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77 postsLow-Cost Sensors in 5G RF-EMF Exposure Monitoring: Validity and Challenges
This PubMed-listed review examines how 5G deployment (denser small cells and beamforming) changes RF-EMF exposure patterns and evaluates the validity of low-cost sensors for 5G exposure monitoring. Reviewing over 60 studies across Sub-6 GHz and emerging mmWave systems, it reports that well-calibrated low-cost sensors can approach professional instruments within a few dB, but highlights persistent challenges such as calibration drift, frequency coverage gaps, and data interoperability. The authors argue that standardized calibration protocols and open data frameworks could help low-cost sensors complement professional monitoring and improve transparency.
Ameliorative Role of Coenzyme Q10 in RF Radiation-Associated Testicular and Oxidative Impairments in a 3.5-GHz Exposure Model
A rat study in Bioelectromagnetics examined GSM-modulated 3.5 GHz RF-EMF exposure (2 h/day for 30 days) and reported adverse changes in male reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, and testicular histology. The authors also tested Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and found it partially ameliorated some RF-associated alterations. The paper notes that because the exposure used a GSM-modulated waveform, findings cannot be extrapolated to FR1 5G NR signals, and calls for further research under real-world conditions.
Ambient RF-EMF exposure in surgical operating rooms from telecommunication antennas and Wi-Fi sources
This PubMed-listed study measured ambient radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels during surgical operations in 15 hospital operating rooms in Albacete, Spain, focusing on contributions from telecommunication antennas and Wi‑Fi. Using an exposimeter logging every 5 seconds across 67 procedures (~120 hours), the authors report that observed ambient RF‑EMF levels were comparable to other European indoor microenvironment studies. They report exposures in all operating rooms remained below 0.4% of the ICNIRP (2020) reference level, with the highest recorded mean value on the 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi band.
Negative Controls That Matter
RF Safe argues that “no effect” findings in some RF exposure studies should be interpreted as meaningful negative controls rather than as evidence that RF has no biological effects. The post presents RF Safe’s “S4–Mito–Spin” framework, claiming certain skin cell types (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) are predicted to be relatively resistant to non-thermal RF effects, so null results in these cells can be consistent with the model. It cites in-vitro studies at 3.5 GHz (5G-modulated) reporting no changes in ROS measures, stress responses, or UV-B DNA repair kinetics under specified SAR conditions, and frames these nulls as boundary conditions rather than a general safety conclusion.
Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity under 28 GHz 5G-band electromagnetic radiation in rats: Insights into the mitigative role of vitamin C
This animal study tested whether short-term 28 GHz (5G-band) millimeter-wave exposure modifies doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats and whether vitamin C mitigates effects. Co-exposure to 28 GHz EMR was reported to worsen several indices of DOX-related cardiac injury (including CAT reduction, increased BAX expression, and QT prolongation), while vitamin C provided partial attenuation. The authors emphasize that results are limited to a short-duration preclinical model and that human relevance remains preliminary.
Measurement of Outdoor Micro-Environmental Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Levels in Daily Life Using a Portable Measurement Device
This exposure assessment measured outdoor micro-environment RF-EMF levels in daily-life settings across urban and suburban locations in Japan using a portable device (50 MHz–6 GHz) with GPS. Reported exposure levels were higher in urban areas, with railway stations showing the highest levels among the environments measured. The authors emphasize the need for further comprehensive studies and frame prolonged RF-EMF exposure as an ongoing public health concern.
Ameliorative Role of Coenzyme Q10 in RF Radiation-Associated Testicular and Oxidative Impairments in a 3.5-GHz Exposure Model
This animal experiment assessed GSM-modulated 3.5 GHz RF exposure in male Wistar rats and reported hormonal, oxidative, and histological changes consistent with testicular impairment. RF exposure was associated with lower testosterone, LH, and FSH, higher oxidative stress (increased MDA and TOS), and degenerative testicular histology. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation partially mitigated several reported changes. The authors caution against generalizing these results to FR1 5G NR signals and call for further research.
Neurotoxic effects of 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF exposure on cultured DRG neurons: a mechanistic insight into oxidative and apoptotic pathways
This in vitro study examined strictly non-thermal, GSM-like 3.5 GHz RF-EMF exposure in cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons for 1–24 hours. The authors report time-dependent reductions in cell viability alongside increased ROS and changes consistent with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis (e.g., Bax/caspase-3 up, cytochrome c release, Bcl-2 down) and increased p75NTR. They conclude these findings provide mechanistic evidence of peripheral neuronal vulnerability to mid-band RF exposure and call for further in vivo research.
Effects of wireless local area network exposure on testicular morphology and VEGF levels
This rat study examined 2.45 GHz WLAN-like EMF exposure (3 V/m; SAR 0.00208 W/kg) for 1 hour/day over 60 days and assessed testicular morphology and VEGF-related markers. The abstract reports increased VEGFA gene expression and protein levels in exposed animals, with no change in HIF1A expression. It also reports multiple histological changes interpreted as testicular damage in the exposed group.
Massive assessment of exposure to 5G electromagnetic fields in France: a 5-year synthesis
This paper reports results from a large-scale, multi-phase measurement campaign in mainland France assessing changes in RF exposure associated with 5G deployment from 2020 to 2024. Using more than 24,000 on-ground measurements in direct view of 5G antennas, it finds small average increases in broadband exposure and increased contributions from 5G-related bands over time. The 3.5 GHz band contribution increased but remained a secondary contributor compared with legacy 800/900 MHz bands, and exposure during active downloading was higher than in idle mode.
Parametric analysis of electromagnetic wave interactions with layered biological tissues for varying frequency, polarization, and fat thickness
This PubMed-listed study models how RF electromagnetic waves interact with a simplified three-layer tissue structure (skin–fat–muscle) across common ISM bands (433, 915, 2450, 5800 MHz), varying polarization (TE/TM), incidence angle, and fat thickness. Using a custom MATLAB pipeline combining multilayer transmission-line methods, Cole–Cole dielectric parameters, and a steady-state Pennes bioheat solution, the authors estimate reflection, absorption, and resulting temperature rise. The simulations report small temperature increases at lower frequencies (433–915 MHz) and larger superficial heating at 5.8 GHz under the modeled conditions, highlighting how fat thickness and wave parameters modulate dosimetry and thermal outcomes.
Exposure to 5G-NR electromagnetic fields affects larval development of Aedes aegypti mosquito
A PubMed-listed study examined whether exposure to 5G New Radio (5G-NR) radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) at 3.6 GHz affects larval development in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Using a custom reverberation-chamber exposure setup and numerical simulations to estimate dose, the authors report slower development at a lower exposure level (46.2 V/m), particularly in nutritionally weakened larvae. At a higher exposure level (182.6 V/m), the study reports dielectric heating that altered development timing and adult size.
Mitigating Heat-Induced Sperm Damage and Testicular Tissue Abnormalities: The Protective Role of Radiofrequency Radiation from Wi-Fi Routers in Rodent Models
A rodent experimental study on PubMed reports that 2.45 GHz Wi‑Fi radiofrequency exposure may reduce heat stress–related damage in male rat testes and sperm parameters. The authors describe this as the first study examining a potentially protective effect of RF‑EMF against heat-induced testicular abnormalities, suggesting an adaptive response mechanism. They emphasize that further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and implications.
Effects of paternal 5G RFR exposure on health of male offspring mice
This animal study examined whether paternal exposure to 4.9 GHz (5G) radiofrequency radiation affects male offspring in C57BL/6 mice. It reports increased anxiety-like behavior and reduced sperm quality in adult F1 males from exposed fathers, alongside reported LRGUK hypermethylation and reduced LRGUK expression in testes. The abstract reports no significant effects on depression-like behavior, learning/memory, or fertility across F1–F2 generations.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Preserves Testicular Integrity Under 2.45 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation by Restoring Redox and Inflammatory Balance
This animal study exposed adult male rats to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation for 2 hours/day for one month and assessed testicular outcomes. The abstract reports that EMR exposure induced oxidative stress, increased inflammatory markers, and caused histological testicular injury. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation was reported to mitigate these changes and restore several testicular proteins.
Exposure to 5G-NR electromagnetic fields affects larval development of Aedes aegypti mosquito
This animal study exposed Aedes aegypti larvae to 5G-NR RF-EMF at 3.6 GHz for 5 days under two feeding regimes. The study reports delayed development at a lower exposure level mainly in nutritionally weakened larvae, and at a higher exposure level reports developmental changes and reduced adult size attributed to dielectric heating. Mortality and wing length asymmetry were reported as unchanged, and the authors note such high exposure levels are unlikely in natural aquatic settings.
Intercomparisons of computed epithelial/absorbed power density & temperature rise in anatomical human face models under localized exposures at 10 & 30 GHz
This dosimetry intercomparison evaluated epithelial/absorbed power density and temperature rise in two high-resolution anatomical human face models under localized antenna exposures at 10 and 30 GHz. The study reports a statistical correlation between spatially averaged absorbed power density and temperature rise when appropriate averaging is applied. Antenna type/configuration was identified as the dominant contributor to variability, exceeding differences from averaging methods or anatomical models.
Flora and fauna: how nonhuman species interact with natural and man-made EMF at ecosystem levels and public policy recommendations
This review discusses how increasing ambient nonionizing EMF (0–300 GHz), particularly RF from modern wireless technologies and satellites, may affect flora and fauna at ecosystem levels. It states that many nonhuman species rely on electro/magneto-reception and that even low-intensity EMF exposures are capable of disrupting critical biological functions and behaviors. The authors conclude that current exposure standards focus on human health and recommend policy reforms and mitigation measures to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
No Measurable Impact of Acute 26 GHz 5G Exposure on Salivary Stress Markers in Healthy Adults
This triple-blind randomized study tested whether 26.5 minutes of 26 GHz (5G) RF exposure at environmental-like levels alters salivary stress biomarkers in healthy adults. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase measured before, during, and after exposure did not differ between real and sham conditions. An exploratory subgroup with frequent sampling also showed biomarker stability over time. The study addresses acute exposure only and notes the need for research on repeated or long-term exposures and vulnerable groups.
Millimeter-wave high frequency 5G (26 GHz) electromagnetic fields do not modulate human brain electrical activity
This randomized, triple-blind crossover study examined whether 26 GHz (5G millimeter-wave) exposure affects human EEG activity. Thirty-one healthy young adults completed real and sham 26.5-minute exposures at 2 V/m, with EEG recorded before, during, and after exposure. The study reports no significant effects of exposure on delta, theta, alpha, or beta band power across electrode clusters, providing preliminary reassurance under the tested conditions.
Assessment of Electromagnetic Field Exposure from Multiple Sources Simultaneously in the High- Frequency Range Based on Safety Standards
This conference paper proposes a method to assess combined EMF exposure from multiple simultaneous high-frequency sources using a normalized exposure ratio based on ICNIRP 2020 guidelines. It emphasizes a current gap in standardized absorbed power density (Sab) measurement above 10 GHz and proposes incident power density (Sinc) as a temporary surrogate. The work is framed as supporting compliance verification and safety measure design, with a stated need for future experimental validation and standardization.
Behaviour and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 3.6 GHz radio-frequency electromagnetic fields
This animal study assessed whether 3.6 GHz RF-EMF exposure affects behaviour and reproduction in adult Drosophila melanogaster, using micro-CT-based digital-twin dosimetry and numerical simulations. It reports no significant changes in locomotor activity after 5 days at 5.4–9 V/m and no effect on fecundity over 48 hours at the tested absorbed power. The authors note that effects could still be possible at other exposure levels or in different developmental stages.
Time-Dependence Effect of 2.45 GHz RF-EMR Exposure on Male Reproductive Hormones and LHCGR
This animal study exposed male Sprague Dawley rats to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi for varying daily durations over eight weeks and assessed reproductive hormones and LHCGR expression. Serum LH and testosterone did not differ significantly from controls, but LHCGR mRNA increased with longer exposure and LHCGR protein showed decreases with shorter exposures with partial improvement at 24 hours/day. The findings suggest molecular alterations in testicular tissue despite stable systemic hormone levels.
Effects of Simultaneous In-Vitro Exposure to 5G-Modulated 3.5 GHz and GSM-Modulated 1.8 GHz Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Neuronal Network Electrical Activity and Cellular Stress in Skin Fibroblast Cells
This in-vitro study exposed primary cortical neurons and human immortalized skin fibroblasts to simultaneous 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz and GSM-modulated 1.8 GHz RF-EMF at SARs of 1 or 4 W/kg. It reports no significant changes in neuronal network firing/bursting activity and no alteration of mitochondrial ROS in fibroblasts. Stress-related signaling readouts showed only minor, threshold-level variations without a consistent pattern, and no HSF1 activation was observed. Overall, the authors conclude there is no strong evidence of biological effects under these exposure conditions.
Male Reproductive and Cellular Damage After Prenatal 3.5 GHz Radiation Exposure: One-Year Postnatal Effects
This animal study examined whether prenatal exposure to 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation (2 hours/day) affects male reproductive outcomes later in life. Male rat offspring assessed at 12 months showed multiple adverse testicular and cellular findings in exposed groups versus sham controls, including impaired spermatogenesis markers, increased abnormal sperm morphology, increased DNA damage, and increased apoptosis, with full-gestation exposure generally most pronounced. The authors interpret the results as evidence of persistent reproductive toxicity from prenatal exposure and call for further mechanistic work and precautionary actions.