8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
All Exposure Types

Electric Fields

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Electric fields are produced by voltage (electrical pressure) and exist whenever a device is plugged in, even if turned off. They are measured in volts per meter (V/m). Electric fields can be blocked by walls and most materials, but often concentrate near ungrounded wiring and electronics.

Concern Level Thresholds

Based on Building Biology Institute guidelines (V/m (volts per meter)):

No Concern
< 0.3 V/m
Slight Concern
0.3 – 1.5 V/m
Severe Concern
1.5 – 10 V/m
Extreme Concern
> 10 V/m

Showing 294 studies with measured electric fields exposure

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Lack of behavioral effects in non-human primates after exposure to ultrawideband electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range.

Sherry CJ, Blick DW, Walters TJ, Brown GC, Murphy MR · 1995

Researchers exposed monkeys to extremely high-intensity ultrawideband electromagnetic radiation (250,000 volts per meter) for 2 minutes and tested their ability to perform a balance task requiring precise motor control. The monkeys showed no changes in their performance immediately after exposure. This suggests that even very intense short-term EMF exposure may not cause immediate behavioral disruption in primates.

Neuroprotective effects of sevoflurane against electromagnetic pulse-induced brain injury through inhibition of neuronal oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Deng B et al. · 2014

Chinese researchers exposed rats to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) radiation and found it caused brain damage, including neuronal death and learning problems. When they treated the rats with sevoflurane (an anesthetic gas), it protected against this brain damage by reducing oxidative stress and preventing brain cell death. This suggests that electromagnetic pulses can harm brain function, but also that protective treatments might be possible.

Effect of Electromagnetic Pulses (EMP) on associative learning in mice and a preliminary study of mechanism.

Chen YB, Li J, Liu JY, Zeng LH, Wan Y, Li YR, Ren D, Guo GZ. · 2011

Researchers exposed mice to intense electromagnetic pulses (400,000 volts per meter) and found it significantly impaired their ability to learn new tasks for up to 24 hours. The exposure caused oxidative stress in brain tissue, damaging brain cells through increased harmful molecules and reduced protective antioxidants. When mice were given vitamin E beforehand, it protected them from these harmful effects.

BIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS IN RODENTS EXPOSED CONTINUOUSLY THROUGHOUT THEIR ADULT LIFE TO PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

S. J. Baum et al. · 1975

This 1975 study examined biological effects in rodents continuously exposed to pulsed electromagnetic radiation throughout their adult lives. The research represents early efforts to understand long-term EMF exposure impacts using animal models. While specific findings aren't available, this type of lifetime exposure study provides important data for understanding cumulative EMF health effects.

BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN RODENTS EXPOSED TO PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

W. D. Skidmore, S. J. Baum · 1973

This 1973 technical report examined biological effects in rodents exposed to pulsed electromagnetic radiation, marking early research into how pulsed RF fields affect living organisms. The study found measurable biological effects, contributing to the foundational understanding that electromagnetic radiation can produce detectable changes in biological systems. This research represents important early evidence that pulsed EMF exposure creates biological responses in mammals.

CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE OF RODENTS TO 10^8 PULSES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

S. J. Baum, W. D. Skidmore, M. E. Ekstrom · 1973

This 1973 technical report examined the effects of exposing laboratory rodents to 100 million pulses of electromagnetic radiation continuously. While specific findings aren't available from the abstract, this early research represents one of the first systematic attempts to study prolonged EMF exposure effects in living organisms. The study's focus on continuous, high-volume pulse exposure provides historical context for understanding how EMF research methodology has evolved.

Concerning the question of selective overheating of single cells in biological tissue by means of ultrashortwave-flowthrough

H. Schaefer, H. Schwan · 1947

This 1947 research investigated whether ultrashort radio frequency waves could selectively heat individual cells in biological tissue, focusing on bacteria and microorganisms. The study explored how electromagnetic fields might target single cells rather than heating tissue uniformly, examining the role of different dielectric properties between cell types.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Absence of Electromagnetic Pulse Effects on Monkeys and Dogs

F. G. Hirsch, M.D. and A. Bruner, Ph.D. · 1972

This 1972 study by Hirsch tested whether electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) from a Van de Graaff generator caused biological effects in monkeys and dogs. The research found no observable effects from the EMP exposures. This early work helped establish baseline data on high-intensity, short-duration electromagnetic field exposure in mammals.

Proceedings of the Technical Coordination Conference on EMP Biological Effects

F. G. Hirsch, A. Bruner · 1970

This 1970 technical conference brought together researchers to discuss the biological effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) fields on living systems. The conference represented early scientific recognition that intense electromagnetic pulses could have biological impacts. This foundational meeting helped establish the field of EMP bioeffects research during the early years of electromagnetic field health studies.

Technical Coordination Conference on EMP Biological Effects

F. G. Hirsch, M.D., A. Bruner, Ph.D. · 1970

This 1970 technical conference examined the biological effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMP), which are intense bursts of electromagnetic energy that can occur naturally or artificially. The conference brought together researchers to coordinate scientific understanding of how these powerful electromagnetic events affect living organisms. This represents some of the earliest formal scientific inquiry into biological responses to electromagnetic fields.

The Psychologic Consequences of Exposure to High Density Pulsed Electromagnetic Energy

F. G. Hirsch, D. R. McGrann, T. D. Hamish · 1968

This 1968 study examined how high-density pulsed electromagnetic fields affected psychological and behavioral responses in laboratory rodents, including maze learning performance. The research represents early scientific recognition that electromagnetic energy exposure could influence brain function and behavior, not just physical tissue heating.

The Psychologic Consequences of Exposure to High Density Pulsed Electromagnetic Energy

F. G. Hirsch, D. R. McGiboney, T. D. Harnish · 1968

This 1968 study by F.G. Hirsch examined how high-density pulsed electromagnetic energy affected psychological behavior in laboratory rats, specifically focusing on maze performance. The research represents early scientific investigation into whether electromagnetic fields could influence brain function and behavior patterns. This work helped establish the foundation for understanding potential neurological effects of EMF exposure decades before widespread wireless technology adoption.

A Measurement of RF Field Intensities in the Immediate Vicinity of an FM Broadcast Station Antenna

R. A. Tell · 1976

This 1976 technical report measured radio frequency field intensities directly around FM broadcast station antennas to understand actual exposure levels. The study documented RF field strengths in areas where people might be present near these powerful transmission facilities. This type of measurement work helps establish safety guidelines for workers and the public around broadcast infrastructure.

Human response to very low-frequency electromagnetic energy

Frey AH · 1963

This 1963 research by Frey examined how humans respond to very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic energy, representing early scientific investigation into biological effects of EMF exposure. The study focused on VLF radiation, which operates in the 3-30 kHz range and is produced by sources like naval communications and lightning. This work helped establish the foundation for understanding how electromagnetic fields interact with human biology.

SOME CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE KNOWN BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES, AND THE SETTING OF STANDARDS

William M. Houk, M.D. · 1972

This 1972 technical report examined the biological effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and considerations for setting safety standards. The research reviewed known health impacts from high-intensity electromagnetic fields, including those from lightning and other pulse sources. This early work helped establish the foundation for understanding how sudden, intense electromagnetic exposures affect living systems.

Effects of external electromagnetic fields on the conformational sampling of a short alanine peptide.

Solomentsev GY, English NJ, Mooney DA · 2012

Researchers used computer simulations to study how 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) affects protein structure at the molecular level. They found that electromagnetic fields disrupted the normal folding patterns of proteins by interfering with hydrogen bonds that keep proteins stable. This suggests that microwave radiation can alter fundamental biological processes by changing how proteins maintain their shape and function.

Harmonic Generation of Microwave Phonons by Radiation Pressure and by the Phonon Phonon Interaction

Paul H. Carr · 1966

This 1966 technical report examined how microwave radiation generates harmonic phonons (sound waves at the atomic level) through radiation pressure and phonon interactions. The research explored the fundamental physics of how microwave energy transfers into matter at the molecular scale. This work helped establish early understanding of how microwave radiation interacts with biological materials.

Environmental Effects of Atmospheric Electric Processes of Very Low Frequency

Herbert L. König · 1965

This 1965 technical report by König examined the environmental effects of very low frequency (VLF) atmospheric electrical processes. The research focused on understanding how natural and artificial VLF electromagnetic fields in the atmosphere might impact the environment. This work represents early scientific investigation into VLF electromagnetic phenomena and their potential biological effects.

CONCERNING THE EFFECT OF METER WAVES ON THE GROWTH OF PLANTS

Kiepenheuer, K.O. · 1972

This 1972 German research investigated how meter waves (a specific type of radio frequency radiation) affected plant growth patterns. The study represents early scientific recognition that electromagnetic fields could have biological effects on living organisms. While specific findings aren't available, this research contributed to the foundation of bioelectromagnetics science.