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Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields reduce bumble bee visitation to flowers

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This blinded, two-year study examined whether RF-EMF exposure at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz affects pollinator visitation to Salvia and Lavandula. The authors report no significant effect on honey bee visitation rates. They report a significant reduction in bumble bee visits per observation period under RF-EMF exposure, which they frame as a potential risk warranting further long-term research.

Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and IARC carcinogen assessment: Risk of Bias preliminary literature assessment for 10 key characteristics of human carcinogens

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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.

In-Situ Measurements of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Measurements Around 5G Macro Base Stations in the UK

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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.

Histomorphometric study of thyroid tissue in juvenile rats exposed to 5G electromagnetic fields

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This animal study examined thyroid histomorphometry in juvenile male Wistar rats after 2 weeks of 5G EMF exposure (3.5 GHz, 1.5 V/m). Exposed rats showed larger follicle and colloid areas and a significantly lower Thyroid Activation Index, which the authors interpret as thyroid hypoactivity. The authors suggest this may represent a potential health risk and call for further work including hormone assays and mechanistic studies.

Electromagnetic fields from mobile phones: A risk for maintaining energy homeostasis?

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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 proliferation rates of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells can be accelerated or inhibited by weak static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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.

Bus-exposure matrix, a tool to assess bus drivers' exposure to physicochemical hazards

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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.

A comprehensive mechanism of biological and health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency and wireless communication electromagnetic fields

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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.

5G-exposed human skin cells do not respond with altered gene expression and methylation profiles

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This in vitro study exposed human skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) to 5G-band electromagnetic fields for 2 hours and 48 hours using a fully blinded design. Exposures were up to ten times permissible limits, with sham exposure as a negative control and UV exposure as a positive control. The study reports that observed gene expression and DNA methylation differences were minor and consistent with random variation, supporting no detectable EMF-related effect under the tested conditions.

Exposure Perception and Symptom Reporting in Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields Using a Co-Designed Provocation Test

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

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.

Potential Impacts of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on the Central Nervous System, Brain Neurotransmitter Dynamics and Reproductive System

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This review discusses potential impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from technologies such as Wi‑Fi and mobile phones on the central nervous system, neurotransmitter dynamics, and reproductive health. It describes proposed mechanisms including oxidative stress, thermal effects, altered neurotransmitter activity, ion channel changes, and neuronal apoptosis, while acknowledging conflicting evidence. The authors note that Wi‑Fi RF exposure has not been confirmed to exceed safety guidelines but argue that updated standards and long-term studies are needed, particularly for children/adolescents and in the context of expanding technologies such as 5G.

Electromagnetic fields regulate iron metabolism: From mechanisms to applications

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This review synthesizes evidence that electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is associated in the literature with changes in systemic and cellular iron metabolism, with reported effects varying by EMF parameters, exposure duration, and biological context. It proposes mechanistic pathways involving iron-containing proteins/tissues, membrane and ion channel modulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The authors frame iron-metabolism modulation as relevant to both therapeutic applications and safety evaluation, while emphasizing inconsistencies and the need for standardized exposure protocols.

Active matter as the underpinning agency for extraordinary sensitivity of biological membranes to electric fields

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This biophysics paper presents a nonequilibrium (active matter) statistical mechanics model for electromechanical biological membranes. It argues that energy-driven activity in membranes could enable detection of electric fields far below equilibrium thermal-noise limits, and reports that the model can reproduce experimental observations by tuning activity. The abstract frames this as a potential mechanistic link between weak electromagnetic fields and biological responses, while also noting future modeling directions and possible implications for exposure safety discussions.

Exploring the influence of Schumann resonance and electromagnetic fields on bioelectricity and human health

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This review examines links between extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields, especially the Schumann resonance at ~7.83 Hz, and biological regulation of bioelectricity. It describes proposed mechanisms involving calcium flux modulation and downstream effects on neural activity (including EEG) and circadian rhythms. The article presents both potential benefits from controlled ELF exposures (e.g., therapeutic applications) and potential harms from artificial EMFs disrupting key physiological processes, while emphasizing the need for further research.

Effect of Occupational Exposure to Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cataract Development

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This cross-sectional epidemiologic study enrolled 100 employees of an electricity company to assess whether occupational low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure is associated with cataract development. Cataract frequency was higher in exposed versus non-exposed groups, and nuclear opacity grading differed significantly between groups. Within exposed workers, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract grades were associated with longer work experience, suggesting occupational exposure may be a risk factor, particularly for nuclear cataracts.

Carcinogenicity of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields: A systematic review of animal studies

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This PRISMA-based systematic review evaluated 54 animal studies on the carcinogenicity of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields. The authors report very little evidence that ELF magnetic fields alone are carcinogenic. Findings on co-carcinogenicity (ELF MFs combined with other agents) are inconclusive, and the review notes a clear indication of publication bias.

Sleep and Arousal Hubs and Ferromagnetic Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Nanoparticle Motion Under Electromagnetic Fields: Neurodegeneration, Sleep Disorders, Orexinergic Neurons, and Air Pollution in Young Urbanites

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This review/overview argues that ultrafine particulate matter and industrial nanoparticles can reach the brain and accumulate in sleep and arousal regulatory regions, including orexinergic neuron hubs. It reports that ferromagnetic particles in these regions show motion responsive to low-intensity electromagnetic fields (30–50 μT) and describes links to sleep disturbances and neurodegenerative disease markers in young urban residents. The authors frame combined air pollution nanoparticle exposure and low-level EMF as a significant threat and call for monitoring and protective strategies.

Impact of a Terahertz electromagnetic field on the ion permeation of potassium and sodium channels

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This biophysics study used molecular dynamics simulations to examine how terahertz electromagnetic fields affect ion permeation in voltage-gated potassium (Kv1.2) and sodium (Nav1.5) channels. The simulations report increased ion permeability at several specific terahertz frequencies, with effects depending on field frequency and direction and increasing with field amplitude. The authors frame these results as evidence of specific EMF–ion channel interactions with potential health relevance and possible biomedical applications.

Effects of moderate static magnetic fields on voltage-gated potassium ion channels in sympathetic neuron-like PC12 cells

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This in vitro study examined effects of moderate static magnetic field exposure on sympathetic neuron-like PC12 cells. The authors report a significant reduction in voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel current density after 18 hours of exposure, with the reduction persisting after the field was removed. RNA sequencing identified 37 SMF-sensitive genes and pathway analyses suggested upregulation of signaling associated with reduced neuronal excitability.

Enhancement Effect of Static Magnetic Field on Bactericidal Activity

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This in vitro study reports that a static magnetic field (SMF) combined with paramagnetic calcium-polypyrrole nanoparticles (Ca-PPy) markedly increases bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The authors attribute the enhanced killing to increased reactive oxygen species generation and associated membrane disruption, with computational analysis suggesting altered radical-pair transitions under magnetic fields. The abstract frames SMF as potentially biocompatible and useful for bactericidal applications, while also noting broader biological impacts of electromagnetic fields.

Magneto-oncology: a radical pair primer

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2025

This mini-review discusses the radical pair mechanism as a plausible biophysical route by which external magnetic fields could influence biochemical processes in living systems. It is intended as a primer for magneto-oncology researchers to assess whether observed magnetic-field-related biomedical effects may be explained by radical pair biochemistry. The article also notes the value of this framework for refining therapeutic protocols and for identifying potential experimental artifacts in oncology-related magnetic field research.

The use of different exposure metrics in the research about the health impacts of electromagnetic fields

Research RF Safe Research Library Jan 1, 2024

This policy brief focuses on how RF-EMF exposure should be quantified in health research, emphasizing the role of near-field sources and proposing cumulative dose (J/kg/day) as a health-relevant metric. It reports mean cumulative dose estimates of 0.29 J/kg/day for the whole body and 0.81 J/kg/day for the brain. The brief notes established RF-EMF effects (heating, microwave hearing under highly pulsed radiation, and stimulation) and discusses indications of biological effects below thermal thresholds, while stating that improved metrics do not by themselves confirm harm.

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