3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Research Guide

5G vs 4G Radiation: What's Different?

Based on 653 peer-reviewed studies

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People often ask whether 5G is more dangerous than 4G. This question requires understanding how 5G technology differs from previous generations and what research exists on each.

5G networks operate across multiple frequency bands. Low-band 5G (600-900 MHz) is actually similar to 4G frequencies. Mid-band 5G (2.5-4 GHz) overlaps with existing WiFi. High-band 5G (24-40+ GHz, "millimeter wave") represents the newest frequencies for consumer wireless exposure.

This page compares what research shows about radiation exposure from 5G versus 4G technologies.

Key Research Findings

  • 5G uses multiple frequency bands with different characteristics
  • Millimeter waves (high-band 5G) penetrate less deeply into tissue
  • More cell towers can actually reduce individual exposure levels

Related Studies (653)

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic Studies in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed In Vitro to 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz Radiofrequency Radiation.

Vijayalaxmi · 2006

Researchers exposed human blood cells to radiofrequency radiation at 2.45 GHz and 8.2 GHz (frequencies used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 2 hours to see if it caused genetic damage. They found no significant increase in chromosomal damage or DNA breaks compared to unexposed cells. This suggests that short-term RF exposure at these power levels may not directly damage genetic material in blood cells.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

In vitro effects of GSM modulated radiofrequency fields on human immune cells.

Tuschl H, Novak W, Molla-Djafari H. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to cell phone radiation at 1950 MHz for 8 hours to see if it affected immune function. They tested multiple immune system markers including cytokine production (chemical messengers that coordinate immune responses) and gene activity. The study found no statistically significant effects on any immune parameters tested.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Effect of acute exposure to microwave from mobile phone on DNA damage and repair of cultured human lens epithelial cells in vitro.

Sun LX, Yao K, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW · 2006

Chinese researchers exposed human eye lens cells to mobile phone radiation (1.8 GHz) at different power levels for 2 hours to see if it damaged DNA. They found that lower exposure levels (1-3 W/kg SAR) caused either no DNA damage or damage that the cells could repair within an hour, but the highest level (4 W/kg SAR) caused permanent DNA damage that cells couldn't fix.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

1800 MHz electromagnetic field effects on melatonin release from isolated pineal glands.

Sukhotina I, Streckert JR, Bitz AK, Hansen VW, Lerchl A · 2006

Researchers exposed isolated hamster pineal glands (which produce melatonin, the sleep hormone) to cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz for 7 hours at various power levels. Surprisingly, they found that moderate exposure levels actually increased melatonin production, while only the highest level (which caused tissue heating) suppressed it. This challenges the widely-discussed theory that cell phone radiation disrupts sleep by reducing melatonin.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

935 MHz cellular phone radiation. An in vitro study of genotoxicity in human lymphocytes

Stronati L et al. · 2006

Italian and British researchers exposed human immune cells (lymphocytes) to 935 MHz cell phone radiation for 24 hours at levels similar to what tissues experience during phone use. Using multiple DNA damage tests, they found no genetic damage from the radiation alone, and the radiation didn't make X-ray damage worse. This suggests that 24-hour exposure to this type of cell phone radiation doesn't directly break DNA or interfere with DNA repair.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

Hsp70 expression and free radical release after exposure to non-thermal radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultrafine particles in human Mono Mac 6 cells.

Simko M et al. · 2006

German researchers exposed human immune cells (monocytes) to radiofrequency radiation at 2 W/kg SAR - similar to cell phone levels - while also testing exposure to ultrafine air pollution particles. They measured two key stress indicators: free radical production and heat shock proteins. While the air pollution particles triggered significant stress responses, the RF radiation produced no measurable effects on either stress marker, even when combined with the particles.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Exposure to radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz, GSM signal) does not affect micronucleus frequency and cell proliferation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: an interlaboratory study.

Scarfi MR et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human blood cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) for 24 hours at various power levels to see if it caused DNA damage or affected cell growth. The study found no evidence of genetic damage or harmful effects on the cells, even at exposure levels up to 10 watts per kilogram. Two independent laboratories confirmed these results using cells from 10 different healthy volunteers.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effect of GSM-900 and -1800 signals on the skin of hairless rats. II: 12-week chronic exposures.

Sanchez S et al. · 2006

French researchers exposed hairless rats to cell phone radiation (GSM-900 and GSM-1800 signals) for 2 hours daily over 12 weeks to study effects on skin health. They found no significant changes in skin thickness, cell growth patterns, or key structural proteins compared to unexposed rats. This suggests that chronic exposure to these specific cell phone frequencies at the tested levels did not cause detectable skin damage in this animal model.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Human skin cell stress response to GSM-900 mobile phone signals. In vitro study on isolated primary cells and reconstructed epidermis

Sanchez S et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human skin cells to cell phone radiation at the legal safety limit (2 W/kg SAR) for 48 hours to see if it triggered cellular stress responses. They found minimal changes - no cell death or tissue damage, with only slight increases in one stress protein in some cell types. The results suggest that skin cells can adapt to this level of radiofrequency exposure without harmful effects.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Gene expression changes in human cells after exposure to mobile phone microwaves.

Remondini D et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed six different types of human cells to mobile phone frequencies (900 and 1800 MHz) and analyzed whether the radiation changed gene activity patterns. Three cell types showed no changes, while three others had small numbers of genes (12-34) that became more or less active, particularly genes involved in protein production. The changes didn't indicate cellular stress or damage responses.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Proliferation and apoptosis in a neuroblastoma cell line exposed to 900 MHz modulated radiofrequency field

Merola P et al. · 2006

Italian researchers exposed neuroblastoma cells (a type of nerve cell) to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation at levels higher than occupational safety limits for up to 72 hours. They found no significant changes in cell growth, death, or differentiation processes. This suggests that even at elevated exposure levels, this type of cell phone radiation may not directly damage these particular nerve cells in laboratory conditions.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effect of GSM-900 and -1800 signals on the skin of hairless rats. I: 2-hour acute exposures.

Masuda H et al. · 2006

French researchers exposed hairless rats to cell phone radiation (GSM-900 and GSM-1800 signals) for 2 hours at high intensity levels (5 W/kg SAR) and examined their skin tissue for damage. They found no changes in skin thickness, cell death, cell growth patterns, or key skin proteins compared to unexposed animals. This suggests that acute exposure to these cell phone frequencies at high levels does not cause immediate visible damage to skin tissue.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic investigation of subjects professionally exposed to radiofrequency radiation

Maes A, Van Gorp U, Verschaeve L · 2006

Belgian researchers tested whether radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone infrastructure causes genetic damage in workers with higher-than-average occupational exposure. Using three different laboratory tests to examine DNA damage in blood cells, they found no evidence that RF radiation caused genetic changes or made cells more vulnerable to chemical damage. This suggests that even workers with elevated RF exposure levels don't show detectable genetic effects in their blood cells.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Radiofrequency radiation does not induce stress response in human T-lymphocytes and rat primary astrocytes.

Lee JS, Huang TQ, Kim TH, Kim JY, Kim HJ, Pack JK, Seo JS. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells and rat brain cells to cell phone-level radiofrequency radiation (1763 MHz) at power levels of 2 and 20 W/kg for up to one hour while carefully controlling temperature. They found no activation of cellular stress responses, including heat shock proteins and stress-signaling pathways that typically activate when cells are damaged. This suggests that RF radiation at these levels does not trigger the cellular alarm systems that respond to harmful stressors.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Comparative study of cell cycle kinetics and induction of apoptosis or necrosis after exposure of human mono mac 6 cells to radiofrequency radiation.

Lantow M, Viergutz T, Weiss DG, Simko M. · 2006

German researchers exposed human immune cells (Mono Mac 6 cells) to cell phone radiation at 1,800 MHz for 12 hours to see if it would cause cell death or disrupt normal cell division cycles. They found no statistically significant effects on cell death, cell division, or DNA synthesis compared to unexposed control cells. This suggests that at the tested exposure level, cell phone-type radiation did not harm these particular immune cells in laboratory conditions.

Oxidative StressNo Effects Found

Free radical release and HSP70 expression in two human immune-relevant cell lines after exposure to 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation.

Lantow M, Schuderer J, Hartwig C, Simko M. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz (the frequency used by GSM networks) to see if it would trigger the production of harmful free radicals or stress proteins. Even at high exposure levels up to 2.0 W/kg, the radiation did not cause any significant increase in free radical production or stress protein expression in the cells. This suggests that cell phone radiation at these levels may not trigger the type of cellular damage that free radicals can cause.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Phosphorylation and gene expression of p53 are not affected in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz band CW or W-CDMA modulated radiation allocated to mobile radio base stations.

Hirose H et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human brain and lung cells to radiofrequency radiation at 2.14 GHz (similar to cell tower frequencies) for up to 48 hours to see if it would trigger cell death or DNA damage responses. They tested exposure levels from 0.08 to 0.8 watts per kilogram - with the lowest level matching international safety limits for public exposure. The study found no evidence that this RF radiation caused cells to die, damaged DNA, or activated stress response pathways even at levels 10 times higher than safety guidelines.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Analysis of proto-oncogene and heat-shock protein gene expression in human derived cell-lines exposed in vitro to an intermittent 1.9 GHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency field.

Chauhan V et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to 1.9 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) at power levels of 1 and 10 watts per kilogram for 6 hours to see if it would trigger stress responses or activate genes linked to cancer development. They found no changes in stress proteins or cancer-related genes at either power level, while heat treatment (as a positive control) did trigger the expected cellular stress responses.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Gene expression analysis of a human lymphoblastoma cell line exposed in vitro to an intermittent 1.9 GHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency field.

Chauhan V et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to 1.9 GHz radiofrequency radiation at levels similar to cell phone use (1-10 W/kg SAR) to see if it triggered cellular stress responses. They measured key stress markers including heat shock proteins and proto-oncogenes that typically activate when cells are damaged. The study found no significant changes in these stress indicators, suggesting the RF exposure did not cause detectable cellular stress under these laboratory conditions.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

935 MHz cellular phone radiation. An in vitro study of genotoxicity in human lymphocytes.

Stronati L et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human blood cells to cell phone radiation at 935 MHz (similar to 2G networks) for 24 hours to test whether it damages DNA or makes cells more vulnerable to DNA damage from X-rays. Using multiple standard tests on blood samples from 14 donors, they found no evidence that the radiation caused genetic damage on its own or made X-ray damage worse. The study tested radiation levels of 1-2 watts per kilogram, which are near the upper limits of what brain tissue absorbs during some cell phone calls.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

DNA strand breaks are not induced in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz band CW and W-CDMA modulated radiofrequency fields allocated to mobile radio base stations.

Sakuma N et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human brain and lung cells to 2.1425 GHz radiofrequency radiation at levels up to 10 times higher than public safety limits for up to 24 hours. They found no DNA damage in either cell type, even at the highest exposure levels tested. This suggests that cell phone tower radiation at these frequencies doesn't break DNA strands under laboratory conditions.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic investigation of subjects professionally exposed to radiofrequency radiation.

Maes A, Van Gorp U, Verschaeve L. · 2006

Researchers examined white blood cells from people professionally exposed to mobile phone radiofrequency radiation to see if this exposure caused genetic damage. Using three different tests that look for DNA breaks and chromosome abnormalities, they found no evidence that RF exposure harmed the genetic material in these workers' cells. The study also tested whether RF exposure might make cells more vulnerable to a known cancer-causing chemical, but found no such interaction.

Oxidative StressNo Effects Found

Hsp70 expression and free radical release after exposure to non-thermal radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultrafine particles in human Mono Mac 6 cells.

Simkó M et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to radiofrequency radiation at cell phone levels (2 W/kg SAR) and ultrafine air pollution particles to see if they would trigger cellular stress responses. They found that while the particles caused significant oxidative stress and free radical production, the RF radiation alone showed no measurable effects on stress proteins or free radical levels, even when combined with the particles.

Oxidative StressNo Effects Found107 citations

ROS release and Hsp70 expression after exposure to 1,800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in primary human monocytes and lymphocytes.

Lantow M, Lupke M, Frahm J, Mattsson MO, Kuster N, Simko M. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells (monocytes and lymphocytes) to cell phone radiation at 1,800 MHz for 30-45 minutes to see if it would trigger oxidative stress or cellular stress responses. They found no meaningful biological effects from the RF exposure, with any statistical differences appearing to be due to measurement variations rather than actual cellular damage.

Oxidative StressNo Effects Found

Free Radical Release and HSP70 Expression in Two Human Immune-Relevant Cell Lines after Exposure to 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation.

Lantow M, Schuderer J, Hartwig C, Simko M. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) at various power levels to see if it would trigger free radical production or stress protein responses. They found no significant effects on either measure, even at exposure levels up to 2.0 W/kg. This suggests that RF radiation at these levels doesn't cause oxidative stress in these particular immune cell types.

Further Reading

For a comprehensive exploration of EMF health effects and practical protection strategies, explore these books by R Blank and Dr. Martin Blank.