In the era of ubiquitous mobile phone usage and widespread adoption of 4G technology, concerns have arisen regarding the potential health impacts of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. This paper conducts an in-depth examination of existing literature pertaining to the effects of 4G mobile phone radiation on various biological systems, with a focus on studies exploring long-term exposure consequences. The selected investigations encompass diverse aspects, including immunogenic and vascular gene expressions, auditory cortical neuron responses, optic nerve health, kidney and testis alterations, hematobiochemical changes, and the specific absorption rate of head tissues. Additionally, the article delves into behavioral changes, activity variations, and reproductive potential in rodents subjected to 4G smartphone radiation. The findings reveal a spectrum of effects, encompassing alterations in gene expression, changes in neuronal activity, organ damage, hematological parameter shifts, and impacts on reproductive health.
HISTORY
The pervasive deployment of 4G (LTE) technology, a cornerstone of contemporary wireless communication, has enabled high-speed connectivity. Despite its prevalence for over a decade, the potential health effects of prolonged exposure to 4G mobile phone radiation have received limited attention in comparison to emerging 5G technology. This paper aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive review of studies elucidating the effects of 4G radiation, shedding light on potential implications for human health.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR IMPACTS
1• Immunogenic and Vascular Gene Expressions in Chick Embryos
A study conducted by Islam et al. (2023) explored the impact of 4G mobile phone radiation on the expression of immunogenic and vascular genes in chick embryos. The exposure of sixty individuals to specific absorption rates resulted in notable changes in body parameters, biochemical levels, and gene expressions. The findings suggest potential hindrances to embryonic development due to 4G radiation, underscoring the necessity for further exploration.
2• Auditory Cortical Neurons and Inflammation
Souffi et al. (2022) investigated the effects of 1800 MHz LTE electromagnetic fields on auditory cortical neurons under proinflammatory conditions. The study revealed that LTE-EMF triggered reductions in the response strength to auditory stimuli, indicating altered cortical processing. These results emphasize the importance of considering the health impact of LTE signals, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation.
3• Optic Nerve Health
Özdemir et al. (2021) focused on the effects of 4.5G (LTE Advanced-Pro network) mobile phone radiation on the optic nerve. The study demonstrated significant damage to the optic nerve, highlighting potential risks to eye health posed by LTE-Advanced Pro technology. The findings advocate for further research to assess the broader impact on vision and eye health.
4• Kidney and Testis Alterations
Hasan et al. (2021) conducted a study on mice to explore hematobiochemical and histopathological alterations in the kidney and testis due to exposure to 4G cell phone radiation. The results indicated significant changes in hematological parameters, pointing towards potential risks to kidney and testis function.
