EMFSA 14th August 2026

This article presents our interpretation of the Jalilian et al. study published in Environmental Research (2026). We aim to summarise the findings accurately while highlighting important methodological caveats that may not be immediately apparent from reading the original paper.

What Was Measured?

The Swiss Study on 5G Adolescent RF Exposure—led by Jalilian et al.—measured personal RF-EMF exposure in 143 Swiss adolescents (mean age 13.5 years) during approximately 72-hour periods between June 2023 and January 2025.

Participants carried an ExpoM-RF4 exposimeter measuring 35 frequency bands from 80 MHz–6 GHz, including mobile-network signals, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, broadcast and DECT.

Key Findings

Main exposure levels:

• 24-hour mean exposure: 0.09 mW/m²
• Peak exposure time: Afternoon (0.12 mW/m²)
• Lowest exposure time: Night (0.06 mW/m²)

Source contributions to total exposure:

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: 35% (largest contributor)
• Broadcast (FM/DAB): 31%
• Mobile uplink: 19%
• Mobile downlink: 10%
• TDD bands (used as an indicator of 5G-related exposure): 4%
• DECT: 0.7%

Average exposure by environment:

• Transport systems: 0.47 mW/m² (highest)
• Outdoor: 0.27 mW/m²
• School: 0.08 mW/m²
• Home: 0.07 mW/m² (lowest)

What Does This Tell Us About 5G?

According to the authors, despite widespread 5G deployment in Switzerland (~99% population coverage by 2025), overall personal exposure among adolescents remains similar to pre-5G levels.

The TDD bands used by the authors as an indicator of 5G-related exposure averaged only 0.003 mW/m².

But there’s an important caveat. The authors explicitly acknowledge that the study cannot provide a causal estimate of the independent effect of 5G deployment. In short, this study shows exposure levels after 5G rollout, not what 5G caused.

Why Was Transport Exposure Highest?

Transport systems showed the highest average RF-EMF exposure at 0.47 mW/m², compared with 0.08 mW/m² at school and 0.07 mW/m² at home.

Several factors may help explain the higher measurements:

• Mobile-network activity: Uplink, downlink and TDD exposure were substantially higher in transport.
• Network characteristics: The authors suggest that differences between environments may reflect network density and infrastructure.
• User activity: Greater mobile-phone use and the presence of multiple active devices may contribute to higher uplink exposure.
• Train environments: Mean exposure in trains reached up to 0.89 mW/m², the highest value reported for a specific transport setting.

The authors suggest that network characteristics and user behaviour may both contribute to the elevated transport exposure. However, as discussed in the Important Limitations section below, the measurements cannot determine precisely how much originated from passengers’ phones versus network infrastructure. 

Important Limitations

Near-body exposure may be underestimated

The exposimeter does not capture total RF-EMF exposure from all sources. The authors explain that personal exposimeters have reduced ability to measure signals from sources very close to the body, particularly the participant’s own mobile phone and other wireless personal devices. Consequently, the measurements primarily characterise environmental RF-EMF exposure rather than total exposure from all sources. Exposure from devices operating close to the body is therefore likely to be underestimated.

5G-user classification did not confirm actual 5G use

The study classified participants as potential 5G-users if they had both a 5G-compatible smartphone and an active 5G subscription. This classification identified eligibility to use 5G, but did not confirm that a participant’s own phone actually connected to or transmitted on a 5G network during the measurement period.

Participants’ own smartphones were not reported as restricted

The researchers provided a separate Android smartphone for the electronic diary and kept that device in flight mode. However, the paper does not report that they required participants to switch off, disable, or otherwise restrict their own smartphones or other personal wireless devices during the measurement period. This distinction matters because the exposimeter may underestimate exposure from devices operating close to the body, including participants’ own phones.

Additional methodological considerations:

• The study applied corrections for charging effects, crosstalk and an anomalously high Wi-Fi measurement. Charging-effect correction reduced mean FM exposure by approximately 82% and DAB exposure by 61%. The correction reduced overall mean Wi-Fi exposure by approximately 45%, largely because one participant had an unusually high Wi-Fi measurement.
• A single ExpoM-RF4 measurement has an uncertainty of ±34.1%; averaging multiple measurements reduces this uncertainty.
• Only 143 participants from German-speaking Switzerland
• The study used TDD bands as an indicator of 5G-related exposure, but this approach does not capture all possible 5G exposure.

Does This Establish Safety?

No. This is an exposure-characterisation study, not a health-effects study. It was not designed to determine whether RF-EMF causes disease or to establish a biological threshold. The authors note that measured levels fell below current ICNIRP guideline values, but the study was not designed to draw conclusions about health risks. “Below guideline limits” should not be rewritten as proof that there is no health risk.

A separate 2026 Swiss study examined ambient RF-EMF exposure during the 5G rollout. It found that overall median RF-EMF levels remained broadly stable or increased only slightly between 2021/22 and 2023/24, while median TDD exposure, associated with 5G, increased from virtually zero to 0.04 V/m.

Reference: Loizeau, N., Haas, D., Zahner, M. et al. Spatiotemporal trends of ambient radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) during the 5G rollout in Switzerland. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-026-00909-z

These findings provide useful context for interpreting the present study:although overall ambient RF-EMF levels did not substantially increase, TDD exposure related to 5G did increase. This reinforces the importance of distinguishing between overall RF-EMF exposure and exposure specifically associated with 5G.

Bottom Line

The data from this useful and reasonably well-designed exposure-monitoring study support its central finding: environmental RF-EMF exposure among these adolescents was broadly comparable with earlier pre-5G HERMES measurements. But it cannot establish that 5G has not increased RF exposure generally, cannot quantify total individual RF exposure, and cannot demonstrate that the measured exposure levels are biologically or medically harmless.

The dominance of WiFi/BT and uplink signals highlights the contribution of personal device use to overall measured RF-EMF exposure.

Reference: Jalilian H, Jaki Waibl V, Wipf I, et al. Personal radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure among Swiss adolescents in the 5G era. Environmental Research, 2026, 304: 124775. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.124775 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2026.124775

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 

*Edited Unsplash photograph (original by Lesli Whitecotton on Unsplash). Faces intentionally obscured to protect subject privacy. Used for illustrative purposes only; the individuals depicted are not study participants in the Jalilian et al. (2026) study.

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The EMFSA Environmental Health Update: July 2026 brings together research, regulation, and reporting across electromagnetic fields, climate, and public health. From electrical safety hazards facing children to Italian court rulings on the precautionary principle, this edition covers a wide range of topics relevant to environmental health in South Africa and beyond.

Published by EMFSA | 1st August 2026

Children and Electrical Safety

Our lead story examines electrical hazards facing children that extend far beyond wall sockets. From button batteries in greeting cards to lithium-ion fires in e-scooters, the risks span everyday products, wearable tech, and viral social media trends. This article synthesizes recent medical case reports, regulatory updates, and safety guidance — from water safety to e-bikes, LED illumination, and social media challenges.

Mobile Network Exposure Follows Human Activity

A new study tracking RF-EMF exposure across ten European countries found that mobile network radiation rises and falls in lockstep with human activity. Nighttime levels dropped by up to 48% compared to daytime peaks. Over 17 months of continuous monitoring, researchers documented predictable daily cycles and modest weekend dips. It’s a reminder that a quick spot measurement can miss the bigger picture. [Read a breakdown of the study.]

Heat, Climate, and Technology

This month’s newsletter explores three interconnected climate stories.

• First: heat domes in the U.S. Midwest are creating atmospheric conditions causing radio, TV, and microwave signals to travel hundreds of miles farther than usual — disrupting communications across the region. 
• Second: data centres contribute to localized “data heat islands” with significant environmental impact, warming land around them by up to 16°F. 
• Third: extreme heat events are triggering new liability trends in insurance, with engineers potentially facing professional liability claims where infrastructure design proves inadequate.

Nature, Tranquillity, and Public Health

Two studies reinforce the importance of considering not only environmental hazards but also the health benefits of restorative environments. A review in Noise & Health proposes tranquillity should be regarded as an environmental determinant of health. Another experimental study found that both restored forest and birdsong promote psychological well-being. These findings have particular relevance for South Africa, where access to safe, well-maintained green spaces remains limited in many townships and underserved communities.

The Precautionary Principle in Consumer Law

Italy’s Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) issued a new ruling on manufacturer responsibilities. Manufacturers may now have a duty to warn consumers when scientific uncertainty surrounds potential risks.

The decision shifts focus from proven harm to informed consumer choice. Companies must provide sufficient information even when risks remain unproven.

Importantly, the ruling does not establish that mobile phone RF exposure causes disease. However, it acknowledges that scientific uncertainty does not remove the need for precautionary information where potential risk cannot be excluded.

 Prefer the full newsletter format? Read the complete July 2026 edition here https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-july-2026-newsletter

• Credit for the image used in the post above: Zetong Li on Unsplash

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Children and toys are a natural combination, and mandatory safety standards and regulations are intended to reduce the risk of injury from electric toys and other electrical products for children. However, it is still important for parents and caregivers to understand potential hazards and supervise children appropriately.

Published by EMFSA | 30th July 2026

Electrical Safety

Electrical toys and products powered by batteries or connected to mains electricity might introduce additional hazards that parents and caregivers should understand. These include: 

• Electric shock
• Burns
• Fire
• Short circuits

Water and Electricity

Explain to children that water and electricity don’t mix.

• Don’t allow children to play with electrical toys near water
• Never let children touch buttons, switches, or plugs with wet hands
• Never immerse battery-powered toys unless the manufacturer specifically states they are waterproof. (1)

Electrical Installations

• Electricity pylons, transformer houses, substations and railway electrical infrastructure can present serious hazards. Children should not play near these structures.
• High-voltage and overhead power lines: Adults and children should avoid flying helium balloons and kites near overhead power lines.

Fatal Electrocution of a Child During Kite Flying: A Case Report

A 2026 case report described the fatal electrocution of a child during kite flying after the kite string came into contact with an overhead power line. The case illustrates the potentially fatal consequences of flying kites close to electrical infrastructure.  (2)

Drones

• Remote-controlled drone: Remote-controlled drones should be operated in accordance with applicable aviation regulations and kept well away from overhead power lines and substations. (3, 4)
• Electric fences: Electric fences typically deliver brief high-voltage, low-current pulses and are designed not to be life-threatening under normal operating conditions. Nevertheless, children should never be left unattended near them. (4)

Batteries and Magnets

Take extra care with toys that contain small batteries (button or lithium coin cells) and small magnets, especially high-powered (rare-earth) magnets. These can become loose and pose a serious hazard to young children. Young children may swallow batteries or magnets, or insert them into their nose or ears. Swallowing powerful magnets can cause serious internal injuries. (5)

Button Batteries

Button batteries are a medical emergency if swallowed or inserted into the nose or ear. They can cause serious tissue injury within a short period of time. 

Button batteries can be found in small remotes, car key fobs, mini remotes that control MP3 speakers, calculators, bathroom scales, reading lights, flameless candles, talking and singing books, singing greeting cards, watches, thermometers, hearing aids, flashing jewelry, ornaments, games and toys. (6)

In 2022, the U.S. government enacted Reese’s Law to improve child safety regarding button batteries. (7)

Battery Safety Tips

• Keep spare and used button batteries out of children’s reach.
• Ensure battery compartments are secure and cannot be easily opened by children.
• Stop using toys with damaged batteries or battery compartments.
• Use only the charger recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace damaged rechargeable batteries promptly.

Lithium-ion Batteries

In 2025, a medical journal documented the case of a young boy who was burned when a portable lithium-ion charger caught fire in his pocket while he was using his phone. The experience had an impact beyond his physical injuries. The family subsequently changed the way they approached battery safety, and both the child and his parents went on to share their experience to help raise awareness of the potential risks. (8)

E-bike and Electric Scooters/bicycles (e-scooters/bikes)

The Canadian Paediatric Society advises that children younger than 16 years should not operate or ride as passengers on e-bikes or e-scooters. The Society states that e-scooters and e-bikes are not toys and were not designed for children.  (9)

Riding Toward Danger: A Scoping Review of Burns Associated With Personal Mobility Devices, Including Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) and Electric Scooters (E-Scooters)

Burns associated with lithium-ion batteries in personal mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, are an emerging safety concern. The review highlights the importance of safety education, compliance with applicable regulations and careful use of personal mobility devices, including products involving battery modifications or DIY conversion kits. (10)

Electric Scooter Battery Detonation: A Case Series And Review Of Literature

Lithium-ion battery failures can result in intense fires and thermal runaway, which can spread rapidly. 

Thermal runaway can result from several failure mechanisms and is not limited to batteries that are actively charging. (11)

Injuries Associated With Electrical Flash Burns in Children Caused by E-bike Batteries

A published report describes electrical flash-burn injuries in children associated with e-bike batteries and highlights the importance of recognising this type of injury and providing appropriate safety information to families. (12)

Hoverboards and Self-balancing Boards 

The batteries in these devices can present a serious fire risk if used, charged or sourced incorrectly. Counterfeit and substandard battery chargers can also pose serious safety hazards. (13) 

Heated Clothing

Full-Thickness Burn Resulting From an E-Sock: A Case Report

A published case report described a full-thickness burn associated with a lithium-ion battery-powered heated sock. The case highlights the need for caution when using battery-powered heated clothing and the importance of following manufacturer safety instructions. (14)

Laser Toys

A published case series has reported retinal injuries following childhood exposure to laser products marketed as toys, highlighting a potential public-safety concern. (15)

LED Toys

Some children’s toys—including cuddly toys, dolls, drawing tablets, toy trucks, spinning tops and illuminated board games—contain LEDs. Children’s eyes do not yet filter blue light as effectively as adults’ eyes, allowing more blue light to reach the retina. Some LEDs emit a high proportion of blue light, and ANSES has expressed concern that current toy eye-safety standards may not adequately protect children. 

Excessive close-range exposure to high-blue-light-emitting LEDs may pose a risk of retinal photochemical injury and may also affect circadian rhythms and sleep, particularly when used in the evening. (16)

Social Media Toy Challenges

Severe pediatric burn injuries following a social media trend involving a microwaved toy: A case report and warning

A 2026 case report described significant facial burns in a 10-year-old girl following an online activity involving a microwaved frozen stress ball. The authors highlighted the case as an example of the potential for social-media trends to expose children to serious injury risks. (17)

Additional Resources: 

Toy safety regulations 2026: Key updates for the EU, UK, US, and China https://www.eurofins.com/en/consumer-product-testing/softlines-hardlines/news-articles/toy-safety-regulations-2026-key-updates-for-the-eu-uk-us-and-china

References

[1] ESFI. Electrical Gifts for Children. https://www.esfi.org/electrical-gifts-for-children/

[2] Vadysinghe AN, Seneviratne P, Ekanayake KB, Ekanayake NK, Wickramasinghe CU, Sanjaya B. Fatal Electrocution of a Child During Kite Flying: A Case Report. Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol. 2026 May 28;76(1):76-81. doi:10.4467/16891716AMSIK.26.007.23583. PMID: 42325150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42325150/

[3] National Grid UK. Drone Safety. https://customer.nationalgrid.co.uk/advice-and-guidance/staying-safe/drone-safety

[4] VDE. Children and Electricity. https://www.vde.com/topics-en/consumer-protection/children-and-electricity

[5] Montreal Children’s Hospital. Toy Safety. Trauma Injury Prevention. https://montrealchildrenshospital.ca/trauma-injury-prevention/toy-safety/

[6] UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. The Dangers of Children Swallowing Button Batteries. https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/the-dangers-of-children-swallowing-button-batteries

[7] Steelman SH, Carpenter C, Jordan KS. Button Battery Ingestion: A Tiny Object with the Potential for a Catastrophic Outcome. Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal. 2025;47(2):122–128. doi:10.1097/TME.0000000000000565. Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

[8] van de Warenburg MS, Riesmeijer SA, Hummelink S, Ulrich DJO, Vehmeijer-Heeman MLA W. Burn by Battery, the Dangers of Portable Devices – A Case Report. Burns Open. 2025;9(Supplement C):100388. doi:10.1016/j.burnso.2024.100388. Open Access under CC BY 4.0 License

[9] Canadian Paediatric Society. Electric Scooters and Bikes: Not Safe for Kids. Caring for Kids. Safety and Injury Prevention. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/safety-and-injury-prevention/electric-scooters-and-bikes

[10] Warner-Levy J, Herieka M, Sheikh Z. Riding Toward Danger: A Scoping Review of Burns Associated With Personal Mobility Devices, Including Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) and Electric Scooters (E-Scooters). Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2024 Sep 6;45(5):1154-1159. doi:10.1093/jbcr/irae115. PMID: 38878005. Open Access under CC BY 4.0 License. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11379144/

[11] Hsieh MKH, Lai MC, Sim HSN, Lim X, Fok SFD, Joethy J, Kong TY, Lim GJS. Electric Scooter Battery Detonation: A Case Series and Review of Literature. Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters. 2021 Sep 30;34(3):264-276. PMID: 34744543. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8534310/

[12] Zhao X, Shen Y. Injuries Associated With Electrical Flash Burns in Children Caused by E-bike Batteries. Journal of Burn Care & Research. 2023;44(2):347–352. doi:10.1093/jbcr/irac072. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Burn Association

[13] Electrical Safety First. Hoverboards and Self-Balancing Boards. https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/safety-advice/products-and-appliances/transport/hoverboards-and-self-balancing-boards/

[14] Greenberg K, Chang KM, Supple MD, Goverman J. Full-thickness Burn Resulting From an E-Sock: A Case Report. Wounds. 2024;36(10):327-330. doi:10.25270/wnds/24024. Copyright © 2024 HMP Global. All Rights Reserved.

[15] Ophthalmology Times. Laser ‘Toys’ Can Cause Ocular Damage in Children. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/laser-toys-can-cause-ocular-damage-children

[16] ANSES. LEDs in Toys: ANSES Calls for a Revision of the “Eye Safety” Section of the European Standard. https://www.anses.fr/en/content/leds-toys-anses-calls-revision-eye-safety-section-european-standard#

[17] Bonner R, Munro KJ. Severe Pediatric Burn Injuries Following a Social Media Trend Involving a Microwaved Toy: A Case Report and Warning. JPRAS Open. 2026 Mar 26;50:84-90. doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2026.02.017. PMID: 42099753. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13147427/

• Image credit: Generated with Lumo by Proton

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Mobile network exposure measurements across 10 European countries revealed significant daily variation in RF-EMF exposure levels, with nighttime values decreasing by up to 48.4%, reflecting daily patterns in mobile network activity.

Published by EMFSA | 19th July 2026

Research Reveals Daily Patterns

This finding comes from a pilot study deploying 20 sensors across four frequency bands (806, 942, 1842 and 3625 MHz). These bands were selected because they were used by mobile operators in all participating countries and span technologies from 2G through 5G.

The study, published in Science of the Total Environment in July 2026, documents that environmental RF-EMF levels are far from constant, rising and falling in predictable daily cycles that are consistent with changes in mobile network traffic associated with human activity.

Reference

Han Van Bladel, Adriana Fernandes Veludo, Nicolas Loizeau, Martin Röösli, Milena Maule, Zsuzsanna Vecsei, Orsolya Molnár, Tanja Vrijkotte, Kinga Polanska, Piotr Politański, Paweł Mamrot, Shanshan Wang, Joe Wiart, James Grellier, Anastasiia Kovalenko, Paige M. Hulls, Frank De Vocht, Nina Vaupotiĉ, Mònica Guxens, Wout Joseph, Temporal 2G–5G RF-EMF exposure assessment in ten European countries during one year, Science of The Total Environment, Volume 1047, 2026, 182037, ISSN 0048-9697

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.182037

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969726007023)

License: CC BY 4.0 (Open Access)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.182037

Read the full paper free at ScienceDirect under CC BY 4.0 license.

This summary was prepared from an open access publication licensed under  Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). You may freely  share and adapt this material with proper attribution to the original  authors and journal. For full technical details, figures, and data tables, please consult the original peer-reviewed article.

What the Researchers Did

• Countries Monitored: 10 European nations (Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom)
• Sensors Deployed: 20 installed, 1 failed (France — RF013 all N/A)
• Duration: ~17 months (1 July 2024 to 31 December 2025)
• Data Points: 1 measurement per second per sensor per frequency band

Key Findings

1. Clear Daily Patterns

All frequency bands showed consistent daily cycles tied to human activity. The observed temporal patterns are consistent with changes in network traffic associated with daily human activity, including lower overnight mobile network traffic and increasing exposure levels as daytime activity resumes.

• Notably, the highest day-night contrasts occurred in the 806 MHz and 1842 MHz bands, where nighttime values decreased by 35.1% and 48.4% respectively compared to daytime values.
• Daily minima consistently occurred around 04:00 across all four frequency bands. Smaller day-night contrasts were observed for 942 MHz (11.9%) and 3625 MHz (12.1%).

2. Small Weekend Effects

• Levels were generally lower on weekends, although the effect was much weaker than the daily cycle.
• The most pronounced weekday–weekend contrast was 16.6% for the 1842 MHz band.

3. High-Frequency Band Variability

Higher-frequency bands showed greater temporal variability. The 3625 MHz band showed:

• The highest measured electric field strengths among the monitored bands.
• Broad temporal variability (median R-factor of 0.45; note: 1842 MHz had a similar median R-factor of 0.43)
• Peak measurements up to 10.2 V/m

The researchers observed no monotonic long-term increase or decrease over the study period.

What are some of the factors that influence human exposure to RF radiation?

• Network traffic demand
• Base station (BS) configuration
• Propagation conditions
• Building characteristics
• The geometric relationships between the user, the device, and the base station
• User behaviours

Importantly, the authors state that assessing RF exposure among the general population requires measurement strategies that capture both spatial variability (differences across locations) and long-term temporal dynamics (changes over time).

Important Limitations

Readers should note several constraints in this study:

• Limited sensors per country: Only 2 sensors per nation—not nationally representative.
• Data loss: One sensor (France) experienced complete failure and was excluded from analysis.
• Geographic scope: European countries only; no data from Africa, the Americas, Asia, or lower-income nations.
• Frequency coverage: Only 4 bands monitored; many countries use additional frequencies simultaneously (e.g., 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz); therefore, these four bands do not represent total RF-EMF exposure.
• Uniaxial sensors: The sensors use uniaxial antennas, which provide valuable relative and temporal data but lead to an underestimation of absolute E-field values.
• Environment type: Home, office and outdoor environments showed some visual differences, but these differences were not statistically significant within this dataset. The authors recommend further investigation.
• Confidential data: The underlying raw dataset and precise deployment information were not made publicly available, limiting independent reanalysis.

Why These Findings Are Relevant

The following section is an editorial commentary by EMFSA and represents our interpretation of the study’s significance. It does not represent findings or statements from the original authors. The observations below are editorial interpretations and hypotheses rather than conclusions established by the study.

General Public

• In the European countries included in the study, mobile network exposure varies predictably throughout the day.
• Levels generally decrease overnight and, to a lesser extent, during weekends.
• Many factors influence human exposure to RF radiation.

Regulators and Policymakers

• Continuous monitoring networks are technically feasible at scale.
• Short-term spot measurements miss important temporal dynamics.
• Future assessments should track both spatial and temporal variations.
• This pilot study supports further evaluation and development of long-term fixed RF-EMF monitoring networks.

Researchers

• Provides a methodological foundation for future larger-scale, multi-country RF-EMF monitoring studies.
• Provides baseline data for epidemiological health research.
• Proposes next-gen sensors with modular design to expand frequency coverage beyond 4 bands.
• Highlights need for open data policies in environmental monitoring.

Global Context

While the physics of radio-wave propagation are universal, observed exposure patterns may differ because of network deployment, spectrum allocation, population behaviour and regulatory environments. This study was conducted exclusively in Europe with modern infrastructure. How might results differ in other contexts?

• Rural deployment patterns and lower network densities could produce different temporal exposure profiles.
• Different network architectures and deployment strategies could influence temporal exposure patterns. 
• Different regulatory frameworks and enforcement vary worldwide.

This gap highlights why global diversity in environmental monitoring matters.

Related: Legal Accountability of a Guideline versus a Standard

*Photo by Charlie Fitzgerald on Unsplash

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EMFSA June 2026 EMF Research Report Topics

• The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) and why it matters for South Africa.

• An article “5G Specters: Three Disclosures from the Otherworld” by Brett Mommersteeg and Nona Schulte-Römer Reference: Mommersteeg, B., & Schulte-Römer, N. (2025). 5G Specters: Three Disclosures from the Otherworld. Social Analysis, 69(4), 23–48. 
  https://doi.org/10.3167/sa.2025.690402
  

• A recent study investigating  radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure across New York City. Reference: Arno Thielens, Salvatore Davi, Sassama Hema, Ricardo Toledo-Crow, Urban radio-frequency electromagnetic field exposure in New York City, Environmental Research, Volume 306, Part 1, 2026, 125040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2026.125040

• Data Centres

United States

Maine 

Maine would have been the first US state to introduce a moratorium on the construction of large data centres but the bill was vetoed by the governor.

New York

On 4 June 2026, the New York Legislature passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act (A11560/S10642). Will it become law? 

South Africa

What are the approval processes for data centres in South Africa?

• Fertility

Multiple modern environmental exposures—including RF-EMF and circadian-light disruption—deserve continued investigation as potential influences on reproductive health. 

Ovulation, sperm quality, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy outcomes, and developmental programming:

In the Circadian-Light-Hygiene hypothesis, the authors propose that daily light exposure is a fundamental regulator of reproductive health.

Reference: Gubin, D.; Stefani, O.; Cornelissen, G.; Touitou, Y. The Circadian-Light-Hygiene Hypothesis: A Potential Modulator of Fertility and Birthrate Trends. Biology 2026, 15, 1023. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15131023

EMFSA June 2026 EMF Research Report link https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-june-2026-newsletter

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Published by EMFSA | 28 June 2026

Data centre approval processes in South Africa do not have standalone municipal policies.

1. Municipalities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Tshwane typically regulate data centres through

• Land-use rezoning or consent-use applications (industrial/business zoning)
• Building plan approvals
• Environmental and noise impact assessments (where triggered)

Broader planning and infrastructure systems in South Africa incorporate data centre approval processes.

2. Data Centre Approval Processes in South Africa and planning frameworks

The available regulatory structure does not include a standalone municipal policy dedicated exclusively to data centres.

Data centre approval processes in South Africa involve:

• Spatial development frameworks (SDFs)
• General zoning schemes
• Infrastructure capacity constraints (power/water)

This reflects a wider African approach where regulators apply general ICT, land-use, and infrastructure frameworks to data centres.

3. Communications infrastructure

Regulators often classify and assess data centres as part of the broader communications and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Licensing of ICT/network services

In South Africa, regulators like ICASA control parts of the ecosystem:

• Telecommunications and network services require licences and
• Interconnection and infrastructure rules apply to carriers and operators

Telecom frameworks indirectly regulate data centres that host telecom infrastructure or provide connectivity services:

• A hyperscale data centre depends on telecom carriers for connectivity
• Licensing and regulatory obligations apply to telecommunications carriers.
• Spectrum, interconnection, and compliance rules can constrain infrastructure rollout.

Other indirect controls in South Africa

• Water and electricity regulation (critical for cooling and grid capacity)
• Environmental permitting (NEMA processes where applicable)
• National ICT policy direction (cloud/data strategy encouraging migration and infrastructure growth)

Critical infrastructure

Critical infrastructure increasingly includes data centres because they support essential services, government operations, finance, healthcare, communications, and national security.

The South African government has announced plans to designate data centres as critical infrastructure, under the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act however, implementation has not yet occurred.

Telecommunications networks are globally regarded as critical national infrastructure.

Military infrastructure

Data centres owned or operated by the armed forces would be classified as military infrastructure.

Defence bases, weapons systems, command-and-control facilities, and dedicated defence communications networks all fall within military infrastructure.

Key takeaway

• South Africa has no dedicated municipal data centre policy framework
• Approval is handled through standard zoning, infrastructure and environmental processes
• Telecom licensing, grid constraints, and infrastructure law shape data centres
• Datacentres are increasingly recognised as critical infrastructure

 References: 

South Africa: The National Policy on Data and Cloud – Some highlights https://bowmanslaw.com/insights/south-africa-the-national-policy-on-data-and-cloud-some-highlights/

Legal aspects of data centres in Africa https://www.clydeco.com/en/insights/2026/april/legal-aspects-of-data-centres-in-africa

Why the clouds of secrecy over the impacts of SA data centre growth? (Part 4/5) https://henrynxumalofoundation.co.za/why-the-clouds-of-secrecy-over-the-impacts-of-sa-data-centre-growth/

Data centre ‘critical infrastructure’ tag welcomed, but detail still thin https://techcentral.co.za/data-centre-critical-infrastructure-tag-welcomed-but-detail-still-thin/278229/

* Photo by İsmail Enes Ayhan on Unsplash

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Bioadaptive Wellness Equipment Webinar: “The Answers Have Changed”

Premium Relocation Sale Items Explained: Light, Water, Magnetism

Includes: RF Netting, Lighting, Magnetico, PBM Lights, Water Transformation, Research & Study Equipment, and more.

Guest post by A. Lech — 16 June 2026

When:

Saturday 20 Jun 2026 at 15:00 to 15:40, GMT+2 

Registration:

WhatsApp +27 63 787 9030 with “WEBINAR” to receive the link.

We will limit spaces to ensure better interaction and Q&A.

Description

What the webinar will cover

• Photon-flux model lighting & PBM systems (red/NIR/UVA) – why switching from energy-flux to photon-flux models creates dramatically better outcomes for cellular energy, recovery, sleep, neurodivergent regulation, and resilience (with real-world SA examples and MRI/EEG/IRMS-validated shifts). 
• RF Netting Shielding and Magnetico magnetic field systems

Deep dive into why static magnetic field enhancement (pure negative field, earth-like) is especially powerful in South Africa’s South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) region. How it supports mitochondrial function, magnetoreception, stress resilience, and bioadaptation – exactly as discussed in the WHO report’s sections on magnetic fields, EBM (electrobiomodulation), and the inverse-Hall effect.

• Water transformation & nanobubble systems (RO filters, nanobubble generators, etc.) – deuterium-aware water, REDOX optimisation, and practical climate-resilient applications (proven in desert, coastal, and high-wind SA conditions). 
• EMF testing, mitigation & shielding tools – practical, cost-effective solutions selected for real SA homes and environments.  
• Additional research instruments, accessories, and upcoming textbooks on deutenomics, biophysics, photon biology, sub-molecular sciences, and bioadaptive design. 
• Live Q&A – ask about any specific item, bundle deals, summary practical setup for your home/practice, or integration with existing protocols.
• Further consultation and details must be booked separately.

Why This Equipment Is Different

• Years of practical research and real-world experience have shaped these Bioadaptive Wellness Equipment systems. Their development spans family wellbeing, ecosystem restoration, neurodivergent support, and climate resilience.

Grounded in the principles of Batho Pele and bioadaptive thinking, they translate emerging insights in photon biology, magnetic fields, and water science into practical applications.

The result is a people-first approach informed by lived experience and measurable outcomes.

SARS Tax claim rebate: 

Invoices can be provided by the sale for use in claims with SARS for medical and or disability purpose claims. 

Perfect for:

• Health & wellness practitioners 
• Neurodivergent families and sensory-aware households
• Anyone building low-EMF, high-resilience living or therapy spaces
• Researchers and those interested in sub-molecular / quantum biology applications 
• Climate-adaptive and regenerative living enthusiasts

“The Answers Have Changed”

Discover what this means in practical terms for your health, environment, and resilience.

A valuable opportunity to explore the science and context behind Bioadaptive Wellness Equipment in South Africa.

Further reading

Lech, J. et al. (2022). South Africa National Report 2022. World Health Organization International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC), 11th International Optical Radiation and 26th EMF Project Anniversary Meeting. figshare.

https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20012759.v1

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EMF Wellness Equipment: Wellness, Light Therapy & Research Equipment – Due to our family’s upcoming relocation, we are offering our collection of high-quality wellness, research, and environmental optimization equipment at significantly reduced prices.

Guest post by A. Lech — 09 June 2026

Premium Photobiomodulation (PBM), Red/NIR/UVA Systems, Water Treatment Equipment, EMF Tools, Research Instruments & Books

Photos & Pricing

Detailed photographs and individual pricing are available in the attached posters:

Purchase Information

• Location: Cape Town
• Payment: Cash or EFT
• Collection: Preferred
• Delivery: Possible for larger purchases by arrangement
• Contact: Whatsapp +27  63 787 9030 (reference EMFSA for priority response)
• Limited stock available.
• Once sold, items will not be replaced.

Background & Context

These items originate from a long-term home-based research and environmental design project focused on photobiomodulation (PBM), therapeutic lighting environments, low-EMF living systems, water quality and transformation, sensory regulation, and wellness-oriented home design.

A key focus of this work involved the creation of supportive home environments for neurodivergent individuals, including autism-related sensory and environmental considerations. The emphasis was on practical, lived-in application of environmental tools to better understand comfort, regulation, and day-to-day functional support.

Why These Systems Were Selected

• Targeted red/NIR, UVA, and full-spectrum lighting systems used in environments focused on cellular energy support, recovery, and overall wellness.
• Water filtration and transformation tools designed to support water quality and hydration-focused living environments.
• EMF-aware accessories, including testers, filters, and timers, intended to assist with environmental monitoring and low-EMF living practices.
• Durable, professional-grade equipment selected for long-term practical use, including applications explored in research, wellness, and environmental testing contexts.

Ideal For

• Health and wellness enthusiasts
• Practitioners, clinics, and therapists
• Wellness centres and integrative health spaces
• Researchers and experimental environments
• Individuals building/creating optimized home wellness or recovery-focused environments
• Neurodivergent and sensory-aware living setups
• Low-EMF and environmental optimisation

Categories

• Photobiomodulation (PBM) and red/NIR light therapy equipment
• UVA and full-spectrum lighting systems
• Water filtration and treatment equipment
• Water structuring devices
• EMF testing and mitigation accessories
• RF shielding materials and netting
• Magnetico and related wellness products
• Scientific research instruments
• Specialized health, wellness, and technical books
• Various accessories and supporting equipment

Key Features

• Professionally maintained and fully functional
• Lightly used and in excellent condition
• Suitable for home, practitioner, research, or wellness-center use
• Includes systems used in long-term environmental and wellness testing environments
• Many items are difficult to source locally
• Bundle purchases welcomed

EMF Wellness Equipment: Massive Relocation Sale

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The night sky has deep cultural significance in many Indigenous knowledge systems. Stories, traditions, and astronomical knowledge are often embedded in cultural practice and environmental understanding.¹²

Published: 2 June 2026 | EMFSA

‘Unacceptable to our people’: Diverse cultural beliefs, Indigenous rights, and the future of human activities on the Moon by John C. Barentine

Given the consensus nature of international norms and standards for acceptable actions undertaken in space, including on the Moon, anything short of free, prior and informed consent is inconsistent with the idea enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty that space is “the province of all mankind”.

PDF: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2605.17706

Citation: 

arXiv:2605.17706 

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2605.17706

EMFSA May 2026 Newsletter Highlights Additional Topics

• AI and Technology

What does the Pope say about:

• AI and education?
• Age limits for digital devices?

• The Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB): An Active Research Target

Although millimeter waves (mm waves) used in 5G have very limited penetration into biological tissue, researchers continue to investigate potential BBB-related effects because biological systems may respond through indirect pathways. The evidence remains mixed and is not yet fully resolved.

• Experimental and clinical evidence on radiofrequency electromagnetic field effects on the blood–brain barrier: a scoping review (Open Access)

Citation:
Elif Taspinar Simsek et al. (2026) Physics in Medicine & Biology, 71(10), 10TR01.
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ae6e17
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6560/ae6e17

• How important are independent review processes and effective patient education, particularly in cases involving rare or poorly understood conditions?

References

https://practicalneurology.com/news/explanation-for-the-new-brunswick-mystery-illness-proposed-in-new-article/2474615

Bendahan N, Gautreau S, Medina Escobar A, et al. Clinical and Neuropathological Evaluations of the New Brunswick Neurological Syndrome of Unknown Cause. JAMA Neurol. 2025;82(8):788–796. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.1718 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2833783

• Ecological Effects of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) – Call for Papers

Submission status: Open
Submission deadline: 11 February 2027

Submissions are invited from researchers across behavioural ecology, chronobiology, urban ecology, conservation science, environmental physiology, and related disciplines. Contributions addressing methodological innovation, ecosystem-scale analyses, and policy-relevant approaches to understanding and mitigating the impacts of ALAN are particularly encouraged.

Read more: https://www.nature.com/collections/aggecijegc

• 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) studies

• S. Adda et al., Maximum Exposure of 5G Base Stations in the mmWave Band: the Impact of Multi-User MIMO and CSI-RS Ports, IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. DOI: 10.1109/TIM.2026.3690868 (Open Access CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11527038
• S. Iakovidis et al., “A Novel Framework for Realistic 3D Skin Modeling and its Exposure to Millimeter Waves,” in IEEE Journal of Microwaves, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 641-652, May 2026, doi: 10.1109/JMW.2026.3684941 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11506041

• A comprehensive international framework addressing both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

 https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/radiation-monitoring-and-preparedness/

Link to EMFSA May 2026 Newsletter Highlights https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-may-2026-newsletter

Further reading https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/5g-frequency-range-2-fr2/

Footnotes

² Harrison KD, Kelso N, Ramík DM, Ramík N, Plunkett GM, Neriam R, Nasauman W, Nasauman W, Balick MJ. “Sun brings all things”: Sun and moon lore as biocultural knowledge on Aneityum island, Vanuatu. PLoS One. 2025 Aug 1;20(8):e0327693. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327693. PMID: 40749018; PMCID: PMC12316303. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12316303/

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Published: 2026-05-30 | EMFSA

Radiation monitoring and preparedness is a critical focus area in global public health policy. On 23 May 2026, the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly approved the first global resolution on radiation and health, titled Radiation and health: strengthening global protection, preparedness and response.

This landmark resolution marks the first time Member States have agreed on a comprehensive international framework addressing both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

The resolution highlights the importance of strengthening national systems for radiation protection, including improved exposure monitoring, workforce training, and integration of radiation risk management into broader public health and emergency preparedness frameworks. It emphasizes improving exposure monitoring as a core function of effective health protection systems.

Member States are also encouraged to ensure the safe and equitable use of radiation in medical applications, including imaging, radiotherapy, and radiopharmaceuticals. This includes strengthening regulatory oversight, quality assurance systems, and professional training.

A key priority of the resolution is addressing both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, reflecting the full spectrum of environmental, medical, occupational, and emergency-related exposure risks.

In addition, the resolution promotes stronger public communication, international cooperation, and evidence-based policymaking to improve global preparedness and reduce radiation-related health risks.

WHO will also map global stakeholders, identify gaps in implementation, and report progress to the World Health Assembly in 2028.

Source / Attribution

Source: Adapted from World Health Organization (WHO), Radiation and health: strengthening global protection, preparedness and response, World Health Assembly Daily Update, 23 May 2026.
WHO daily update – 23 May 2026

Further reading https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/urgent-action-needed-on-radioactive-gas-levels-in-south-african-homes/

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