Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering

The Controversial Link: Exploring the Impact of Prenatal Radiation Exposure on Low Birth Weight

Articles in Press

Document Type : Mini Review

Authors

Fateme Zaker 1
Razieh Rashidfar 1
Zeynab Seyyedi Sarhad 1
Ali Tavakoli Golpaygani 2
Jamshid Eslami 3
Maryam Arshadi 1
Masoud Haghani 1, 4
Samaneh Jarideh 1
Seyed Alireza Mortazavi 5
Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi 1, 6

1 Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Research Center of Technology and Engineering, Standard Research Institute, Karaj, Iran

3 Department of Operating Room and Anesthesiology, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

4 Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

5 Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

6 Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2602-2066
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to both ionizing radiation (IR) and non-ionizing radiation (NIR) has raised concerns regarding potential adverse birth outcomes, particularly low birth weight (LBW). The rapid expansion of wireless technologies and the continuous use of diagnostic imaging during pregnancy necessitate a critical evaluation of existing evidence. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2008–2024. Evidence regarding IR exposure was inconsistent; several cohort studies after nuclear incidents reported increased LBW, whereas others showed no association. Findings for NIR were also heterogeneous, with some cohorts suggesting associations with high maternal mobile phone or ELF-EMF exposure, while large prospective studies failed to confirm such links. Current evidence does not allow a definitive conclusion on causal relationships between prenatal radiation exposure and LBW. Variability in exposure assessment, inadequate control of confounders, and lack of dose–response data remain major limitations. Well-designed longitudinal studies with objective dosimetry are urgently required.

Keywords

Low Birth Weight
Prenatal Exposure
Ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing Radiation
Electromagnetic Fields
Pregnancy
Birth Outcomes
Maternal Exposure
Fetal Development
Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 22 July 2026

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