Effect of Mobile Phone Radiation on Neurobehaviour: Possible Mechanisms from Preclinical Studies

Abstract

Excessive usage of gadgets Emitting Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR), especially smartphones, by people of all age groups, and so forth chronic exposure to the radiation, were indeed sounding the alarm about a multitude of health risks. The nervous system was significantly affected, altering the brain and behavior of people and animals. Many preclinical experimental studies have been performed to uncover the pathways that lead to injury, but the results have been contradictory. A strategic search was conducted to identify studies published between 2011 and 2020, using electronic databases such as PubMed and Science Direct. Based on predefined criteria, studies were identified for study and assessed individually. All of the included studies were assessed for the risk of bias, and no study was found to be free of bias. In preclinical research, heterogenicity was detected in the exposure settings (EMF-RF type, MW, pulsed, SAR value, and length of exposure) after a thorough assessment of the studies included. Exposure to mobile phone radiation can produce oxidative stress, which can lead to the activation of apoptotic and necrotic pathways if not reversed in time. The available scientific literature is insufficient to draw particular conclusions, but the possibility of harmful impacts cannot be ruled out, according to the authors. There is a great need to restrict extensive investigations and instead conduct a systematic and complete blinded study with significant reproducibility and long-term research. This review intended to explain the potential mechanisms and risks associated with mobile phone radiation exposure.