Research on radiofrequency fields
An Environmental Health Criteria Monograph
The World Health Organization is undertaking a health risk assessment of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, to be published as a monograph in the Environmental Health Criteria Series. This publication will complement the monographs on static fields (2006) and extremely low frequency fields (2007), and will update the monograph on radiofrequency fields (1993).
International survey on rating potential adverse health outcomes from exposure to radiofrequency fields (June 2018)
WHO will commission a number of systematic reviews that will analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the most important potential adverse health outcomes. Appropriate selection of these health outcomes is therefore key to producing a useful monograph, considering available resources and timeline of the project.
To prioritize health outcomes, WHO sought the opinion of experts on the topic of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures and health to complete an online survey titled "Rating Potential Adverse Health Outcomes of Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields" to help prioritize the health outcomes to be addressed systematically. Over 300 RF experts were invited, and 167 responses received. A paper is currently being finalized for submission in a peer-reviewed publication.
Consultation on the scientific review for the upcoming WHO Environmental Health Criteria (Fall 2013)
The public consultation is now closed
The World Health Organization is undertaking a health risk assessment of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, to be published as a monograph in the Environmental Health Criteria Series. This publication will complement the monographs on static fields (2006) and extremely low frequency fields (2007), and will update the monograph on radiofrequency fields (1993).
The draft chapters of this document which contain the scientific content are now open for technical consultation by RF experts. We are seeking comments on the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in these chapters. Please note that the literature searches have been done up to December 2012 (in a few instances to December 2013), so the more recent studies are currently not yet included. While the searches and chapters will be updated before finalization of the document, any suggestions for inclusion of peer reviewed studies are welcomed.
The process used in developing the chapters is described in Appendix X. Note that the chapters 1, 13 and 14 which will provide a summary, health risk assessment and protective measures are not available for this consultation. The drawing of conclusions from the literature and the drafting of these chapters is the remit of a formal Task Group that will be convened by WHO at a later stage in the process.
If you have questions, please contact us at: emfproject@who.int
International Survey of Radiofrequency Policies (2012-2013)
In the context of the WHO Radiofrequency Fields monograph, an overview of national risk management policies and practices on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields was undertaken in 2012 to set up a baseline for determining progress achieved over time. To that end, a survey was carried out in the Fall of 2012 to gather information on national policies in relation to personal exposures from devices emitting radiofrequency fields, environmental exposures from fixed installations and exposures in the work environment.
Outcomes
- Data from 86 countries representing all WHO regions were collected, analysed and published in a peer-reviewed journal
- WHO convened a seminar to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to present their views on specific questions to be addressed during the course of this project in June 2013 at the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) in Paris, France.