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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Published: 29 April 2026 | Editor

In our EMFSA April 2026 Roundup, you can read about a new study in which the authors provide the first experimental evidence that atmospheric electrical charges alone can cause pollen rupture, generating respirable subpollen particles—one of the key triggers of thunderstorm asthma. Source: Venkatesan et al. (2026).

 Historical

In 2016, Melbourne faced the world’s worst thunderstorm asthma event. A single storm affected about 10,000 people, overwhelmed hospitals, and led to 10 deaths. Ruptured rye grass pollen filled the air, causing sudden breathing crises—even among those with no history of asthma. Source: Huang et al., Asia Pacific Allergy (2022).

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS)

Explore an excerpt discussing an Electrohypersensitive  (EHS) study, as per the Swiss expert group on electromagnetic fields and non-ionising radiation (BERENIS), Newsletter No. 44, April 2026.

Tattoo-associated cutaneous sarcoidosis

Lara Saeid and colleagues from the Department of Hematology of Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria, reported an unusual case, that underscores the systemic nature of sarcoidosis and reminds clinicians that tattoo-associated cutaneous sarcoidosis can be the first visible manifestation of a multisystem granulomatous disease.

In EMFSA April 2026 Roundup we look at Ghost Signals: Science vs speculation—what EMF can actually do today vs what’s being claimed.

Are there Static Magnetic Fields (SMF) near smartphone surfaces?

Read about a study where the authors mapped the spatial distributions of Static Magnetic Fields (SMF) near smartphone surfaces and evaluated their potential biomedical relevance using computational exposure models.

What did the authors find?

The Clock is Ticking: Ongoing IARC, WHO Research into RF-EMF. In this section we look at timelines for ongoing research.

We included a quote by Leszczynski (2023) to prompt further reflection on this topic.

And a gentle reminder that sunlight when viewed through normal glass is not the same as natural outside light.

Link to our April 2026 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/magnetic-field-mats-what-to-know

Further reading

References:

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). (2025, July 1). Magnetic field mats https://www.bag.admin.ch/dam/en/sd-web/LWdHoJeMwMjk/Fact-sheet-magnetic-field-mats.pdf 

Venkatesan S, Zare A, Alinaghipour B, Lamont J, Ristovski ZD, Morton DAV, Stevanovic S. Impact of Atmospheric Charge Regimes (Static Fields and Arcing) on Airborne Tree Pollen Rupture under Dry and Wet Conditions. Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Apr 7;60(13):10129-10138. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5c16155. Epub 2026 Mar 26. PMID: 41887923. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41887923/ 

Huang F, Wang DH, Foo CT, Young AC, Fok JS, Thien F. The Melbourne epidemic thunderstorm asthma event 2016: a 5-year longitudinal study. Asia Pac Allergy. 2022 Oct 27;12(4):e38. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2022.12.e38. PMID: 36452015; PMCID: PMC9669468. Copyright © 2022. Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36452015/

Swiss expert group on electromagnetic fields and non-ionising radiation (BERENIS), Newsletter No. 44, April 2026  https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en/berenis-newsletter-en 

Woman Develops Systemic Sarcoidosis After Eyebrow Tattoo – Medscape – April 27, 2026 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/woman-develops-systemic-sarcoidosis-after-eyebrow-tattoo-2026a1000d87 

L. Zastko, L. Kubičková, J. Míšek, I. Kuchta, L. Makinistian and I. Belyaev, “Characterization of Static Magnetic Fields Produced by Smartphones,” in IEEE Journal of Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology, doi: 10.1109/JERM.2026.3683318. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11494332

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Published April 11, 2026 | Article by EMFSA

5G/6G 28 GHz EMF Exposure Levels – Some people worry that newer networks (especially 5G/6G) might affect health. Therefore, the researchers sought a realistic, everyday assessment. The objective of the study was to investigate hotspot effects from MaMIMO base stations on RF-EMF exposure. The authors compared instantaneous exposure metrics with 30-minute ICNIRP limits as a conservative worst-case scenario, referring to these as “exposure limits.”

This work comprehensively studies hotspots in realistic environments at 28 GHz.

Simulated a person walking in cities (like Helsinki and New York).

Used detailed 3D maps (buildings, trees, streets).

Modeled how signals travel and interact with the human body.

Key findings

• Case studies in Helsinki and NYC show the reference and basic exposure metrics along a realistic path, remaining within at most 1% of the ICNIRP guidelines limit for 30-min averaging intervals. 
• Using your phone increases exposure compared to not using it (because signals focus on your device).
• Distributed (cell-free) MaMIMO systems spread signals more evenly, avoiding strong peaks.
• Small “hotspots” of higher signal can occur, but they are tiny and short-lived.

In short, according to the authors: 

In normal real-world situations, even with advanced 5G/6G systems, exposure to radio waves stays far below safety limits and is not unusually high.

As per the authors, the study introduces several novel contributions:

• A first-of-its-kind end-to-end method for assessing mmWave exposure, combining ray-tracing, QuaDRiGa, and FDTD simulations.
• The use of high-accuracy photogrammetry and semantic classification to model realistic exposure along real-world paths.
• A comparison of collocated and cell-free massive MIMO systems under both user and non-user scenarios at 28 GHz.
• A detailed analysis of realistic exposure “hotspots” and their impact on key metrics such as incident (Sinc) and absorbed (Sab) power density.

What are the limitations of the study?

• Very high computational cost
• Incomplete real-world data (materials & antennas)
• Partly statistical (not fully exact)
• Limited validation with real measurements
• Specific scenarios only

Bottom line:

The study is advanced and realistic, but still depends on simulations, assumptions, and limited real-world data.

5G/6G 28 GHz EMF Exposure Levels – Advantages of the study

Realistic global modelling – Can simulate EMF exposure almost anywhere using detailed 3D environments.

End-to-end “digital twin” – Models the full process: from signal transmission (Tx power) to what the human body absorbs.

Practical usefulness

-Helps policy-makers understand real exposure levels.

-Helps network planners design safer, more efficient systems. –

Advanced accuracy – Combines multiple techniques to better reflect real-world signal behavior.

5G/6G 28 GHz EMF Exposure Levels – Future recommendations by the authors

1. Expand testing environments – Apply the method across urban, rural, indoor, and controlled lab settings.
2. Validate with real-world measurements – Use wearable dosimeters and city-scale experiments.
3. Scale to future 6G systems – Investigate exposure in ultra-massive MIMO networks.
4. Improve model realism – Incorporate real device and antenna data.
5. Collaborate with industry – Access proprietary antenna designs and configurations.

Source and licensing

This article is based on: Wydaeghe et al. (2026). Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Further reading: Numerical Analysis of Electromagnetic Field Exposure from 5G Mobile Communications at 28 GHZ in Adults and Children Users for Real-World Exposure Scenarios https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/numerical-analysis-of-electromagnetic-field-exposure-from-5g-mobile-communications-at-28-ghz-in-adults-and-children-users-for-real-world-exposure-scenarios/

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EMFSA News Bites March 2026 highlights – ESKAPE and HACEK – What do these terms mean and what has it got to do with your mobile phones, tablets and laptops?

Discover more: EMFSA News Bites March 2026 https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-march-2026-newsletter

Wi-Fi 9

Wi-Fi 8 is still in development but what about Wi-Fi 9 and the role of AI? When is Wi-Fi 9 expected?

Enhanced Light Communications Meets Wi-Fi 9

An emerging IEEE 802.11 amendment focused on Enhanced Light Communications (ELC). What are the implications and the target deployment?

60 GHz and Oxygen

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems

A recent study raises questions about electronic article surveillance—details in our March newsletter. For instance, what does the study below demonstrate?

Citation: Schneeweiss, P., Hirtl, R., Jhala, T., Ueberbacher, R., Cecil, S., Becker, C., Boemmels, I., Altekoester, C., & Schmid, G. (2026). Electric field strengths and current densities induced inside the body due to exposure to electronic article surveillance (EAS) system antennas compared to ICNIRP’s exposure limits (Accepted manuscript). Journal of Radiological Protection  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6498/ae553b

Peer Review

Is Peer Review Perfect?

Is peer review always a guarantee of scientific claims?

Image adapted from photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash

Asbestos in cosmetic talc

An article published in 1977 argued against government-mandated regulatory testing for asbestos in cosmetic talc. The Lancet has now retracted the article for undisclosed industry ties. Full article by Retraction Watch

Childhood Leukemia

From 8–10 July 2026, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) will host the 8th International Workshop on the Causes of Childhood Leukemia in Munich.

The event is part of a workshop series that aims to advance understanding of the disease’s primary drivers by bringing together international experts to review evidence, share new data, and define priority research directions.

https://events.bfs-strahlenschutz.de/workshopchildhoodleukemia

EMFSA March 2026 Newsletter – The misuse of “natural health” claims

This is important because:

The appeal to “natural” or “health-enhancing” properties can be misleading—and, in this case, hazardous when it involves radioactive substances. Read more about this case in the EMFSA March 2026 Newsletter 2026 https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-march-2026-newsletter

Related:

Anti- 5G/EMF Protection: Quantum jewellery https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/anti-5g-emf-protection-quantum-jewellery/

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Mobile Phones as Vectors of Infectious Disease are increasingly recognised as a public health concern, particularly as their use extends into high-risk environments such as bathrooms. These devices function as fomites—objects capable of carrying and transmitting bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Common examples include doorknobs, clothing, medical equipment, and frequently used electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and pens, all of which are handled regularly and often inadequately disinfected.

Pathogens such as norovirus can survive for prolonged periods on surfaces, enabling indirect transmission between environments and individuals.

Microbial Contamination

A 2025 study by Olsen et al. identified over 2,200 microbial species on mobile phones, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Clinically significant organisms such as ESKAPE (antibiotic-resistant pathogens) and HACEK (associated with infective endocarditis and other infections) were detected.

The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors highlights the potential for mobile devices to act as reservoirs of clinically relevant microbes.

Hygiene and Transmission

Mobile devices are handled continuously yet infrequently disinfected, allowing microbes to transfer between hands, surfaces, and the face. This creates a cycle of contamination through repeated handling and contact.

These risks are further amplified by behavioural patterns, particularly smartphone use in high-contamination environments.

Behavioural Risk: Toilet Use

Smartphone use on the toilet is increasingly common and associated with prolonged sitting time. Research suggests this behaviour may increase the risk of hemorrhoids due to sustained pressure, while also increasing exposure to contaminated surfaces and aerosolised particles.

Children and Vulnerable Groups

Photo by Jill Sauve on Unsplash

The role of mobile phones as vectors of infectious disease is particularly relevant in households with young children. While concerns often focus on radiation exposure, blue light, and screen addiction, an equally important issue is microbial transfer.

Caregivers should be aware that mobile phones can harbour and transfer bacteria even after handwashing. This creates a cycle of recontamination, where clean hands come into contact with contaminated devices, potentially increasing exposure risks for children whose immune systems are still developing.

Limitations and Public Health Implications

Current evidence demonstrates contamination but does not establish direct causation of disease. Further research is required to quantify risk and inform policy. Development of hygiene guidelines—particularly in healthcare and public settings—may be warranted.

Practical Advice

Regular cleaning of mobile devices using appropriate disinfectants, limiting use in high-risk environments, and increasing awareness are practical steps to reduce risk.

Conclusion

Mobile Phones as Vectors of Infectious Disease represent an under-recognised pathway for microbial transmission. Improved hygiene practices and behavioural awareness are essential to mitigate potential public health risks.
These findings demonstrate that mobile phones can act as mobile reservoirs of microbial life, effectively functioning as “petri dishes” that facilitate indirect spread and transmission across geographical boundaries.

Your phone is covered in germs: a tech expert explains how to clean it without doing damage

References

Further reading: Study explores a concerning link between digital screen time and breast cancer risk https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/study-explores-a-concerning-link-between-digital-screen-time-and-breast-cancer-risk/

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