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52 postsImpact of in vitro exposure to 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz fields on oxidative stress and DNA repair in skin cells
This in vitro study tested whether 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz RF-EMF exposure affects oxidative stress and DNA repair in human skin cells. Under acute exposure conditions (up to 24–48h) at SARs up to 4 W/kg, the authors report no significant changes in ROS markers, no adaptive response to oxidative challenge, and no impairment of UV-B–related CPD repair via nucleotide excision repair. The authors note that acute in vitro results may not directly generalize to chronic or real-life exposures.
Dual Evaluation and Spatial Analysis of RF-EMF Exposure in 5G: Theoretical Extrapolations and Direct Measurements
This exposure assessment study evaluated 5G RF-EMF exposure using both theoretical extrapolations and direct measurements in semiurban and urban settings, including a campus case study. Measured and extrapolated exposure levels were reported to be within ICNIRP recommended limits, even under high network data demand. The authors also report a strong correlation between theoretical and instantaneous field exposures, supporting the validity of their dual-method framework.
Assessment of 5G RF-EMF Exposure during Large-Scale Public Events via Field Measurements
This exposure-assessment study conducted field measurements of 5G downlink RF-EMF during a large public festival in Valencia, Spain, and compared them with a baseline day. Measurements covered 700 MHz and 3500 MHz bands across three network operators and five locations, using 6-minute and 30-minute durations. The study reports higher event-related power density (up to eightfold at 3500 MHz) but states that all measured levels remained well below international safety limits.
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Emissions and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study
This prospective cohort study followed 105 neonates/infants for one year and measured household RF-EMF using a selective radiation meter, categorizing exposure into tertiles. Higher household RF-EMF exposure was associated with lower ASQ-3 neurodevelopmental scores, particularly in motor and problem-solving domains, and higher odds of monitor/refer classifications for fine motor and problem-solving. The abstract notes these associations persisted after adjustment for low birth weight, though exposure was measured at a single time point and key confounders (e.g., prenatal phone use, parental interaction) were not assessed.
A scoping review and evidence map of radiofrequency field exposure and genotoxicity: assessing in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological data
This scoping review and evidence map (PRISMA-ScR) summarizes over 500 studies on RF-EMF exposure and genotoxicity across in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological research. The authors report a higher proportion of significant DNA damage findings in in vivo and epidemiological studies than in vitro studies, with DNA base damage commonly reported under real-world/pulsed/GSM talk-mode conditions and longer exposures. They conclude that DNA damage has been observed at exposure levels below ICNIRP limits and recommend precautionary measures and updates to guidelines to address potential non-thermal effects.
Impact of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cardiac Activity at Rest: A Systematic Review of Healthy Human Studies
This systematic review evaluated evidence on RF-EMF exposure and cardiac activity (heart rate and heart rate variability) in healthy humans at rest. Across 28 studies spanning 100 to 110,000 MHz and exposures from minutes to a week, most studies reported no significant effects on resting heart rate, and HRV findings were largely null under calm conditions. Some position-dependent HRV changes were reported, and the authors note possible effects during physiological challenges, but conclude evidence is insufficient for firm conclusions beyond resting healthy populations.
Temporal change of outdoor RF-EMF levels in four European countries: a microenvironmental measurement study
This microenvironmental measurement study assessed temporal trends in outdoor RF-EMF exposure between 2016 and 2023 in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Spain using harmonized walking-route measurements with exposimeters. The authors report no significant change in mobile base station (downlink) exposure between 2016 and 2023 and no consistent trend across microenvironments or countries. Reported median downlink exposure values ranged from 0.11 mW/m² (Switzerland, 2023) to 0.62 mW/m² (Netherlands, 2018).
Comparison Between Broadband and Personal Exposimeter Measurements for EMF Exposure Map Development Using Evolutionary Programming
This exposure-assessment study compares RF-EMF exposure maps produced using a broadband meter versus a personal exposimeter and aims to correct personal exposimeter readings to match broadband-based maps. The authors report that LOS/NLOS-specific correction factors reduce discrepancies, particularly improving LOS measurements affected by body shielding. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize correction factors and support scalable urban exposure mapping, with the authors noting that additional validation in other environments is needed.
Cluster Analysis of RF-EMF Exposure to Detect Time Patterns in Urban Environment: A Model-Based Approach
This paper applies a model-based clustering approach (Log-Normal Mixture Model) to continuous RF-EMF monitoring data from the Serbian EMF RATEL network in Novi Sad to characterize temporal exposure patterns. The analysis reports separation of night versus day exposure values and identification of daytime periods where exposure persists longer. The work is positioned as supporting improved understanding of when and where elevated exposures occur in urban environments.
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields reduce bumble bee visitation to flowers
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.
5G Radio-Frequency-Electromagnetic-Field Effects on the Human Sleep Electroencephalogram: A Randomized Controlled Study in CACNA1C Genotyped Volunteers
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study tested whether CACNA1C rs7304986 genotype modifies sleep EEG responses to 5G RF-EMF exposure. The authors report a genotype-by-exposure interaction, with 3.6 GHz exposure in T/C carriers associated with a faster NREM sleep spindle center frequency versus sham. The abstract also notes longer sleep latency in T/C compared with T/T carriers, and concludes that genetically susceptible groups may show differential physiological responses to 5G RF-EMF.
Exposure 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assessment of RF EMF Exposure to Car Driver from Monopole Array Antennas in V2V Communications Considering Thermal Characteristics
This modeling study assessed RF-EMF exposure from a 5.9 GHz V2V monopole array antenna integrated into a car roof shark-fin antenna. Using COMSOL simulations with an adult male body model inside a vehicle, the authors estimated localized and whole-body SAR and associated core temperature rise over a 30 min averaging period. Reported SAR and temperature rise values were below ICNIRP occupational thermal-based restrictions, leading the authors to conclude the exposure does not pose a threat under the studied conditions.
Impact of expectancy on fatigue by exposure to the fifth generation of mobile communication signals
This randomized sham-controlled study in 21 healthy participants tested whether routine-level 5G RF-EMF exposure affects fatigue and EEG power, while manipulating expectancy via correct, false, or no information about exposure order. The study reports no change in EEG power with real versus sham exposure. However, self-reported fatigue varied with the conveyed information about being exposed, suggesting an expectancy/psychological priming effect on symptom reporting.
Determining the relationship between mobile phone network signal strength and RF-EMF exposure: protocol and pilot study to derive conversion functions
This protocol and pilot study evaluated whether smartphone signal strength indicators can be converted into RF-EMF exposure estimates using derived formulas and regression models. The study reports a positive log-linear association between LTE RSSI and far-field (base station) exposure aggregated by location, while handset-related exposure at the ear and chest during data transmission showed negative log-linear trends with improving signal quality. The authors conclude the ETAIN 5G-Scientist app may support large-scale RF-EMF exposure assessment, but emphasize the need for more data to improve accuracy and address uncertainties in individual measurements.
Chicken or egg? Attribution hypothesis and nocebo hypothesis to explain somatization associated to perceived RF-EMF exposure
This longitudinal cohort study examined the temporal relationship between somatization and perceived RF-EMF exposure, comparing the attribution hypothesis with the nocebo hypothesis. Using AMIGO questionnaire data from 2011 and 2015, regression analyses suggested the attribution hypothesis more often explained symptom reporting linked to perceived base station RF-EMF exposure and perceived electricity exposure than the nocebo hypothesis. The authors state this contrasts with prior literature and note that a nocebo effect is not fully excluded.
Efficient design of electromagnetic field exposure maps with multi-method evolutionary ensembles
This engineering/methods study proposes an evolutionary computation approach (PCRO-SL) to optimize the selection of measurement points for constructing RF-EMF exposure maps. Tested on real measurements in Meco (Madrid, Spain), it reports good agreement with a reference exposure map while reducing required sampling density. The authors provide practical point-selection rules (e.g., line-of-sight within 250 m and directional sampling within 500 m) intended to maintain representativeness and avoid interpolation artifacts.
RF-EMF exposure assessment with add-on uplink exposure sensor in different microenvironments in seven European countries
This exposure assessment study introduces a cost-efficient add-on sensor attached to a smartphone to quantify auto-induced uplink RF-EMF transmission across 100–6000 MHz in multiple microenvironments. Activity-based surveys were conducted in seven European countries under non-user, maximum downlink, and maximum uplink scenarios. Reported power levels were lowest for non-user scenarios and higher during active use, with variation by country, urbanization, and setting. The authors frame the work as supporting future epidemiological research and planned validation against other tools.
The use of different exposure metrics in the research about the health impacts of electromagnetic fields
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.
Temporal Change of Outdoor Rf-Emf Levels Four in European Countries: A Microenvironmental Measurement Study
This microenvironmental measurement study assessed temporal trends in outdoor RF-EMF exposure from 2016 to 2023 in four European countries using repeated walking-route measurements with exposimeters. The abstract reports that data did not suggest significant changes in mobile base station (downlink) exposure over time and that trends were not consistent across individual microenvironments. Reported median downlink exposure values varied by country and year but did not indicate an overall increase despite higher mobile data traffic.