observational RF-EMF studies.
1982
Evidence appraisal: To rate certainty of the evidence, we will use the OHAT GRADE-based
approach for epidemiological studies.
ACT
Framework and funding: This protocol concerns one of the ten different systematic reviews
considered in a larger systematic review of the World Health Organization to assess potential
health effects of exposure to RF-EMF in the general and working population.
Environ Int. 2022 Jan;158:106953.doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106953.
The  effects  of  radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ields  exposure  on  human  self-reported
symptoms: A protocol for a systematic review of human experimental studies
INFORMATION
Xavier  Bosch-Capblanch,  Ekpereonne  Esu,  Stefan  Dongus,  Chioma  Moses  Oringanje,  Hamed
Jalilian, John Eyers, Gunnhild Oftedal, Martin Meremikwu, Martin Röösli
Background: The technological applications of radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF)
have been steadily increasing since the 1950s across multiple sectors exposing large proportions
OFFICIAL
of the population. This fact has raised concerns related to the potential consequences to people's
health. The World Health Organization (WHO) is assessing the potential health effects of exposure
THE
to RF-EMF and has carried out an international survey amongst experts, who have identi�ied six
priority topics to be further addressed through systematic reviews, whereof the effects on
symptoms is one of them. We report here the systematic review protocol of experimental studies
in humans assessing the effects of RF-EMF on symptoms.
UNDER
Objective:  Our  objectives  are  to  assess  the  effects  of  exposure  to  electromagnetic  �ields
(compared to no or lower exposure levels) on symptoms in human subjects. We will also assess
the accuracy of perception of presence of exposure in volunteers with and without idiopathic
environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic �ields (IEI-EMF).
Eligibility criteria: We will search relevant literature sources (e.g. the Web of Science, Medline,
Embase, Epistemonikos) for randomized trials (comparing at least two arms) and randomised
RELEASED
crossover trials of RF-EMF exposure that have assessed the effects on symptoms. We will also
include studies that have measured the accuracy of the perception of the presence or absence of
exposure. We will include studies in any language.
Study appraisal and synthesis:  Studies will be assessed against inclusion criteria by two
independent reviewers. Data on study characteristics, participants, exposure, comparators and
effects will be extracted using a speci�ic template for this review, by two independent reviewers.
Discrepancies will be solved by consensus. Risk of bias (ROB) will be assessed using the ROB

Document 1
Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies and the level of con�idence in the evidence of the
exposure-outcome  relations  will  be  assessed  using  the  GRADE  approach.  For  the  perception
studies, we will use adapted versions of the ROB tool and GRADE assessment. Where appropriate,
data will be combined using meta-analytical techniques.
Exposures from personal devices
None
February 2020
Expert reports
1982
None
ACT
EHS
Environ Health. 2022 Mar 8;21(1):31.doi: 10.1186/s12940-022-00843-1.
Physiological changes and symptoms associated with short-term exposure to
electromagnetic �ields: a randomized crossover provocation study
Po-Chang Huang, Jui-Chin Chiang, Ya-Yun Cheng, Tain-Junn Cheng, Chien-Yuan Huang, Ya-Ting
Chuang, Ti Hsu, How-Ran Guo
INFORMATION
Background: The biological association between electromagnetic �ields (EMF) and idiopathic
environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF) has not been established. To assess the
physiological  changes  and  symptoms  associated  with  exposure  to  EMF,  we  conducted  a
randomized crossover provocation study.
Methods: We recruited 58 individuals with IEI-EMF (IEI-EMF group) and 92 individuals without
OFFICIAL
IEI-EMF  (control  group).  In  a  controlled  environment,  all  participants  received  EMF  signals
mimicking those from mobile phone base stations in a randomized sequence under the blinded
THE
condition. During the course, participants reported their symptoms and whether they perceived
EMF, and we monitored their physiological parameters, including blood pressure (BP), heart rate
(HR), and HR variability.
Results: The IEI-EMF and control groups reported similar frequencies of symptoms during both
UNDER
the provocation and sham sessions. No participant could accurately identify the provocation. In
both groups, physiological parameters were similar between the two sessions. The control group,
but not the IEI-EMF group, had elevated HR when they perceived EMF exposure.
Conclusions: No symptoms or changes in physiological parameters were found to be associated
with short-term exposure to EMF, and no participant could accurately detect the presence of EMF.
Moreover, the participants in the control group, but not those in the IEI-EMF group, had elevated
RELEASED
HR when they perceived EMF.
Exposures from personal devices
Environ Int. 2022 Apr;162:107144.doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107144. Epub 2022 Mar 24.
Longitudinal study of exposure to radio frequencies at population scale
Yanis Boussad, Xi Leslie Chen, Arnaud Legout, Augustin Chaintreau, Walid Dabbous

Document 1
Evaluating exposure to radio frequencies (RF) at population-scale is important for conducting
sound epidemiological studies about possible health impact of RF radiations. Numerous studies
reported population exposure to RF radiations used in wireless telecommunication technologies,
but used very small population samples. In this context, the real exposure of the population at
scale remains poorly understood. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we report the largest crowd-
based measurement of population exposure to RF produced by cellular antennas, Wi-Fi access
points, and Bluetooth devices for 254,410 unique users in 13 countries from January 2017 to
December 2020. First, we present methods to assess the population exposure to RF radiations
using smartphone measurements obtained using the ElectroSmart Android app. Then, we use
these methods to evaluate and characterize the evolution of RF exposure. We show that total
exposure has been multiplied by 2.3 in the four-year period considered, with Wi-Fi as the largest
1982
contributor. The cellular exposure levels are orders of magnitude lower than regulation limits and
are not correlated to national regulation policies. The population tends to be more exposed at
home; for half of the study subjects, personal Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices contributed to
ACT
more than 50% of their total exposure. In this work, we showcase how crowdsource-based data
allow large-scale and long-term assessment of population exposure to RF radiations.
Environ Res. 2022 Apr 12;212(Pt B):113252. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113252. Online ahead
of print.
Personal  radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ield  exposure  of  adolescents  in  the  Greater
London area in the SCAMP cohort and the association with restrictions on permitted use of
mobile communication technologies at school and at home
INFORMATION
Claudia Schmutz, Alexandra Bürgler, Narain Ashta, Jana Soenksen, Yasmin Bou Karim, Chen Shen,
Rachel B Smith, Rosemary H Jenkins, Michael O Mireku, Julian Mutz, Mikaël J A Maes, Rosi Hirst,
Irene  Chang,  Charlotte  Fleming,  Aamirah  Mussa,  Daphna  Kesary,  Darren  Addison,  Myron
Maslanyj, Mireille B Toledano, Martin Röösli, Marloes Eeftens
OFFICIAL
Personal measurements of radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF) have been used in
several studies to characterise personal exposure in daily life, but such data are limitedly available
THE
for adolescents, and not yet for the United Kingdom (UK). In this study, we aimed to characterise
personal exposure to RF-EMF in adolescents and to study the association between exposure and
rules applied at school and at home to restrict wireless communication use, likely implemented
to reduce other effects of mobile technology (e.g. distraction). We measured exposure to RF-EMF
for  16  common  frequency  band
UNDER s (87.5 MHz-3.5 GHz), using portable measurement devices
(ExpoM-RF),  in  a  subsample  of  adolescents  participating  in  the  cohort  Study  of  Cognition,
Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP) from Greater London (UK) (n = 188). School and home
rules were assessed by questionnaire and concerned the school's availability of WiFi and mobile
phone policy, and parental restrictions on permitted mobile phone use. Adolescents recorded
their activities in real time using a diary app on a study smartphone, while characterizing their
personal  RF-EMF  exposure  in  daily  life,  during  different  activities  and  times  of  the  day.  Data
RELEASED
analysis was done for 148 adolescents from 29 schools who recorded RF-EMF data for a median
duration of 47 h. The majority (74%) of adolescents spent part of their time at school during the
measurement  period.  Median  total  RF-EMF  exposure  was  40  μW/m2 at home, 94 μW/m2 at
school, and 100 μW/m2 overall. In general, restrictions at school or at home made little difference
for adolescents' measured exposure to RF-EMF, except for uplink exposure from mobile phones
while at school, which was found to be signi�icantly lower for adolescents attending schools not
permitting phone use at all, compared to adolescents attending schools allowing mobile phone
use during breaks. This difference was not statistically signi�icant for total personal exposure.

Document 1
Total exposure to RF-EMF in adolescents living in Greater London tended to be higher compared
to exposure levels reported in other European countries. This study suggests that school policies
and parental restrictions are not associated with a lower RF-EMF exposure in adolescents.
Environ Int. 2022 May;163:107189.doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107189. Epub 2022 Apr 18.
Estimation of RF and ELF dose by anatomical location in the brain from wireless phones in
the MOBI-Kids study
Carolina Calderón, Gemma Castaño-Vinyals, Myron Maslanyj, Joe Wiart, Ae-Kyoung Lee, Masao
Taki, Kanako Wake, Alex Abert, Francesc Badia, Abdelhamid Hadjem, Hans Kromhout, Patricia de
Llobet, Nadège Varsier , Emmanuelle Conil, Hyung-Do Choi, Malcolm R Sim, Elisabeth Cardis 1982
Wireless phones (both mobile and cordless) emit not only radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic
�ields (EMF) but also extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic �ields, both of which should be
ACT
considered in epidemiological studies of the possible adverse health effects of use of such devices.
This paper describes a unique algorithm, developed for the multinational case-control MOBI-Kids
study, that estimates the cumulative speci�ic energy (CSE) and the cumulative induced current
density (CICD) in the brain from RF and ELF �ields, respectively, for each subject in the study (aged
10-24 years old). Factors such as age, tumour location, self-reported phone models and usage
patterns  (laterality,  call  frequency/duration  and  hands-free use) were considered, as was the
prevalence  of  different  communication  systems  over  time.  Median  CSE  and  CICD  were
substantially higher in GSM than 3G systems and varied considerably with location in the brain.
INFORMATION
Agreement between RF CSE and mobile phone use variables was moderate to null, depending on
the communication system. Agreement between mobile phone use variables and ELF CICD was
higher  overall  but  also  strongly  dependent  on  communication  system.  Despite  ELF  dose
distribution across the brain being more diffuse than that of RF, high correlation was observed
between RF and ELF dose. The algorithm was used to systematically estimate the localised RF and
ELF doses in the brain from wireless phones, which wer
OFFICIAL  e found to be strongly dependent on
location and communication system. Analysis of cartographies showed high correlation across
phone models and across ages, however diagonal agreement between these cartographies
THE
suggest these factors do affect dose distribution to some level. Overall, duration and number of
calls may not be adequate proxies of dose, particularly as communication systems available for
voice calls tend to become more complex with time.
UNDER
February 2023
Expert reports
Recent Research  on EMF and  Health Risk. Sixteenth  report  from  SSM’s  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
Electromagnetic  Fields,  2021  -  Swedish  Radiation  Safety  Authority’s  (SSM)  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
RELEASED
Electromagnetic Fields
Available at:
https://www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/publikationer/rapporter/stralskydd/2022/20221
6/
EHS
Sci Total Environ. 2023 Jan 15;856(Pt 2):159240. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159240. Epub
2022 Oct 6.

Document 1
Time course of health complaints attributed to RF-EMF exposure and predictors of
electromagnetic hypersensitivity over 10 years in a prospective cohort of Dutch adults
Eugenio Traini, Astrid L Martens, Pauline Slottje, Roel C H Vermeulen, Anke Huss
Background: Some individuals attribute health complaints to radiofrequency electromagnetic
�ield  (RF-EMF)  exposure.  This  condition,  known  as  idiopathic  environmental  intolerance
attributed to RF-EMFs (IEI-RF) or electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), can be disabling for
those who are affected. In this study we assessed factors related to developing, maintaining, or
discarding IEI-RF over the course of 10 years, and predictors of developing EHS at follow-up using
a targeted question without the condition of reporting health complaints attributed to RF-EMF
exposure.
1982
Methods:  Participants  (n  =  892,  mean  age  50  at  baseline,  52  %  women)  from  the  Dutch
Occupational  and  Environmental  Health  Cohort  Study  AMIGO  �illed  in  questionnair
ACT es  in
2011/2012 (T0), 2013 (T1), and 2021 (T4) where information pertaining to perceived RF-EMF
exposure and risk, non-speci�ic symptoms, sleep problems, IEI-RF, and EHS was collected. We
�itted multi-state Markov models to represent how individuals transitioned between states ("yes",
"no") of IEI-RF.
Results: At each time point, about 1 % of study participants reported health complaints that they
attributed  to  RF-EMF  exposure.  While  this  percentage  remained  stable,  the  individuals  who
reported such complaints changed over time: of nine persons reporting health complaints at T0,
INFORMATION
only one reported IEI-RF at both T1 and T4, and two newly reported health complaints at T4.
Overall, participants had a 95 % chance of transitioning from "yes" to "no" over a time course of
10 years, and a chance of 1 % of transitioning from "no" to "yes". Participants with high perceived
RF-EMF exposure and risk had a general tendency to move more frequently between states.
Conclusions: We observed a low prevalence of IEI-RF in our population. Prevalence did not vary
OFFICIAL
strongly over time but there was a strong aspect of change: over 10 years, there was a high
probability of not attributing symptoms to RF-EMF exposure anymore. IEI-RF appears to be a
more transient condition than previously a
THE  ssumed.
PLoS One. 2022 Jun 1;17(6):e0268641.doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268641. eCollection 2022.
Systematic review of the physiological and health-related  effects  of  radiofrequency
electromagnetic  �ield  exposure
UNDER   from wireless communication devices on children and
adolescents in experimental and epidemiological human studies
Lambert Bodewein, Dagmar Dechent , David Graefrath, Thomas Kraus, Tobias Krause, Sarah
Driessen
Background:  For  more  than  20  years,  the  potential  health  risks  of  radiofrequency
electromagnetic �iel
RELEASED d (RF EMF) exposure from mobile communication devices on children and
adolescents have been examined because they are considered sensitive population groups;
however, it remains unclear whether such exposure poses any particular risk to them.
Objectives: The aim of this review was to systematically analyze and evaluate the physiological
and health-related effects of RF EMF exposures from wireless communication devices (mobile
phones, cordless phones, Bluetooth, etc.) on children and adolescents.

Document 1
Methods: This review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
Reviews  and  Meta-Analyses  (PRISMA)  guidelines.  Methodological  limitations  in  individual
studies were assessed using the Of�ice of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) Risk-of-Bias
Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies.
Results: A total of 42 epidemiological and 11 experimental studies were eligible for this review.
Most of the studies displayed several methodological weaknesses that limited the internal validity
of the results. Due to a lack of consistency regarding the outcomes as well as the lack of scienti�ic
rigor  in  most  reviewed  studies,  the  body  of  evidence  for  the  effects  of  RF  EMF  of  mobile
communication devices on subjective symptoms, cognition, and behavior in children and
adolescents  was  low  to  inadequate.  Evidence from the studies investigating early childhood
development, brain activity, cancer, and physiological parameters was considered inadequate for
1982
drawing conclusions about possible effects.
Discussion: Overall, the body of evidence allows no �inal conclusion on the question wh
ACT ether
exposure to RF EMF from mobile communication devices poses a particular risk to children and
adolescents. There has been rapid development in technologies generating RF EMF, which are
extensively used by children and adolescents. Therefore, we strongly recommend high-quality
systematic research on children and adolescents, since they are generally considered as sensitive
age groups.
Exposures from personal devices
None
INFORMATION
September 2023
Expert reports
OFFICIAL
Opinion on the need of a revision of the annexes in the Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC and
Directive  2013/35/EU,  in  view  of  the  latest  scientiﬁc  evidence  available  with  regard  to
THE
radiofrequency (100kHz - 300GHz) - Scientiﬁc Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging
Risks (SCHEER)
Available at: https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/�iles/2023-06/scheer_o_044.pdf
EHS
UNDER
None
Exposures from personal devices
None
RELEASED
February 2024
Expert reports
None
EHS
Environ Int. 2023 Dec 6:183:108338.doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108338. Online ahead of print.

Document 1
The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and
non-speci�ic symptoms in the general and working population: A systematic review and
meta-analysis on human observational studies
Martin Röösli, Stefan Dongus, Hamed Jalilian, John Eyerset al
Background: Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to
300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and
in industry (RF heaters).
Objectives: The objective is to systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local
and  whole  human  body  radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ield  (RF-EMF)  exposure  on  the
1982
occurrence of symptoms. Primary hypotheses were tinnitus, migraine and headaches in relation
to RF-EMF exposure of the brain, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores in relation
to whole-body RF-EMF exposure.
ACT
Methods: Eligibility criteria: We included case-control and prospective cohort studies in the
general population or workers estimating local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least one
week.
Information sources: We conducted a systematic literature search in various databases
including Web of Science and Medline. Risk of bias: We used the Risk of Bias (RoB) tool developed
by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review.
INFORMATION
Synthesis of results: We synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis.
Results: Included studies: We included 13 papers from eight distinct cohort and one case-control
studies with a total of 486,558 participants conducted exclusively in Europe. Tinnitus is addressed
in three papers, migraine in one, headaches in six, sleep disturbances  in  �ive,  and  composite
symptom scores in �ive papers. Only one study addressed o
OFFICIAL  ccupational exposure.
Synthesis of results: For all �ive priority hypotheses, available research suggests that RF-EMF
exposure below guideline values does no
THE  t cause symptoms, but the evidence is very uncertain.
The very low certainty evidence is due the low number of studies, possible risk of bias in some
studies, inconsistencies, indirectness, and imprecision. In terms of non-priority hypotheses
numerous exposure-outcome combinations were addressed in the 13 eligible papers without
indication for an association related to a speci�ic symptom or exposure source.
UNDER
Discussion: Limitations of evidence: This review topic includes various challenges related to
confounding control and exposure assessment. Many of these aspects are inherently present and
not easy to be solved in future research. Since near-�ield exposure from wireless communication
devices is related to lifestyle, a particular challenge is to differentiate between potential
biophysical effects and other potential effects from extensive use of wireless communication
devices that may co
RELEASED mpete with healthy behaviour such as sleeping or physical activity. Future
research needs novel and innovative methods to differentiate between these two hypothetical
mechanisms.
Interpretation: This is currently the best available evidence to underpin safety of RF-EMF. There
is  no  indication  that  RF-EMF  below  guideline  values  causes  symptoms.  However,  inherent
limitations of the research results in substantial uncertainty.
Environ Res. 2024 Jan 25:118290.doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118290. Online ahead of print.

Document 1
Headache in the international cohort study of mobile phone use and health (COSMOS) in
the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Eugenio Traini, Rachel B Smith, Roel Vermeulen, Hans Kromhout
Headache is a common condition with a substantial burden of disease worldwide. Concerns have
been raised over the potential impact of long-term mobile phone use on headache due to
radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ields  (RF-EMFs).  We  explored  prospectively  the association
between mobile phone use at baseline (2009-2012) and headache at follow-up (2015-2018) by
analysing pooled data consisting of the Dutch and UK cohorts of the Cohort Study of Mobile Phone
Use and Health (COSMOS) (N = 78,437). Frequency of headache, migraine, and information on
mobile phone use, including use of hands-free  devices  and  frequency  of  texting,  were  self-
1982
reported. We collected objective operator data to obtain regression calibrated estimates of voice
call duration. In the model mutually adjusted for call-time and text messaging, participants in the
high category of call-time showed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95 % CI: 0.94-1.15)
ACT , with
no clear trend of reporting headache with increasing call-time. However, we found an increased
risk of weekly headache (OR = 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.25-1.56) in the high category of text messaging,
with a clear increase in reporting headache with increasing texting. Due to the negligible exposure
to  RF-EMFs  from  texting,  our  results  suggest  that  mechanisms  other  than  RF-EMFs  are
responsible for the increased risk of headache that we found among mobile phone users.
Exposures from personal devices
None
INFORMATION
September 2024
Expert reports
OFFICIAL
Recent Research on  EMF  and  Health  Risk,  Seventeenth report from  SSM’s  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
Electromagnetic  Fields,  2022  -  Swedish  Radiation  Safety  Authority  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
THE
Electromagnetic Fields
Available at: https://www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/en/publications/reports/radiation-
protection/2024/202405/
EHS
UNDER
Environ Int. 2024 May:187:108612.doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108612. Epub 2024 Apr 2.
The  effects  of  radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ields  exposure  on  human  self-reported
symptoms: A systematic review of human experimental studies
Xavier Bosch-Capblanch, Ekpereonne Esu, Chioma Moses Oringanje, Stefan Dongus et al
RELEASED
Background: The technological applications of radiofrequency electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF)
have been steadily increasing since the 1950s exposing large proportions of the population. The
World Health Organization (WHO) is assessing the potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF.
Objectives:  To  systematically  assess  the  effects of  exposure  to  RF-EMF on  self-reported non-
speci�ic symptoms in human subjects and to assess the accuracy of perceptions of presence or
absence of RF-EMF exposure.

Document 1
Methods: Eligibility criteria: experimental studies carried out in the general population and in
individuals  with  idiopathic  environmental  intolerance  attributed  to  EMF  (IEI-EMF),  in  any
language.
Information sources:  Medline,  Web  of  Science,  PsycInfo,  Cochrane  Library,  Epistemonikos,
Embase  and  EMF  portal,  searched  till  April  2022.  Risk  of  Bias  (ROB):  we  used  the  RoB  tool
developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review.
Synthesis of results: we synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis and sensitivity
analyses, where appropriate.
Results: Included studies: 41 studies were included, mostly cross over trials and from Europe,
1982
with a total of 2,874 participants.
Synthesis of results: considering the primary outcomes, we carried out meta-analyses of 10
ACT
exposure-outcomes pairs. All evidence suggested no or small non-signi�icant effects of exposure
on symptoms with high (three comparisons), moderate (four comparisons), low (one
comparison) and very low (two comparisons) certainty of evidence. The effects (standard mean
difference, where positive values indicate presence of symptom being exposed) in the general
population for head exposure were (95% con�idence intervals) 0.08 (-0.07 to 0.22) for headache,
-0.01 (-0.22 to 0.20) for sleeping disturbances and 0.13 (-0.51 to 0.76) for composite symptoms;
and for whole-body exposure: 0.09 (-0.35 to 0.54), 0.00 (-0.15 to 0.15) for sleeping disturbances
and -0.05 (-0.17 to 0.07) for composite symptoms. For IEI-EMF individuals SMD ranged from -
INFORMATION
0.19 to 0.11, all of them with con�idence intervals crossing the value of zero. Further, the available
evidence suggested that study volunteers could not perceive the EMF exposure status better than
what is expected by chance and that IEI-EMF individuals could not determine EMF conditions
better than the general population.
Discussion: Limitations of evidence: experimental conditions are substantially different from
OFFICIAL
real-life situations in the duration, frequency, distance and position of the exposure. Most studies
were conducted in young, healthy volunteers, who might be more resilient to RF-EMF than the
general population. The outcomes of inter
THE est in this systematic review were symptoms, which are
self-reported. The available information did not allow to assess the potential effects of exposures
beyond acute exposure and in elderly or in chronically ill people. It cannot be ruled out that a real
EMF effect in IEI-EMF groups is masked by a mix with insensitive subjects. However, studies on
symptoms  reporting  and/or  �ield  perceptions  did  not  �ind  any  evidence  that  there  were
UNDER
particularly vulnerable individuals in the IEI-EMF group, although in open provocation studies,
when volunteers were informed about the presence or absence of EMF exposure, such differences
were consistently observed.
Interpretation: available evidence suggests that acute RF-EMF below regulatory limits does not
cause symptoms and corresponding claims in the everyday life are related to perceived and not
to real EMF exposure status.
RELEASED
Exposures from personal devices
IEEE Access. July 2024. Doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3424305
Assessment of EMF Exposure Induced by Wireless Cellular Phones in Various Usage
Scenarios in France
Jiang Liu; Yarui Zhang; Wassim Ben Chikha et al

Document 1
With the ever-increasing demand for high-speed and low-latency wireless communications, new
generation of base stations, i.e., the �ifth generation (5G), has been deployed recently. However,
this deployment has raised growing concerns regarding the potential public health implications
associated with exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic �ields (RF-EMF). According to the
type of sources, RF-EMF exposure can be catergorized into uplink (device-to-base station) and
downlink (base station-to-device) transmissions. In this paper, we aim to analyze uplink exposure
induced by mobile devices operating on 5G and previous generations. A total of 380 measurement
points are selected for evaluating three types of services, i.e., voice call, video call, �ile uploading,
in the Greater Paris region. Data collected from those measurements cover technologies in 2G, 3G,
4G, and 5G, where 5G refers to non-standalone (NSA) in the current paper. We compare the
average  transmitted  (TX)  power,  throughput,  connection  duration,  and energy utilization
1982
ef�iciency for different services and frequency bands. To assess the impact of 5G, we compared
measurements with the 5G functionality enabled and disabled, respectively. The results show that
mobile phones emit higher power during data-intensive services. Additionally, mobile phones
ACT
operating on 5G emit lower TX power than 4G. Furthermore, the UL exposure level also depends
on  the  the  duration  of  emission.  For  a  given  �ile  size  to  upload,  the  duration  depends  on  the
throughput. Consequently,  we  also  investigated  the  emitted  energy  consumption  per  bit
transmitted, referred to as radiated energy per bit transmitted (REBT). The comparison reveals
that REBT in �ile uploading is 9.65 mJ/Mb for 4G and 5.1 mJ/Mb for 5G, indicating a signi�icant
decrease in radiated energy consumption with the adoption of 5G technology. This research
enhances our understanding of uplink RF-EMF exposure associated with 5G and provides crucial
insights for public health risk assessments.
INFORMATION
February 2025
Expert reports
None
OFFICIAL
EHS
THE
None
Exposures from personal devices
None
UNDER
September 2025
Expert reports
Recent Research on  EMF  and  Health  Risk,  Eighteenth report from  SSM’s  Scientiﬁc  Council  on
RELEASED
Electromagnetic Fields, 2023 - Swedish radiation safety authority
Available at:
https://www.stralsakerhetsmyndigheten.se/contentassets/ae4a86baad6d4237a76194ac84252
0cb/202412-recent-research-on-emf-and-health-risk.pdf
EHS
Bioelectromagnetics. 2025 Apr;46(3):e70006.doi: 10.1002/bem.70006.

Document 1
Exposure Perception and Symptom Reporting in Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance
Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields Using a Co-Designed Provocation Test
Maryse Ledent, Jimmy Bordarie, Benjamin Vatovez, Maël Dieudonné et al
Idiopathic  Environmental  Intolerance  Attributed  to  Electromagnetic  Fields  (IEI-EMF)  is  a
syndrome that de�ines people who report symptoms that they attribute to their exposure to EMF
sources, without any identi�ied underlying medical condition to explain these symptoms. To date,
provocation  protocols  have  failed  to  demonstrate  a  consistent  relationship  between  EMF
exposure and reported symptoms, raising questions among some researchers and individuals
with IEI-EMF about the relevance of these protocols for studying the syndrome. To address these
criticisms, a provocation protocol was co-designed in collaboration with individuals with IEI-EMF.
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This study presents the results of the tests, with a focus on exposure perception and symptom
reporting among IEI-EMF  volunteers.  A  total  of  47  IEI-EMF  volunteers  were  enrolled  and
participated in an open-�ield habituation session. Of these, 27 completed the �irst double-
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controlled exposure session, while 26 and 16 volunteers, respectively, participated in three
sessions for collective analyses and 12 sessions for individual-level analyses. At the individual
level, no consistent association was found between exposure perception certainty level and
exposure status, except for one volunteer whose perception was mostly consistent with exposure
status. Similarly, symptom reporting did not align with exposure status, except for the same
volunteer, whose symptom reporting showed a borderline signi�icant result with exposure status.
However, for half of the volunteers, symptom reporting was signi�icantly correlated with exposure
perception certainty level, supporting a nocebo hypothesis. At the collective level, n
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was observed between exposure perception certainty level, symptom reporting, and exposure
status. This study discusses the conditions necessary for future provocation protocols to enhance
their relevance, acceptability, and potential utility in a possible care-oriented approach. It also
considers criticisms of using exposure perception and symptom reporting as outcomes in
provocation protocols, despite their central role in how individuals identify themselves as
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individuals with IEI-EMF.
Front  Public  Health.  2025  May  19:13:1603692.doi:  10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603692.  eCollection
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2025.
Electrohypersensitivity: what is belief and what is known?
Frank de Vocht, Martin Röösli
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Electrohypersensitivity (EHS), or idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to
electromagnetic �ields (IEI-EMF), is a condition with �luid and transient symptoms associated to
exposure to non-ionizing radiation by people claiming to suffer from it. However, the scienti�ic
evidence linking the exposure to the reported effects to datwe has eluded researchers, and may
not even exist. In the current perspective we outline what is objectively known about EMF as the
cause for EHS and w
RELEASED  hat is based on anecdotal information only. We discuss why randomized
provocation trials were considered the most appropriate research methodology to elucidate
causal links between EMF exposure and effects in a scienti�ically robust manner, what the main
arguments against such studies are, and whether these criticisms are valid. Finally, we synthesize
the evidence and beliefs around EHS and provide future directions of research and practice.
Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2025 Jun;17(3):e70044.doi: 10.1111/aphw.70044.

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What is the effect of alarmist media and radiofrequency electromagnetic �ield (RF-EMF)
exposure on salivary cortisol and non-speci�ic symptoms?
Adam Verrender, Nikkeah K Wallace, Sarah P Loughran, Chloe Wallace et al
While there is consistent evidence that the symptoms reported by people who experience
Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) are closely
associated with a nocebo effect, and that alarmist media reports may contribute to this nocebo
effect, some methodological criticisms remain to be resolved. This study aimed to replicate
previous �indings and determine whether viewing an alarmist media report and being openly
exposed  to  radiofrequency  electromagnetic  �ields  (RF-EMF)  could  induce  a  salivary  cortisol
response. A total of 144 participants were randomly assigned to watch either an alarmist or
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control video before completing an open-label provocation trial where they were either exposed
or not exposed to RF-EMF. Personality factors, RF-EMF risk perception (pre- and post-video),
symptoms and salivary cortisol were assessed. Consistent with previous studies, participants w
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were aware that they were being exposed had increased symptoms compared to participants who
were aware they were not being exposed. However, the current study failed to replicate an effect
of viewing an alarmist media report and being openly exposed to RF-EMF on symptoms and failed
to identify an effect on salivary cortisol. This suggests that awareness and belief of exposure play
a more important role in symptom perception than underlying physiological processes.
Mhealth. 2025 Jul 14:11:35.doi: 10.21037/mhealth-25-4. eCollection 2025.
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Pilot  questionnaire  survey  shows  the  lack  of  diagnostic  criteria  for  electromagnetic
hypersensitivity: a viewpoint
Dariusz Leszczynski
Wireless communication devices and networks are currently prevalent in human environment.
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Some persons claim to be sensitive to emitted by them microwave radiation. Commonly, this
sensitivity is called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) or microwave disease. However,
because of the yet scienti�ically unproven link between radiation exposures and EHS symptoms,
THE
this sensitivity is also called idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic
�ields (IEI-EMF). The sensitivity is not recognized by the World Health Organization as a disease
or as being caused by exposures to wireless radiation. There are no medical tests for detecting
sensitivity to wireless radiation. Physicians are not being educated to deal with persons who claim
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to be sensitive to wireless radiation. However, some persons who consider themselves to be
sensitive to wireless radiation exposures claim to have medical diagnoses made by physicians or
other health professionals. This project looked at the contradiction of the lack of diagnostic
criteria for sensitivity to wireless radiation with the medical diagnoses claimed by some of the
self-declared sensitive persons. Analysis of questionnaire responses of 142 self-declared sensitive
persons suggests that, currently, it is not possible to diagnose sensitivity to wireless radiation
exposures. The clai
RELEASED med medical diagnoses appear to be based on the anecdotal evidence
presented by the self-declared sensitive persons. In some cases, medical tests were used but these
tests lacked scienti�ic  proof  of  their  ability  to  detect  the  sensitivity  of  a  person  to  wireless
radiation exposure. The proof of the existence of sensitivity to wireless radiation remains
inadequate. However, logically and by analogy to other environmental stressors, it is likely that
individual sensitivity to wireless radiation exists. Because provocation studies in wireless
radiation-exposed volunteers alone seem unable to provide de�inite answers, further research

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using both, provocation and biochemical methods with controlled wireless radiation exposures
in volunteers is necessary to discover diagnostic biomarkers of EHS.
Exposures from personal devices
None

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Document Outline

H2025077086 document.pdf