The effects of radio frequency (MRI) Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful medical imaging application utilized by radiologists and clinicians to study anatomical and functional characteristics in healthy and disease states (Elman & Harth, 2011). Scanners used in MRI involve the use of powerful magnetic waves and radio waves that help to create images for interpretation by medical professionals. It is the preferred medical imaging technique by health providers because it does not involve the use of ionizing radiation. The application is commonly used to facilitate medical diagnosis, estimate stage of a disease or health condition and support patient follow-up (Schwarz et al., 2008; Hartwig et al., 2009). Radio frequency (RF) waves are used in MRI scanners to excite nuclei that yield energy for imaging of body organs and systems. When conducting MRI, RF waves could come into contact with body tissues and foreign materials like metallic implants. The power produced by RF fields during medical imaging is converted into thermal energy. The energy is received by neighboring body organs, which are caused to increase their internal and external temperature. While the use of MRI in the healthcare industry to improve patient outcomes has increased rapidly, there have been growing concerns that exposure to RF as used in MRI could result in health problems (Hartwig et al., 2009). This paper gives the definition and background information of RF. It analyzes biological effects of RF used in MRI in healthcare settings. It also gives a conclusion based on the significant findings on the effects of RF. Definition and background of RF A radio frequency field is characterized by electric and magnetic features, and it is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. MRI scanners measure the intensity of RF field by determining the units of magnetic field strength. A volt per meter is used to determine how a magnetic field strength is or strength of magnetic field in terms of current per meter (A/m). The use of RF has increased both in clinical and non-clinical settings. The advancements in the rates of technological adoption have greatly impacted the increase in the use of RF in MRI across the world. Other sources of RF outside clinical centers include radio stations, antennas used in television sets, and factories for manufacturing mobile phones (Nakamura, Matsuzaki, Hatta, Nobukuni, Kambayashi & Ogino, 2003; Hartwig et al., 2009). The extent to which RF affects the body depends on the level of interactions between frequencies and wavelengths associated with RF and body organs. Frequency of RF in MRI is used to refer to the number of oscillations per unit time. Wavelength is used to refer to the distance between energy particles and waves of a RF field (Nakamura et al., 2003). Body reactions Several studies have determined the effects of RF on body systems, especially with regard to the activity of biophysical pathways. RF could alter the normal physiological activities of biological systems. Understanding the effects of RF on body systems is important so that better and safer MRI systems could be developed and adopted in the healthcare industry for diagnostic and other applications (Shellock, 2000). When thinking a