3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
All Exposure Types

Radio Frequency (RF)

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Radio frequency electromagnetic fields are produced by wireless communication devices and broadcast signals. They range from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz and include frequencies used by cell phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 5G. RF is typically measured in microwatts per square meter (µW/m²) or milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²).

Concern Level Thresholds

Based on Building Biology Institute guidelines (µW/m² (microwatts per square meter)):

No Concern
< 0.1 µW/m²
Slight Concern
0.1 – 10 µW/m²
Severe Concern
10 – 1,000 µW/m²
Extreme Concern
> 1,000 µW/m²

See where common exposures fall on the scale:

Your RF Exposure in ContextA logarithmic scale showing your reading relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and FCC regulatory limits.Your RF Exposure in ContextNo ConcernSlightSevereExtreme0.1101,000FCC Limit 0.01100,000 uW/m2

Showing 376 studies with measured radio frequency (rf) exposure

[Endocrine mechanism of placental circulatory disturbances induced by microwave in pregnant rats].

Yoshida Y et al. · 1995

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to microwave radiation at the same frequency used in microwave ovens (2,450 MHz) and measured blood flow to the placenta. They found that microwave exposure significantly reduced placental blood flow and disrupted multiple pregnancy hormones including estradiol and progesterone. This matters because reduced placental blood flow can harm fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.

[Some biochemical indexes in white rabbit's blood affected by acute high intensity microwave].

Li C et al. · 1995

Researchers exposed white rabbits to different levels of microwave radiation and measured changes in their blood chemistry. They found that even at the lowest exposure level (10 mW/cm²), the microwaves disrupted protein metabolism, altered blood sugar levels, and changed the activity of important enzymes in the blood. These blood changes occurred in a dose-dependent manner, with higher microwave intensities causing more pronounced effects.

Effects of 2.45-GHz microwave radiation and phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate on dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in mice.

Wu RY, Chiang H, Shao BJ, Li NG, Fu YD · 1994

Researchers exposed mice to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 3 hours daily over 5 months to see if it would accelerate colon cancer development. The mice were also given a known cancer-causing chemical. The microwave radiation did not increase cancer rates or make tumors worse compared to the chemical alone.

Simultaneous response of brain electrical activity (EEG) and cerebral circulation (REG) to microwave exposure in rats.

Thuroczy G, Kubinyi G, Bodo M, Bakos J, Szabo LD, · 1994

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (similar to WiFi frequencies) and monitored brain activity and blood flow. Even low-power exposures altered brain wave patterns and increased blood circulation to the brain, showing the brain responds to microwave radiation below heating levels.

Modification of membrane fluidity in melanin-containing cells by low-level microwave radiation.

Phelan AM, Lange DG, Kues HA, Lutty GA · 1992

Researchers exposed melanoma cells to low-level microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency as microwave ovens) and found it altered cell membrane structure, making them more rigid. The effect only occurred in cells containing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) and was caused by oxygen radicals - harmful molecules that can damage cells. This suggests people with darker skin may be more vulnerable to microwave radiation effects.

Naltrexone-sensitive analgesia following exposure of mice to 2450-MHz radiofrequency radiation

Maillefer RH, Quock RM · 1992

Researchers exposed mice to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz (the same frequency used in microwave ovens) for 10 minutes and measured their pain response. They found that higher radiation levels caused the mice's bodies to heat up and triggered natural pain-killing mechanisms in the brain, similar to how the body responds to other forms of thermal stress. This suggests that microwave radiation can cause biological effects beyond just heating tissue.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV): potentiation of lethality in mice by microwave radiation.

Lange DG, Sedmak J · 1991

Researchers exposed mice infected with Japanese encephalitis virus to microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi). They found that microwave exposure made the viral infection significantly more deadly in a dose-dependent manner. The microwaves appeared to increase the permeability of blood vessels in the brain, allowing more virus to enter the central nervous system where it causes fatal damage.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Absence of corneal endothelium injury in non-human primates treated with and without ophthalmologic drugs and exposed to 2.8 GHz pulsed microwaves.

Lu ST et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed four rhesus monkeys to intense 2.8 GHz microwave radiation for 36 hours total over three weeks and measured any damage to the corneal endothelium (the inner layer of cells in the eye's cornea). The study found no changes in corneal cell density or thickness, even at power levels more than ten times higher than previous studies that reported eye damage. This suggests that microwave exposure at these levels may not harm this specific part of the eye.

Millimeter wave-induced suppression of B16 F10 melanoma growth in mice: involvement of endogenous opioids.

Radzievsky AA et al. · 2004

Researchers exposed mice with melanoma tumors to millimeter wave radiation at 61.22 GHz for 15 minutes daily over 5 days. They found that this treatment significantly slowed tumor growth, but only when started at a specific time point (day 5 after tumor injection). The anti-cancer effect was blocked when mice were given naloxone, a drug that blocks opioid receptors, suggesting the treatment works by triggering the body's natural opioid system.

Electromagnetic millimeter waves increase the duration of anaesthesia caused by ketamine and chloral hydrate in mice.

Rojavin MA, Ziskin MC · 1997

Researchers exposed anesthetized mice to millimeter wave radiation at 61.22 GHz and found it extended the duration of anesthesia by approximately 50%. The effect was blocked when mice were pretreated with naloxone (an opioid blocker), suggesting the radiation triggers the release of the body's natural opioids. This demonstrates that millimeter wave exposure can directly alter brain chemistry and nervous system function.

Thermophysiological responses of human volunteers during controlled whole-body radio frequency exposure at 450 MHz.

Adair ER, Kelleher SA, Mack GW, Morocco TS, · 1998

Researchers exposed seven people to 450 MHz radio waves for 45 minutes to study heat effects. The RF energy increased sweating but participants' bodies successfully maintained normal core temperature through natural cooling. This shows human thermoregulation can handle these RF exposure levels effectively.

Long-lasting (fatiguing) activity of isolated muscle fibres influenced by microwave electromagnetic field.

Radicheva N, Mileva K, Georgieva B, Kristev I · 2001

Researchers exposed isolated frog muscle fibers to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) at 20 mW/cm² for one hour. They found that the radiation altered how muscles respond to fatigue, making them more resistant to becoming tired during repeated contractions. This suggests that microwave radiation can directly affect muscle cell function through non-thermal mechanisms.

Circadian Rhythmicity of Antioxidant Markers in Rats Exposed to 1.8 GHz Radiofrequency Fields.

Cao H, Qin F, Liu X, Wang J, Cao Y, Tong J, Zhao H. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone-level radiation for 2 hours daily over 32 days. The radiation disrupted natural 24-hour cycles of antioxidant production, with nighttime exposures causing the biggest drops in protective compounds like melatonin. This suggests RF radiation may interfere with the body's internal clock.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effect of Short-Term Mobile Phone Base Station Exposure on Cognitive Performance, Body Temperature, Heart Rate and Blood Pressure of Malaysians

Malek F, Rani KA, Rahim HA, Omar MH · 2015

Malaysian researchers exposed 200 people (half claiming electromagnetic sensitivity) to cell tower signals at 1 volt per meter for short periods and measured cognitive performance, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. They found no statistically significant differences between real exposure and fake exposure in either sensitive or non-sensitive individuals. This suggests that brief exposure to typical cell tower radiation levels doesn't immediately affect these basic body functions or mental performance.

Identification of a Novel Rat NR2B Subunit Gene Promoter Region Variant and Its Association with Microwave-Induced Neuron Impairment.

Wang LF et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation (30 mW/cm²) for 2 months and discovered that genetic variations in the brain's GRIN2B gene determine whether animals experience memory problems from the exposure. Rats with a specific genetic variant (TT genotype) showed memory impairment and brain chemistry changes after microwave exposure, while those with other variants (CC and CT) were protected from these effects.

Microwave Exposure Impairs Synaptic Plasticity in the Rat Hippocampus and PC12 Cells through Over-activation of the NMDA Receptor Signaling Pathway.

Xiong L et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats and brain cells to microwave radiation at 30 mW/cm² and found significant damage to brain structures responsible for learning and memory. The exposure disrupted the delicate balance of brain chemicals and damaged the connections between brain cells (synapses). This suggests that microwave radiation can interfere with the brain's ability to form new memories and learn.

RKIP Regulates Neural Cell Apoptosis Induced by Exposure to Microwave Radiation Partly Through the MEK/ERK/CREB Pathway

Zuo H et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed nerve cells to microwave radiation at 2.856 GHz (similar to some wireless devices) for just 5 minutes and found it triggered cell death through a specific biological pathway. The radiation disrupted a protective protein called RKIP, which normally helps prevent nerve cells from dying, leading to increased cell death in the exposed samples. This suggests that even brief microwave exposure can interfere with the brain's natural protective mechanisms.

Microwave Exposure Impairs Synaptic Plasticity in the Rat Hippocampus and PC12 Cells through Over-activation of the NMDA Receptor Signaling Pathway.

Xiong L et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats and nerve cells to microwave radiation at levels similar to wireless devices. The exposure damaged brain synapses (nerve cell connections) and disrupted brain chemicals essential for memory formation, suggesting microwave radiation may impair learning and memory abilities.

Neuroprotective effects of dietary supplement Kang-fu-ling against high-power microwave through antioxidant action

Hu S et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed rats to high-power microwave radiation for 15 minutes and found it caused memory problems and brain damage. However, when rats were given a dietary supplement called Kang-fu-ling for two weeks, it protected their brains from this microwave-induced damage by reducing harmful oxidative stress (cellular damage from free radicals). This suggests certain antioxidant compounds might help protect the brain from microwave radiation effects.

Reduction of Phosphorylated Synapsin I (Ser-553) Leads to Spatial Memory Impairment by Attenuating GABA Release after Microwave Exposure in Wistar Rats.

Qiao S et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 30 mW/cm² for 5 minutes and found it impaired their spatial memory and learning abilities. The study revealed that this radiation disrupted a key brain protein called synapsin I, which controls the release of GABA (a neurotransmitter essential for proper brain function). This disruption in brain chemistry provides a biological mechanism explaining how microwave exposure can affect cognitive performance.

Calreticulin Protects Rat Microvascular Endothelial Cells against Microwave Radiation-induced Injury by Attenuating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

Li WH, Li YZ, Song DD, Wang XR, Liu M, Wu XD, Liu XH. · 2014

Researchers exposed rat blood vessel cells to microwave radiation at 2.856 GHz for six minutes and found it caused significant cell damage and death through a process called endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, when cells were pretreated with a protective protein called calreticulin, the radiation damage was substantially reduced. This suggests that microwave radiation can harm the tiny blood vessels throughout our body, but also points to potential protective mechanisms.

RKIP Regulates Neural Cell Apoptosis Induced by Exposure to Microwave Radiation Partly Through the MEK/ERK/CREB Pathway.

Zuo H et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed neural cells to microwave radiation at 2.856 GHz for 5 minutes and found that the radiation triggered cell death (apoptosis) by disrupting a key protective protein called RKIP. When RKIP levels dropped after radiation exposure, it activated harmful cellular pathways that led to DNA fragmentation and neural cell death. This study identifies a specific biological mechanism by which microwave radiation can damage brain cells.

Reduction of Phosphorylated Synapsin I (Ser-553) Leads to Spatial Memory Impairment by Attenuating GABA Release after Microwave Exposure in Wistar Rats

Qiao S et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation for 5 minutes and found it impaired their spatial memory and learning abilities. The study revealed that this cognitive damage occurred because the radiation disrupted a key brain protein (phosphorylated synapsin I) that helps release GABA, a crucial neurotransmitter for brain function. This suggests that even brief microwave exposure can interfere with the brain's chemical communication system, potentially affecting memory and learning.