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

Kitchen EMF Research

RFELF Magnetic

Research on EMF from kitchen appliances - microwave ovens, refrigerators, and other appliances.

2
Sources
670
Studies
2
EMF Types

Related Studies (670)

2.45-GHz microwave irradiation adversely affects reproductive function in male mouse, Mus musculus by inducing oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Shahin S, Mishra V, Singh SP, Chaturvedi CM · 2014

Researchers exposed male mice to 2.45-GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by Wi-Fi and microwaves) for 2 hours daily over 30 days at very low power levels. The exposed mice showed significant decreases in sperm count and viability, reduced testosterone levels, and damaged reproductive tissue. The study suggests these effects occur through oxidative stress, where radiation generates harmful free radicals that damage cells.

Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Brain of Gerbils Submitted to Global Cerebral Ischemia.

Rauš Balind S, Selaković V, Radenović L, Prolić Z, Janać B. · 2014

Researchers exposed stroke-damaged gerbils to power line frequency magnetic fields for seven days. While initially increasing brain stress, the magnetic field exposure ultimately protected against stroke damage, returning brain stress markers to normal levels by day fourteen, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

Increased DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and protein oxidation (AOPP) by Low level electromagnetic field (2.45 GHz) in rat brain and protective effect of garlic.

Gürler HS, Bilgici B, Akar AK, Tomak L, Bedir A. · 2014

Researchers exposed rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for one hour daily over 30 days and measured DNA damage in their brains and blood. The radiation caused significant genetic damage, indicated by increased levels of 8-OHdG (a marker of DNA oxidation) in both brain tissue and blood plasma. Interestingly, rats given garlic extract were protected from this DNA damage, suggesting antioxidants may help counter EMF-induced cellular harm.

Increased DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and protein oxidation (AOPP) by low level electromagnetic field (2.45 GHz) in rat brain and protective effect of garlic.

Hatice Ş. Gürler et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for one hour daily over 30 days and measured damage to DNA and proteins in their brains. The radiation caused significant DNA damage in both brain tissue and blood, while also increasing harmful protein changes in the blood. Interestingly, rats given garlic supplements showed protection against these damaging effects.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Short term effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure on Alzheimer's disease in rats.

Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhang J, Li N. · 2014

Researchers exposed rats to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (the same type emitted by power lines and household appliances) for 12 weeks to see if it would cause Alzheimer's-like brain changes. They found no effects on memory, learning ability, or brain proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that short-term exposure to these magnetic fields at typical environmental levels may not directly cause cognitive problems.

Stimulation of neural differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields incorporated with MNPs.

Choi YK, Lee DH, Seo YK, Jung H, Park JK, Cho H. · 2014

Researchers used 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) combined with magnetic nanoparticles to study stem cells from human bone marrow. They found that this EMF exposure enhanced the cells' ability to transform into nerve cells. This suggests that extremely low-frequency EMFs can influence how stem cells develop and differentiate.

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields induce oxidative stress in rat brain.

Manikonda PK et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed young rats to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (the type emitted by power lines and household appliances) for 90 days and found significant oxidative stress damage throughout their brains. The damage was dose-dependent, meaning higher magnetic field levels caused more harm, and affected different brain regions differently. This suggests that chronic exposure to these common magnetic fields may disrupt normal brain function by overwhelming the brain's natural defense systems.

Involvement of NMDA receptor in low-frequency magnetic field-induced anxiety in mice.

Salunke BP, Umathe SN, Chavan JG. · 2014

Researchers exposed mice to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as household electricity) for up to 120 days and measured anxiety-like behaviors. The magnetic field exposure significantly increased anxiety in the animals, and the researchers identified that this effect occurred through changes in NMDA receptors in the brain. The study provides biological evidence that long-term exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields can alter brain chemistry and behavior.

Occupational exposure to intermediate frequency and extremely low frequency magnetic fields among personnel working near electronic article surveillance systems.

Roivainen P, Eskelinen T, Jokela K, Juutilainen J · 2014

Researchers measured electromagnetic field exposure for store cashiers working near security gates that detect unpaid merchandise. While normal workplace exposure stayed within safety limits, magnetic field levels briefly exceeded international guidelines when cashiers walked through the gates themselves, suggesting potential health risks.

Effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on NGF induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells.

Jung IS, Kim HJ, Noh R, Kim SC, Kim CW. · 2014

Researchers exposed nerve cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (power line frequency) for five days. The magnetic fields enhanced nerve cell growth, increasing nerve extensions and proteins needed for nerve development. This suggests power line frequencies might stimulate nerve regeneration and offer insights for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of a 2.45-GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field on neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis in differentiated human HL-60 cells.

Koyama S et al. · 2014

Japanese researchers exposed immune cells called neutrophils to 2.45-GHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) at levels up to 10 W/kg for up to 24 hours. They found no significant effects on the cells' ability to migrate toward threats or engulf harmful particles - two critical immune functions. This suggests that RF exposure at current safety limits may not impair these specific immune responses.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Increased γ-H2AX by exposure to a 60-Hz magnetic fields combined with ionizing radiation, but not hydrogen peroxide, in non-tumorigenic human cell lines.

Yoon HE, Lee JS, Myung SH, Lee YS · 2014

Researchers exposed human lung cells to 60-Hz magnetic fields at different strengths and measured DNA damage markers. They found that stronger magnetic fields (2 mT) caused DNA damage on their own and made cells more vulnerable to radiation damage, while weaker fields (1 mT) had no effect. This suggests that power-frequency magnetic fields can damage DNA at high enough levels.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) modifies fitness components and locomotor activity of Drosophila subobscura.

Dimitrijević D, Savić T, Anđelković M, Prolić Z, Janać B. · 2014

Scientists exposed fruit flies to 50 Hz magnetic fields (power line frequency) and found the fields reduced adult fly movement and activity, regardless of when exposure occurred. This demonstrates that common electrical frequencies can alter nervous system function in living organisms.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 0.5 mT) modifies fitness components and locomotor activity of Drosophila subobscura.

Dimitrijević D, Savić T, Anđelković M, Prolić Z, Janać B. · 2014

Researchers exposed fruit flies to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) at 0.5 milliTesla for 48 hours and tracked their development and behavior. The magnetic field exposure shortened development time, increased survival rates, but significantly reduced the flies' movement and activity levels. This study demonstrates that extremely low frequency magnetic fields can alter both biological development and nervous system function in living organisms.

Investigation of EEG changes during exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field to conduct brain signals.

Shafiei SA, Firoozabadi SM, Tabatabaie KR, Ghabaee M. · 2014

Researchers exposed different areas of the brain to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (3-45 Hz) at various intensities and measured changes in brain wave patterns using EEG. They found significant alterations in brain electrical activity, particularly reductions in alpha waves in frontal and central brain regions. The findings suggest these magnetic fields can measurably alter brain function, which the researchers propose could be developed into therapeutic protocols.

Synaptosomal acetylcholinesterase activity variation pattern in the presence of electromagnetic fields.

Afrasiabi A et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed brain tissue samples from sheep to electromagnetic fields at power line frequencies (50-230 Hz) and found that certain field strengths reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down the brain chemical acetylcholine. This enzyme is crucial for memory, learning, and cognitive function. The findings suggest that EMF exposure could potentially disrupt normal brain chemistry by affecting how neurotransmitters are regulated.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Effect of long-term 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of mice.

Alcaraz M, Olmos E, Alcaraz-Saura M, Achel DG, Castillo J. · 2014

Researchers exposed mice to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for up to 28 days and found evidence of genetic damage in bone marrow cells. The magnetic field exposure caused an increase in micronucleated cells, which are markers of DNA damage, though the effect was less than X-ray radiation. Importantly, antioxidants that protect against radiation damage did not protect against the magnetic field damage, suggesting different biological mechanisms.

The in vivo effects of low-intensity radiofrequency fields on the motor activity of protozoa

Sarapultseva EI, Igolkina JV, Tikhonov VN, Dubrova YE · 2014

Researchers exposed single-celled organisms called ciliates to radiofrequency radiation at levels similar to what we encounter from cell phones and wireless devices. The radiation significantly reduced the organisms' ability to move, and this damage persisted in their offspring for at least 10-15 generations even though the offspring were never directly exposed. This suggests that RF radiation can cause biological effects that are passed down to future generations.

Effect of extremely low frequency magnetic field on glutathione in rat muscles.

Ciejka E et al. · 2014

Polish researchers exposed rats to 40 Hz magnetic fields at 7 mT (similar to some therapeutic magnetic devices) for either 30 or 60 minutes daily over two weeks. They found that both exposure durations significantly increased glutathione levels in skeletal muscle tissue compared to unexposed controls. Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant, so this suggests the magnetic fields triggered the muscles' natural defense systems against cellular damage.

Magnetic field-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae

Pandir D, Sahingoz R · 2014

Researchers exposed Mediterranean flour moth larvae to extremely strong magnetic fields (1.4 Tesla at 50 Hz) for periods ranging from 3 to 72 hours and found significant DNA damage and oxidative stress. The longer the exposure, the more severe the genetic damage and cellular stress became, as measured by multiple biochemical markers. This study demonstrates that magnetic field exposure can cause measurable biological harm at the cellular level.

Autism-relevant social abnormalities in mice exposed perinatally to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields

Alsaeed I et al. · 2014

Researchers exposed pregnant mice and their newborn pups to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as household electrical systems) during critical developmental periods. The exposed male mice later showed autism-like behaviors, including reduced social interaction and less interest in exploring new social situations, while their movement, coordination, and other basic functions remained normal. This suggests that magnetic field exposure during early brain development might contribute to autism spectrum disorders.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure causes cognitive impairment associated with alteration of the glutamate level, MAPK pathway activation and decreased CREB phosphorylation in mice hippocampus: reversal by procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod

Duan Y, Wang Z, Zhang H, He Y, Fan R, Cheng Y, Sun G, Sun X. · 2014

Researchers exposed mice to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency used in power lines) for 4 hours daily over 28 days and found significant cognitive impairment and brain chemistry changes. The EMF exposure disrupted critical brain chemicals like glutamate and damaged important cellular pathways involved in memory formation. However, treatment with natural antioxidants from lotus seeds reversed these harmful effects, suggesting the brain damage was preventable.

An evaluation of genotoxicity in human neuronal-type cells subjected to oxidative stress under an extremely low frequency pulsed magnetic field.

Giorgi G et al. · 2014

Italian researchers exposed human brain cells to power line frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz) while simultaneously stressing them with hydrogen peroxide. Over 72 hours, the magnetic field exposure did not increase DNA damage beyond what the chemical stress alone caused, suggesting power-frequency fields may not worsen cellular damage.

FAQs: EMF in Kitchen

The kitchen environment contains several common sources of electromagnetic field exposure including microwave ovens, appliances. Together, these 2 sources account for 670 peer-reviewed studies in the BioInitiative Report database examining their potential health effects.
There are 670 peer-reviewed studies in our database examining EMF sources commonly found in kitchen environments. These studies cover 2 different EMF sources: Microwave Ovens (259 studies), Appliances (411 studies). The research includes both laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies from scientists worldwide.
Appliances has the most research with 411 studies, followed by Microwave Ovens (259). This research examines various biological endpoints including cellular effects, neurological impacts, and other health outcomes from EMF exposure in kitchen settings.