Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Technological Civilization and Health Impact Assessment of Non-Ionizing Radiation in Nigeria: Review

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
Polytechnica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The emergence of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) stimulated the growth and advancement of technological civilization. NIR is ubiquitous; its emergence has helped improve all fields and even deepened democratic processes, through data transfer, electronic transmission of results, etc. A breathtaking part of NIR is its recent application in the treatment of adverse health effects through radiofrequency ablation, phototherapy, etc. The benefits of NIR are enormous, however, technological civilization has its cost; some of the adverse health effects associated with NIR include skin cancers, sleep disorders, photo-ageing, etc. Therefore, with the rapid and sporadic increase in sources of NIR from Natural and Artificial sources including fossil fuel burning, Starlink technology, wireless devices, etc., – background radiation is expected to rise beyond the exposure limit leading to health illnesses. Intrinsically, there is a dare need to marry concerns that evolve with this growth. Hence, this review article aims to congregate the health hazards associated with NIR and the state-of-the-art applications of NIR in Nigeria’s health sector as a developing country. Part of our recommendations is that the government at all levels should set up enforcement agencies and policies to drive strict adherence to NIR as provided by ICNIRP, frequent-periodic assessments of background radiation in public places should be carried out due to the increasing sources. In addition, further research is needed to ascertain the health hazard from emerging sources of NIR like Starlink technology and to substantiate findings of non-thermal effects.

Graphical Abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

All data used in this study are available in the article.

References

  • Abd-Elsayed A et al (2019) Radiofrequency ablation for treating headache. Curr Pain Headache Rep 23(3)

  • Ademola AA (2003) An appraisal of the cost benefit of magnetic resonance imaging in Nigeria. Niger Postgrad Med J 10(4):251–253

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aweda MA et al (2010) Potential health risks due to telecommunications radiofrequency radiation exposures in Lagos state Nigeria. Nig Q J Hosp Med 19(1)

  • Banik S et al (2003) Bioeffects of microwave––a brief review. Biores Technol 87(2):155–159

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baxter BL et al (2022) Radiofrequency ablation methods for uterine sparing fibroid treatment. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 34(4):262–269

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bécherrawy T (2013) Electromagnetism: Maxwell equations, wave propagation and emission. John Wiley & Sons

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernhardt JH (1992) Non-ionizing radiation safety: radiofrequency radiation, electric and magnetic fields. Phys Med Biol 37(4):807–844

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bonjorno AR et al (2019) Radiofrequency therapy in esthetic dermatology: A review of clinical evidences. J Cosmet Dermatol 19(2):278–281

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buchner K, Rivasi M (2020) The international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection: Conflicts of interest, corporate capture and the push for 5G. ICNIRP-report-FINAL-19-JUNE-2020.pdf

  • Carrafiello G et al (2008) Microwave tumors ablation: Principles, clinical applications and review of preliminary experiences. Int J Surg 6:S65–S69

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cho S et al (2009) Effects of infrared radiation and heat on human skin aging in vivo. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 14(1):15–19

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Diffey BL (2002) Sources and measurement of ultraviolet radiation. Methods 28(1):4–13

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ding Y et al (2019) NIR-responsive polypeptide nanocomposite generates NO gas, mild photothermia, and chemotherapy to reverse multidrug-resistant cancer. Nano Lett 19(7):4362–4370

    Article  CAS  PubMed  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Endres L, Breit R, Jordan W, Halbritter W (2009) UV radiation, irradiation, and dosimetry. Dermatological phototherapy and photodiagnostic methods. Springer, pp 3–59

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Fang Z et al (2022) Radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors abutting complex blood vessel structures: treatment protocol optimization using response surface method and computer modeling. Int J Hyperth 39(1):733–742

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • FCC (2013) Federal Communications Commission FCC 13-39 ET docket no. 13-84. Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved July 15, 2023 from https://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2013/db0422/FCC-13-39A1.pdf

  • Gallagher RP et al (2010) Ultraviolet radiation. Chronic Dis Can 29(Suppl 1):51–68

    Article  MathSciNet  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gartshore A et al (2021) Applications of microwave energy in medicine. Biosensors 11(4):96

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gentile RD et al (2018) Radiofrequency technology in face and neck rejuvenation. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 26(2):123–134

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guan LL et al (2021) Sunscreens and photoaging: a review of current literature. Am J Clin Dermatol 22(6):819–828

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta A et al (2013) Ultraviolet radiation in wound care: Sterilization and stimulation. Adv Wound Care 2(8):422–437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansson Mild K et al (2019) Non-ionizing radiation in swedish health care—exposure and safety aspects. Int J Environ Rese Public Health 16(7)

  • Hardell L, Sage C (2008) Biological effects from electromagnetic field exposure and public exposure standards. Biomed Pharmacother 62(2):104–109

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Huang AH, Chien AL (2020) Photoaging: a review of current literature. Curr Dermatol Rep 9(1):22–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ICNIRP (2020) Guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz). Health Physics 118(5):483–524

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Imam-Tamim MK et al (2016) The precautionary approach to the installation of telecommunication masts in residential areas in Nigeria: A Legal Response. IIUM Law J 24 (1)

  • International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2013) ICNIRP guidelines on limits of exposure to laser radiation of wavelengths between 180 nm and 1,000 μm. Health Physics 105(3):271–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and others (2020) Principles for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Health Phys 118(5):477–482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemarchand G (2009) The lifetime of technological civilizations and their impact on the search strategies. Astrobiology 7

  • Maduka UB et al (2021) Assessment of awareness of possible health effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones among University of Nigeria Enugu campus students. S Afr Radiogr 59(1):28–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoud BH et al (2008) Effects of visible light on the skin. Photochem Photobiol 84(2):450–462

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McColl N et al (2015) European Code against Cancer 4th Edition: Ionising and non-ionising radiation and cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 39:S93–S100

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Michaud K et al (2021) Review of radiofrequency ablation for peripheral nerves. Curr Pain Headache Rep 25(10)

  • Minkina W (2021) How infrared radiation was discovered—range of this discovery and detailed, unknown information. Appl Sci 11(21):9824

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miyata M, Tei C (2010) Waon therapy for cardiovascular disease:–Innovative therapy for the 21st century–. Circ J 74(4):617–621

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Modenese A, Gobba F (2020) Occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation. Main effects and criteria for health surveillance of workers according to the European Directives. 2020 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2020 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC/I&CPS Europe). IEEE, pp 1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Narayanan DL et al (2010) Review: Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. Int J Dermatol 49(9):978–986

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nationsonline.org (2021) Administrative Map of Nigeria. Retrieved from One World - Nations Online: https://www.nationsonline.org/maps/nigeria-administrative-map.jpg

  • Ng KH (2003) Non-ionizing radiations–sources, biological effects, emissions and exposures. Proceedings of the international conference on non-ionizing radiation at UNITEN. sn, pp 1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen C (2023) Overcoming inverse-square law of gravitation and luminosity for interstellar hyperspace navigation by celestial objects. arXiv e-prints. arXiv-2301

  • Ogbole GI et al (2018) Survey of magnetic resonance imaging availability in West Africa. Pan Afr Med J 30(240)

  • Ogundele LT et al (2019) Health risk assessment of heavy metals in soil samples from an abandoned industrial waste dumpsite in Ibadan, Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 191(5)

  • Omer H (2021) Radiobiological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation. Saudi J Biol Sci 28

  • Otitoloju A et al (2010) Level of Radiofrequency (RF) Radiations from GSM base stations and its biological effects on Albino Mice, Mus musculus. J Appl Sci Environ Manag 14(3)

  • Oyewopo AO et al (2017) Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from cell phone causes defective testicular function in male Wistar rats. Andrologia 49(10):e12772

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oyeyemi KD et al (2017) Measurements of radioactivity levels in part of Ota Southwestern Nigeria: Implications for radiological hazards indices and excess lifetime cancer-risks. J Phys: Conf Ser 852:012042–012042

    Google Scholar 

  • Panov V, Borisova-Papancheva T (2015) Application of ultraviolet light (UV) in dental medicdine. J Med Dent Pract 2(2):194–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Popoola JJ et al (2021) Assessment of possible health risks potential of electromagnetic fields from high voltage power transmission Lines in Akure, Nigeria. J Appl Sci Process Eng 8(1):684–699

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pourang A et al (2022) Effects of visible light on mechanisms of skin photoaging. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 38(3):191–196

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ring EFJ, Ammer K (2012) Infrared thermal imaging in medicine. Physiol Meas 33(3):R33–R46

    Article  CAS  PubMed  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez-Amaya DB (1997) Carotenoids and food preparation: the retention of provitamin A carotenoids in prepared, processed and stored foods. Citeseer

    Google Scholar 

  • Samarth R, Kumar M, Matsumoto Y, Manda K (2020) The effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on health. Recent trends and advances in environmental health. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., pp 179–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Schieke SM et al (2003) Cutaneous effects of infrared radiation: from clinical observations to molecular response mechanisms. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 19(5):228–234

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sklar LR et al (2013) Effects of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation on erythema and pigmentation: a review. Photochem Photobiol Sci 12(1):54–64

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sliney DH et al (2012) Infrared, visible, and ultraviolet radiation. Patty’s Toxicol 169–208

  • Starlink (n.d.) Starlink. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.starlink.com/technology

  • Statista (2023a) Number of smartphone users in Nigeria from 2014 to 2025. Statista. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/467187/forecast-of-smartphone-users-in-nigeria/

  • Statista (2023b) Population forecast in Nigeria in selected years between 2025 and 2050. Statista. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122955/forecast-population-innigeria/

  • Tertsea I (2013) Average solar UV radiation dosimetry in Central Nigeria. Int J Environ Monit Anal 1(6):323–323

    Google Scholar 

  • Tinker R et al (2022) A coherent framework for non-ionising radiation protection. J Radiol Prot 42(1):010501

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tsai S-R, Hamblin MR (2017) Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B 170:197–207

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Vanagas T et al (2010) Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors (I): biological background. Medicina 46(1):13

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vrba J (2005) Medical applications of microwaves. Electromagn Biol Med 24(3):441–448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrba J, Lapes A (2004) Medical applications of microwaves. Microw Opt Technol 2003(5445):392–397

    Google Scholar 

  • Vreman HJ et al (2004) Phototherapy: Current methods and future directions. Semin Perinatol 28(5):326–333

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2022) Ultraviolet radiation. World Health Organisation. Retrieved July 15, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation

  • Wilén J, de Vocht F (2011) Health complaints among nurses working near MRI scanners—A descriptive pilot study. Eur J Radiol 80(2):510–513

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (2011) IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Press Release N 208

  • Xu W et al (2019) Application of infrared thermal imaging technology in the design of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap transplantation. Zhongguo gu Shang= China J Orthop Traumat 32(11):1053–1057

    Google Scholar 

  • Zamanian A, Hardiman CJHFE (2005) Electromagnetic radiation and human health: a review of sources and effects. High Freq Electron 4(3):16–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Zha XD et al (2019) Impacts of electromagnetic radiation from cellphones and Wi-Fi on spermatogenesis. Zhonghua nan ke xue= Natl J Androl 25(5):451–455

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhi W-J et al (2017) Recent advances in the effects of microwave radiation on brains. Mil Med Res 4(1)

Download references

Funding

The work was self-funded by the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

    Emmanuel Ndoma, Nyakno George & Ekong Nathaniel

  2. Department of Physics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

    Muyiwa Orosun

  3. Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

    Muyiwa Orosun

  4. Department of Physics, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

    Emmanuel Agbo & Golden Offorson

Authors
  1. Emmanuel Ndoma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nyakno George
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ekong Nathaniel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Muyiwa Orosun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Emmanuel Agbo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Golden Offorson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All the authors made substantial contributions to the concept of the article. George N., Orosun M., and Nathaniel E., critically revised the manuscript for important and valuable intellectual content. Agbo E., and Offorson G., contributed to the writing of the manuscript. Ndoma E. who is the major contributor to the manuscript contributed to the design, concept and writing. All authors read and approved the final manuscripts.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Emmanuel Ndoma.

Ethics declarations

Ethical Approval

The authors have no conflicts of interest, and the research involves no human participants or animals.

Consent to Participate

Not applicable.

Consent for Publication

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest/Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing/conflicting interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ndoma, E., George, N., Nathaniel, E. et al. Technological Civilization and Health Impact Assessment of Non-Ionizing Radiation in Nigeria: Review. Polytechnica 7, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41050-023-00045-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41050-023-00045-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation