Archive
40 postsBuilding the gulf of opinions on the health and biological effects of electromagnetic radiation
This narrative article examines how opposing views formed regarding health and biological effects of electromagnetic radiation, focusing on ELF and RF exposures. It highlights historical controversies (e.g., childhood leukemia and ELF fields) and disputes over thermal versus non-thermal effects and reliance on SAR. The author argues that social and institutional factors, including industry influence, shaped interpretation and public discourse around EMF safety.
The modeling of the interaction of pulsed 5G/6G signals and the fine structure of human skin
This paper uses advanced electromagnetic simulations of human skin microstructure to model exposure to realistic pulsed 5G/6G signals at 3.5, 27, 77, and 300 GHz. It reports localized, inhomogeneous absorption patterns linked to sweat glands and blood vessels, suggesting that treating skin as homogeneous may miss hotspots. The authors conclude that SAR-based standards may be inadequate for mmWave/sub-THz exposures and could underestimate potential risks, including possible nerve excitation.
Exploring research trends in health effects of 5G antennas: a bibliometric analysis
This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of Web of Science literature (2012–2025) on potential health effects related to 5G antennas. It reports a marked increase in publications in the past five years, with substantial attention to dosimetric metrics (SAR and power density) and their regulatory limits. The authors forecast continued growth in the field and emphasize the need for ongoing research and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on potential health risks and compliance.
Assessment of Electromagnetic Exposure to a Child and a Pregnant Woman Inside an Elevator in Mobile Frequencies
This study uses anatomically detailed computational models of a five-year-old girl, a pregnant woman in the third trimester, and a fetus to simulate mobile phone RF exposure inside an elevator cabin. Simulations at 1000 MHz and 1800 MHz across 48 configurations evaluated SAR10g, whole-body SAR, and maximum temperature. The abstract reports that configuration (positioning and phone orientation) can substantially change absorption and temperature metrics and calls for broader scenario testing to inform safety guidance for vulnerable populations.
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.
Protective effects of quercetin against 3.5 GHz RF radiation-induced thyroid dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats
This rat study examined repeated 3.5 GHz RF exposure (2 hours/day, 5 days/week for 30 days) and thyroid-related outcomes, with and without quercetin. The abstract reports altered thyroid hormones (lower T3/T4, higher TSH) and increased oxidative stress in thyroid tissue after RF exposure. Quercetin appeared partially protective, though effects were not uniformly statistically significant, and SAR simulations indicated relatively higher absorption in the thyroid region.
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 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.
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.
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.
Single exposure to near-threshold 5G millimeter wave modifies restraint stress responses in rats
In a rat experiment (n=59), a single 40-minute whole-body 28 GHz exposure at near-threshold WBA-SAR levels was evaluated under normal and heat conditions with restraint. After accounting for sham-related restraint stress, exposure was associated with increased serum-free corticosterone 1–3 days later, especially when rectal temperature rose by >1°C. Urinary catecholamines suggested an immediate inhibitory effect on stress response (notably noradrenaline), with heat amplifying effects and linking noradrenaline to tail surface temperature.
A Mini-Review of the Potential Health Impacts of Indoor Radiation Exposure in Companion Animals
This mini-review discusses indoor radiation sources that may affect companion animals, including radon, radionuclides in feed, radiofrequency sources (phones, Wi-Fi, pet tracking devices), solar radiation, and extremely low frequency radiation. It reports that indoor radiation may negatively impact companion animal health and well-being. The authors conclude that preventive and precautionary measures are necessary to protect companion animals from indoor radiation exposure.
The Effect of Proximity Sensor & Grip Sensor Use on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in Smartphones
This engineering study examined how smartphone proximity and grip sensors affect SAR during LTE and 5G NR operation in a 3D measurement environment. The abstract reports that enabling these sensors reduces SAR relative to being turned off, with reductions varying by sensor and frequency. The authors attribute the reduction to sensor-driven power management and transmission power adjustment.
Effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure on blood-brain barrier permeability in male and female rats
This rat study tested whether acute exposure to 0.9 and 1.8 GHz continuous-wave radiofrequency radiation alters blood-brain barrier permeability. Using Evans-blue/albumin as a tracer, the authors report no BBB leakage in exposed female rats but a significant increase in albumin in exposed male rat brains versus sham. The authors interpret this as suggesting BBB/vascular permeability changes in males at SAR levels stated to be below international limits.
Biological effects from electromagnetic field exposure and public exposure standards
This review describes public concerns and scientific reports of non-thermal biological effects from low-intensity ELF and RF exposures. It lists multiple health endpoints reported to be associated with ELF and/or RF and highlights the BioInitiative Report’s conclusion that a reasonable suspicion of risk exists at environmentally relevant levels. The authors argue that existing public exposure standards should be lowered and that mobile phone SAR guidelines should be revised based on biology and long-term risk claims.