The Effect of Maternal and children exposed to cell phone use on physical and behavioral problems in childhood: A systematic review

Introduction: In Modern technology, using mobile phones is the most exposed to waves in the world. As far, public concern has been rising regarding exposure to phone waves, especially in critical periods such as intrauterine life and early childhood. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of literature have investigated the relationship between exposure to radiofrequency waves during pregnancy and early childhood with physical and behavioral problems in children. Method: We searched databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ISI, Cochrane Library, and Scopus), along with Persian databases such as SID and Magiran with the keywords: "Prenatal Period", "Pregnancy", "Mobile phone", "Children", "Radiofrequencyexposure", "Cell phone'', ''electromagnetic field'', and ''Behavioral problems'' from 1st. January 2010 until 1st. March 2020. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, out of 55 articles, 15 were selected.   Results: The results of some studies have not demonstrated the occurrence of behavioral problems in children who were exposed to radiofrequency waves during pregnancy until 36 months. But between the ages of 7 and 11, emotional-behavioral problems were reported. In contrast to other studies, one study showed a positive effect of reducing sentence complexity and improving motor skills in three-year-old children of mothers exposed to cell phone waves. Although, the Findings of dose-response (low, medium, and high exposure) were Controversial. In this review, meta-analysis studies found a significant relationship between the effects of exposure and the incidence of leukemia in children. Also, The incidence of migraine and children's exposure to magnetic fields showed a significant association. However, there was a weak association in the case of hearing loss problems.  Conclusion: Although, the results indicated a significant relationship between physical and behavioral problems in children due to exposure to the waves. However, We emphasize the importance and necessity of further research to investigate the biological effect of waves during pregnancy, and childhood to recognize the factors affecting children's diseases.