CHRONIC SKIN LESIONS, ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND LONG-TERM MOBILE PHONE EXPOSURE: A CASE REPORT HIGHLIGHTING AGERELATED VULNERABILITY

Tjing Yung Loo, Mary NB Cheung*

1. Introduction: Mobile phone use has become ubiquitous globally, with chronic electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure emerging as a potential environmental health concern. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) in its monographs, highlighting the need for further research on their health impacts.[18] Older adults may exhibit increased vulnerability to EMF-related physiological effects due to age-related declines in skin barrier function, immune regulation, and vascular health.[16] Age-related skin changes, such as reduced stratum corneum hydration and impaired barrier function, further enhance this susceptibility.[4] This self-reported case describes a 65-year-old male with chronic skin lesions linked to localized mobile phone exposure, alongside erectile dysfunction (ED) of unknown etiology, highlighting a potential association between long-term EMF exposure and age-related multisystem health impacts—consistent with growing evidence linking EMF exposure to various physiological disruptions.[9,10] Purpose: To raise public health awareness of potential health risks associated with prolonged mobile phone electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, particularly in older adults.