RF Safe

Association Between Mobile Phone Radiation Exposure and the Secretion of Melatonin and Cortisol, Two Markers of the Circadian System: A Review

Bioelectromagnetics · 2020 · Mixed · Insufficient evidence

← Research stream
MixedInsufficient evidencePaper 1305

The reviewed literature on RF exposure effects on melatonin and cortisol is conflicting, with studies reporting effects, no effects, or inconclusive data. The authors state that additional research with larger samples and well-controlled protocols, including …

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2020
Study typereview
Reported directionMixed
Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Association Between Mobile Phone Radiation Exposure and the Secretion of Melatonin and Cortisol, Two Markers of the Circadian System: A Review Brahim Selmaoui, Yvan Touitou. Association Between Mobile Phone Radiation Exposure and the Secretion of Melatonin and Cortisol, Two Markers of the Circadian System: A Review. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020 Nov 25. doi: 10.1002/bem.22310. Abstract The extremely important use of mobile phones in the world, at all ages of life, including children and adolescents, leads to significant exposure of these populations to electromagnetic waves of radiofrequency. The question, therefore, arises as to whether exposure to these radiofrequencies (RFs) could lead to deleterious effects on the body's biological systems and health. In the current article, we review the effects, in laboratory animals and humans, of exposure to RF on two hormones considered as endocrine markers: melatonin, a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and cortisol, a glucocorticosteroid synthesized by the adrenal glands. These two hormones are also considered as markers of the circadian system. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Medline, Web of Sciences (ISI Web of Knowledge), Google Scholar, and EMF Portal. From this review on RF effects on cortisol and melatonin, it appears that scientific papers in the literature are conflicting, showing effects, no effects, or inconclusive data. This implies the need for additional research on higher numbers of subjects and with protocols perfectly controlled with follow-up studies to better determine whether the chronic effect of RF on the biological functioning and health of users exists (or not). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typereview
Effect directionmixed
PopulationLaboratory animals and humans
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureRF
Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

The reviewed literature on RF exposure effects on melatonin and cortisol is conflicting, with studies reporting effects, no effects, or inconclusive data. The authors state that additional research with larger samples and well-controlled protocols, including follow-up, is needed to clarify potential chronic effects.

Outcomes measured

  • Melatonin secretion
  • Cortisol secretion
  • Circadian system markers

Limitations

  • Conflicting and inconclusive findings across the reviewed studies
  • Need for higher numbers of subjects
  • Need for perfectly controlled protocols
  • Need for follow-up studies to assess chronic effects
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Laboratory animals and humans",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Melatonin secretion",
    "Cortisol secretion",
    "Circadian system markers"
  ],
  "main_findings": "The reviewed literature on RF exposure effects on melatonin and cortisol is conflicting, with studies reporting effects, no effects, or inconclusive data. The authors state that additional research with larger samples and well-controlled protocols, including follow-up, is needed to clarify potential chronic effects.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Conflicting and inconclusive findings across the reviewed studies",
    "Need for higher numbers of subjects",
    "Need for perfectly controlled protocols",
    "Need for follow-up studies to assess chronic effects"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "mobile phone",
    "radiofrequency",
    "RF exposure",
    "melatonin",
    "cortisol",
    "circadian system",
    "endocrine markers",
    "review"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/bem.22310
PubMed: 33238059

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library