<?xml version="1.0"?>
<Articles JournalTitle="International Journal of Occupational Hygiene">
  <Article>
    <Journal>
      <PublisherName>Tehran University of Medical Sciences</PublisherName>
      <JournalTitle>International Journal of Occupational Hygiene</JournalTitle>
      <Issn>2008-5109</Issn>
      <Volume>16</Volume>
      <Issue>1</Issue>
      <PubDate PubStatus="epublish">
        <Year>2025</Year>
        <Month>08</Month>
        <Day>30</Day>
      </PubDate>
    </Journal>
    <title locale="en_US">Health Impacts of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMFs): A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence (2015&#x2013;2023)</title>
    <FirstPage>7</FirstPage>
    <LastPage>19</LastPage>
    <AuthorList>
      <Author>
        <FirstName>Ali</FirstName>
        <LastName>Jafari</LastName>
        <affiliation locale="en_US">Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran</affiliation>
      </Author>
      <Author>
        <FirstName>Mahdi</FirstName>
        <LastName>Jafari nodoushan</LastName>
        <affiliation locale="en_US">Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran</affiliation>
      </Author>
      <Author>
        <FirstName>Mostafa</FirstName>
        <LastName>Jafari zaveh</LastName>
        <affiliation locale="en_US">Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran</affiliation>
      </Author>
      <Author>
        <FirstName>Vida</FirstName>
        <LastName>Rezaei hachesu</LastName>
        <affiliation locale="en_US">Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran</affiliation>
      </Author>
      <Author>
        <FirstName>Mohammad</FirstName>
        <LastName>Sheikhmozafari</LastName>
        <affiliation locale="en_US">Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran</affiliation>
      </Author>
      <Author>
        <FirstName>Mohammad</FirstName>
        <LastName>Monazzam</LastName>
        <affiliation locale="en_US">Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran</affiliation>
      </Author>
    </AuthorList>
    <History>
      <PubDate PubStatus="received">
        <Year>2025</Year>
        <Month>01</Month>
        <Day>07</Day>
      </PubDate>
      <PubDate PubStatus="accepted">
        <Year>2025</Year>
        <Month>04</Month>
        <Day>07</Day>
      </PubDate>
    </History>
    <abstract locale="en_US">Background: Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) is pervasive due to modern reliance on electrical and electronic devices. This review examines the potential adverse health effects of ELF-EMFs based on studies published between 2015 and 2023. The investigation spans a range of health outcomes&#x2014;including neurological, oncological, genetic, and mental health effects&#x2014;while also highlighting research gaps and regional disparities.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included original research focused on ELF-EMFs and health outcomes. Data extraction covered study type, health effects, exposure magnitude, and geographical distribution. A total of 65 studies were analyzed and categorized into experimental, epidemiological, and case-control designs.
Results: The findings indicate significant associations between ELF-EMF exposure and conditions such as childhood leukemia, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression, were frequently studied but yielded mixed results. Occupational exposure studies revealed potential risks, particularly among power plant workers and utility staff, while residential exposures were linked to neurobehavioral changes and sleep disturbances. Nevertheless, inconsistencies across studies hinder conclusive risk assessment.
Conclusion: While certain health risks of ELF-EMFs are well supported, substantial gaps remain in understanding less-studied effects, such as cardiovascular and endocrine disruptions. Future research should prioritize long-term, real-world exposures and address methodological limitations. These efforts are critical for informing public health guidelines and mitigating the potential risks associated with ELF-EMFs.</abstract>
    <web_url>https://ijoh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijoh/article/view/663</web_url>
    <pdf_url>https://ijoh.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijoh/article/download/663/836</pdf_url>
  </Article>
</Articles>
