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

Outdoor EMF Infrastructure Research

RFELF Magnetic

Research on environmental EMF sources - cell towers, 5G small cells, power lines, and smart meters.

3
Sources
2,829
Studies
2
EMF Types

Related Studies (1,815)

Effect of electromagnetic field on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in a human mu-opioid receptor cell model.

Ross CL, Teli T, Harrison BS. · 2015

Researchers exposed cells containing human opioid receptors to 5 Hz electromagnetic fields and found they reduced cellular activity (cAMP levels) 23% more effectively than morphine. The effect was frequency-specific, as 13 Hz EMF produced no significant changes. This suggests certain EMF frequencies might influence pain pathways in ways similar to opioid drugs, potentially offering therapeutic benefits without drug side effects.

The impact of electromagnetic radiation of different parameters on platelet oxygen metabolism - in vitro studies.

Lewicka M et al. · 2015

Polish researchers exposed human blood platelets to electromagnetic fields from car electronics, physiotherapy equipment, and LCD monitors for 30 minutes. They found that all three sources caused oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules called free radicals), with car electronics producing the strongest effects. This suggests that common electronic devices may damage our blood cells and potentially contribute to diseases linked to oxidative stress.

Effect of Short-term 900 MHz low level electromagnetic radiation exposure on blood serotonin and glutamate levels.

Eris AH et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone-level radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) for just 45 minutes and measured changes in brain chemicals. They found that this brief exposure significantly increased blood serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and cognitive function. The researchers note this serotonin increase could potentially impact learning and memory abilities.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

A genotoxic analysis of the hematopoietic system after mobile phone type radiation exposure in rats.

Kumar G, McIntosh RL, Anderson V, McKenzie RJ, Wood AW. · 2015

Researchers exposed rat bone marrow to cell phone-type radiation at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies to test for DNA damage and changes in blood cell production. They found no significant effects on genetic damage or cell growth at radiation levels of 2-2.5 watts per kilogram, which are similar to current safety limits. This study suggests that short-term exposure to these specific radiation levels may not cause immediate DNA damage in blood-forming cells.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effect of long-term (2 years) exposure of mouse brains to global system for mobile communication (GSM) radiofrequency fields on astrocytic immunoreactivity.

Court-Kowalski S et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) at high levels (4 W/kg SAR) for five days per week over two full years, then examined their brains for signs of astrocyte activation - a cellular response that indicates brain injury or stress. They found no detectable changes in these protective brain cells compared to unexposed mice, suggesting this level of radiofrequency exposure did not trigger measurable brain inflammation or damage.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

A Genotoxic Analysis on Hematopoietic system after Mobile Phone Type Radiation Exposure in Rats.

Kumar G, McIntosh RL, Anderson V, McKenzie RJ, Wood AW. · 2015

Researchers exposed rat bone marrow to mobile phone radiation at 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies to test for genetic damage and effects on blood cell production. They tested both continuous and pulsed signals at power levels ranging from 2 to 12.4 watts per kilogram. The study found no significant changes in cell growth or DNA damage in the bone marrow cells after exposure.

Effects of chronic exposure to 950 MHz ultra-high-frequency electromagnetic radiation on reactive oxygen species metabolism in the right and left cerebral cortex of young rats of different ages.

Furtado-Filho OV et al. · 2015

Brazilian researchers exposed pregnant rats and their newborns to cell phone frequency radiation (950 MHz) for 30 minutes daily throughout pregnancy and after birth. They found that 6-day-old exposed rats showed protein damage specifically in the right side of their brain, plus lower blood sugar levels. Newborn rats showed no effects, suggesting developing brains become more vulnerable to EMF damage as they mature.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Preliminary background indoor EMF measurements in Greece.

Kottou S et al. · 2015

Greek researchers measured electromagnetic field levels in over 4,500 indoor locations across three regions, focusing on extremely low frequency magnetic fields and radiofrequency electric fields that health agencies consider possibly cancer-causing. They found that while EMF levels varied by location and distance from sources, all measurements remained well below current safety limits set by European regulators. The study provides baseline data on typical indoor EMF exposure levels in Greek homes.

The Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Liver Tissue Protein Oxidation and Antioxidant Enzyme Levels After the Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation.

Ozgur E et al. · 2015

Scientists exposed guinea pigs to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for seven days and found it significantly reduced SOD, a protective antioxidant enzyme in liver tissue. Surprisingly, two common antioxidant supplements caused cellular damage when used alone, showing radiation's complex effects on cellular protection.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Effects on g2/m phase cell cycle distribution and aneuploidy formation of exposure to a 60 Hz electromagnetic field in combination with ionizing radiation or hydrogen peroxide in l132 nontumorigenic human lung epithelial cells.

Jin H, Yoon HE, Lee JS, Kim JK, Myung SH, Lee YS. · 2015

Researchers exposed human lung cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields (1-2 mT) alone and combined with radiation or hydrogen peroxide to test whether EMFs might make cells more vulnerable to genetic damage. The magnetic fields alone caused no genetic damage, and they didn't make the cells more susceptible to damage when combined with other stressors. This suggests that power frequency magnetic fields at these levels don't compromise cellular genetic stability.

Cell Phone Generated Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Effects on the Locomotor Behaviors of the Fishes Poecilia reticulata and Danio rerio.

Lee D, Lee J, Lee I. · 2015

Researchers exposed guppies and zebrafish to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 3 minutes and tracked their swimming behavior. They found that fed fish showed significant changes in their movement patterns and swimming speed when exposed to the RF EMF, while hungry fish showed no changes. The study ruled out temperature effects, confirming the behavioral changes were due to the electromagnetic field itself.

[Impact of mobile phone radiation on the quality and DNA methylation of human sperm in vitro].

Wang D et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed sperm samples from 97 healthy men to cell phone radiation (1950 MHz frequency) for 3 hours at levels similar to what phones emit during calls. The radiation significantly reduced sperm movement and survival rates while increasing cell death and structural defects in sperm heads. This suggests that cell phone radiation can directly damage sperm quality, which could impact male fertility.

Exposure to 50 Hz magnetic field modulates GABAA currents in cerebellar granule neurons through an EP receptor-mediated PKC pathway.

Yang G, Ren Z, Mei YA. · 2015

Researchers exposed rat brain cells to power line frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz) and found they significantly boosted GABA receptor activity - the brain's main calming system. This change could potentially affect sleep, anxiety, and seizure control, showing how electromagnetic fields may influence brain function.

2.1 GHz electromagnetic field does not change contractility and intracellular Ca2+ transients but decreases β-adrenergic responsiveness through nitric oxide signaling in rat ventricular myocytes.

Olgar Y et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 2.1 GHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 2 hours daily over 10 weeks and studied how their heart muscle cells responded. While the basic heart muscle contractions remained normal, the cells became less responsive to adrenaline-like stress hormones, and nitric oxide levels in the heart increased significantly. This suggests that chronic RF exposure may alter how the heart responds to stress, even when basic heart function appears unchanged.

Impacts of exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation on liver function in rats.

Ma HR, Ma ZH, Wang GY, Song CM, Ma XL, Cao XH, Zhang GH. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation for 4 hours daily over 18 days and found significant liver damage. The radiation caused increased oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules), liver cell death, and visible tissue damage including cell swelling and death. This suggests that prolonged exposure to mobile phone frequencies may harm liver function through cellular stress pathways.

Common behaviors alterations after extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure in rat animal model.

Mahdavi SM, Sahraei H, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Najafi Abedi A. · 2015

Iranian researchers exposed rats to 40 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency used in many electrical systems) for 21 days and tracked changes in behavior and metabolism. They found significant disruptions including altered body weight patterns, reduced appetite, elevated blood glucose levels, and decreased movement and exploration behaviors. These findings suggest that even relatively low-frequency electromagnetic fields can disrupt normal biological functions in mammals.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Does radio frequency radiation induce micronuclei frequency in exfoliated bladder cells of diabetic rats?

Gurbuz N, Sirav B, Kuzay D, Ozer C, Seyhan N. · 2015

Researchers exposed diabetic rats to cell phone radiation (2100 MHz) to see if it caused genetic damage in bladder cells by looking for micronuclei - small fragments of broken DNA that indicate cellular damage. They found no increase in genetic damage in either healthy or diabetic rats exposed to the radiation compared to unexposed animals. The study suggests that this level of RF radiation may not cause DNA damage in bladder cells, even in animals with diabetes who might be more vulnerable.

Effects of microwaves (900 MHz) on peroxidase systems: a comparison between lactoperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase

Barteri M et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed two important enzymes (lactoperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase) to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation and found that the exposure caused structural changes to the enzymes' active sites. These changes affected how the enzymes functioned and how they formed free radicals. This matters because these same types of enzymes play crucial roles in human cellular processes.

Effects of microwaves (900 MHz) on peroxidase systems: a comparison between lactoperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase.

Barteri M et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed two important enzymes (lactoperoxidase and horseradish peroxidase) to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation, the same frequency used by many cell phones. The radiation altered the enzymes' structure and function, changing how they catalyzed chemical reactions and affecting the stability of free radicals they produce. This suggests that RF radiation can directly interfere with fundamental biological processes at the molecular level.

Effects of two different waveforms of ELF MFs on bioelectrical activity of antennal lobe neurons of Morimus funereus (Insecta, Coleoptera).

Todorović D, Prolić Z, Petković B, Kalauzi A. · 2015

Researchers exposed longhorn beetles to 50 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) and measured how their brain neurons responded. They found that square wave magnetic fields caused measurable changes in neural activity after 10-15 minutes of exposure, while sine wave fields did not. This demonstrates that even insects show biological responses to power-frequency magnetic fields, and that the waveform shape matters for biological effects.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields on gap junctional intercellular communication in NIH3T3 cells.

Percherancier Y et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed mouse cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields for 24 hours to study whether these fields affect gap junctions (tiny channels that allow cells to communicate with each other). They found no impact on cell communication at the magnetic field strengths tested (0.4 and 1 mT), contradicting some previous studies that suggested power frequency fields could disrupt this cellular function.

Effect of Low-Intensity Microwave Radiation on Monoamine Neurotransmitters and Their Key Regulating Enzymes in Rat Brain.

Megha K et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to low-level cell phone radiation (900 MHz and 1800 MHz) for 30 days and measured brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help brain cells communicate. The exposed rats showed significant decreases in four key neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin) in the brain region responsible for memory and learning. These changes could explain why some people report memory and concentration problems after heavy cell phone use.

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.

FAQs: EMF in Outdoor / Infrastructure

The outdoor / infrastructure environment contains several common sources of electromagnetic field exposure including 5g / cell towers, power lines, smart meters. Together, these 3 sources account for 2,829 peer-reviewed studies in the BioInitiative Report database examining their potential health effects.
There are 2,829 peer-reviewed studies in our database examining EMF sources commonly found in outdoor / infrastructure environments. These studies cover 3 different EMF sources: 5G / Cell Towers (1,404 studies), Power Lines (411 studies), Smart Meters (1,014 studies). The research includes both laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies from scientists worldwide.
5G / Cell Towers has the most research with 1,404 studies, followed by Smart Meters (1,014) and Power Lines (411). This research examines various biological endpoints including cellular effects, neurological impacts, and other health outcomes from EMF exposure in outdoor / infrastructure settings.