Updated at 23 Jun 2026
The emergence of new technologies such as 5G raises questions about the effects of exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF). As the international public health authority, the World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for monitoring international scientific research in this field, evaluating the available evidence, and formulating recommendations based on sound scientific data.
In 2019, the WHO launched a project to assess the health effects of RF-EMF. To this end, it commissioned ten systematic reviews of the scientific literature. These reviews encompass both experimental studies (animal and cell studies) and epidemiological studies in humans.
For each type of study, the data were systematically, carefully, and comprehensively evaluated, with a focus on specific effects such as cancer, nonspecific symptoms, oxidative stress, and effects on reproduction and cognitive function.
