Author(s)

Yue Xu

Corresponding Author

Yue Xu

ABSTRACT

For decades, with the acceleration of technological development, a large number of children and adolescent are exposed to various kinds of anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs), so their caregivers are more concerned about the health impact caused by EMFs. EMF exposure is classified into several different type based on their wavelength, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) (30 kHz to 300GHz) is emitted by mobile or cordless phones, smart devices, base station and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity). According to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), RF-EMFs is regarded as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, the research on the impact of cognitive function caused by RF-EMFs in children and adolescents are not inconsistent and inadequate. This review summarizes the latest research on exposure to EMF of human, especially children and adolescents. EMF exposure sources, epidemiology of RF-EMFs impact related to cognition, animal researches, possible mechanism will be discussed in this review. As children and adolescents are at a critical stage of developing cognitive function, more rigorous prevention methods should be adopted before identifying the potential impact on physical and mental health.

KEYWORDS

Electromagnetic field, Radiofrequency, Cognitive function, Nervous system, Child, Adolescent