This narrative review examines research on radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from mobile towers and its potential association with genetic damage and genetic polymorphism in humans, with an emphasis on India. The abstract states that RF-EMR exposure may affect genetic material and suggests a link between EMR exposure and genetic damage, with possible implications for cancer risk and cell death. It also highlights that genetic polymorphisms may modify susceptibility and calls for further research to clarify health impacts.

This case-control genetic association study in men from West Bengal, India examined variants in meiotic regulator genes (SPO11, RNF212, SYCP3) alongside reported exposure to electronic (electromagnetic) radiation as risk factors for azoospermia. It reports that genetic variants were associated with increased azoospermia risk, and that risk was higher among men aged 30+ who were also exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The authors conclude that EMF exposure may exacerbate fertility impairment in genetically predisposed men.

This cross-sectional study compared 183 higher-exposed residents with 126 matched reference residents and assessed symptoms via questionnaire alongside in-home RF-EMF power density measurements from mobile phone base stations. Higher exposure (including proximity within 50 m and power densities of 5–8 mW/m2) was reported to be associated with increased symptom prevalence across mood-energy, cognitive-sensory, inflammatory, and anatomical categories. The authors conclude that current public exposure limits may be inadequate for long-term, non-thermal biological impacts and call for precautionary policy updates.