Prenatal and Early-Life Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields: Impacts on Neurodevelopment and Behavior
Prenatal and Early-Life Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields: Impacts on Neurodevelopment and Behavior

Summary/Abstract: Wi-Fi is a common source of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure, operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Increasing experimental evidence suggests that RF-EMF exposure during prenatal and early postnatal periods may influence neurodevelopment and behavior. This review examines the effects of RF-EMF exposure on learning, memory, anxiety-like behaviors, motor activity, and exploratory behaviors. The study is based on 65 experimental studies identified through a literature search conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Mechanistic studies indicate that these effects are associated with increased oxidative stress, impaired synaptic plasticity, and modulation of neuronal signaling pathways, potentially affecting neurogenesis, dendritic spine formation, and the maturation of neural circuits. Findings from animal studies are heterogeneous; while some studies report mild cognitive and motor impairments, others do not observe significant behavioral changes. Human data remain limited and controversial, providing low-level evidence regarding cognitive and behavioral effects. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of the developing nervous system to such exposures is noteworthy. Current evidence suggests that RF-EMF exposure may affect neurodevelopment and behavior through neurobiological mechanisms. However, further standardized, long-term, and multidimensional studies are required to reach definitive conclusions regarding the direction and magnitude of these effects. Factors such as exposure duration, intensity, developmental stage, and sex appear to play critical roles.

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