3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% 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 197 studies with measured electric fields exposure

2100-MHz electromagnetic fields have different effects on visual evoked potentials and oxidant/antioxidant status depending on exposure duration.

Hidisoglu E et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed rats to 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to 3G cell phone signals) for 2 hours daily, comparing short-term (1 week) versus long-term (10 weeks) exposure. They found that short-term exposure actually improved brain function and antioxidant defenses, while long-term exposure caused brain dysfunction and oxidative damage. This suggests that duration of EMF exposure matters significantly for health effects.

Potential Protection of Green Tea Polyphenols Against 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation-Induced Injury on Rat Cortical Neurons

Liu ML, Wen JQ, Fan YB. · 2011

Researchers exposed rat brain neurons to 1800 MHz cell phone radiation for 24 hours and found it caused significant cell death. However, when they treated the neurons with green tea polyphenols (natural compounds found in green tea), the protective compounds prevented much of the radiation-induced damage. This suggests that certain natural antioxidants might help protect brain cells from the harmful effects of cell phone radiation.

Cell oxidation–reduction imbalance after modulated radiofrequency radiation.

Marjanovic AM, Pavicic I, Trosic I, · 2015

Researchers exposed hamster cells to cell phone-level radiofrequency radiation (1800 MHz) for 10, 30, and 60 minutes to study cellular damage. They found that even brief 10-minute exposures significantly increased reactive oxygen species (cellular stress markers) and disrupted the cells' natural balance between oxidation and antioxidant defense. This suggests that RF radiation at levels similar to cell phone use can trigger oxidative stress in living cells.

Radioprotective effects of honeybee venom (Apismellifera) against 915-MHz microwave radiation-induced DNA damage in wistar rat lymphocytes: in vitro study.

Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. · 2009

Researchers exposed rat blood cells to 915-MHz microwave radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 30 minutes and found it caused DNA damage. However, when they pre-treated the cells with honeybee venom, the DNA damage was significantly reduced. This suggests that certain natural compounds might help protect our cells from radiofrequency radiation damage.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of UMTS cellular phones on human hearing: results of the European project EMFnEAR

Parazzini M et al. · 2009

Researchers exposed 134 healthy young adults to 20 minutes of radiofrequency radiation from UMTS mobile phones at maximum power while testing their hearing function before and after exposure. The study found no consistent changes in hearing ability, ear function, or auditory processing after the RF exposure. This suggests that short-term exposure to cell phone radiation at typical usage levels does not cause immediate measurable damage to human hearing.

Electromagnetic fields instantaneously modulate nitric oxide signaling in challenged biological systems.

Pilla AA · 2012

Researchers exposed brain cells to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields at 27.12 MHz and found the fields instantly triggered a nearly 3-fold increase in nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a crucial signaling molecule that helps regulate blood flow, immune responses, and healing processes in the body. The study shows that EMF exposure can immediately alter fundamental cellular communication pathways.

The effect of melatonin on the liver of rats exposed to microwave radiation.

Djordjevic B et al. · 2015

Serbian researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz microwave radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 4 hours daily over 20-60 days and found significant liver damage, including increased oxidative stress and cellular damage markers. When rats were also given melatonin supplements, the treatment partially protected against some of the radiation-induced liver damage. This suggests that microwave radiation can harm liver function, but natural antioxidants like melatonin may offer some protection.

Ets1 oncogene induction by ELF-modulated 50 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field

Romano-Spica V, Mucci N, Ursini CL, Ianni A, Bhat NK · 2000

Italian researchers exposed blood and reproductive cells to radiofrequency radiation (50 MHz) combined with extremely low frequency modulation (16 Hz) to study effects on gene activity. They found that this specific combination activated the ets1 gene, which is associated with cancer development, but only when the low-frequency modulation was present. This suggests that the pulsing or modulation of RF signals may be more biologically active than continuous exposure.

Effect of isothermal radiofrequency radiation on cytolytic T lymphocytes.

Cleary, SF, Du, Z, Cao, G, Liu, LM, McCrady, C · 1996

Researchers exposed immune cells called T lymphocytes to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi) for 24 hours. They found that high-intensity RF exposure significantly reduced the cells' ability to multiply and function properly, while lower intensities caused initial stimulation followed by suppression. The effects were not simply due to heating, suggesting RF radiation directly interferes with immune cell function.

Mobile-phone pulse triggers evoked potentials

Carrubba S, Frilot C 2nd, Chesson AL Jr, Marino AA · 2010

Researchers exposed 20 volunteers to mobile phone pulses (217 Hz frequency) while monitoring brain activity. Advanced analysis detected measurable brain responses in 90% of participants, suggesting mobile phones create detectable changes in brain function that standard testing methods miss.

Project NEMESIS: perception of a 50 Hz electric and magnetic field at low intensities (laboratory experiment)

Mueller CH, Krueger H, Schierz C · 2002

Researchers tested 63 people to see if they could detect weak electrical fields from household wiring. Seven participants could reliably sense these fields during blind testing, but having electromagnetic sensitivity symptoms didn't predict detection ability, suggesting perception and symptoms are separate phenomena.

The effects of radiofrequency (< 30 MHz) radiation in humans.

Zhao Z, Zhang S, Zho H, Zhang S, Su J, Li L, · 1994

Chinese researchers studied 121 workers exposed to radiofrequency radiation below 30 MHz for over a year, comparing those exposed to high levels (100 V/m or higher) versus low levels. While blood tests and nervous system function remained normal in both groups, workers exposed to higher radiation levels showed heart rhythm abnormalities on their electrocardiograms (ECGs). The researchers suggested 100 V/m as a safety limit for this type of radiation exposure.

Electromagnetic field exposure and health among RF plastic sealer operators.

Wilen J et al. · 2004

Swedish researchers studied 35 workers who operate radiofrequency plastic welding machines, measuring their EMF exposure and health compared to 37 unexposed controls. The workers experienced significantly altered heart rhythms (lower heart rate and more episodes of slow heartbeat), along with impaired nerve function and increased reports of fatigue, headaches, and hand warmth sensations. Nearly a quarter of the machines exceeded international safety guidelines for EMF exposure.

IN SITU EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF INTERMEDIATE FREQUENCY FIELDS OF DIVERSE DEVICES.

Van Den Bossche M, Verloock L, Aerts S, Joseph W, Martens L. · 2014

Belgian researchers tested electromagnetic fields from touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, and fluorescent lamps. They found these common devices exceed international safety limits when used within arm's reach, with touchscreens surpassing limits by 56% at close range. Users should maintain 15-25 centimeters distance for safety.

Ambulatory ECG monitoring in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields.

Bortkiewicz et al. · 1997

Researchers studied heart function in 71 workers at AM radio broadcast stations who were regularly exposed to electromagnetic fields compared to 22 unexposed workers. They found that 75% of EMF-exposed workers showed abnormal heart rhythms on electrocardiograms, compared to only 25% of unexposed workers. This suggests that occupational EMF exposure may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Possible electromagnetic interference with electronic medical equipment by radio waves coming from outside the hospital.

Hanada E, Kodama K, Takano K, Watanabe Y, Nose Y. · 2001

Researchers measured radio wave levels inside an 11-story hospital under construction to see if external signals could interfere with medical equipment. They found extremely high electric field intensities of 200 volts per meter from airport radar and 1.78 V/m from cell tower signals. The study suggests these levels could disrupt critical medical devices, highlighting the need for hospitals to monitor their electromagnetic environment.