SavedAdd your journal

Journals / Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi / 2025 / Cilt: 6 Sayı: 3

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Human Health: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Mobile Communication and Power Transmission Lines

Elektromanyetik Radyasyonun İnsan Sağlığına Etkileri: Mobil İletişim ve Enerji İletim Hatları Üzerine Kapsamlı Bir Literatür Derlemesi

Aykut Kızkın(ORDU UNIVERSITY, GÖLKÖY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL)0009-0005-0667-852X
Baha Kanberoğlu(SAKARYA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING)0000-0003-1938-3470
Pages
987–1007
Publication Date
2025-12-31
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Findings indicate that specific absorption rate (SAR) and power density values can exceed international limits under certain conditions; this situation may lead to outcomes such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurological disorders, adverse effects on reproductive health, and hearing loss.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This review article comprehensively evaluates recent studies investigating the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted from various sources on human health.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The literature addresses the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) originating both from mobile communication systems (mobile phones, base stations, wireless modems) and from low-frequency power transmission lines (50 Hz).
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Findings indicate that specific absorption rate (SAR) and power density values can exceed international limits under certain conditions; this situation may lead to outcomes such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurological disorders, adverse effects on reproductive health, and hearing loss.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Elektromanyetik Radyasyon · Özgül Soğurma Oranı · Mobil İletişim Sistemleri

Abstract

This review article comprehensively evaluates recent studies investigating the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted from various sources on human health. The literature addresses the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) originating both from mobile communication systems (mobile phones, base stations, wireless modems) and from low-frequency power transmission lines (50 Hz). Findings indicate that specific absorption rate (SAR) and power density values can exceed international limits under certain conditions; this situation may lead to outcomes such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, neurological disorders, adverse effects on reproductive health, and hearing loss. In addition, many studies have reported symptoms including headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty in concentration, and skin problems. These findings reveal the necessity for further experimental and epidemiological research to understand better the short- and long-term health effects of electromagnetic exposure. In conclusion, scientific investigation of different frequencies and exposure scenarios, comprehensive evaluation of biological effects, and raising public awareness on this issue will contribute to a clearer understanding of the impacts of electromagnetic radiation on health.

Özet

Bu derleme makalesi, farklı kaynaklardan yayılan elektromanyetik alanların insan sağlığı üzerindeki potansiyel etkilerini inceleyen güncel çalışmaları kapsamlı biçimde değerlendirmektedir. Literatürde hem mobil iletişim sistemlerinden (cep telefonları, baz istasyonları, kablosuz modemler) hem de düşük frekanslı enerji iletim hatlarından (50 Hz) kaynaklanan elektromanyetik radyasyonun biyolojik etkileri ele alınmıştır. Bulgular, özgül soğurma oranı ve güç yoğunluğu değerlerinin bazı koşullarda uluslararası limitleri aşabildiğini; bu durumun DNA hasarı, oksidatif stres, nörolojik sorunlar, üreme sağlığı üzerinde olumsuz etkiler ve işitme kayıpları gibi sonuçlara yol açabileceğini göstermektedir. Ayrıca pek çok çalışmada baş ağrısı, uyku bozukluğu, yorgunluk, konsantrasyon güçlüğü ve cilt problemleri gibi semptomlar rapor edilmiştir. Bu bulgular, elektromanyetik maruziyetin sağlık üzerindeki kısa ve uzun vadeli etkilerinin anlaşılabilmesi için daha fazla deneysel ve epidemiyolojik çalışmaya ihtiyaç olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç olarak, farklı frekans ve maruziyet senaryolarının bilimsel olarak incelenmesi, biyolojik etkilerin kapsamlı biçimde değerlendirilmesi ve toplumun bu konuda bilinçlendirilmesi, elektromanyetik radyasyonun sağlık üzerindeki etkilerinin daha net anlaşılmasına katkı sağlayacaktır.

🔖

Cite This Article

Kızkın, A., Kanberoğlu, B. (2025). Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Human Health: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Mobile Communication and Power Transmission Lines. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, Cilt: 6 Sayı: 3, 987–1007. https://doi.org/10.53501/rteufemud.1769268

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (60)

  1. Abeshu, M.A., Geleta, B. (2015). Physical health hazards of mobile phone use. Health Care: Current Reviews, 2(3), 1-2. https://doi.org/10.4172/2375-4273.1000154
  2. Aerts, S., Deprez, K., Verloock, L., Olsen, R.G., Martens, L., Tran, P., Joseph, W. (2023). RF-EMF exposure near 5G NR small cells. Sensors, 23(6), 3145. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23063145
  3. Atasever, S., Sorgucu, U. (2023). Prediction of electromagnetic power density emitted from GSM base stations by using multiple linear regression. International Journal of Applied Mathematics, Electronics and Computers, 11(2), 108–116. https://doi.org/10.18100/ijamec.1242024
  4. Balasubramanian, D., Agraharam, G., Girigoswami, A., Girigoswami, K. (2025). Multiple radiations and its effect on biological system – a review on in vitro and in vivo mechanisms. Annals of Medicine, 57(1), 2486595. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2025.2486595
  5. Balmori, A. (2022). Evidence for a health risk by RF on humans living around mobile phone base stations: from radiofrequency sickness to cancer. Environmental Research, 214, 113851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.113851
  6. Chia, M.D., Mohammad, H., Iortile, T.J., Iorpagher, K.P., Ugande, A.A. (2022). Mobile phones usage and awareness of potential health risks from radiation emitted by mobile phones among medical students at Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 16(1), 557–571. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2022.16.1.1029
  7. Çerezci, O., Kanberoğlu, B., Yener, Ş.Ç. (2015). Analysis on trending electromagnetic exposure levels at homes and proximity next to base stations along three years in a city. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 23(1), 71–81. https://doi.org/10.3846/16486897.2014.959523
  8. Çerezci, O., Yener, Ş.Ç., Cerezci, F. (2017). Electromagnetic radiation interaction and pollution measurements. In 2017 Electric Electronics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineerings' Meeting (EBBT) (pp. 1-4). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ebbt.2017.7956772
  9. Davronbekov, D.A., Abdimuratov, Z.S., Manbetova, Z.D. (2019). Measurement of electromagnetic radiation levels from mobile radiotelephones. In 2019 International Conference on Information Science and Communications Technologies (ICISCT) (pp. 1-4). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/icisct47635.2019.9012052
  10. Davis, D., Birnbaum, L., Ben-Ishai, P., Taylor, H., Sears, M., Butler, T., Scarato, T. (2023). Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: identifying and reducing health risks. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 53(2), 101374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101374
  11. Deatanyah, P., Amoako, J.K., Amoatey, E., Osei, S., Azah, C.K., Dogbey, R., Fuseini, A.R., Quarshie, E., Owusu-Banahene, J. (2020). Assessment of radiofrequency radiation within the vicinity of some GSM base stations in Ghana: a follow-up. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 192(4), 413–420. https://doi.org/10.1093/rpd/ncaa219
  12. Dehaghi, B.F., Shekarloo, M.V., Golbaghi, A., Ghavamabadi, L.I. (2024). The impact of electromagnetic field exposure on diabetes: a narrative review. Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development, 9(4), 2390–404. https://doi.org/10.18502/jehsd.v9i4.17386
  13. Eeftens, M., Struchen, B., Birks, L.E., Cardis, E., Estarlich, M., Fernandez, M.F., Gajšek, P., Gallastegi, M., Huss, A., Kheifets, L., Meder, I.K., Olsen, J., Torrent, M., Trček, T., Valič, B., Vermeulen, R., Vrijheid, M., van Wel, L., Guxens, M., Röösli, M. (2018). Personal exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields in Europe: is there a generation gap? Environment International, 121, 216–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.002
  14. Federal Communications Commission. (2001). Evaluating compliance with FCC guidelines for human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: supplement c (OET bulletin 65). Office of Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications Commission.
  15. Gajšek, P., Ravazzani, P., Grellier, J., Samaras, T., Bakos, J., Thuróczy, G. (2016). Review of studies concerning electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure assessment in Europe: low frequency fields (50 Hz–100 kHz). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(9), 875. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13090875
  16. Gunes, M., Ates, K., Yalcin, B., Akkurt, S., Ozen, S., Kaya, B. (2021). An evaluation of the genotoxic effects of electromagnetic radiation at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz frequencies with a smart assay in drosophila melanogaster. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 40(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2021.1878210
  17. Gurbuz, N., Sirav, B., Seyhan, N. (2018). Genotoxic studies performed after radiofrequency radiation exposure. Gazi Medical Journal, 29(2), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.12996/gmj.2018.25
  18. Hardell, L., Koppel, T. (2023). Electromagnetic hypersensitivity close to mobile phone base stations - a case study in Stockholm, Sweden. Reviews on Environmental Health, 38(2), 219–228. https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2021-0169
  19. IEEE Standards Association. (2019). IEEE standard for safety levels with respect to human exposure to electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields, 0 Hz to 300 GHz (IEEE std C95.1-2019). IEEE.
  20. Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Türkiye. (2011). By-law on determination, control and inspection of the limit values of electromagnetic field force from the electronic communication devices according to international standards. Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye.
  21. Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Türkiye. (2018). Regulation of telecommunication devices safety certificate. Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye.
  22. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) (1998). Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz). International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Health physics, 74(4), 494–522.
  23. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. (2010). Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric and magnetic fields (1 Hz to 100 kHz). Health Physics, 99(6), 818–836. https://doi.org/10.1097/hp.0b013e3181f06c86
  24. Jadia, S., Qureshi, S., Jain, L., Shringirishi, M. (2019). Adverse effect of mobile phone on hearing in healthy individuals: a clinical study. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 71, 1169–1173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-018-1247-1
  25. Jazyah, Y.H. (2024). Thermal and nonthermal effects of 5G radio-waves on human’s tissue. The Scientific World Journal, 2024(1), 3801604. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/3801604
  26. Khalil, S., Hassan, N.E. (2024). Assessing the impact of radiofrequency radiation from cellular towers on human health: a comprehensive review. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 29(2), 77–85. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2024.29.2.0413
  27. Klune, J., Arhant, C., Windschnurer, I., Heizmann, V., Schauberger, G. (2021). Tracking devices for pets: health risk assessment for exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Animals, 11(9), 2721. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092721
  28. Koppel, T., Ahonen, M., Carlberg, M., Hardell, L. (2022). Very high radiofrequency radiation at Skeppsbron in Stockholm, Sweden from mobile phone base station antennas positioned close to pedestrians’ heads. Environmental Research, 208, 112627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.112627
  29. Kurnaz, C., Mutlu, M. (2020). Comprehensive radiofrequency electromagnetic field measurements and assessments: a city center example. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192(6), 334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-08312-3
  30. Lagorio, S., Blettner, M., Baaken, D., Feychting, M., Karipidis, K., Loney, T., Orsini, N., Röösli, M., Paulo, M.S., Elwood, M. (2021). The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: a protocol for a systematic review of human observational studies. Environment International, 157, 106828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106828
  31. López, I., Félix, N., Rivera, M., Alonso, A., Maestú, C. (2021). What is the radiation before 5G? a correlation study between measurements in situ and in real time and epidemiological indicators in Vallecas, Madrid. Environmental Research, 194, 110734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.110734
  32. Mahmudsyah, S., Sudarti. (2003). The influence of electromagnetic field extremely low frequency (ELF) of 500 kV high-voltage transmission lines to the spermatogenesis of Wistar white rats. Media Folia Medica Indonesiana, 39(3).
  33. Mohamed, F., Abdul Rahman, I., Ngu, T.K., Mohd Fadzil, S., Pozi, F., Ab. Majid, A., Yasir, M.S., Radiman, S. (2017). Measurement of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic flux in the vicinity of the overhead high voltage transmission line in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 14(2), 1–10.
  34. Mohammed, M.O.A., Elzaki, A.A., Babiker, B.A., Eid, O.I. (2022). Spatial variability of outdoor exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone base stations, in Khartoum, Sudan. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(10), 15026–15039. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16555-x
  35. Mutlu, M. (2024). Evaluation and SAR analysis of low frequency and broadband electric field exposure measurement values in the home environment. Applied Sciences, 14(10), 4169. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104169
  36. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Electromagnetic fields and cancer [fact sheet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheet
  37. Ojuh, O.D., Isabona, J. (2015). Radio frequency EMF exposure due to GSM mobile phones base stations: measurements and analysis in Nigerian environment. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 34(4), 809-814. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.20
  38. Önlü, M.V., Özmen, H., Kurt, M.B. (2021). Mapping of electric field intensity distribution in the 27 MHz - 3000 MHz frequency range in Diyarbakir city center. Dicle Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Mühendislik Dergisi, 12(4), 595–601. https://doi.org/10.24012/dumf.1001977
  39. Özüpak, Y. (2021). İletim hatlarında meydana gelen elektromanyetik alanın insanlar üzerindeki etkilerinin analizi. Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi, 36(2), 433–440. https://doi.org/10.21605/cukurovaumfd.982801
  40. Pamuk, N. (2014). Enerji iletim hatlarının meydana getirdiği elektromanyetik alanların yapay sinir ağları ile tahmini. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.19113/sdufbed.28991
  41. Parthasarathy, S.R., Tukimin, R. (2018). Residential exposure from extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) radiation. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 298(1), 012007. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/298/1/012007
  42. Perov, S.Y., Rubtsova, N.B., Belaya, O.V. (2022). Status of the neuroendocrine system in animals chronically exposed to electromagnetic fields of 5G mobile network base stations. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 174(2), 277–279. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-023-05689-2
  43. Rajput, S. (2024). Daily dose of radiation: The impact of electronic gadgets on human health: a review. Research Journal of Science and Technology, 16(4), 325–330. https://doi.org/10.52711/2349-2988.2024.00048
  44. Rathebe, P.C. (2020). Emission levels of ELF magnetic fields under medium voltage power-lines in Ngodini, Mpumalanga Province. In 2020 International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility-EMC EUROPE (pp. 1-4). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/emceurope48519.2020.9245815
  45. Rathebe, P.C., Kholopo, M.X. (2024). Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and health: an overview of basic concepts, severe and subjective exposure effects and mechanism of action. In 2024 4th International Conference on Electrical, Computer, Communications and Mechatronics Engineering (ICECCME) (pp. 01-07). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/iceccme62383.2024.10797086
  46. Redmayne, M., Reddel, S. (2021). Redefining electrosensitivity: a new literature-supported model. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 40(2), 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2021.1874971
  47. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (2010). Regulation on the measures to be taken to protect the environment and public health from the adverse effects of non-ionizing radiation. Official Gazette of the Republic of Türkiye.
  48. Rodrigues, N.C.P., Dode, A.C., Andrade, M.K.N., O’Dwyer, G., Monteiro, D.L.M., Reis, I.N.C., Rodrigues, R.P., Frossard, V.C., Lino, V.T.S. (2021). The effect of continuous low-intensity exposure to electromagnetic fields from radio base stations to cancer mortality in Brazil. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031229
  49. Samaila, B., Abdullahi, A., Yahaya, M., Abubakar, N. (2023). Residential exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation from mobile base stations: a systematic review on biological effects assessment. Material Science and Engineering International Journal, 7(2), 44-52. https://doi.org/10.15406/mseij.2023.07.00203
  50. Thaijiam, C., Woradit, K., Leela, N., Kaewwibool, P. (2017). Can cell phone electromagnetic radiation harm human health? In 2016 9th Biomedical Engineering International Conference (BMEiCON) (pp. 1-5). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/bmeicon.2016.7859591
  51. Turgut, A., Engiz, B.K. (2018). Sar evaluation due to exposure from base stations operating at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. In 2018 26th Telecommunications Forum(TELFOR) (pp. 420-425). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/telfor.2018.8611859
  52. Tyrakis, C., Theodorou, K., Kiouvrekis, Y., Alexias, A., Kappas, C. (2023). Radiofrequency exposure levels in Greece. Bioelectromagnetics, 44(1–2), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.22434
  53. Ubhenin, A.E., Isabona, J., Anura, F., Idris, R.I. (2024). Unraveling the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health: a comprehensive review. African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 16(1), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.59493/ajopred/2024.1.10
  54. Wei, Q., Ge, X., Liu, J., Li, H. (2024). A study on the ambient electromagnetic radiation level of 5G base stations in typical scenarios. Radiation Detection Technology and Methods, 8(3), 1333–1341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41605-024-00452-1
  55. Wei, X., Huang, Y., Sun, C. (2025). A review of effects of electromagnetic fields on ageing and ageing dependent bioeffects of electromagnetic fields. Science of the Total Environment, 963, 178491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178491
  56. Wongkasem, N. (2021). Electromagnetic pollution alert: microwave radiation and absorption in human organs and tissues. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 40(2), 236–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2021.1874976
  57. Yalçın, A., Saygın, M. (2016). Elektromanyetik alanların üreme sistemi üzerine etkileri. Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi, 4(2), 105-124. https://doi.org/10.21923/jesd.95457
  58. Zorlu, E., Alagöz, İ., Elmas, B. (2022). UHF bandı haberleşme sistemleri için çoklu frekans maruziyeti etkilerinin incelenmesi. Fırat Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 34(1), 145–159. https://doi.org/10.35234/fumbd.985040
  59. Zou, D.F., Li, Z.H., Liu, Y.B., Wang, C.Z. (2025). Progress in the study of the effects of electromagnetic radiation on the mood and rhythm. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 44(2), 212–227. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2025.2460971
  60. Žura, N., Žura Žaja, I., Perić, P., Malarić, K., Milinković Tur, S., Poljičak Milas, N., Rimac, V., Pejaković Hlede, J., Kunštek, S., Pećin, M., Vilić, M. (2025). Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation with a focus on haematology parameters: a brief review and future research needs. Veterinarska Stanica, 56(3), 375–387. https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.56.3.6