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

Share:

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)

Dielectric properties of human red blood cells in suspension at radio frequencies.

Lu Y, Yu J, Ren Y · 1994

Researchers measured the electrical properties of red blood cells from 243 healthy people when exposed to radio frequencies between 1-500 MHz. They discovered that people over age 49 showed significantly different electrical responses in their blood cells compared to younger individuals. This suggests that radio frequency exposure may affect blood cells differently as we age, potentially making older adults more vulnerable to EMF effects.

Poly ADP ribosylation as a possible mechanism of microwave--biointeraction

Singh N, Rudra N, Bansal P, Mathur R, Behari J, Nayar U · 1994

Researchers exposed young rats to microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency as WiFi and microwaves) for 60 days and found significant changes in an enzyme called poly ADPR polymerase that helps control gene expression. The enzyme activity increased by 20-35% in liver and reproductive organs but decreased by 20-53% in brain regions. These changes suggest microwave exposure may interfere with cellular processes linked to DNA repair and cancer development.

[The effect of low-intensity prolonged impulse electromagnetic irradiation in the UHF range on the testes and the appendages of the testis in rats].

Lokhmatova SA, · 1994

Russian researchers exposed male rats to 3 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to some WiFi frequencies) for 2 hours daily over 4 months at power levels of 0.25 mW/cm². They found significant damage to the testes and sperm-producing structures, with effects persisting even 4 months after exposure ended. This suggests that prolonged RF exposure at relatively low power levels can cause lasting reproductive harm in male animals.

Modification of lethal radiation injury in mice by postradiation exposure to low-intensity centimeter-band radio frequency waves

Akoev IG, Mel'nikov VM, Usachev AV, Kozhokaru AF, · 1994

Researchers exposed mice to lethal doses of gamma radiation, then immediately treated them with low-intensity radiofrequency waves (2-27 GHz) for up to 23 hours. The RF-treated mice showed improved survival rates and lived longer than untreated mice. This suggests that certain RF frequencies might have protective biological effects under extreme conditions.

Clastogenic effects of radiofrequency radiations on chromosomes of Tradescantia.

Haider T, Knasmueller S, Kundi M, Haider M · 1994

Researchers exposed Tradescantia plants (commonly used to detect genetic damage) to radio frequency radiation from broadcasting antennas for 30 hours and found significantly increased chromosome damage at all exposure sites near the antennas. The genetic damage was confirmed to be caused by the RF radiation because plants in shielded cages showed normal chromosome levels while those in unshielded cages showed damage.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Calcium-ion movement and contractility in atrial strips of frog heart are not affected by low-frequency-modulated, 1 GHz electromagnetic radiation.

Schwartz JL, Mealing GA · 1993

Researchers exposed frog heart tissue to 1 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 32 minutes at various power levels to see if it affected calcium movement and heart muscle contractions. They found no changes in either calcium flow or the heart muscle's ability to contract, even at the highest exposure levels tested. This suggests that short-term RF exposure at these frequencies may not directly disrupt basic heart muscle function.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effects of microwaves on membranes of hematopoietic cells in their structural and functional organization.

Rotkovska D, Bartonickova A, Kautska J · 1993

Researchers exposed mouse bone marrow cells to microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency used by microwave ovens and WiFi) to study effects on cell membranes and blood cell production. They found no structural damage to cell membranes and no changes in the cells' ability to produce blood cells in the spleen. However, they discovered that microwave exposure could potentially interfere with cell growth processes through receptor-level mechanisms.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effect of amplitude-modulated radio frequency radiation on cholinergic system of developing rats.

Kunjilwar KK, Behari J · 1993

Researchers exposed developing rats to radio frequency radiation at 147 MHz and lower frequencies for 3 hours daily over 30-35 days to study effects on the brain's cholinergic system, which is crucial for memory and learning. They found a significant decrease in acetylcholine esterase activity, an enzyme that helps regulate brain communication. This suggests that prolonged RF exposure during brain development may disrupt normal neurological function.

2D plasmon excitation and nonthermal effects of microwaves on biological membranes.

Fisun OI · 1993

Russian researchers developed a theoretical model to understand how microwave radiation can affect cell membranes through non-heating mechanisms. They found that microwaves can trigger special electrical oscillations in the charged surfaces of cell membranes, creating what they call 'surface-plasmon modes' that could disrupt normal cellular function. This research provides a scientific framework for understanding how wireless radiation might harm cells even at power levels too low to cause heating.

Inter-beat intervals of cardiac-cell aggregates during exposure to 2.45 GHz CW, pulsed, and square-wave-modulated microwaves.

Seaman RL, DeHaan RL · 1993

Researchers exposed chicken embryo heart cells to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi) and measured changes in their beating patterns. They found that the cells' rhythm changed in ways that couldn't be explained by simple heating effects alone, suggesting that microwaves can directly affect heart cells through non-thermal mechanisms at power levels as low as 1.2 watts per kilogram.

Differential response of the permeability of the rat liver canalicular membrane to sucrose and mannitol following in vivo acute single and multiple exposures to microwave radiation (2.45 GHz) and radiant-energy thermal stress.

Lange DG, D'Antuono ME, Timm RR, Ishii TK, Fujimoto JM. · 1993

Researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency used by microwave ovens and WiFi) to study effects on liver function. They found that repeated exposures caused permanent changes to liver cell membranes that control bile production and toxin processing. The microwave radiation caused more severe liver damage than heat alone, suggesting the electromagnetic fields themselves were harmful beyond just thermal heating effects.

[Effect of extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation on the function of skin sensory endings].

Enin LD, Akoev GN, Potekhina IL, Oleiner VD · 1992

Russian researchers exposed rat paw skin to millimeter wave radiation (55.61 and 73 GHz frequencies) and measured how nerve endings responded to touch. They found that this extremely high-frequency EMF significantly reduced skin sensitivity - half of the nerve receptors stopped responding to touch within 25 minutes of exposure, while others showed altered responses even after 35 minutes. The effects showed a strict frequency-specific pattern, suggesting the radiation directly interferes with how skin sensors communicate with the nervous system.

Dose dependence of acetylcholinesterase activity in neuroblastoma cells exposed to modulated radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Dutta SK, Das K, Ghosh B, Blackman CF · 1992

Researchers exposed neuroblastoma brain cells to 147-MHz radio frequency radiation (similar to frequencies used in wireless devices) for 30 minutes and found it increased activity of acetylcholinesterase, a key enzyme involved in brain cell communication. The effect only occurred at specific power levels that had previously been shown to disrupt calcium release in the same type of cells. This suggests that RF radiation can interfere with fundamental brain cell processes that control neurotransmitter function.

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.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Millimeter-wave effects on electric activity of crayfish stretch receptors.

Khramov RN, Sosunov EA, Koltun SV, Ilyasova EN, Lednev VV · 1991

Researchers exposed crayfish nerve cells to millimeter-wave radiation (similar to what 5G uses) at power levels up to 250 mW/cm2 and measured changes in nerve firing patterns. They found temporary decreases in nerve activity during exposure that returned to normal afterward, with the effects appearing to be caused by slight heating (about 1.5°C) rather than the electromagnetic fields themselves. This suggests that millimeter waves affect nerve function primarily through thermal heating rather than direct electromagnetic interference.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

A chromosomal study of workers with long-term exposure to radio-frequency radiation.

Garson OM, McRobert TL, Campbell LJ, Hocking BA, Gordon I. · 1991

Australian researchers studied 38 telecommunications workers who had long-term occupational exposure to radio frequency radiation (the type emitted by cell towers and wireless equipment) to see if their DNA showed more chromosome damage than unexposed office workers. After examining 200 cells from each person, they found no difference in genetic damage between the two groups. This suggests that RF exposure at levels within occupational safety limits may not cause detectable chromosome damage in white blood cells.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Absence of a synergistic effect between moderate-power radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and adriamycin on cell-cycle progression and sister-chromatid exchange.

Ciaravino V, Meltz ML, Erwin DN · 1991

Researchers exposed Chinese hamster ovary cells to both microwave radiation (2.45 GHz) and adriamycin, a cancer drug that damages DNA, to see if the radiation would amplify the drug's harmful effects. After two hours of simultaneous exposure at 33.8 W/kg (a relatively high power level), they found no synergistic effect - the radiation didn't make the drug more damaging to cells or increase DNA damage. This suggests that microwave radiation at this level doesn't interact with certain toxic chemicals to create additional cellular harm.

Effect of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation on permeability of unilamellar liposomes to 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. Evidence of non-thermal leakage.

Saalman E et al. · 1991

Researchers exposed artificial cell membranes (liposomes) to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation for 10 minutes and found they became significantly more permeable compared to membranes heated to the same temperature without microwaves. This suggests microwave radiation can disrupt cellular barriers through mechanisms beyond just heating, potentially allowing harmful substances to enter cells or beneficial ones to leak out.

Microwave exposure alters the expression of 2-5A-dependent RNase.

Krause D, Mullins JM, Penafiel LM, Meister R, Nardone RM, · 1991

Researchers exposed mouse cells to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens) at levels 20 times higher than safety limits for 4 hours. The radiation significantly increased the activity of RNase L, an enzyme involved in the body's antiviral defense system. This suggests that microwave radiation can trigger cellular stress responses even when cells appear healthy and continue growing normally.

Ouabain inhibition of kidney ATPase is altered by 9.14 GHz radiation.

Brown HD, Chattopadhyay SK · 1991

Researchers exposed dog kidney tissue to 9.14 GHz microwave radiation (similar to some radar frequencies) for 5 minutes and found it significantly disrupted how a key enzyme called ATPase functions. The radiation interfered with ouabain, a compound that normally regulates this enzyme, reducing its effectiveness as a control mechanism. This suggests microwave radiation can alter fundamental cellular processes that keep our kidneys working properly.

Neoplastic transformation of C3H/10T1/2 cells following exposure to 120-Hz modulated 2.45-GHz microwaves and phorbol ester tumor promoter.

Balcer-Kubiczek EK, Harrison GH. · 1991

Researchers exposed mouse cells to microwave radiation (same frequency as WiFi) plus a tumor-promoting chemical. While microwaves alone caused no harm, the combination significantly increased cancer-like cell transformation to levels matching X-ray exposure, suggesting microwaves may promote cancer under certain conditions.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Proflavin and microwave radiation: absence of a mutagenic interaction.

Meltz ML, Eagan P, Erwin DN · 1990

Researchers exposed mouse leukemic cells to 2.45-GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency as microwave ovens) at high power levels while simultaneously treating them with proflavin, a DNA-damaging drug. They found no evidence that the microwave radiation enhanced the drug's ability to cause genetic mutations, nor did the radiation alone cause any DNA damage. This suggests that microwave radiation at these levels does not interact with chemical mutagens to worsen genetic damage.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Influence of radiofrequency radiation on chromosome aberrations in CHO cells and its interaction with DNA-damaging agents.

Kerbacher JJ, Meltz ML, Erwin DN, · 1990

Researchers exposed Chinese hamster cells to high-intensity microwave radiation (2450 MHz) at levels far exceeding safety guidelines to see if it would damage chromosomes or make cancer drugs more harmful. Even at these extreme exposure levels-which heated the cells by over 3 degrees-the radiation caused no chromosome damage by itself and didn't increase the genetic damage from chemotherapy drugs. This suggests that radiofrequency radiation at this frequency doesn't directly break DNA or interfere with cellular repair mechanisms.

Further Reading

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