Adverse Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on The Central Nervous System: A Review

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 3, 158 - 169, 31.12.2025

Burak Oguzhan Karapinar , Emrah Altuntas , Tuba Gul , Adem Tokpinar , Muhammet Degermenci , Orhan Bas

https://doi.org/10.56941/odutip.1810345

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of technology in recent years, exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has become an integral part of daily life. Electromagnetic fields emitted by both natural and artificial sources have attracted increasing attention, particularly due to their potential biological effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Current literature suggests that EMF exposure may be associated with increased blood–brain barrier permeability, oxidative stress, altered neurotransmitter levels, impaired learning and memory processes, neurodevelopmental alterations, and potential neurodegenerative outcomes. Furthermore, conflicting findings have been reported regarding the relationship between radiofrequency EMFs and extremely low-frequency EMFs and the development of brain tumors, and the World Health Organization has classified radiofrequency EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” It is further emphasized that critical developmental stages, such as childhood and the prenatal period, are particularly susceptible to EMF-related effects. While some findings indicate potential therapeutic applications of EMFs, the majority highlight adverse neurological outcomes. Given the widespread prevalence of EMF exposure in modern society, long-term, standardized, and multifaceted studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clarify their effects on the CNS.

Keywords

Electromagnetic fields , Central nervous system , Neurological effects , Blood–brain barrier , Oxidative stress

Ethical Statement

This article is a review of previously published literature. Ethical approval is not required as it does not contain any studies with human participants or animals conducted by the authors. All references have been appropriately cited.

Supporting Institution

The authors declared that this study has not received no financial support.

Elektromanyetik Alanların Merkezi Sinir Sistemi Üzerindeki Olumsuz Etkileri: Derleme

Abstract

Son yıllarda teknolojinin hızla ilerlemesiyle birlikte, elektromanyetik alanlara (EMA) maruz kalma günlük yaşamın ayrılmaz bir parçası haline gelmiştir. Hem doğal hem de yapay kaynaklardan yayılan elektromanyetik alanlar, özellikle merkezi sinir sistemi (MSS) üzerindeki potansiyel biyolojik etkileri nedeniyle giderek daha fazla ilgi görmektedir. Güncel literatür, EMA maruziyetinin artmış kan-beyin bariyeri geçirgenliği, oksidatif stres, değişen nörotransmitter seviyeleri, bozulmuş öğrenme ve hafıza süreçleri, nörogelişimsel değişiklikler ve olası nörodejeneratif sonuçlarla ilişkili olabileceğini düşündürmektedir. Ayrıca, radyofrekans EMA'ları ve son derece düşük frekanslı EMA'lar ile beyin tümörlerinin gelişimi arasındaki ilişki hakkında çelişkili bulgular bildirilmiştir ve Dünya Sağlık Örgütü radyofrekans EMA'larını "insanlar için olası kanserojen" olarak sınıflandırmıştır. Çocukluk ve doğum öncesi dönem gibi kritik gelişim aşamalarının EMA ile ilişkili etkilere özellikle duyarlı olduğu vurgulanmaktadır. Bazı bulgular EMA'ların potansiyel terapötik uygulamalarına işaret ederken, çoğunluğu olumsuz nörolojik sonuçlara vurgu yapmaktadır. Modern toplumda EMA maruziyetinin yaygınlığı göz önüne alındığında, altta yatan mekanizmaların aydınlatılması ve MSS üzerindeki etkilerinin netleştirilmesi için uzun süreli, standardize edilmiş ve çok yönlü çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.

Keywords

Elektromanyetik alanlar , Merkezi sinir sistemi , Nörolojik etkiler , Kan-beyin bariyeri , Oksidatif stres

Ethical Statement

Bu makale, daha önce yayınlanmış literatürün bir incelemesidir. Yazarlar tarafından insan katılımcılar veya hayvanlar üzerinde yürütülen herhangi bir çalışma içermediğinden etik onay gerekmemektedir. Tüm kaynaklara uygun şekilde atıfta bulunulmuştur.

Supporting Institution

Yazarlar bu çalışmanın herhangi bir finansal destek almadığını beyan etmişlerdir

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