Dr. Martin Blank (1933-2018) was a pioneering EMF researcher and Columbia University professor who spent over 30 years studying how electromagnetic fields affect living cells.
He co-authored the book ‘Overpowered’ with his son R Blank, and led a 2015 international appeal to the UN and WHO signed by 190 scientists calling for stronger EMF protections.
Dr. Martin Blank was one of the most respected scientists in the field of bioelectromagnetics. As a professor at Columbia University for over three decades, he dedicated his career to understanding how electromagnetic fields interact with biological systems—research that helped establish that even non-ionizing EMF can affect living cells.
His academic credentials were exceptional: two PhDs (physical chemistry from Columbia and colloid science from Cambridge), over 200 peer-reviewed publications, and leadership roles in the Bioelectromagnetics Society. But what distinguished Dr. Blank was his willingness to publicly advocate for precaution based on his research findings.
A central focus of his work was the cellular stress response. Dr. Blank’s research demonstrated that cells react to EMF exposure by producing heat shock proteins—a protective response typically triggered by environmental threats. This finding challenged the prevailing assumption that non-ionizing radiation could only cause harm through heating effects.
In 2015, Dr. Blank presented an international scientists’ appeal to the United Nations, calling for stronger EMF exposure limits. The appeal, signed by 190 scientists from 40 countries, argued that current safety standards don’t adequately protect public health.
For the general public, he co-authored ‘Overpowered: The Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation and What You Can Do About It’ (2014) with his son R Blank, making his research accessible to non-scientists.
Dr. Blank passed away in June 2018, leaving a legacy of rigorous research and principled advocacy. His work continues to inform the scientific conversation about EMF safety and the adequacy of current exposure guidelines.
