6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies 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
3,602
Studies
2
EMF Types

EMF in Personal Devices & Wearables

  • -These are the devices that travel with you everywhere-in your pocket, on your wrist, in your ears, and on your lap.
  • -Personal devices and wearables represent your most intimate EMF exposure because they're designed to stay close to your body throughout the day.
  • -Your smartphone radiates radiofrequency energy just inches from your brain during calls, your laptop emits magnetic fields directly onto your lap, and your wireless earbuds transmit Bluetooth signals inside your ear canals.

These are the devices that travel with you everywhere-in your pocket, on your wrist, in your ears, and on your lap. Personal devices and wearables represent your most intimate EMF exposure because they're designed to stay close to your body throughout the day. Your smartphone radiates radiofrequency energy just inches from your brain during calls, your laptop emits magnetic fields directly onto your lap, and your wireless earbuds transmit Bluetooth signals inside your ear canals.

Related Studies (3,602)

Whole Body / General
Not an original health-effects study

Passive Exposure to Mobile Phones: Enhancement of Intensity by Reflection, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 75 (2006) 084801

Hondou T et al et al. · 2006

Researchers conducted a numerical investigation using a realistic human body model and an actual elevator size to assess SAR from a mobile phone modeled as a dipole antenna at 16 mm from the head. They used finite-difference time-domain technique with a supercomputer at frequencies of 900, 1500, and 2000 MHz with 250 mW transmitting power. Results showed that peak 10-g SAR depends on passenger and antenna position, with substantial increases in whole-body average SAR and peak 10-g SAR in the elevator over free-space values. However, the maximum values met international RF safety guidelines, with whole-body average SAR at 4.4% and peak spatial-average SAR at 78% of the guideline.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, in fetal brain after whole of gestation exposure of pregnant mice to global system for mobile communication microwaves.

Finnie JW, Cai Z, Blumbergs PC, Manavis J, Kuchel TR. · 2006

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to 900 MHz fields at 4 W/kg for 60 minutes daily from gestation day 1 to 19. Control mice were sham-exposed or freely mobile without restraint. Fetal brains were examined for c-fos expression in multiple regions using immunohistochemistry. No difference in c-fos immunoreactivity was found between exposed and control fetal brains.

50-Hertz electromagnetic fields induce gammaH2AX foci formation in mouse preimplantation embryos in vitro

Unknown authors · 2006

Researchers investigated effects of electromagnetic fields on DNA damage in preimplantation mouse embryos using gammaH2AX foci formation as an indicator. EMFs decreased the cleavage rate of preimplantation mouse embryos. The decreasing effect was related to DNA damage shown by gammaH2AX foci formation. Noise magnetic fields or wortmannin inhibited the EMF-induced gammaH2AX foci formation. EMFs could activate the DNA damage-repair mechanism by recruiting Rad50 to damaged DNA sites.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic Studies in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed In Vitro to 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz Radiofrequency Radiation.

Vijayalaxmi · 2006

Researchers exposed peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy volunteers to 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz pulsed-wave RF radiation for 2 hours. They measured chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei to assess cytogenetic damage. The RF-exposed lymphocytes showed no significant increase in damage compared to sham-exposed lymphocytes. Gamma-irradiated positive control cells showed significantly more damage than both RF-exposed and sham-exposed cells.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

1800 MHz electromagnetic field effects on melatonin release from isolated pineal glands.

Sukhotina I, Streckert JR, Bitz AK, Hansen VW, Lerchl A · 2006

Researchers exposed isolated pineal glands from Djungarian hamsters to 1800 MHz continuous wave or GSM-modulated signals at SAR levels of 8, 80, 800, and 2700 mW/kg for 7 hours. At 800 mW/kg SAR both signal types significantly enhanced melatonin release, but at 2700 mW/kg SAR continuous wave elevated melatonin while GSM-modulated exposure suppressed it. The authors concluded that the data do not support the melatonin hypothesis that nonthermal radiofrequency exposure suppresses melatonin synthesis.

Clastogenicity and aneuploidy in newborn and adult mice exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2006

Researchers used the micronucleus test with CREST antibody staining to assess clastogenic and aneugenic effects of a 50 Hz, 650 muT magnetic field. Newborn mice were exposed during the entire 21-day intra-uterine period, and adult mice were exposed for the same duration. Newborn mice showed a significant increase in micronuclei frequencies, with most induced micronuclei being CREST-negative chromosome fragments. ELF exposure caused a two-fold increase in CREST-negative micronuclei and a four-fold increase in CREST-positive micronuclei in newborn mice. No significant effect was observed in exposed adult mice.

Modest increase in temperature affects ODC activity in L929 cells: low-level radiofrequency radiation does not.

Hoyto A, Sihvonen AP, Alhonen L, Juutilainen J, Naarala J · 2006

Researchers investigated the effects of low-level radiofrequency radiation and elevated temperature on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in murine L929 fibroblasts. RF radiation did not affect cellular ODC activity. A slight temperature increase of 0.8-0.9 degrees C in the exposure system led to decreased ODC activity, which was verified by exposing cells to different temperatures in incubators.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effect of GSM-900 and -1800 signals on the skin of hairless rats. I: 2-hour acute exposures.

Masuda H et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed hairless female rats to GSM-900 or -1800 signals for 2 hours using a loop antenna on the back. The local specific absorption rate at skin level was about 5 W/kg. Skin thickness and cell toxicity did not differ between exposed and sham-exposed rats. Cell proliferation in the epidermis remained within normal range and no proliferation was seen in the dermis. Levels of filaggrin, collagen, and elastin were not significantly affected by the exposure.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effect of GSM-900 and -1800 signals on the skin of hairless rats. II: 12-week chronic exposures.

Sanchez S et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed five-week-old female hairless rats to GSM-900 or -1800 signals for 2 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. Skin thickness showed no significant difference between exposed and sham-exposed groups. Cellular proliferation measured by Ki-67 remained within normal range in exposed epidermis. Levels of filaggrin, collagen, and elastin did not differ significantly among groups.

Exposure to AC and DC magnetic fields induces changes in 5-HT1B receptor binding parameters in rat brain membranes.

Espinosa JM, Liberti M, Lagroye I, Veyret B. · 2006

Researchers studied the binding properties of the serotonin 5-HT1B receptor in rat brain membranes under exposure to AC and DC magnetic fields. One-hour exposures at 1.1 mT at 50 Hz caused statistically significant increases in both the K(D) and B(max) binding parameters, from 1.74 to 4.51 nM and from 1428 to 2137 CPM, respectively. DC fields had a lesser effect compared to AC fields at low values of K(Dsham), but decreased the affinity at higher values of K(Dsham). The researchers described these findings as one of the few documented pieces of evidence for cell-free effects of DC and extremely low frequency AC magnetic fields in the mT range.

Can EMF exposure during development leave an imprint later in life?

Unknown authors · 2006

Initial reports indicated that exposure of chicken eggs during embryonic development to power-line electric fields of 50 and 60 Hz at 10 V/m in air could cause the brain tissues of the hatched chickens to respond differently in a particular test. More recently, an anecdotal report of human sensitivity to EMF has appeared that shows a health-related influence of prior exposure history to particular power-line frequencies in chemically sensitized individuals. These reports open the question of whether the ambient electromagnetic environment can leave an imprint on developing organisms and if such imprint changes have the potential for health consequences.

Can EMF exposure during development leave an imprint later in life?

Unknown authors · 2006

This 2006 review examined whether EMF exposure during embryonic development can create lasting physiological changes. Studies found that chicken embryos exposed to common 50-60 Hz power line frequencies (at levels found in human environments) showed altered brain responses after hatching. The research raises concerns about whether EMF exposure during critical developmental periods leaves permanent biological imprints.

Franceschi CAge-Dependent Effects of in Vitro Radiofrequency Exposure (Mobile Phone) on CD95+ T Helper Human Lymphocytes.

Capri M et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young and elderly donors to radiofrequency radiation at 1,800 MHz and a Specific Absorption Rate of 2 W/kg, with or without mitogenic stimulation. However, RF exposure produced a slight but significant downregulation of CD95 expression in stimulated CD4+ T lymphocytes from elderly donors only.

Effects of pulsed electric fields on DNA of human lymphocytes

Unknown authors · 2006

Researchers investigated the effects of pulsed electric fields at 50 Hz on DNA of human lymphocytes using the comet assay. A significant amount of DNA damage was observed after exposure compared to controls. After 2 hours incubation at 37°C, a proportion of the damage was repaired. Hydrogen peroxide and gamma-irradiation increased the damage to lymphocytes exposed to pulsed electric fields according to the dose used, and the amount of repair was proportional to the damage.

Erythropoietic dynamic equilibrium in rats maintained after microwave irradiation.

Trosic I, Busljeta I. · 2006

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation at a whole-body SAR of 1.25+/-0.36 W/kg for 2 hours per day, 7 days a week. Bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes increased on days 8 and 15, and peripheral blood polychromatic erythrocytes increased on days 2 and 8. Bone marrow micronucleated PCE frequency increased on day 15, and peripheral blood micronucleated PCEs increased on day 8, but all values declined nearly to control levels by the end of the experiment.

Plasma concentrations of thyroxine in dairy cows exposed to 60 Hz electric and magnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2006

Two experiments were carried out to assess the effects of electric and magnetic fields on blood thyroxine in dairy cattle. In experiment 2, 16 nonlactating, nonpregnant, multiparous Holsteins were exposed to the same EMF with periods corresponding to one estrous cycle and blood samples were collected every other day, and the effect of period (P = .0009) and the treatment by days interaction (P = .0003) were statistically significant.

Effect of acute exposure to microwave from mobile phone on DNA damage and repair of cultured human lens epithelial cells in vitro

Sun LX, Yao K, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW. · 2006

Cultured LECs were exposed to 217 Hz modulated 1.8 GHz microwave radiation at specific absorption rates of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 W/kg for 2 hours. DNA single strand breaks were detected with comet assay at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after irradiation. At 1 and 2 W/kg, the difference in DNA breaks between exposure and sham exposure groups was not significant at any detection time. At 3 and 4 W/kg, differences were significant immediately and 30 minutes after irradiation, with the difference disappearing after one hour in the 3 W/kg group but persisting in the 4 W/kg group.

Effect of acute exposure to microwave from mobile phone on DNA damage and repair of cultured human lens epithelial cells in vitro.

Sun LX, Yao K, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW. · 2006

Researchers exposed human eye lens cells to cell phone radiation for 2 hours at different power levels. Lower levels caused repairable DNA damage, but higher power (4 W/kg) caused permanent breaks cells couldn't fix, suggesting a threshold where radiation overwhelms natural repair.

[Effect of acute exposure to microwave from mobile phone on DNA damage and repair of cultured human lens epithelial cells in vitro.]

Sun LX, Yao K, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW. · 2006

Researchers exposed human eye lens cells to cell phone radiation for 2 hours at different power levels to see if it damages DNA. They found that lower exposure levels (up to 3 W/kg) caused temporary DNA breaks that the cells could repair, but higher exposure (4 W/kg) caused permanent DNA damage that cells couldn't fix.

DNA damage and repair induced by acute exposure of microwave from mobile phone on cultured human lens epithelial cells

Sun LX, Yao K, Jiang H, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW · 2006

Researchers exposed cultured human lens epithelial cells to 217 Hz modulated microwave radiation at four SAR levels for 2 hours. DNA single strand breaks were measured using the comet assay immediately after irradiation and at 30 and 60 minutes afterward. At the highest dose, significant DNA damage remained one hour after irradiation and cell proliferation was significantly decreased.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Effect of acute exposure to microwave from mobile phone on DNA damage and repair of cultured human lens epithelial cells in vitro.

Sun LX, Yao K, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW · 2006

Chinese researchers exposed human eye lens cells to mobile phone radiation (1.8 GHz) at different power levels for 2 hours to see if it damaged DNA. They found that lower exposure levels (1-3 W/kg SAR) caused either no DNA damage or damage that the cells could repair within an hour, but the highest level (4 W/kg SAR) caused permanent DNA damage that cells couldn't fix.

HSP27 phosphorylation increases after 45 degrees C or 41 degrees C heat shocks but not after non-thermal TDMA or GSM exposures.

Vanderwaal RP, Cha B, Moros EG, Roti Roti JL. · 2006

The radiofrequency exposures were 847 MHz TDMA at a SAR of 5 W kg-1 for 1, 2, or 24 h and 900 MHz GSM at a SAR of 3.7 W kg-1 for 1, 2, or 5 h. Acute hyperthermia at 45 degrees C increased the proportion of higher phosphorylated forms of HSP27. Exposure of HeLa S3 cells to 5 W kg-1 TDMA for 1, 2, or 24 h did not induce significant differences in HSP27 phosphorylation compared to incubator control or sham.

FAQs: EMF in Personal Devices & Wearables

These are the devices that travel with you everywhere-in your pocket, on your wrist, in your ears, and on your lap. Personal devices and wearables represent your most intimate EMF exposure because they're designed to stay close to your body throughout the day.
There are 3,602 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 (2,296 studies), Laptops (3,602 studies), Bluetooth Devices (822 studies). The research includes both laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies from scientists worldwide.
Laptops has the most research with 3,602 studies, followed by Cell Phones (2,296) and Bluetooth Devices (822). This research examines various biological endpoints including cellular effects, neurological impacts, and other health outcomes from EMF exposure in personal devices & wearables settings.