This randomized controlled animal study examined chronic 35.5 GHz millimeter wave exposure in male Wistar rats (2 hours/day for 60 days) compared with control and sham groups. The exposed group showed reduced sperm count and viability along with testicular histopathological changes. Oxidative stress markers shifted toward increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant defenses, and comet assay results indicated increased DNA damage.

This review discusses the rapid deployment of 5G and the associated debate about potential human health impacts from EMF exposure, particularly at 3.5–26 GHz including millimeter waves. It emphasizes limited published studies in these exposure ranges and highlights EU-funded initiatives and research consortia aimed at closing knowledge gaps. The authors state that guidelines are generally considered adequate at present, but argue that uncertainties—especially regarding long-term exposure—support continued research and precautionary approaches.

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.