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

Smart Meter Radiation Research

RF Radiation

Research on electromagnetic radiation from utility smart meters using RF communication.

1,014
Studies
73%
Showed Bioeffects
1
EMF Type
900 MHz - 2.4 GHz
Frequency

Related Studies (1,014)

Exposure to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA in primary cultured neurons.

Xu S et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain neurons to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 24 hours and found it damaged mitochondrial DNA-the genetic material in cells' energy centers. The radiation created harmful molecules that reduced neurons' ability to produce energy, suggesting potential cellular harm from prolonged exposure.

Reactive oxygen species levels and DNA fragmentation on astrocytes in primary culture after acute exposure to low intensity microwave electromagnetic field.

Campisi A et al. · 2010

Italian researchers exposed brain support cells (astrocytes) to cell phone-frequency radiation (900MHz) at levels similar to what phones emit. After just 20 minutes of exposure to modulated signals, the cells showed increased cellular damage and DNA fragmentation, while continuous waves caused no effects. This suggests that the pulsing pattern of wireless signals, not just their intensity, may be what causes biological harm.

Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in Wistar rats.

Narayanan SN et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation by placing an active phone in their cages and making 50 missed calls daily for four weeks. The exposed rats showed impaired learning and memory behavior, taking less time to enter dangerous areas they had previously learned to avoid. Brain tissue examination revealed structural damage in the hippocampus, the brain region crucial for memory formation.

Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in Wistar rats.

Narayanan SN et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation for one hour daily over four weeks by placing active GSM phones in their cages. The exposed rats showed impaired memory and learning behavior, taking less time to enter a dark chamber they had previously learned to avoid. Brain tissue examination revealed structural damage in the hippocampus, the brain region crucial for memory formation.

Mobile phone radiation-induced free radical damage in the liver is inhibited by the antioxidants n-acetyl cysteine and epigallocatechin-gallate.

Ozgur E, Güler G, Seyhan N. · 2010

Researchers exposed guinea pigs to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) for 10-20 minutes daily and found it caused liver damage through oxidative stress. Antioxidants like N-acetyl cysteine and green tea extract provided protection, suggesting cell phone radiation may harm organs beyond the brain.

Comparison of biological effects between continuous and intermittent exposure to GSM-900-MHz mobile phone radiation: detection of apoptotic cell-death features.

Chavdoula ED, Panagopoulos DJ, Margaritis LH. · 2010

Researchers exposed fruit flies to GSM cell phone radiation for 6 minutes daily and compared continuous versus intermittent exposures. They found that both exposure patterns reduced reproductive capacity and triggered cell death through DNA fragmentation, but flies could partially recover when given longer breaks between exposures. This suggests that constant exposure may be more harmful than intermittent exposure to the same radiation.

Bioeffects of mobile telephony radiation in relation to its intensity or distance from the antenna

Panagopoulos DJ, Chavdoula ED, Margaritis LH · 2010

Greek researchers exposed fruit flies to GSM cell phone radiation at various distances and measured effects on reproductive health and cell death. They found that cell phone radiation damaged reproductive capacity at all distances tested, with the strongest effects occurring at 20-30 cm from the antenna (typical phone-to-body distance). The biological effects were still detectable at radiation levels as low as 1 microW/cm², which is far below current safety standards.

The effect of exposure duration on the biological activity of mobile telephony radiation.

Panagopoulos DJ, Margaritis LH · 2010

Researchers exposed fruit flies to cell phone radiation (GSM 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies) for different durations from 1 to 21 minutes daily and measured effects on their ability to reproduce. They found that reproductive capacity decreased almost linearly with longer exposure times, meaning even short daily exposures had cumulative harmful effects. The radiation intensity used (10 microW/cm²) corresponds to holding a phone 20-30 cm away from your body.

The influence of 1800 MHz GSM-like signals on hepatic oxidative DNA and lipid damage in nonpregnant, pregnant, and newly born rabbits.

Tomruk A, Guler G, Dincel AS. · 2010

Researchers exposed pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits to cell phone-like radiation (1800 MHz GSM signals) for 15 minutes daily for a week and examined liver damage. They found increased markers of oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules) in both adult rabbits and newborns exposed to the radiation. This suggests that even brief daily exposures to cell phone frequencies can trigger biological stress responses that may accumulate over time.

Pulse modulated 900 MHz radiation induces hypothyroidism and apoptosis in thyroid cells: A light, electron microscopy and immunohistochemical study.

Eşmekaya MA, Seyhan N, Omeroğlu S. · 2010

Turkish researchers exposed rats to cell phone-like radiation (900 MHz) for 20 minutes daily over three weeks and found significant damage to thyroid glands. The radiation caused thyroid shrinkage, reduced hormone production, and triggered cell death through a process called apoptosis. This suggests that regular exposure to mobile phone radiation could potentially disrupt thyroid function, which controls metabolism and many other vital body processes.

Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep of residents? Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study.

Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bornkessel C, Sauter C. · 2010

German researchers exposed 397 residents to real and fake cell tower signals (900 MHz and 1,800 MHz) over 12 nights to test whether the electromagnetic fields affect sleep quality. They found no measurable differences in sleep patterns between real and fake exposure nights, but people who worried about health risks from cell towers had worse sleep even during fake exposure nights.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep of residents? Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study

Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bornkessel C, Sauter C · 2010

German researchers studied nearly 400 people living near experimental cell towers to see if radio waves from base stations affect sleep quality. After monitoring participants for 12 nights with both real and fake tower signals, they found no measurable differences in sleep patterns between the two conditions. However, people who were worried about health risks from cell towers did sleep worse during all test nights, suggesting anxiety rather than electromagnetic fields was affecting their rest.

Increased protein synthesis by cells exposed to a 1,800-MHz radio-frequency mobile phone electromagnetic field, detected by proteome profiling.

Gerner C et al. · 2010

Austrian researchers exposed four types of human cells to cell phone radiation (1,800 MHz) at levels similar to what phones emit during calls. After 8 hours of exposure, metabolically active cells showed significantly increased protein production, while inactive cells showed no response. The temperature rise was minimal (less than 0.15°C), indicating this was a non-thermal biological effect of the radiation itself.

GFAP expression in the rat brain following sub-chronic exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field signal

Ammari M et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone-level radiation (900 MHz) for 8 weeks and found increased levels of GFAP, a protein that indicates brain inflammation and damage to protective brain cells called astrocytes. The brain damage occurred at radiation levels similar to what people experience during cell phone use, and persisted for at least 10 days after exposure ended.

Effects of Exposure to GSM mobile phone base station signals on salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and Immunoglobulin A.

Augner C et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed 57 people to cell tower signals at different power levels and measured stress hormones in their saliva. They found that exposure to radiofrequency radiation increased cortisol (a stress hormone) and alpha-amylase (a stress enzyme) at power levels far below current safety guidelines. This suggests that even low-level cell tower radiation may trigger biological stress responses in the human body.

Cranial and postcranial skeletal variations induced in mouse embryos by mobile phone radiation.

Fragopoulou AF, Koussoulakos SL, Margaritis LH. · 2010

Greek researchers exposed pregnant mice to GSM 900MHz cell phone radiation and examined their newborn offspring for developmental abnormalities. While the exposed mice appeared normal externally, detailed microscopic analysis revealed significant variations in bone formation (ossification) in the skull and rib cage, as well as cartilage displacement. These skeletal changes were temporary, disappearing by the time the mice developed teeth, suggesting cell phone radiation may disrupt normal bone development during critical embryonic periods.

Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones (GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS) on the macrostructure of sleep.

Danker-Hopfe H, Dorn H, Bahr A, Anderer P, Sauter C. · 2010

German researchers exposed 30 healthy men to cell phone radiation during sleep for multiple nights. While some minor statistical differences in sleep patterns occurred, these changes were minimal and didn't indicate meaningful sleep disruption, suggesting current safety limits don't harm sleep quality.

The identification of an intensity 'window' on the bioeffects of mobile telephony radiation.

Panagopoulos DJ, Margaritis LH · 2010

Researchers exposed fruit flies to cell phone radiation at specific distances and intensities to identify the exact exposure level that causes maximum reproductive harm. They found that both GSM 900 and 1800 MHz radiation create a 'bioactivity window' at 10 microwatts per square centimeter, where reproductive capacity drops significantly. This suggests that biological harm from cell phone radiation occurs at very specific intensity levels, not necessarily the highest ones.

The effect of mobile phone on the number of Purkinje cells: a stereological study

Rağbetli MC et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to cell phone radiation at levels similar to what phones emit during calls (0.95 W/kg SAR) and examined brain development in their offspring. They found a significant decrease in Purkinje cells, which are crucial neurons in the cerebellum that control movement and coordination. This suggests that prenatal exposure to mobile phone radiation may affect normal brain development.

The effect of mobile phone on the number of Purkinje cells: A stereological study.

Rağbetlı MC et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to mobile phone radiation at levels similar to what humans experience (0.95 W/kg SAR) and found a significant decrease in Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum of offspring. Purkinje cells are critical neurons that control movement, balance, and coordination. This study suggests that prenatal exposure to mobile phone radiation may affect brain development in areas responsible for motor function.

FAQs: Smart Meters EMF Research

Of 1,014 peer-reviewed studies examining smart meters electromagnetic radiation, 73% found measurable biological effects. These studies span decades of research conducted by scientists worldwide and include both laboratory experiments and epidemiological studies examining the health effects of smart meters radiation exposure.
The BioInitiative Report database includes 1,014 peer-reviewed studies specifically examining smart meters electromagnetic radiation and its potential health effects. These studies have been conducted by researchers worldwide and published in scientific journals. The research examines various biological endpoints including cellular effects, neurological impacts, reproductive health, and other health outcomes.
73% of the 1,014 studies examining smart meters electromagnetic radiation found measurable biological effects. This means that 740 studies documented observable changes when organisms were exposed to smart meters EMF. The remaining studies either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results.