Induction Hobs

What levels of exposure do induction hobs produce — and should current safety standards be revisited? A recent study takes a closer look at these questions.

Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MF) Exposure: Insights from Switzerland’s Strict Limit

Read about: 

• The Loizeau study measured ELF-MF in public areas, transport settings, and homes near power lines and transformers (Environ Int., 2024;194:109181)

• Switzerland’s strict national limits for electromagnetic fields from power lines and electrical devices. 

Combined Exposure to RF-EMF and Chemical Carcinogens

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) continues to support further research into possible increased cancer risks following combined exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and chemical carcinogens.

Spotlight – Sep/2025 No.1 (Eng), Competence Centre for Electromagnetic Fields (KEMF)
Citation: urn:nbn:de:0221-2025090854656

The GSMA – Representing the Mobile Industry

In the EMFSA October 2025 Newsletter, we highlight the 14th GSMA EMF Forum that took place on 30 September 2025. Of specific interest is the presentation by Dr. Emilie van Deventer and Dr. Jos Verbeek on the WHO’s ongoing systematic reviews on RF-EMF health effects, evaluating potential risks, including cancer, from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

Alternative Perspective on WHO EMF Reviews

An ongoing debate in the scientific community questions how EMF evidence is evaluated. Scientists and activist groups have highlighted potential issues in the WHO’s systematic reviews on RF-EMF health effects, including study selection, methodology, and possible author bias.

Insects and Pollinators

The 49th Apimondia Conference is the world’s largest beekeeping event. It brings together beekeepers, scientists, honey traders, manufacturers, and policymakers. Participants exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and discuss scientific advances shaping the future of apiculture.

“Chernobyl Black Frogs”

Mortazavi S, Rabiee S, Fallah A, et al. Adaptive Responses in High-Radiation Environments: Insights From Chernobyl Wildlife and Ramsar Residents. Dose-Response. 2025;23(4) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15593258251385632

Why have these frogs developed darker pigmentation?
Why is this important for evolutionary biology, radiobiology, and public health?

Full newsletter https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-october-2025-newsletter

Further reading: Radiofrequency radiation and metal containing nanoparticles https://www.emfsa.co.za/research-and-studies/radiofrequency-radiation-and-metal-containing-nanoparticles/

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RF-EMF and Cancer: Systematic Review Published

Digitally created image used in the EMFSA April 2025 Newsletter, showing a lab setup with a rodent, cell phone, and microscope—representing experimental RF-EMF health impact studies.

A long-awaited, just-published Systematic Review (pre-proof) strengthens support for the 2011 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification of RF-EMF as a possible human carcinogen.  The Review concluded that RF EMF exposure increases the incidence of cancer in experimental animals.

Fertility

•RF-EMF and Male Fertility: WHO Priority Topic Update
We review a recent corrigendum to a 2024 study on RF-EMF exposure and male fertility, clarifying and updating key findings.

A Valid Question

“To date, the authors of three systematic reviews (SRs) have issued corrigenda after publication to correct significant errors. How many more significant errors or major problems will be uncovered by the authors or by critical readers of the 12 WHO SRs?” — Joel M. Moskowitz, PhD

• LF-EMF and Pregnancy Risks
New findings suggest that LF-EMF exposure may affect the peri-implantation period, potentially increasing the risk of pregnancy loss. Many women may unknowingly undergo physical therapies involving electromagnetic fields during this critical stage.
(Reference: Franczak et al., 2025)

General

• Policy Changes and Legal Battles
UK: 2017 ECC regulatory changes have unintentionally triggered a surge in mast site litigation. We examine the consequences.

• Emerging Insurance Risks in the 6G Era
With commercial 6G networks projected by 2029–2030, how will new EMF exposures impact insurance markets and risk assessment?

• Research Funding Opportunity: FSM 2025 Call
The Swiss Research Foundation for Electricity and Mobile Communication (FSM) is offering CHF 150,000 in 2025 for research investigating high-frequency electromagnetic fields from new satellite communication technologies.

• Pediatric Thyroid Cancer: New Risk Factors Identified
A new Yale-led study links early-life exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) and outdoor artificial light at night to increased risk of pediatric thyroid cancer.

Link to the EMFSA April 2025 Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/rf-emf-cancer-fertility-6g-insurance

We send our newsletter only once a month. Want to stay updated? Subscribe today! Newsletter – EMFSA

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In this newsletter, we explore the rising rates of colorectal cancer among young people. Be sure to read ‘An Illustration of Modern Life,’ which provides a glimpse into the life of a child in today’s world

Read more at: https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/colorectal-cancer

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Abstract

The association between childhood leukemia and extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) generated by power lines and various electric appliances has been studied extensively during the past 40 years. However, the conditions under which ELF-MF represent a risk factor for leukemia are still unclear. Therefore, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the relation between ELF-MF from several sources and childhood leukemia. We have systematically searched Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and DARE to identify each article that has examined the relationship between ELF-MF and childhood leukemia. We have performed a global meta-analysis that takes into account the different measures used to assess magnetic field exposure: magnetic flux density measurements (<0.2 µT vs. >0.2 µT), distances between the child’s home and power lines (>200 m vs. <200 m) and wire codings (low current configuration vs. high current configuration). Moreover, meta-analyses either based on magnetic flux densities, on proximity to power lines or on wire codings have been performed. The association between electric appliances and childhood leukemia has also been examined. Of the 863 references identified, 38 studies have been included in our systematic review. Our global meta-analysis indicated an association between childhood leukemia and ELF-MF (21 studies, pooled OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.06–1.49), an association mainly explained by the studies conducted before 2000 (earlier studies: pooled OR=1.51; 95% CI 1.26–1.80 vs. later studies: pooled OR=1.04; 95% CI 0.84–1.29). Our meta-analyses based only on magnetic field measurements indicated that the magnetic flux density threshold associated with childhood leukemia is higher than 0.4 µT (12 studies, >0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.37; 95% CI 1.05–1.80; acute lymphoblastic leukemia alone: seven studies, >0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.88; 95% CI 1.31–2.70). Lower magnetic fields were not associated with leukemia (12 studies, 0.1–0.2 µT: pooled OR=1.04; 95% CI 0.88–1.24; 0.2–0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.07; 95% CI 0.87–1.30). Our meta-analyses based only on distances (five studies) showed that the pooled ORs for living within 50 m and 200 m of power lines were 1.11 (95% CI 0.81–1.52) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.85–1.12), respectively. The pooled OR for living within 50 m of power lines and acute lymphoblastic leukemia analyzed separately was 1.44 (95% CI 0.72–2.88). Our meta-analyses based only on wire codings (five studies) indicated that the pooled OR for the very high current configuration (VHCC) was 1.23 (95% CI 0.72–2.10). Finally, the risk of childhood leukemia was increased after exposure to electric blankets (four studies, pooled OR=2.75; 95% CI 1.71–4.42) and, to a lesser extent, electric clocks (four studies, pooled OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.01–1.60). Our results suggest that ELF-MF higher than 0.4 µT can increase the risk of developing leukemia in children, probably acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Prolonged exposure to electric appliances that generate magnetic fields higher than 0.4 µT like electric blankets is associated with a greater risk of childhood leukemia.

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/reveh-2021-0112/html

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Bertagna, F., Lewis, R., Silva, S.R.P., McFadden, J. and Jeevaratnam, K. (2021), Effects of electromagnetic fields on neuronal ion channels: a systematic review. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1499: 82-103.

https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14597

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• The exact location has not been revealed but signals can reach submarines across vast distances, researchers say
• A joint experiment with Russia confirmed a ‘ping’ from the facility can also travel effectively underground

By Stephen Chen in Beijing

Published: 10:30pm, 2 Dec, 2021

The biggest antenna on the planet is up and running in central China, opening up long-distance communications with submarines as well as civilian applications, according to engineers and scientists involved in the project.

The exact location of the facility has not been revealed, but is believed to be somewhere in the Dabie Mountains, a protected natural reserve straddling Hubei, Anhui and Henan provinces.

From space, the antenna, which is formed by a network of cables and pylons much like those in ordinary power lines, would look like a giant cross more than 100km (62 miles) long and wide.

But at the ends of those lines, copper nodes are fixed deeply into thick granite. Two powerful underground transmitters – capable of working independently in case one is damaged – charge one megawatt of electrical current and turn the Earth into a giant radio station.

According to a paper published in last month’s Chinese Journal of Ship Research, receiving devices planted 200 metres (700 feet) below the surface on the sea floor can effortlessly pick up signals from the giant antenna 1,300km (800 miles) away – a range that covers the Korean peninsula, Japan, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The project’s lead engineer Zha Ming and his colleagues, from the Wuhan Maritime Communication Research Institute, said the facility was designed to maintain underwater communications over a total range of 3,000km (1,9000 miles) – enough to reach Guam, the biggest US military base in the western Pacific Ocean.

The extremely low frequency (ELF) facility can generate electromagnetic waves from 0.1 to 300Hz. These radio waves can travel great distances both underwater and below ground.

Read more at: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3158162/china-antenna-turns-earth-giant-radio-station-signals-reaching

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Note added by EMFSA: This study is about power-line ELF-EMF

Extract

There is a growing concern that the decline in pollinators spells problems for humans. However, there is debate as to what causes decline in e.g. bee populations. What modifications to environment, introduced by humans, cause death and misbehavior of bees. Many claim that pesticides are to blame. Many, afraid to be called foil-hats, are afraid to say that EMF might be involved too.

Just published study from Italy has demonstrated that pesticides alone are not good for bees but that pesticides combined with ELF-EMF from power line is even worse, the multi-stressors environment:

Lupi et al., Combined Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic-Fields on Honeybees: Multi-Stress Exposure, Insects 2021, 12(8), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12080716

In simple terms, it looks like pesticides kill bees whereas pesticides + EMF cause behavioral changes.

Not good news for humans and for the rest of fauna kingdom that eats what plants produce…

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Dariusz Leszczynski https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2021-0038

Abstract

Part of the population considers themselves as sensitive to the man-made electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by powerlines, electric wiring, electric home appliance and the wireless communication devices and networks. Sensitivity is characterized by a broad variety of non-specific symptoms that the sensitive people claim to experience when exposed to EMF. While the experienced symptoms are currently considered as a real life impairment, the factor causing these symptoms remains unclear. So far, scientists were unable to find causality link between symptoms experienced by sensitive persons and the exposures to EMF. However, as presented in this review, the executed to-date scientific studies, examining sensitivity to EMF, are of poor quality to find the link between EMF exposures and sensitivity symptoms of some people. It is logical to consider that the sensitivity to EMF exists but the scientific methodology used to find it is of insufficient quality. It is time to drop out psychology driven provocation studies that ask about feelings-based non-specific symptoms experienced by volunteers under EMF exposure. Such research approach produces only subjective and therefore highly unreliable data that is insufficient to prove, or to disprove, causality link between EHS and EMF. There is a need for a new direction in studying sensitivity to EMF. The basis for it is the notion of a commonly known phenomenon of individual sensitivity, where individuals’ responses to EMF depend on the genetic and epigenetic properties of the individual. It is proposed here that new studies, combining provocation approach, where volunteers are exposed to EMF, and high-throughput technologies of transcriptomics and proteomics are used to generate objective data, detecting molecular level biochemical responses of human body to EMF.

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/reveh-2021-0038/html

IMPORTANT update on error added to: Leszczynski’s review of EHS science is available on-line https://betweenrockandhardplace.wordpress.com/2021/07/07/leszczynskis-review-of-ehs-science-is-available-on-line/

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Letter

Hansson Mild, K., Bergling, R. and Hörnsten, R. (2021), Heart Rate Variability and Magnetic Field Exposure Among Train Engine Drivers—A Pilot Study. Bioelectromagnetics. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.22329

Extract from the introduction: Several studies have shown that magnetic field exposure can affect heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). In this pilot study, the authors studied HRV in a group of seven male train engine drivers, occupationally exposed to an intense magnetic field over one working day.

From the discussion: As this is a pilot study, the low number of participants is a major limitation. We have therefore not included a statistical analysis of the data in view of the low number of participants. However, the findings in the study indicate that it would be of interest to perform an HRV study with a larger number of participants who have a high occupational exposure to extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields.

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Abstract

Biological effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) and its consequences on human health have become the subject of important and recurrent public debate. ELF-MF evokes cell/organism responses that are characteristic to a general stress reaction, thus it can be regarded as a stress factor. Exposure to ELF-MF “turns on” different intracellular mechanisms into both directions: compensatory or deleterious ones. ELF-MF can provoke morphological and physiological changes in stress-related systems, mainly nervous, hormonal, and immunological ones. This review summarizes the ELF-MF-mediated changes at various levels of the organism organization. Special attention is placed on the review of literature from the last decade. Most studies on ELF-MF effects concentrate on its negative influence, e.g., impairment of behavior towards depressive and anxiety disorders; however, in the last decade there was an increase in the number of research studies showing stimulating impact of ELF-MF on neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation. In the face of numerous studies on the ELF-MF action, it is necessary to systematize the knowledge for a better understanding of the phenomenon, in order to reduce the risk associated with the exposure to this factor and to recognize the possibility of using it as a therapeutic agent.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/2/174

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