Exposures to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and their impacts on children's health – What the science knows?

The possible health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on children have become a public concern due to biological vulnerability of developing children. To evaluate the evidence for possible adverse health effects on children, we systematically reviewed epidemiological studies, and briefly reviewed the experimental animal or mechanistic studies. Using a search strategy and risk-of-bias assessment, we summarized the existing data on cancer, birth outcome, neurocognitive development, and behavioral problems. There was no sufficient evidence to determine the adverse effects. Recent large-scale animal studies have shown carcinogenic findings, but the biological mechanism has not yet been elucidated. A well-designed future study is needed to produce high-quality scientific evidence of the possible harmful effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure in children. [Display omitted] •We mainly reviewed epidemiological studies of the health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on children.•We could not find a consistent health effect of children in association with the exposure.•The qualities of the epidemiological studies are mostly low to moderate levels in the risk-of-bias assessment.•The current studies do not provide sufficient evidence to determine the adverse effects.•Improved exposure assessment, causal study design and analytical models are needed for high-quality scientific evidence.