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318 postsExposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and IARC carcinogen assessment: Risk of Bias preliminary literature assessment for 10 key characteristics of human carcinogens
This review examined experimental literature on whether RF-EMF exposures within ICNIRP (2020) limits affect IARC key characteristics of human carcinogens. It identified 159 articles and found that 38% of in vitro/in vivo measurements reported statistically significant effects, but higher study quality was associated with fewer reported effects and there was no consistent exposure-response pattern. The authors state that study diversity and generally poor quality prevent high-confidence conclusions for most key characteristics, while recommending replication of the few higher-quality positive findings under stringent standards.
A novel approach for assessments of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure in buildings near telecommunication infrastructure
This paper proposes a new methodology to better assess indoor RF-EMF exposure in buildings near telecommunication base station antennas by refining measurement-point selection. Implemented in four multi-storey buildings in Natal, Brazil, indoor electric field peaks and averages were reported to be substantially higher than ground-level measurements. Although the highest indoor levels remained below ICNIRP recommended limits, the authors argue current regulatory evaluation methods may underestimate indoor exposure in certain building locations.
Effect of elevation on cumulative radiofrequency exposure from multiple communication towers
This exposure assessment measured RF power density across different floors of a high-rise university building using a spectrum analyser and log-periodic antenna. Power density decreased from the ground to the third floor but peaked on the fourth (top) floor. The 900 MHz band showed the highest reported power density (1.16E-03 W/m2), and the authors suggest higher-floor occupants may experience higher RF exposure from nearby communication towers.
Evaluation of Personal Radiation Exposure from Wireless Signals in Indoor and Outdoor Environments
This exposure assessment measured personal RF electric field strength in multiple indoor and outdoor micro-environments in Malaysia using an ExpoM-RF 4 meter and modeled exposure with machine learning (FCNN, XG Boost) and linear regression. Reported exposures were usually below the stated public limit (61.4 V/m), but maximum values in dense urban areas with many base stations were reported to approach 56.7365 V/m. The authors frame near-threshold maxima in high-density areas as a potential health risk and recommend caution and monitoring.
Auto-Induced Downlink Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure at 3.5 GHz With Focusing Near the Head
This exposure-assessment study uses FDTD simulations to evaluate auto-induced downlink RF-EMF exposure at 3.5 GHz when downlink energy is focused toward user equipment near the head. Exposure varied substantially by device position (ear, eyes, nose) and by the precoding technique used. The authors report that the choice of normalization strategy can produce cases where ICNIRP basic restrictions are exceeded even when reference levels appear compliant, motivating a precautionary framing for compliance assessment.
In-Situ Measurements of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Measurements Around 5G Macro Base Stations in the UK
This exposure assessment performed RF spot measurements in line-of-sight to 56 active 5G macro base stations across 30 publicly accessible UK locations. Power density was measured across 420 MHz–6 GHz under multiple scenarios (background, streaming, downlink speed test, and extrapolated SS-RSRP decoding). Reported total RF and 5G-specific levels were within 1998 ICNIRP public reference levels, with 4G downlink contributing most of the measured exposure.
Exposure to 26.5 GHz, 5G modulated and unmodulated signal, does not affect key cellular endpoints of human neuroblastoma cells
This in vitro study examined whether 26.5 GHz millimeter-wave exposure (continuous wave and 5G-modulated) affects key cellular endpoints in human neuroblastoma cells. Cells were exposed for 3 hours at SAR 1.25 W/kg using a reverberation-chamber system, with assessments including cell cycle and DNA damage. The study reports no effects from exposure alone or when combined with the oxidant menadione, while noting that additional studies across varied conditions are needed.
Electromagnetic fields from mobile phones: A risk for maintaining energy homeostasis?
This narrative review discusses low-intensity RF-EMF exposure, primarily from mobile phones, with a focus on thermoregulation and energy homeostasis. It reports that many rodent studies at 900 MHz describe cold-like thermoregulatory and behavioral responses and molecular findings suggestive of WAT browning, while BAT transcriptional changes typical of cold exposure were not observed. The authors indicate short-term adaptations may not disrupt homeostasis, but emphasize uncertainty about long-term consequences and call for further research, including at 5G-relevant frequencies.
Characterization of the Core Temperature Response of Free-Moving Rats to 1.95 GHz Electromagnetic Fields
This animal study measured core body temperature in free-moving male and female Sprague Dawley rats during and after 3-hour exposure to 1.95 GHz RF-EMF at multiple whole-body average SAR levels. A measurable thermal response was reported at 4 W/kg, while lower SAR conditions showed smaller or no significant temperature increases. The authors note that temperature dropped quickly after exposure ended, implying post-exposure measurements may underestimate peak heating.
The Influence of an Electromagnetic Field at a Radiofrequency of 900 MHz on the Behavior of a Honey Bee
This laboratory study examined whether a 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) influences the behavior of newly emerged honey bee workers. Compared with controls, the exposed groups showed behavioral changes, with some parameters showing statistically significant differences seven days after exposure. The authors frame RF-EMF as a potential environmental stressor and call for further research, including gene expression analyses.
Mitigation of 3.5 GHz Electromagnetic Field-Induced BV2 Microglial Cytotoxicity by Polydeoxyribonucleotide
This in vitro study exposed BV2 mouse microglial cells to 3.5 GHz EMF for 2 hours and reports reduced cell growth and increased apoptosis alongside oxidative stress and signaling changes. The authors report that ROS generation and activation of JNK-1/2 and p38 MAPK were key events in the observed cytotoxicity. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) reportedly reduced several EMF-associated cytotoxicity markers, suggesting a potential mitigating effect under the tested conditions.
The influence of Wi-Fi on the mesonephros in the 9-day-old chicken embryo
This animal study examined continual 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi exposure (200–500 μW/m²) during 9 days of chicken embryo incubation and assessed the mesonephros at day 9. The authors report no adverse effects on general mesonephros development, but describe moderate degenerative changes and vascular congestion without inflammatory infiltrate. They also report significantly increased apoptotic and proliferating cells and up-regulation of caspase‑1 gene expression, interpreted as disruption of regulatory processes during development.
The proliferation rates of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells can be accelerated or inhibited by weak static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields
This in vitro study exposed HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells for 4 days to weak extremely low frequency magnetic fields (10 μT, 12–33 Hz) superimposed on a 45 μT static field. The authors report frequency- and amplitude-dependent increases or decreases in cell growth, including sharp inversions near 16.5 Hz with small parameter changes or reversal of the static field direction. Associated changes in membrane potential, intracellular calcium, and mitochondrial superoxide are presented as supporting a bioenergetic mechanism.
Impact of magnetic fields from tablets, laptops, smartphones, and household/leisure magnets on cardiac implantable electronic devices
This study tested magnetic fields from tablets, laptops, smartphones, and household/leisure magnets against 13 cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) models to assess magnet mode activation. It reports that these consumer devices can trigger magnet mode when in close proximity, with median activation distances of 5–6.5 mm for phones/tablets/laptops and mainly contact-level activation for household/leisure magnets. None of the tested devices activated magnet mode at distances of 20 mm or more, and the authors emphasize patient awareness of proximity-related risk.
SAR Estimations in a Classroom with Wireless Computers
This study simulated 1 g and 10 g peak spatial SAR (psSAR) in classroom settings where each student uses a Wi‑Fi laptop at 2.45 GHz and 100 mW. Maximum simulated psSAR values were reported to be below ICNIRP and IEEE recommended limits, but desk spacing and multi-user configurations could substantially increase psSAR compared with a single-user setup. The authors emphasize that long-term low-level exposure, particularly for children, remains a concern and recommend mitigation via increased spacing and wired connections.
Bus-exposure matrix, a tool to assess bus drivers' exposure to physicochemical hazards
This paper describes the development of a Bus-Exposure Matrix (BEM) to retrospectively estimate Swiss bus drivers’ exposures to 10 physicochemical hazards, including electric and magnetic fields. Measurements in representative buses were combined with technical inventories and INLA modeling to estimate annual exposures from 1985–2022. Reported trends include increasing peak noise and electric-field exposures over time, alongside decreases in several air pollution, vibration, and noise metrics.
Human achromatic flickers and phosphenes thresholds under extremely low frequency electric stimulations
This study estimated thresholds and locus for human phosphene perception during non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation at 20, 50, 60, and 100 Hz. Perception depended significantly on stimulation intensity, with the lowest threshold at 20 Hz and no reported phosphenes at 100 Hz. The authors report dosimetry consistent with a retinal origin and frame the findings as relevant for informing cautious ELF exposure limits in safety guidelines.
Effects of Polarized Coherent Microwaves Modulated at Extremely Low Frequencies
This review-style text discusses polarized, coherent microwaves that are modulated and pulsed at extremely low frequencies (ELF) and suggests these characteristics may increase biological interactions. It emphasizes that intensity variability and ELF modulation are important for understanding EMF–biology interactions. It also states that such exposures have been linked to health risks in the scientific literature, framing the topic as relevant to EMF safety and public health risk mitigation.
A comprehensive mechanism of biological and health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency and wireless communication electromagnetic fields
This narrative review discusses biological mechanisms and reported health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency (ELF) and wireless communication (WC) electromagnetic fields. It highlights oxidative stress and DNA damage as key mechanistic endpoints and proposes an IFO-VGIC pathway linking EMF exposure to ROS overproduction and cellular dysfunction. The authors interpret the broader literature as indicating risks (e.g., cancer, infertility, EHS) even below current exposure limits and advocate precautionary policy measures, including stricter limits and a 5G moratorium.
Rapid Deployment of 5G Wireless Communication and Risk Assessment on Human Health: Quid Novi?
This review discusses the rapid deployment of 5G and the associated debate about potential human health impacts from EMF exposure, particularly at 3.5–26 GHz including millimeter waves. It emphasizes limited published studies in these exposure ranges and highlights EU-funded initiatives and research consortia aimed at closing knowledge gaps. The authors state that guidelines are generally considered adequate at present, but argue that uncertainties—especially regarding long-term exposure—support continued research and precautionary approaches.
Epidemiological criteria for causation applied to human health harms from RF-EMF exposure: Bradford Hill revisited
This paper is a commentary reviewing how Bradford Hill’s epidemiological criteria can be applied to multidisciplinary evidence on RF-EMF exposure and adverse health effects. It reports that systematic reviews and meta-analyses in this area often reach substantially different conclusions, and argues that key weaknesses in primary studies—especially exposure measurement error and insufficient time for long-latency tumors—help explain the divergence. The author suggests these limitations may cause underestimation of potential causation if the associations are truly causal, and calls for independent guidelines to improve future epidemiological research quality.
Skin Fibroblasts from Individuals Self-Diagnosed as Electrosensitive Reveal Two Distinct Subsets with Delayed Nucleoshuttling of the ATM Protein in Common
This study reports on 26 adults self-diagnosed with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) who provided skin biopsies to generate primary fibroblast lines. The authors describe two EHS subsets based on questionnaire and DNA damage-related measures, and report delayed ATM nucleoshuttling after X-ray exposure in all samples, interpreted as impaired DNA repair signaling. They propose a molecular model linking EHS to ATM pathway dysfunction and suggest this could relate to increased cancer risk or accelerated aging.
Exposure Perception and Symptom Reporting in Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields Using a Co-Designed Provocation Test
This co-designed provocation study in IEI-EMF volunteers evaluated whether perceived exposure and symptom reporting tracked actual EMF exposure under double-blind conditions. The abstract reports no consistent alignment between perceived exposure certainty or symptoms and true exposure status at the group level, with limited individual exceptions. Symptom reporting was related to certainty of being exposed for about half of participants, which the authors interpret as supporting a nocebo-type mechanism and motivating refinement of provocation protocols.
Electrohypersensitivity: what is belief and what is known?
This article addresses electrohypersensitivity (EHS) in the context of public health and EMF-related health concerns. It focuses on distinguishing beliefs about EMF effects from what is currently supported by scientific evidence. The provided text notes ongoing debate and concern and calls for critical assessment of both beliefs and empirical findings.
What is the effect of alarmist media and radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on salivary cortisol and non-specific symptoms?
This randomized study tested whether viewing alarmist media and participating in an open-label RF-EMF provocation trial influenced non-specific symptoms and salivary cortisol. Participants who believed they were being exposed reported more symptoms than those who believed they were not exposed. The study did not find a replicated effect of alarmist media or open-label RF-EMF exposure on salivary cortisol, suggesting reported symptoms were more related to perception than cortisol-measured stress.