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Cardiovascular

Exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation: cardiovascular effects in humans.

No Effects Found

Jauchem, JR, · 1997

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This review found no clear cardiovascular risks from EMF exposure below safety standards, though it predates modern wireless research.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers reviewed studies examining how electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines and radiofrequency radiation from devices like cell phones affect the human heart. They found that most studies showed no significant effects on blood pressure, heart rate, or heart rhythm patterns when exposure levels stayed below current safety standards. While some early Soviet studies in the 1960s suggested heart problems in electrical workers, later Western research could not confirm these findings.

Study Details

Cardiovascular changes in humans exposed to nonionizing radiation [including extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation (RFR)] are reviewed. Both acute and long-term effects have been investigated

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It has been concluded that such exposures, as presently performed, are not likely to cause adverse cardiovascular effects. Reports of hypertension in workers potentially exposed to high levels of RFR during accidents are considered to be incidental (due to anxiety and posttraumatic stress). Soviet investigators have also indicated that long-term RFR exposure may result in hypotension and bradycardia or tachycardia. Other researchers, however, have been incapable of replicating these results, and some scientists have attributed the effects to chance variations and mishandling of data. In summary, studies have not yielded any obvious cardiovascular-related hazards of acute or long-term exposures to ELF EMFs or RFR at levels below current exposure standards.

Cite This Study
Jauchem, JR, (1997). Exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation: cardiovascular effects in humans. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 70(1):9-21, 1997.
Show BibTeX
@article{jauchem_1997_exposure_to_extremelylowfrequency_electromagnetic_3109,
  author = {Jauchem and JR and},
  title = {Exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation: cardiovascular effects in humans.},
  year = {1997},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9258703/},
}
PubMed: 9258703

Cited By (79 papers)

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Quick Questions About This Study

A 1997 review by Jauchem found that most studies showed no significant effects on heart rhythm patterns from electromagnetic fields below current safety standards. While some early Soviet studies suggested heart problems in electrical workers, later Western research could not confirm these findings.
Research shows that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields generally do not affect blood pressure when exposure stays below current safety guidelines. The 1997 Jauchem review found most studies revealed no acute effects on blood pressure from static or time-varying ELF EMFs.
Current MRI procedures are not likely to cause adverse cardiovascular effects according to the 1997 Jauchem review. Studies of acute cardiovascular changes in humans exposed to MRI's radiofrequency radiation and magnetic fields found no significant heart-related hazards.
Early 1960s Soviet reports suggested arrhythmias and rapid heart rate in high-voltage switchyard workers, but subsequent Western studies could not confirm these findings. The research was limited by uncertainties about exposure duration and appropriate control groups.
Reports of high blood pressure in workers after radiofrequency radiation accidents are considered incidental, caused by anxiety and post-traumatic stress rather than the radiation itself. The 1997 Jauchem review found no direct cardiovascular hazards from RF exposure.