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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Blue light exposure at night can disrupt the mother’s circadian rhythm — a factor increasingly linked to fetal development and autism spectrum disorders.

Image generated with AI using ChatGPT (OpenAI), input by EMFSA.

A Neglected Risk Factor in Pregnancy

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are commonly linked to factors such as poor nutrition, stress, and environmental toxins. Circadian disruption is now being recognized as another important contributor. Research over the past decade indicates that the circadian system begins developing prenatally through entrainment from the mother.

—Circadian Rhythms as Modulators of Brain Health During Development and Throughout Aging, PMC

How the Fetal Clock Develops — and Why It Matters

The foundation of the circadian system begins forming well before birth. In humans, the brain’s master clock—known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)—can be identified by the third trimester. This system is thought to develop in response to maternal signals such as melatonin and daily light-dark cycles. A baby is believed to have a fully functional SCN by around nine months of age.

Research indicates that circadian rhythms influence brain development from early gestation through old age. Disruptions during prenatal development may increase the risk of behavioral and cognitive impairments later in life, while aging is also associated with a natural weakening of these rhythms. Supporting a strong internal clock during pregnancy may therefore be one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to help protect long-term brain health.
— Circadian Rhythms as Modulators of Brain Health During Development and Throughout Aging, PMC

How Circadian Disruption Occurs in Pregnancy

Epidemiological studies have revealed associations between gestational chronodisruption and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Common sources of circadian disruption during pregnancy include:

• Shift work
  
• Jet lag from travel across time zones
  
• Exposure to artificial light at night
  

— Light and Circadian Signaling Pathway in Pregnancy: Programming of Adult Health and Disease

A Link Worth Investigating Further

The connection between Autism, Circadian Disruption and Pregnancy is becoming more evident as researchers explore how maternal circadian health may shape neurodevelopmental outcomes in the fetus.

Epigenetic Impacts: Altered Placental DNA Methylation

Early-life circadian disruption may increase the risk of chronic illness later in life. Circadian rhythms regulate critical biological processes, including hormone secretion and metabolic function. When disrupted—such as through night shift work—these rhythms can influence the developing fetus in unexpected ways.

One emerging area of concern is the impact on placental DNA methylation.

Clarkson-Townsend et al. (2019) conducted the first study to examine how night shift work, used as a proxy for circadian disruption, may alter methylation patterns in the placenta. Although the findings require cautious interpretation, the study suggests that maternal circadian disruption could lead to epigenetic changes with lasting effects.

Animal studies also indicate that circadian desynchrony in early life can lead to enduring autistic-like behavioral changes in adulthood, reinforcing the potential long-term impact of disrupted rhythms during gestation.

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodevelopment

Autism spectrum disorders include social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Among these are Asperger’s Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. ADHD and autism are both neurodevelopmental conditions that affect brain development and how a person functions day to day. Symptoms typically appear in early childhood and can influence behavior, learning, communication, and emotional regulation throughout life.
— ADHD vs. Autism: The Differences and Similarities

Practical Guidance for Expectant Mothers

Given the potential risks, gynecologists and healthcare professionals should advise pregnant women—and those planning to conceive—to minimize exposure to artificial light at night, especially blue light emitted by phones and screens. Limiting screen use at night is a simple, cost-free measure that may help safeguard fetal circadian development and support healthier neurodevelopmental outcomes.
More on the topic

Dramatically altered environmental lighting conditions in women with high-risk pregnancy during hospitalization – EMFSA

The Emerging Link between Wireless and Autism – EMFSA

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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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By: Health Council of the Netherlands

The Hague: Health Council of the Netherlands2020, publication no. 2020/16Ae: 1-131

Full text: https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Background-document-to-the-advisory-report-5G-and-health-2.pdf

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Abstract

An ever-increasing use of wireless devices over the last decades has forced scientists to clarify their impact on living systems. Since prenatal development is highly sensitive to numerous noxious agents, including radiation, we focused on the assessment of potential adverse effects of microwave radiation (MR) on testicular development. Pregnant Wistar albino rats (3 months old, weighing 282±8 g) were exposed to pulsed MR at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, mean power density of 2.8 mW/cm², and a specific absorption rate of 1.82 W/kg for 2 hours/day throughout pregnancy. Male offspring were no longer exposed to MR following birth. Samples of biological material were collected after reaching adulthood (75 days). In utero MR exposure caused degenerative changes in the testicular parenchyma of adult rats. The shape of the seminiferous tubules was irregular, germ cells were degenerated and often desquamated. The diameters of the seminiferous tubules and the height of the germinal epithelium were significantly decreased (both at ∗∗p<0.01), while the interstitial space was significantly increased (∗∗p<0.01) when compared to the controls. In the group of rats prenatally exposed to MR, the somatic and germ cells were rich in vacuoles and their organelles were often altered. Necrotizing cells were more frequent and empty spaces between Sertoli cells and germ cells were observed. The Leydig cells contained more lipid droplets. An increased Fluoro Jade – C and superoxide dismutase 2 positivity was detected in the rats exposed to MR. Our results confirmed adverse effects of MR on testicular development.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33779980/

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The paper, “Association Between Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Field Nonionizing Radiation During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort,” appeared in JAMA Network Open and prompted a significant amount of media coverage, as well as activity on social media.

Read the full article here: https://retractionwatch.com/2021/02/24/jama-journal-retracts-replaces-paper-linking-nonionizing-radiation-to-adhd/

February 18, 2021: Notice of Retraction and Replacement. Li et al. Association Between Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Field Nonionizing Radiation During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(3):e201417

The post JAMA journal retracts, replaces paper linking nonionizing radiation to ADHD appeared first on EMFSA.

Join us for a free webinar with James Lech, doctoral candidate, multidisciplinary researcher and the recipient of numerous South African and international awards.

Topic: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and the Interaction of EMFs

•Epigenetic domination of C-sections

•Biophysics at play in the womb

•Why do so many mothers get diastasis recti of their belly when pregnant?

•Gestational diabetes

•Autism, diabetes, and childhood cancer: epigenetic or genetic?

Date and time: Sunday 28th of February at 3pm SAST

Contact us here to attend https://www.emfsa.co.za/contact/

Images: Unsplash.com

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28-Jan-2021 2:15 PM EST, by University of Colorado Denver

Newswise — In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers discovered that light pollution leads to more than just wasted energy and washed-out starlight–it can increase the likelihood of a preterm birth by almost 13%. Laura Argys, professor of economics at the University of Colorado Denver, collaborated with scientists at Lehigh University and Lafayette College to produce this study.

Skyglow, the brightness of the night sky apart from discrete light sources such as the moon and visible stars, is one of the most pervasive forms of light pollution. When you have increased artificial brightness at night, coming from sources like streetlamps, outdoor advertising, and buildings, it reduces your ability to see the dark sky and individual stars. The study authors found that this can lead to health issues, particularly for pregnant women.

“We discovered that increased light pollution is linked to some pretty severe health challenges,” said Argys. “In pregnant women, this includes a higher chance of delivering a baby with a reduced birth weight, a shortened gestational length, and an increase in preterm births.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies born too early have higher rates of death and disability. In 2018, preterm birth and low birth weight accounted for roughly 17% of infant deaths (deaths before one year of age).

According to study co-author and Lehigh University Professor Muzhe Yang, the biological clock in our bodies, known as circadian rhythms, are disrupted by light pollution. This, in turn, can cause sleep disorders that ultimately lead to adverse birth outcomes. Specifically, the likelihood of a preterm birth (a childbirth before 37 weeks) could increase by approximately 12.9% as a result of increased nighttime brightness.

“While greater use of artificial light at night (ALAN) is often associated with greater economic prosperity, our study highlights an often-neglected health benefit of ‘darkness,'” said Yang. “The biological clock of a human body, like all lives on the earth, needs the ‘darkness’ as part of the light-dark cycle in order to effectively regulate physiological functions, such as sleep.”

Read more at: https://www.newswise.com/articles/light-pollution-linked-to-preterm-births-reduced-birth-weights

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