According to a review published in Current Approaches in Psychiatry by Neriman Ezgin, increasing experimental evidence suggests that exposure to wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation during pregnancy and early childhood may impact neurodevelopment and behavior.
In short:
- Animal studies show that exposure to RF radiation during critical developmental windows can alter neurodevelopment, cognitive function, motor activity, and emotional behavior.
- Studies have also reported impacts to oxidative stress regulation, apoptosis, DNA repair, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation, leading to behavioral changes and anxiety-like responses.
- Human data is limited and outcomes vary depending on differences in sex, species, and the timing, frequency, and intensity of exposure.
While not all studies report effects, the author states that the converging evidence, coupled with escalating exposure to Wi-Fi and wireless technologies, underscores the need for precautionary measures and rigorous, standardized, long-term studies to better understand human health impacts.
Key quote:
“These findings indicate that developmental RF-EMF exposure can affect a broad spectrum of cognitive, emotional, and motor behaviors, with both prenatal and early-life exposures producing lasting neurobehavioral alterations.”
Why this matters:
This study adds to a growing body of research reporting health impacts from wireless exposure. Pregnancy and early childhood are sensitive periods of development as the brain is rapidly developing and even small exposures can have long lasting impacts. Numerous experts and medical groups recommend reducing exposure, especially to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics has repeatedly called for an update to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), highlighting how children absorb proportionately higher rates of wireless into their brains and bodies.
Studies in animal models over the last few decades have repeatedly reported neurodevelopmental effects such as increased hyperactivity and memory impacts. Some human studies have associated prenatal and postnatal exposure to wireless radiation with lower cognitive scores and behavioral problems. Replicated research has reported memory-related changes in teenagers, particularly in brain regions where cell phones were typically held during use. However US FCC limits for wireless radiation have been unchanged since 1996. In 2021, the D.C. Circuit specifically ordered the FCC to explain how its 1996 limits protect children and address the scientific evidence reporting neurological, reproductive, and developmental impacts. Yet the FCC has still not responded to the court.
What you can do:
- Reduce exposure at home: Create distance between your child and wireless devices, and keep phones off and away from the body — especially during pregnancy. Reduce Wi-Fi exposure by hardwiring your tech. Learn more about how to reduce exposure here.
- Share this information: Talk to your community and elected officials. Download our factsheets on science and policy here. Join our safer technology campaigns.
Related EHN coverage:
- Wireless radiation levels in the home linked to neurodevelopmental delays in children
- Is Wi-Fi linked to Alzheimer’s? Study urges further research
- Cell phone radiation altered brain development in rodents, study finds - EHN
More resources:
- Science on Children, Cell Phone Radiation and Health Risk
- Fact Sheet: Children & Wireless Radiation
- Fact Sheet: 5 Invisible Sources of Wireless RF Radiation at Home
