On September 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published an RFI seeking evidence on electromagnetic-field emissions and exposure, particularly radiofrequency and wireless exposure, and potential human-health outcomes.

Under docket HHS-OASH-2026-0397, HHS asks stakeholders to compare domestic and international exposure standards and regulatory approaches; identify research gaps; and address exposure metrics and characteristics including operating frequency, power density, specific absorption rate (SAR), field strength, modulation, duty cycle, beamforming, simultaneous frequencies, distance, body proximity and cumulative exposure.

The notice also requests evidence concerning current federal limits, exposure below those limits, sensitive populations, consumer disclosure, surveillance and environmental effects. Technologies named include 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, satellite communications, IoT, wearables, smart homes, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, wireless medical devices and smart meters.

Comments are due October 21, 2026. The RFI is voluntary and expressly is not a policy or binding requirement; it does not presently revise FCC/FDA exposure limits, equipment-authorization testing, certification or labeling obligations.

Responses may inform future research, recommendations or policy.

Impact

Impact assessment: Medium.

Key reasons: the RFI directly examines the scientific and regulatory basis for RF/EMF exposure limits, SAR, power density and disclosures across a broad range of wireless technologies.

Who is affected?

Wireless-device and infrastructure manufacturers, service providers, laboratories, standards bodies, researchers and product-compliance teams.

Conclusion:

no immediate mandatory change applies, but stakeholders should assess whether to submit evidence by October 21, 2026 and monitor any later HHS, FDA or FCC action arising from the record.