Non-ionizing radiation exposure causing ill-health and alopecia areata.

{
  "study_type": "case_report",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF/microwave",
    "source": "occupational",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Occupationally exposed workers seen at an outpatient clinic (Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia)",
  "sample_size": 3,
  "outcomes": [
    "run-down symptoms",
    "neck strain",
    "throbbing headache",
    "irritability",
    "loss of appetite",
    "fatigue",
    "memory difficulties",
    "numbness of extremities",
    "alopecia areata"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Three occupationally exposed cases to radio-frequency and microwave radiation presented with multiple non-specific symptoms and alopecia areata. The authors state the alopecia areata was felt to be causally linked to the radiation exposure.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Case report/case series design without a control group",
    "Exposure characteristics (e.g., frequency, intensity, duration) not reported in the abstract",
    "Causality is asserted but not demonstrated in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "very_low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radio-frequency",
    "microwave",
    "occupational exposure",
    "non-ionizing radiation",
    "alopecia areata",
    "headache",
    "fatigue",
    "neurological symptoms"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.95,
      "reason": "Cases involve occupational exposure to RF and microwave radiation."
    }
  ]
}