MAHA Strategy Update: What It Means for EMF Research and Public Health

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released its original report earlier this year, and it sparked nationwide conversations about different environmental exposures that may be related to chronic illness. Among the areas of concern, one stood out as being relevant to our modern lives and especially under-researched. Electromagnetic radiation, commonly referred to as EMF, is the energy emitted from the wireless devices we use every day. With our growing dependence on technology, EMF exposure has grown exponentially in recent years. Despite its prevalence, there are still glaring gaps in our knowledge of long-term effects.

Now, with the release of the MAHA Strategy Update, there is a clear directive for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “HHS, in partnership with other departments and Federal agencies, will undertake a study on electromagnetic radiation and health research to identify gaps in knowledge, including on new technologies, to ensure safety and efficacy.”

This shift is huge for EMF research. It’s one of the first times electromagnetic radiation has been acknowledged as a research priority, which could potentially lead to a much deeper understanding of how our technology impacts us long-term.

The MAHA Report, released in February of 2025, identified electromagnetic radiation as an environmental exposure of concern, specifically mentioning:

•  Research linking cell phone radiation to reduced sperm counts and motility.
  
  

• Findings from the National Toxicology Program showing DNA damage and cancer risks in rats.
  

• A systematic review of more than 50 studies that concluded the evidence of EMR’s impact on children was low to inadequate, underscoring the need for more rigorous research.

The MAHA Strategy Update (September 2025) builds on this by directing HHS to undertake a multi-agency study on electromagnetic radiation and human health and identify gaps in knowledge concerning new technologies. The goal? To shed light on safety standards for modern tech, ensuring our standards are adequately protecting us.

 To put it briefly, the Strategy Update tells us that electromagnetic radiation is officially on the national research agenda.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are everywhere, from the cell phones we carry to the Wi-Fi routers keeping our homes connected to the cell towers powering our lightning-fast 5G networks. With wearables and smart homes becoming the norm, tech is intricately woven into our daily routines.

Most of us are constantly exposed to EMFs, and while exposure levels are regulated, the rapid growth of technology raises some important questions. Are the old safety standards adequate? And are sensitive groups like children really protected?

These are the kinds of questions the MAHA Strategy Update will hopefully answer.

While the science is still evolving, research points to potential health risks that are worth paying attention to:

• Male fertility: Some studies suggest prolonged cell phone use may reduce sperm count and motility.

• DNA damage and cancer risks: The NIH’s National Toxicology Program reported “clear evidence” of DNA damage in rats exposed to high levels of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation.

• Neurological effects: Studies have linked EMF exposure to neurological disorders such as headaches, tremors, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and loss of memory and concentration. 

However, there are significant gaps in the research. With so much inconclusive evidence and a lack of research into new technologies such as 5G, wearables like smartwatches, and smart vehicles, the federal government’s decision to prioritize electromagnetic radiation research is especially important. 

By committing to a coordinated study on electromagnetic radiation, HHS is taking steps to:

• Make up the gaps by identifying where data is lacking, such as long-term exposure studies and research on children’s health.

• Examine new technologies to ensure safety guidelines keep up with new innovations.

• Shape public health recommendations using updated evidence.

These findings could potentially shape policy decisions and influence industry standards, giving individuals and families better information about how to safely use their tech.

Things are in motion, but there are many unanswered questions. While we wait for the results to shape public health guidelines, here are some simple steps that reduce the potential impact of EMF exposure:

• Be mindful of tech habits: Use speakerphones or wired headsets instead of keeping your phone against your head for long periods of time. Create space between you and your devices by avoiding carrying phones in your pockets or resting tablets on your lap.

• Integrate tech wellness solutions: Consider making EMF protection part of your wellness toolkit. Aires’ patented technology cleans up the electromagnetic environment by restructuring EMFs into a more biologically-friendly form.

• Limit unnecessary use: Be mindful of your screen time, both for mental health and EMF exposure. This is especially important for children, who may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors due to their developing brains and bodies.

• Stay informed: Follow updates from the MAHA Strategy as research develops, and keep up with the latest data on EMF research through resources such as the Environmental Health Trust.

By prioritizing electromagnetic radiation research, HHS is acknowledging the potential risks and the urgent need for understanding how wireless technology affects our health. The decision to investigate EMFs is a step towards ensuring that safety guidelines evolve alongside technology. This means greater transparency, better information, and hopefully, healthier outcomes in the years ahead.