HHS Seeks Public Input on Electromagnetic Fields and Wireless Radiation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 17, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) calling on Americans, scientists, physicians, industry, and public health experts to submit evidence and information on the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), radiofrequency (RF) radiation, and wireless radiation exposure.

The RFI will help HHS evaluate the state of the science, compare U.S. and international safety standards and regulatory approaches, identify critical research gaps, and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, families, schools, communities, and public health professionals.

“Wireless technologies are part of daily life, and our science must keep pace,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “The MAHA Strategy directed HHS to examine electromagnetic radiation and health research, and we are acting on that directive. I encourage scientists, physicians, industry, public health experts, workers, parents, and citizens to bring us the best available evidence so we can identify the gaps and focus federal research where it is needed most.”

HHS is seeking information on RF/EMF exposures associated with mobile phones, Wi-Fi, smart meters, wireless infrastructure, wearable technologies, wireless medical devices, 5G, 6G, satellite communications, Internet of Things devices, smart homes, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and other emerging technologies.

The Department is requesting information across several key areas:

• Health experiences and clinical observations. HHS invites individuals and families to share experiences involving potential adverse health effects they believe may be associated with RF/EMF exposure. The Department also seeks observations from healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health practitioners that may help identify patterns warranting further study.
• Exposure standards and risk assessment. HHS seeks evidence concerning existing national and international exposure standards, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks. The Department also seeks information about whether scientific, technical, or regulatory changes could improve the assessment, disclosure, or regulation of wireless radiation exposure.
• Exposure measurement and public health surveillance. HHS is requesting information about methods for measuring individual and population-level exposure, potential improvements for assessing real-world exposure, information that should be disclosed to the public, and existing or potential surveillance systems.
• Potentially sensitive populations. The RFI asks whether exposure assessment or risk evaluation should differ for populations including children, pregnant women, older adults, people with implanted medical devices, workers with elevated occupational exposure, and people with preexisting medical conditions.
• Existing scientific evidence. HHS seeks evidence concerning potential adverse health effects associated with RF radiation exposure, including exposure below current federal limits. The Department also seeks information about cumulative exposure patterns associated with existing and emerging wireless technologies and potential environmental effects.
• Federal research priorities. HHS asks researchers and the public to identify the highest-priority gaps in RF/EMF and public health research and recommend ways federal health agencies can better coordinate research, including through the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HHS asks respondents to identify the basis for their submissions, including peer-reviewed research, government reports, industry data, clinical observations, or other sources. The Department encourages respondents to submit supporting research, datasets, technical reports, citations, and other relevant evidence whenever available.

More information about the RFI can be found at the Federal Register.