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

Personal Device EMF Research

RFELF Magnetic

Research on EMF from devices you carry or wear daily - phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and laptops.

3
Sources
3,372
Studies
2
EMF Types

Related Studies (1,772)

Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz)- and Mobile Phone (900 and 1800 MHz)-Induced Risks on Oxidative Stress and Elements in Kidney and Testis of Rats During Pregnancy and the Development of Offspring.

Ozorak A et al. · 2013

Turkish researchers exposed pregnant rats and their offspring to Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz) and mobile phone frequencies (900 and 1800 MHz) for one hour daily from pregnancy through 6 weeks of age. The exposed animals showed significant oxidative damage in kidneys and reproductive organs, with increased harmful byproducts and decreased protective antioxidants. This suggests that common wireless radiation may interfere with normal development and damage vital organs during critical growth periods.

Combining near- and far-field exposure for an organ-specific and whole-body RF-EMF proxy for epidemiological research: A reference case.

Lauer O et al. · 2013

Swiss researchers developed a method to measure total daily RF-EMF exposure by combining radiation from mobile phones (near-field) and cell towers (far-field sources). They found that your own mobile phone dominates your daily EMF exposure, contributing far more radiation to your body than environmental sources like cell towers. The study showed that older GSM phones created higher exposure levels than newer UMTS phones due to their higher power output.

2.45 GHz microwave irradiation-induced oxidative stress affects implantation or pregnancy in mice, Mus musculus.

Shahin S et al. · 2013

Researchers exposed female mice to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency as WiFi and microwave ovens) for 2 hours daily over 45 days at very low power levels. The exposed mice showed significantly reduced implantation sites for embryos, along with increased DNA damage in brain cells, elevated stress markers in blood, and disrupted hormone levels. This suggests that even low-level microwave radiation can interfere with reproduction and pregnancy through oxidative stress mechanisms.

2.45 GHz microwave irradiation-induced oxidative stress affects implantation or pregnancy in mice, Mus musculus.

Shahin S et al. · 2013

Researchers exposed female mice to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by WiFi and microwave ovens) for 2 hours daily over 45 days, using power levels far below current safety standards. The exposed mice showed significantly reduced pregnancy success, increased DNA damage in brain cells, and widespread oxidative stress throughout their bodies. This suggests that even low-level microwave radiation may interfere with reproductive health through cellular damage mechanisms.

Impairment of long-term potentiation induction is essential for the disruption of spatial memory after microwave exposure

Wang H et al. · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 2.856 GHz for 6 minutes and tested their memory using a water maze. Rats exposed to higher power levels (10 and 50 mW/cm²) showed significant memory problems and brain damage, including damaged brain cells and disrupted connections between neurons. The study reveals that microwave exposure can impair the brain's ability to form memories by damaging the hippocampus, the brain region critical for learning.

Effect of 900 MHz radıofrequency radıatıon on oxıdatıve stress in rat brain and serum

Bilgici B, Akar A, Avci B, Tuncel OK · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) for one hour daily over three weeks at levels similar to what humans experience. They found significant increases in oxidative stress markers in the brain, indicating cellular damage from free radicals. Interestingly, rats given garlic powder showed protection against this brain damage, suggesting antioxidants may help counteract RF radiation effects.

Overproduction of free radical species in embryonal cells exposed to low intensity radiofrequency 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.

Overproduction of free radical species in embryonal cells exposed to low intensity radiofrequency radiation.

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.

Spatial learning, monoamines and oxidative stress in rats exposed to 900MHz electromagnetic field in combination with iron overload.

Maaroufi K et al. · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) and tested their learning and memory abilities. The EMF-exposed rats showed impaired performance on tasks requiring natural exploration behavior and had altered brain chemistry, particularly in the hippocampus (a key memory center). Interestingly, adding iron overload to the brain didn't make the EMF effects worse, suggesting the radiation alone was sufficient to cause these cognitive changes.

Comparison of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of plutonium-239 alpha particles and mobile phone GSM 900 radiation in the Allium cepa test.

Pesnya DS, Romanovsky AV. · 2013

Russian researchers compared the genetic damage caused by cell phone radiation (GSM 900 MHz) to that from plutonium-239, one of the most dangerous radioactive materials known. They exposed onion root cells to mobile phone radiation for 3 and 9 hours, then analyzed DNA damage and cellular abnormalities. The study found that cell phone radiation caused significant genetic damage similar to plutonium exposure, with effects increasing over time.

Effects of long-term electromagnetic field exposure on spatial learning and memory in rats.

Hao D, Yang L, Chen S, Tong J, Tian Y, Su B, Wu S, Zeng Y · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to 916 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) for 6 hours daily over 10 weeks and tested their ability to navigate a maze to find food. The exposed rats showed significantly impaired learning and memory during weeks 4-5, taking longer to complete the maze and making more errors, while brain recordings revealed disrupted neuron firing patterns throughout the study.

Maternal mobile phone exposure adversely affects the electrophysiological properties of Purkinje neurons in rat offspring.

Haghani M, Shabani M, Moazzami K. · 2013

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to 900-MHz mobile phone radiation for 6 hours daily throughout pregnancy and studied the brain development of their offspring. While the young rats showed no obvious behavioral problems, detailed electrical measurements revealed that specialized brain cells called Purkinje neurons (which help control movement and coordination) had altered electrical activity. This suggests that prenatal cell phone exposure can affect brain development at the cellular level, even when outward behavior appears normal.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields induce neural differentiation in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Kim HJ, Jung J, Park JH, Kim JH, Ko KN, Kim CW. · 2013

Researchers exposed bone marrow stem cells to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (power line frequency) and found the fields accelerated transformation into nerve cells while slowing cell division. This suggests power frequency EMFs might influence how our bodies generate neurons, potentially affecting neurological health.

Increase of seed germination, growth and membrane integrity of wheat seedlings by exposure to static and a 10-KHz electromagnetic field.

Payez A et al. · 2013

Iranian researchers exposed wheat seeds to 10-kHz electromagnetic fields for five hours daily over four days. The electromagnetic exposure accelerated seed sprouting and strengthened plant cell membranes while increasing protective antioxidants. This demonstrates that electromagnetic fields can produce measurable biological effects in living organisms.

Effect of low level microwave radiation exposure on cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats

Deshmukh PS et al. · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to extremely low-level 900 MHz microwave radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 2 hours daily over 30 days. The exposed rats showed significant memory and learning problems, plus increased oxidative stress (cellular damage) in their blood. This matters because the radiation level was about 1,000 times lower than current safety limits, yet still caused measurable brain and cellular effects.

Fifty-Hertz electromagnetic fields facilitate the induction of rat bone mesenchymal stromal cells to differentiate into functional neurons.

Bai WF, Xu WC, Feng Y, Huang H, Li XP, Deng CY, Zhang MS. · 2013

Researchers exposed rat bone marrow stem cells to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency as household electricity) for one hour daily over 12 days. The EMF exposure significantly enhanced the stem cells' ability to transform into functional brain neurons, complete with working synapses and electrical activity. This suggests that power frequency magnetic fields can directly influence cellular development and may have therapeutic applications for treating nervous system diseases.

Effect of low level microwave radiation exposure on cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats.

Deshmukh PS et al. · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to extremely low-level 900 MHz microwave radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 2 hours daily over 30 days. The exposed rats showed significant cognitive impairment and increased oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules called free radicals) compared to unexposed control rats. This suggests that even very weak microwave radiation can affect brain function and cause cellular damage.

Reproductive HealthNo Effects Found

Rat fertility and embryo fetal development: influence of exposure to the Wi-Fi signal.

Poulletier de Gannes F et al. · 2013

French researchers exposed rats to Wi-Fi signals (2.45 GHz) for one hour daily during sexual maturation, mating, and pregnancy to test effects on fertility and fetal development. The study found no harmful effects on reproductive organs, fertility rates, or fetal abnormalities, even at high exposure levels of 4 watts per kilogram. This suggests Wi-Fi exposure at these levels may not significantly impact reproductive health in rats.

Exposure assessment of mobile phone base station radiation in an outdoor environment using sequential surrogate modeling.

Aerts S et al. · 2013

Researchers developed a new method to map cell tower radiation exposure across outdoor urban areas using strategic measurement points and computer modeling. They found that just 70 measurement locations could accurately predict radiation levels throughout a 0.04 square kilometer area, creating detailed exposure maps for the 900 MHz frequency used by GSM cell towers. This technique provides a faster, more efficient way to assess public exposure to cell tower radiation for health studies and government risk communication.

The effect of pulsed electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone on the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in four different areas of rat brain

Aboul Ezz HS, Khadrawy YA, Ahmed NA, Radwan NM, El Bakry MM · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 24 hours daily over 1-4 months and measured key brain chemicals called neurotransmitters in four brain regions. The radiation significantly altered levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin - chemicals that control mood, memory, learning, and stress responses. These changes persisted even after radiation exposure stopped, suggesting that chronic cell phone use may disrupt normal brain chemistry.

The effect of pulsed electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone on the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in four different areas of rat brain.

Aboul Ezz HS, Khadrawy YA, Ahmed NA, Radwan NM, El Bakry MM. · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz, similar to 2G networks) for up to 4 months and measured key brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that control mood, memory, and learning. The radiation significantly altered levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine across four different brain regions. These chemical changes could explain why some people report memory problems, learning difficulties, and increased stress after heavy cell phone use.

Oxidative and genotoxic effects of 900 MHz electromagnetic fields in the earthworm Eisenia fetida.

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.

The prophylactic effect of vitamin C on induced oxidative stress in rat testis following exposure to 900 MHz radio frequency wave generated by a BTS antenna model.

Jelodar G, Nazifi S, Akbari A. · 2013

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone-frequency radiation for 45 days, finding it caused oxidative damage in testicles by reducing protective antioxidants. Vitamin C supplements prevented much of this damage, suggesting RF radiation may harm reproductive health but antioxidants could provide protection.

Extensive frequency selective measurements of radiofrequency fields in outdoor environments performed with a novel mobile monitoring system.

Estenberg J, Augustsson T. · 2013

Swedish researchers developed a mobile monitoring system to measure radiofrequency radiation levels across different environments, collecting over 70,000 measurements in rural, urban, and city areas. They found that radiation levels increased dramatically from rural to urban settings, with city areas showing 150 times higher exposure than rural areas. The study demonstrates how cell phone towers create significant differences in public RF exposure depending on where you live and work.

FAQs: EMF in Personal Devices & Wearables

The personal devices & wearables environment contains several common sources of electromagnetic field exposure including cell phones, laptops, bluetooth devices. Together, these 3 sources account for 3,372 peer-reviewed studies in the BioInitiative Report database examining their potential health effects.
There are 3,372 peer-reviewed studies in our database examining EMF sources commonly found in personal devices & wearables environments. These studies cover 3 different EMF sources: Cell Phones (1,326 studies), Laptops (1,772 studies), Bluetooth Devices (274 studies). The research includes both laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies from scientists worldwide.
Laptops has the most research with 1,772 studies, followed by Cell Phones (1,326) and Bluetooth Devices (274). This research examines various biological endpoints including cellular effects, neurological impacts, and other health outcomes from EMF exposure in personal devices & wearables settings.