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331 postsNon-thermal biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation: Mechanistic insights into male reproductive vulnerability in the era of ubiquitous exposure
This narrative review discusses proposed non-thermal mechanisms by which chronic, low-intensity RF-EMR from ubiquitous wireless sources may affect male reproductive health. It highlights oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired testosterone synthesis/steroidogenesis, and declines in sperm quality as reported outcomes. The authors argue that current SAR/thermal-based guidelines may not capture these endpoints and call for updated standards and precautionary measures.
Radiofrequency radiation-induced gene expression
This review summarizes studies reporting radiofrequency radiation (RFR)-associated changes in gene expression across biological systems. Reported affected genes relate to cellular stress responses, oxidative processes, apoptosis, DNA damage detection/repair, protein repair, and neural function regulation. The authors highlight reported gene expression effects at or below 0.4 W/kg SAR and argue this challenges current guideline assumptions, while noting that not all studies find significant effects.
Electromagnetic fields and oxidative stress: The link to the development of cancer, neurological diseases, and behavioral disorders
This review discusses epidemiological and mechanistic reports linking EMF exposure with oxidative stress and disease risk, and introduces an Electromagnetic Pathogenesis (EMP) conceptual model. The model proposes that non-ionizing EMFs increase mitochondrial electron leakage via electron tunneling, raising free radical production and oxidative stress. The authors argue oxidative stress is a primary mechanism connecting EMF exposure to cancer, cardiovascular, neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative diseases, and behavioral/reproductive effects, and suggest reducing exposure may lower risk.
Brain Tumor and Mobile Phone Risk Among Young People: Analysis of Japanese People Using the MOBI-Kids International Case-Control Study
This Japanese case-control study within the MOBI-Kids framework examined mobile phone use and brain tumor risk among people aged 10–29 years in the Kanto region. Using logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, it reports no increased brain tumor risk associated with mobile phone use, including analyses considering weighted output power and technical characteristics. The authors highlight possible recall bias and limited power in sub-analyses and recommend ongoing research as wireless technologies change.
The Influence of Mobile Technologies on the Quality of Sleep
This study assessed whether sleeping with versus without a mobile phone (two-week intervals) affects sleep in medical students, using smartwatch-based monitoring. It reports no statistically significant differences in sleep quality or time spent in wakefulness, REM, light, or deep sleep between conditions. The authors report a statistically significant effect on minimum and average blood oxygen saturation during sleep and call for further research on nightly RF-EMF exposure.
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.
Effect of Electromagnetic Field on Oral Tissues: A Narrative Review
This narrative review explores potential links between EMF exposure, metallic or mixed-metal dental restorations, and reported systemic and neurological symptoms despite normal diagnostic findings. It discusses hypothesized quantum-biological mechanisms (including spin dynamics and radical-pair mechanisms) that could mediate interactions between EMFs and dental metals. The authors conclude that the complexity of these interactions warrants more rigorous research and emphasize that a possible health-risk link should not be ignored.
Electromagnetic Field Stimulation Effects on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and Their Role in Aging and Neurodegeneration
This review discusses preclinical studies suggesting non-ionizing EMF exposures can produce beneficial biological effects, while noting ongoing controversy about mechanisms. It reports evidence of EMF-associated conformational changes in intrinsically disordered proteins relevant to neurodegeneration and describes RF exposure conditions that activate proteostasis and autophagy in cell and animal models. The authors propose a quantum-biophysical framework involving the water-protein interface and suggest potential human applications within regulatory safety thresholds.
Visualizing radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure through Voronoi-based maps
This exposure-assessment study proposes a Voronoi-diagram approach to visualize RF-EMF exposure across a city using personal exposimeter measurements of RMS electric field at seed points. Most mapped areas corresponded to about 1.9 V/m, with a maximum reported value of 11.4 V/m, all below the cited ICNIRP guideline level. The authors conclude the method is useful for communicating spatial variability, while also noting broader literature discussing potential health risks from EMF exposure.
Thermal and SAR-Based Limits for Human Skin Exposed to Terahertz Radiation
This conference paper uses COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to evaluate thermal and SAR-based exposure limits for modeled human skin exposed to terahertz radiation (0.1–5 THz). The authors report negligible temperature increases at power densities consistent with keeping SAR below 1.6 W/kg, but note that higher power densities can yield minimal heating while producing SAR values above recognized safety thresholds. They conclude that existing sub-THz standards are not directly transferable to the full THz band and call for updated guidelines, especially for prolonged exposure.
The effect of Wi-Fi on elastic and collagen fibres in the blood vessel wall of the chorioallantoic membrane
This animal experimental study exposed chicken embryos (CAM) continuously to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at an average power density of 300 μW/m2 for 9 or 14 embryonic days. H&E staining reportedly showed no significant structural differences in large vessel walls versus controls. However, special staining reported decreased optical density of elastic fibers at both time points and changes in collagen fiber optical density (increase at day 9, decrease at day 14). The authors conclude Wi-Fi exposure can alter fibrous vessel wall components and suggest potential relevance to cardiovascular disorders.
Investigating the Effects of Occupational Noise and Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Oxidative Response in Power Plant Workers
This occupational study compared oxidative stress biomarkers across four groups: control, noise-only, ELF-EMF-only, and combined noise plus ELF-EMF exposure in power plant workers. The combined exposure group showed higher lipid peroxidation (MDA) and lower antioxidant-related measures (GSH and TAC) versus controls, while SOD activity was reduced in the noise-only and combined groups. The authors interpret these findings as evidence linking concurrent noise and ELF-EMF exposure with increased oxidative stress and call for further research and occupational safety guidance.
A Cohort Study on Alzheimer's Disease in Relation to Residential Magnetic Fields From Indoor Transformer Stations
This cohort study evaluated Alzheimer's disease incidence in relation to residential extremely low frequency magnetic fields from indoor transformer stations, using apartment location as an exposure proxy. No significant association was observed between living next to transformer stations and Alzheimer's disease risk (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85–1.22). Duration of residence did not materially change risk, and a younger-start subgroup showed a non-significant elevation. The authors note the results did not replicate previously reported positive associations from other residential or occupational studies.
Electromagnetic Interference in the Modern Era: Concerns, Trends, and Nanomaterial-Based Solutions
This review surveys the evolution, sources, and consequences of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in modern environments shaped by IoT, 5G, and smart devices. It discusses disruptions to electrical and medical devices, ecological impacts on wildlife, and potential risks to human health from EMI exposure. The paper emphasizes mitigation via advanced shielding materials, highlighting carbon-based nanomaterials as promising solutions.
The WHO-commissioned systematic reviews on health effects of radiofrequency radiation provide no assurance of safety
This paper evaluates and critiques 12 WHO-commissioned systematic reviews and meta-analyses on RF-EMF health effects across outcomes including cancer and reproductive endpoints. It argues that serious methodological flaws and limitations in the WHO reviews prevent them from providing assurance of safety for cell phones and other wireless devices. The authors highlight reported evidence in the animal cancer review (high certainty for heart schwannomas; moderate certainty for brain gliomas) and describe dose-related adverse effects on male fertility and reproductive outcomes, including at exposure levels below current ICNIRP thresholds.
Review of the evidence on the influence of Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz radiation on oxidative stress and its possible relationship with Alzheimer's disease
The review states there is no scientific consensus on whether Wi‑Fi (2.4/5 GHz) contributes to Alzheimer's disease through oxidative stress, and that existing results are mixed and inconclusive. It discusses an indirect analysis linking oxidative-stress-responsive genes after 2.4 GHz exposure with genes associated with Alzheimer's disease. The authors suggest chronic exposure could affect regulation of neurodegeneration-related genes (e.g., GSK3B, APOE), while emphasizing that a direct relationship has not been demonstrated and more research is needed.
Experience of Polish Physicians on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity
This cross-sectional questionnaire study surveyed 355 Polish physicians about EMF health effects and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). Physicians reported limited knowledge and low familiarity with WHO guidance for managing people who believe they are hypersensitive to EMF, though most were willing to learn more. Many physicians reported encountering patients attributing symptoms to EMF, which the authors frame as highlighting a need for improved physician education and reliable public information.
Causal relationship between the duration of mobile phone use and risk of stroke: A Mendelian randomization study
This Mendelian randomization study assessed whether duration of mobile phone use is causally related to stroke outcomes using GWAS-derived SNP instruments. The inverse-variance weighted analysis reported a significant increased risk for large artery atherosclerosis (LAAS) with longer mobile phone use duration, while other stroke outcomes showed no significant associations. Sensitivity analyses (including MR-Egger and heterogeneity/asymmetry tests) were reported as suggesting the LAAS finding was robust.
Differential metabolic responses of mouse Leydig and spermatogonia cells to radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure
This in vitro study used LC-MS metabolomics to assess how continuous versus intermittent RF-EMF irradiation affects mouse Leydig (TM3) and spermatogonia (GC-1) cells. The authors report stronger metabolic disturbances in TM3 cells under continuous exposure, including changes in amino acid and glutathione-related pathways, while intermittent exposure mainly affected fatty acyl and purine-related metabolism. GC-1 cells were reported to be less sensitive, and ADP changes were proposed as a potential metabolic signature. The authors interpret these metabolic disturbances as suggesting potential reproductive health risks.
Radiofrequency regulates the BET-mediated pathways in radial glia differentiation in human cortical development
This in vitro study reports that radiofrequency (RF) exposure in the 800–2,400 MHz range modulates differentiation pathways in human cortical organoids derived from embryonic stem cells. RF exposure is described as maintaining radial glia stem cell identity and delaying differentiation, alongside induction of endogenous retrovirus expression and increased expression of ASD-associated genes and retroelements. The abstract attributes these effects to dysregulation of BET proteins and reports that BET inhibition rescues the RF-associated developmental defects.
Investigation of fetal exposure to electromagnetic waves between 2.45 and 5 GHz during pregnancy
This dosimetry study simulated fetal RF-EMF exposure between 2.45 and 5 GHz during the second trimester, estimating SAR10g in fetal brain and lungs. The presence of a belly-button piercing increased SAR, with maxima reported at 2.45 GHz (16 mW/kg in lungs; 14 mW/kg in brain). Despite these increases, all SAR values were reported to remain below IEEE and ICNIRP limits, while the authors note a precautionary implication regarding metal objects during pregnancy.
3.5GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on metabolic disorders in Drosophila melanogaster
This animal study used metabolomics to assess metabolic changes in male Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 3.5 GHz RF-EMF at 0.1, 1, and 10 W/m². It reports disruptions in four metabolic pathways and 34 differential metabolites, with significant decreases in several metabolites including GABA, glucose-6-phosphate, and AMP. The authors interpret the findings as suggesting RF-EMF-related metabolic disturbance, while noting no clear dose-dependent pattern.
Associations between Individual and Geospatial Characteristics and Power of 4G Signals Received by Mobile Phones
This exposure assessment study analyzed smartphone-logged 4G LTE RSSI and GPS data from adults in France to identify determinants of downlink signal strength. RSSI varied with geospatial factors (distance to antennas, antenna density, urbanicity) and time of day, and was also influenced by technical smartphone parameters. The study reports an estimated electric field strength derived from RSSI, but notes high uncertainty in this conversion.
Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MF) and Radiofrequency: Risk of Childhood CNS Tumors in a City with Elevated ELF-MF Exposure
This case-control study in Mexico City (2017–2022) evaluated residential ELF-MF and device-use proxies for RF exposure in relation to childhood CNS tumor risk. Elevated residential ELF-MF (≥0.4 μT) was associated with approximately doubled odds of CNST, while cell phone use showed no association. Prolonged tablet use, with or without internet connectivity, was reported to be associated with higher CNST risk.