Effects of Combined EMF Exposures and Co-Exposures, Volume II

Research on possible effects of EMF exposures on human health and the environment has been largely driven by concerns about EMF-emitting devices. Putative effects have often been associated with introduction of new technologies, such as in connection with the computerization of offices (occupational concerns) and the wide-spread adoption of wireless technologies for communication (concerns for the general population). Other concerns have focused on EMF related to already existing technologies such as distribution and use of electricity, which has both an occupational as well as a general public aspect.

On the other hand, research which has focused on exposures to more than one type of exposure (a combined EMF exposure) and on co-exposures of EMF with other environmental agents (e.g. ionising radiation; chemicals such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, flame retardants etc; heavy metals; nanomaterials) is relatively sparse. This is probably due to several reasons, ranging from methodological considerations to the reductionist approach to science which advocates investigating “one factor at a time”. However, the last decade has seen a growing interest in scientific disciplines such as toxicology and environmental sciences towards understanding effects of simultaneous exposures, notably mixtures of chemicals.

Such studies also have a place when studying possible biological and health/environmental effects of EMF. The “real” exposure is anyway multifaceted, and often very complex. Therefore, a special collection of Frontiers in Public Health – Radiation and Health in the form of a Research Topic would put focus on this important topic, provide a forum for presenting original research and analytical overviews, and generate an increased interest in an issue which is highly relevant for scientist as well as other EMF stakeholders.