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)

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Local exposure of 849 MHz and 1763 MHz radiofrequency radiation to mouse heads does not induce cell death or cell proliferation in brain.

Kim TH et al. · 2008

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation at 849 MHz and 1763 MHz frequencies for up to 12 months, using radiation levels about 4 times higher than current safety limits. They found no changes in brain cell death, cell growth, or tissue damage compared to unexposed mice. This suggests that chronic exposure to these specific frequencies at high levels may not cause detectable brain tissue changes in mice.

Oxidative Stress215 citations

Effects of 900-MHz electromagnetic field emitted from cellular phone on brain oxidative stress and some vitamin levels of guinea pigs.

Meral I et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed guinea pigs to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for 12 hours daily over 30 days and found significant oxidative stress in brain tissue. The radiation increased harmful compounds called free radicals while depleting the brain's natural antioxidant defenses. This suggests that prolonged cell phone exposure may damage brain cells through oxidative stress, the same process linked to aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Exposure to cell phone radiation up-regulates apoptosis genes in primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes.

Zhao TY, Zou SP, Knapp PE · 2007

Researchers exposed brain cells (neurons and astrocytes) to radiation from a working GSM cell phone for just 2 hours and found that genes involved in cell death pathways became more active. The effect occurred even when the phone was on standby mode, and neurons appeared more sensitive to the radiation than astrocytes (support cells in the brain). This suggests that even brief cell phone exposure can trigger cellular stress responses in brain tissue.

Cell death induced by GSM 900-MHz and DCS 1800-MHz mobile telephony radiation

Panagopoulos DJ, Chavdoula ED, Nezis IP, Margaritis LH · 2007

Greek researchers exposed fruit flies to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies for just 6 minutes daily over 6 days, then examined their reproductive cells for DNA damage. They found widespread cell death and DNA fragmentation in egg-producing cells that normally don't die during early development. This cell death explained why the flies' egg production dropped dramatically in the researchers' previous studies.

Oxidative Stress129 citations

Effects of mobile phones on oxidant/antioxidant balance in cornea and lens of rats

Balci M, Devrim E, Durak I · 2007

Turkish researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for 10 minutes four times daily over four weeks and examined eye tissues for signs of oxidative damage. They found increased markers of cellular damage in both the cornea and lens of the eye, indicating that radiofrequency radiation causes oxidative stress in eye tissues. When rats were given vitamin C supplements alongside the radiation exposure, the damage was significantly reduced.

Dielectric properties of porcine cerebrospinal tissues at microwave frequencies: in vivo, in vitro and systematic variation with age.

Peyman A, Holden SJ, Watts S, Perrott R, Gabriel C · 2007

Researchers measured how microwave radiation (50 MHz to 20 GHz) affects the electrical properties of brain and spinal cord tissues in pigs. They found that white matter and spinal cord tissues showed significant changes with age, while gray matter remained stable. This matters because understanding how different brain tissues respond to microwave frequencies helps us better predict potential health effects from wireless devices.

Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) induces Egr-1 gene expression and affects cell-cycle control in human neuroblastoma cells.

Buttiglione M et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed human brain cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) at power levels similar to what your phone emits. They found that this radiation activated stress response genes, disrupted normal cell division, and triggered cell death pathways. The effects occurred at radiation levels considered 'safe' by current standards, suggesting that RF exposure may interfere with fundamental cellular processes in brain tissue.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found101 citations

Genotoxic effects of exposure to radiofrequencyelectromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in cultured mammalian cells are not independently reproducible.

Speit G, Schütz P, Hoffmann H. · 2007

German researchers attempted to replicate the controversial REFLEX study findings that showed cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) could damage DNA in human cells. Using identical equipment, cells, and exposure conditions, they found no DNA damage whatsoever. This directly contradicted the original REFLEX results that had suggested radiofrequency radiation at levels similar to cell phones could be genotoxic (DNA-damaging).

900 MHz radiofrequency-induced histopathologic changes and oxidative stress in rat endometrium: protection by vitamins E and C.

Guney M, Ozguner F, Oral B, Karahan N, Mungan T. · 2007

Researchers exposed female rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 30 minutes daily over 30 days and examined the effects on endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus). The radiation caused significant oxidative damage and tissue inflammation in the endometrium, but these harmful effects were largely prevented when the rats were given vitamins E and C. This suggests that cell phone-frequency radiation may damage reproductive tissues through oxidative stress, but antioxidant protection could help mitigate these effects.

Mobile phone emission modulates interhemispheric functional coupling of EEG alpha rhythms

Vecchio F et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed 10 people to mobile phone radiation for 45 minutes and measured their brain waves using EEG. They found that the radiation altered how the left and right sides of the brain communicate with each other, specifically affecting alpha brain wave patterns. This suggests that cell phone emissions can change the way different brain regions coordinate their activity.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

No apoptosis is induced in rat cortical neurons exposed to GSM phone fields.

Joubert V, Leveque P, Cueille M, Bourthoumieu S, Yardin C. · 2007

French researchers exposed rat brain neurons to cell phone radiation (900 MHz GSM) for 24 hours at levels similar to phone use (0.25 W/kg SAR) to see if it would cause cell death (apoptosis). Using three different testing methods, they found no increase in neuron death compared to unexposed control cells. This suggests that short-term cell phone radiation exposure may not directly kill brain cells under these laboratory conditions.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of pulsed and continuous wave 902 MHz mobile phone exposure on brain oscillatory activity during cognitive processing.

Krause CM, Pesonen M, Haarala Björnberg C, Hämäläinen H. · 2007

Finnish researchers exposed 72 men to 902 MHz mobile phone radiation while they performed memory tasks, measuring brain wave patterns through EEG. The study found only modest, inconsistent effects on brain oscillations in the alpha frequency range, with no impact on actual memory performance. The researchers concluded that any brain wave changes from phone radiation appear to be subtle, variable, and difficult to replicate consistently.

Effect of an acute 900MHz GSM exposure on glia in the rat brain: A time-dependent study.

Brillaud E, Piotrowski A, de Seze R. · 2007

French researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation (900MHz GSM signal) for just 15 minutes and then examined their brains over the following 10 days. They found significant increases in glial cell activity (brain cells that support and protect neurons) in multiple brain regions, peaking 2-3 days after exposure. This glial response indicates the brain was reacting to the radiation exposure as if responding to injury or stress.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Pulsed and continuous wave mobile phone exposure over left versus right hemisphere: Effects on human cognitive function

Haarala C et al. · 2007

Finnish researchers tested whether mobile phone radiation affects thinking skills by having 36 men perform cognitive tasks while exposed to different types of phone signals on either the left or right side of their heads. They found no measurable differences in mental performance between real phone radiation exposure and fake exposure, regardless of which side of the head was exposed. The study suggests that typical mobile phone use doesn't impair basic cognitive functions like memory or attention in healthy adults.

Reproductive HealthNo Effects Found

Effects of Subchronic Exposure to Radio Frequency From a Conventional Cellular Telephone on Testicular Function in Adult Rats.

Ribeiro EP, Rhoden EL, Horn MM, Rhoden C, Lima LP, Toniolo L · 2007

Researchers exposed adult rats to cell phone radiation (1,835-1,850 MHz) for one hour daily over 11 weeks to test effects on reproductive function. They found no changes in testosterone levels, sperm count, testicular weight, or tissue damage compared to unexposed rats. This study suggests that typical cell phone radiation exposure may not harm male fertility in the short term.

SAR in the mother and foetus for RF plane wave irradiation.

Dimbylow P. · 2007

Researchers created detailed computer models of pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy (8 to 38 weeks) to measure how radiofrequency radiation is absorbed by both the mother and developing baby. They found that current safety guidelines appear to provide adequate protection for the fetus, with radiation absorption levels staying within established limits across all pregnancy stages tested.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Carcinogenicity Study of 217 Hz Pulsed 900 MHz electromagnetic fields in pim1 transgenic mice.

Oberto G et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed genetically modified mice to pulsed 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone signals) for 18 months to test whether it could cause cancer. Despite using exposure levels up to three times higher than a previous study that found increased lymphomas, this larger study found no increase in tumors or cancer at any of the tested exposure levels. This contradicts earlier research suggesting cell phone radiation might promote cancer development.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Electromagnetic fields produced by GSM cellular phones and heart rate variability.

Parazzini M et al. · 2007

Italian researchers exposed 26 healthy young adults to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz (2 watts) while measuring heart rate variability, which reflects how well the autonomic nervous system regulates heart rhythm. The study found no statistically significant effects on heart rate patterns during either rest or physical stress, though some minor changes were detected in a few measurements. This suggests that short-term cell phone exposure at typical power levels doesn't meaningfully disrupt the body's automatic control of heart function.

Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species in L929 Cells after Exposure to 900 MHz RF Radiation with and without Co-exposure to 3-Chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone.

Zeni et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed mouse cells to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for up to 30 minutes to test whether it creates harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species. The radiation did not increase these damaging molecules at any exposure level tested, suggesting no immediate cellular harm.

Formation of reactive oxygen species in L929 cells after exposure to 900 MHz RF radiation with and without Co-exposure to 3-Chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone.

Zeni O et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed mouse cells to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for up to 30 minutes to test whether it creates harmful reactive oxygen species that damage cells. The study found no increase in these damaging molecules from RF exposure alone, suggesting this frequency may not cause oxidative cellular stress.

Comparison of bioactivity between GSM 900 MHz and DCS 1800 MHz mobile telephony radiation.

Panagopoulos DJ et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed fruit flies to two different types of cell phone radiation - GSM 900 MHz (used in older phones) and DCS 1800 MHz (used in newer phones) - to compare their biological effects. Both types of radiation significantly reduced the flies' ability to reproduce, but the lower frequency GSM 900 MHz radiation proved more harmful than the higher frequency DCS 1800 MHz radiation. The study suggests that radiation intensity matters more than the specific frequency when it comes to biological damage.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Short GSM mobile phone exposure does not alter human auditory brainstem response

Stefanics G et al. · 2007

Researchers tested whether 10 minutes of cell phone radiation affects how quickly the brain processes sound by measuring auditory brainstem responses (electrical signals from the hearing pathway to the brain) in 30 healthy young adults. They found no measurable changes in brain response timing after exposure to 900 MHz radiation from a Nokia phone at typical usage levels. This suggests short-term phone calls don't immediately disrupt the brain's basic hearing functions.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Short GSM mobile phone exposure does not alter human auditory brainstem response.

Stefanics G et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed 30 healthy young adults to 10 minutes of 900 MHz radiation from a Nokia cell phone and measured their auditory brainstem response (ABR), which tracks how sound signals travel from the ear to the brain. They found no immediate changes in ABR timing compared to sham exposure. This suggests short-term cell phone use doesn't immediately disrupt the basic hearing pathway in the brainstem.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Mobile phone base station‐emitted radiation does not induce phosphorylation of Hsp27

Hirose H et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed human brain and lung cells to cell phone tower radiation at levels up to 10 times higher than public safety limits to test whether it triggers heat shock proteins (cellular stress markers). After continuous exposure for up to 48 hours, they found no increase in these stress proteins compared to unexposed cells. This suggests that cell phone tower radiation at these levels doesn't cause detectable cellular stress responses.

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.