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.
Xu S et al. · 2013
Scientists tested whether cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) damages DNA in six cell types. Two cell types showed DNA damage markers, but this didn't cause cell death or growth problems. The findings suggest cells can repair minor DNA damage from radiofrequency exposure.
Tsybulin O et al. · 2013
Researchers exposed developing quail embryos to cell phone radiation at extremely low power levels (1000 times weaker than typical phone exposure) and found dramatically different effects depending on exposure duration. Short exposure (38 hours) actually stimulated development and reduced DNA damage, while longer exposure (158 hours) stunted development and increased DNA damage. This reveals that EMF effects aren't simply dose-dependent but follow complex biological patterns.
Sun W, Shen X, Lu D, Lu D, Chiang H · 2013
Researchers exposed human cells to 1.8 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) and found it triggered abnormal clustering and activation of cellular receptors that control cell growth. Interestingly, when they added a weak 'noise' magnetic field alongside the RF exposure, it completely blocked these cellular changes at moderate power levels, suggesting the magnetic field provided some protection against RF-induced cellular disruption.
Moretti D et al. · 2013
French researchers exposed lab-grown brain cell networks to cell phone radiation (GSM-1800) for 3 minutes and measured their electrical activity in real time. They found that the radiation caused a 30% decrease in the brain cells' firing rate and bursting patterns - essentially making the neurons less active. The effect was reversible, meaning the cells returned to normal activity after exposure ended.
Jiang B, Zong C, Zhao H, Ji Y, Tong J, Cao Y · 2013
Researchers exposed mice to 900MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) for 4 hours daily over 7 days, then subjected them to high-dose gamma radiation. The mice pre-exposed to RF showed significantly less genetic damage from the gamma radiation compared to mice that received only gamma radiation. This suggests that low-level RF exposure may trigger protective cellular responses that help defend against more harmful radiation damage.
Burlaka A et al. · 2013
Researchers exposed developing quail embryos to extremely low-level cell phone radiation (900 MHz GSM) at power levels 4,000 times weaker than current safety limits. The exposure caused persistent overproduction of harmful free radicals and direct DNA damage in the developing embryos. The study demonstrates that even very weak radiofrequency radiation can trigger oxidative stress and genetic damage during critical developmental periods.
Atlı Şekeroğlu Z, Akar A, Sekeroğlu V. · 2013
Researchers exposed young and adult rats to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for 2 hours daily over 45 days. Both age groups showed significant DNA damage in bone marrow cells, with young rats more severely affected. The genetic damage persisted even after a recovery period.
Esmekaya MA et al. · 2013
Scientists exposed E. coli bacteria to 50 Hz magnetic fields for 24 hours. While the bacteria survived normally, the magnetic field exposure damaged their cell surfaces, creating holes and destroying membranes. This shows EMF can harm cells even when they appear healthy overall.
Calabrò E et al. · 2013
Italian researchers exposed human brain cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (European power frequency) and found exposures above 0.8 milliTesla damaged cellular energy systems and altered protein structures. This demonstrates measurable biological harm from power-frequency magnetic fields at levels found in some occupational environments.
Tkalec M, Stambuk A, Srut M, Malarić K, Klobučar GI. · 2013
Croatian researchers exposed earthworms to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for 2-4 hours and found significant DNA damage at all tested levels, even the lowest exposure of 10 V/m. The radiation also triggered oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules) and damaged proteins and fats in the worms' cells. Importantly, modulated signals like those used by cell phones caused even more DNA damage than continuous radiation.
Burlaka A et al. · 2013
Researchers exposed Japanese quail embryos to extremely low-power cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for over 150 hours and found it caused a persistent overproduction of harmful free radicals in developing cells. The radiation also damaged DNA and overwhelmed the embryos' natural antioxidant defenses. This cellular damage could potentially lead to cancer-causing changes in cells.
Park JE, Seo YK, Yoon HH, Kim CW, Park JK, Jeon S · 2013
Researchers exposed human bone marrow stem cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) at 1 milliTesla for several days. They found that this EMF exposure triggered the stem cells to transform into nerve cells by activating specific cellular pathways and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This suggests that power-frequency magnetic fields can directly influence how our stem cells develop and differentiate.
Glinka M, Sieroń A, Birkner E, Cieślar G · 2013
Researchers exposed rats with skin wounds to 40 Hz magnetic fields at 10 mT (millitesla) to see if it would help healing. They found the magnetic field exposure increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced cellular damage markers, suggesting the treatment helped protect cells from harmful oxidative stress during the wound healing process.
Calabrò E et al. · 2013
Italian researchers exposed human brain cells to a static magnetic field at 2.2 millitesla (below current safety limits) for 24 hours and found significant cellular damage. The magnetic field reduced the cells' energy production by 30%, increased harmful reactive oxygen species, and altered the structure of cellular proteins and fats. This demonstrates that even magnetic fields considered 'safe' by regulatory standards can disrupt normal brain cell function.
Esmekaya MA et al. · 2013
Scientists exposed E. coli bacteria to power line frequency magnetic fields for 24 hours. While the bacteria survived and reproduced normally, the electromagnetic exposure damaged their cell surfaces, creating holes and destroying outer membranes. This shows EMF can cause cellular damage even when organisms appear healthy.
Calabrò E et al. · 2013
Researchers exposed brain cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (household electricity frequency) at different strengths. Higher exposures damaged cell membrane proteins and reduced energy production in mitochondria, leading to decreased cell survival and suggesting power-frequency fields harm basic cellular functions.
Sharma A, Sisodia R, Bhatnagar D, Saxena VK · 2013
Researchers exposed mice to 10 GHz microwave radiation for two hours daily over 30 days, then tested their memory using a water maze. Exposed mice took significantly longer to learn and remember locations, with reduced brain protein levels, suggesting microwave exposure may impair learning and memory.
Moretti D et al. · 2013
French researchers exposed lab-grown brain cells to cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz (the frequency used by GSM cell phones) for just 3 minutes. They found that the radiation caused a 30% decrease in the neurons' electrical activity - essentially making the brain cells less active. This effect was reversible, meaning the neurons returned to normal activity levels after the exposure ended.
Ros-Llor I et al. · 2012
Researchers examined DNA damage in mouth cells from 50 mobile phone users by comparing cells from the side of the face where they held their phone versus the opposite side. They found no differences in genetic damage markers (called micronuclei) between the phone side and non-phone side, regardless of how long people had been using mobile phones. This suggests that typical mobile phone use may not cause detectable DNA damage in oral tissues.
Marjanović AM, Pavičić I, Trošić I · 2012
This Croatian research team reviewed the current scientific understanding of how radiofrequency and microwave radiation (from devices like cell phones and WiFi) might affect living cells. They focused on reactive oxygen species (ROS) - molecules that can damage cells when produced in excess - as a potential mechanism for non-thermal biological effects. The paper calls for more laboratory research to better understand these mechanisms and support public health risk assessment.
Laudisi F et al. · 2012
Italian researchers exposed pregnant mice to WiFi signals (2.45 GHz) at high levels for 2 hours daily throughout pregnancy to study effects on their offspring's immune system development. They found no detrimental effects on T cell development, immune cell counts, or immune function in the offspring at either 5 weeks or 26 weeks of age. This suggests that prenatal WiFi exposure may not harm developing immune systems, though the study used exposure levels much higher than typical human exposure.
Bourthoumieu S et al. · 2012
Researchers exposed human embryonic cells to cell phone radiation (GSM-900 MHz) for 24 hours at various intensities to see if it would activate p53, a crucial protein that helps protect cells from DNA damage and cancer. The study found no significant changes in p53 expression or activation at any exposure level tested, including levels up to 4 W/kg. This suggests that GSM cell phone radiation may not trigger this particular cellular stress response in embryonic cells.
Hong MN et al. · 2012
Researchers exposed human breast tissue cells to cell phone frequencies (837 MHz and 1950 MHz) at high power levels for 2 hours to test whether radiofrequency radiation causes oxidative stress, a type of cellular damage linked to disease. The study found no signs of oxidative stress in the cells, even when exposed to both frequencies simultaneously. This suggests that under these specific laboratory conditions, RF radiation did not trigger the cellular damage processes that scientists look for as early warning signs of health effects.
Lee HJ, Jin YB, Lee JS, Choi JI, Lee JW, Myung SH, Lee YS. · 2012
Researchers exposed mouse cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields (the type from power lines) to see if this could trigger cellular transformation into cancer-like cells. They tested the magnetic field alone and combined with known cancer-causing agents like radiation. The study found no evidence that the magnetic field exposure caused cell transformation or enhanced the cancer-causing effects of other agents.
Teven CM et al. · 2012
University of Chicago researchers exposed bone-forming stem cells to high-frequency electromagnetic fields at 27.1 MHz using an FDA-approved device called ActiPatch. They found that this exposure significantly increased the cells' ability to form bone tissue, triggering multiple markers of bone development without affecting cell growth rates. This suggests electromagnetic field therapy could potentially help repair bone defects in patients who lack sufficient natural bone tissue for reconstruction.
For a comprehensive exploration of EMF health effects and practical protection strategies, explore these books by R Blank and Dr. Martin Blank.
