8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

Smart Meter Radiation Research

RF Radiation

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

1,426
Studies
76%
Showed Bioeffects
1
EMF Type
900 MHz - 2.4 GHz
Frequency

About Smart Meters EMF

  • -Smart meters are digital utility devices that automatically transmit your energy usage data to power companies using radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz range.
  • -Unlike the old analog meters that required manual readings, these devices communicate wirelessly multiple times per day, creating a new source of EMF exposure directly on your home.
  • -What this means for you is continuous RF radiation emission from a device typically mounted just feet from your living space, often near bedrooms or kitchens where you spend significant time.

Smart meters are digital utility devices that automatically transmit your energy usage data to power companies using radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz range. Unlike the old analog meters that required manual readings, these devices communicate wirelessly multiple times per day, creating a new source of EMF exposure directly on your home.

Related Studies (1,426)

Derangement of chick embryo retinal differentiation caused by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

Zareen N, Khan MY, Ali Minhas L · 2009

Researchers exposed developing chicken embryos to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation from a mobile phone during critical stages of eye development. They found that the radiation disrupted normal retinal development, causing both growth abnormalities and changes in pigmentation patterns depending on when during development the exposure occurred. This suggests that EMF radiation can interfere with the precise developmental processes needed for proper eye formation.

900-MHz microwave radiation enhances gamma-ray adverse effects on SHG44 cells.

Cao Y, Zhang W, Lu MX, Xu Q, Meng QQ, Nie JH, Tong J. · 2009

Researchers exposed brain cancer cells to 900-MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) before treating them with gamma rays. They found that the microwave exposure made the cells more vulnerable to radiation damage, increasing cell death and creating more harmful reactive oxygen species. This suggests that EMF exposure might amplify the harmful effects of other types of radiation.

Mobile Phones exposure induces changes of Contingent Negative Variation in humans.

de Tommaso M et al. · 2009

Researchers tested how 900 MHz cell phone signals affect brain electrical activity by measuring a specific brainwave pattern called contingent negative variation (CNV) in 10 volunteers. They found that both active phones and sham phones (with internal circuits running but no RF emission) reduced brain arousal and expectation responses compared to phones that were completely off. The study suggests that both the GSM radio signal and the low-frequency magnetic fields from the phone's battery and circuits can alter normal brain function.

Garaj-Vrhovac V, Gajski G, Trosić I, Pavicić I

Unknown authors · 2009

Croatian researchers exposed rats to 915 MHz microwave radiation (similar to older cell phone frequencies) for one hour daily over two weeks. They found significant DNA damage in white blood cells, with evidence pointing to oxidative stress as the primary mechanism. The study used specialized tests to distinguish between direct DNA breaks and damage caused by harmful oxygen molecules.

de Tommaso M, Rossi P, Falsaperla R, Francesco Vde V, Santoro R, Federici A

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers exposed 10 healthy volunteers to 900 MHz GSM cell phone signals and measured brain electrical activity using event-related potentials. Both active phones and sham phones (with electromagnetic power dissipated internally) reduced brain arousal responses compared to phones that were completely off. This suggests cell phone exposure affects brain electrical activity and attention processing.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Absence of genotoxic potential of 902 MHz (GSM) and 1747 MHz (DCS) wireless communication signals: In vivo two-year bioassay in B6C3F1 mice.

Ziemann C et al. · 2009

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation (GSM and DCS signals) for 2 hours daily, 5 days a week for two years to test whether it damages DNA. They measured micronuclei (small DNA fragments that indicate genetic damage) in blood cells and found no difference between exposed and unexposed mice. This suggests that chronic exposure to these specific cell phone frequencies at the tested levels did not cause detectable genetic damage in this animal model.

900 MHz modulated electromagnetic fields accelerate the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway.

Moisescu MG, Leveque P, Verjus MA, Kovacs E, Mir LM. · 2009

French researchers exposed mouse cells to 900 MHz cell phone radiation and found it accelerated endocytosis, the process cells use to absorb nutrients and other substances. This suggests cell phone signals can alter fundamental cellular functions at the molecular level, potentially affecting how cells process essential materials.

Thermal effects of mobile phones on facial nerves and surrounding soft tissue.

Acar GO, Yener HM, Savrun FK, Kalkan T, Bayrak I, Enver O. · 2009

Researchers exposed rabbits to cell phone radiation (1900 MHz) for 25 minutes and measured temperature changes and nerve function in facial tissues. They found that the radiation increased tissue temperature by 0.39°C and temporarily impaired facial nerve function, with both effects returning to normal 25 minutes after exposure ended.

Measurement and analysis of radiofrequency radiations from some mobile phone base stations in Ghana.

Amoako JK, Fletcher JJ, Darko EO. · 2009

Researchers measured radiofrequency radiation levels around 50 cell phone towers in Ghana to assess public exposure. They found radiation levels that were 20 times higher than typically measured in similar studies elsewhere, though still within international safety guidelines. The study highlights significant variation in exposure levels around cell towers and raises concerns about increasing radiation as mobile phone usage grows.

Disturbance of cell proliferation in response to mobile phone frequency radiation.

Trosić I, Pavicić I. · 2009

Researchers exposed hamster cells to mobile phone radiation (935 MHz) at low power levels for 1-3 hours and tracked their growth over four days. They found that cells exposed for three hours showed reduced growth 72 hours later and immediate damage to their internal scaffolding structures called microtubules. This suggests that even brief exposures to cell phone-level radiation can disrupt normal cellular function and growth patterns.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Preattentive auditory information processing under exposure to the 902 MHz GSM mobile phone electromagnetic field: A mismatch negativity (MMN) study

Kwon MS et al. · 2009

Finnish researchers tested whether GSM mobile phone radiation affects the brain's ability to automatically detect changes in sounds, a key function for processing speech and music. They measured brain responses in 17 healthy adults while exposing them to 902 MHz radiation at levels typical of cell phone use (SAR up to 1.21 W/kg). The study found no changes in the brain's automatic sound processing abilities during EMF exposure.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Preattentive auditory information processing under exposure to the 902 MHz GSM mobile phone electromagnetic field: A mismatch negativity (MMN) study.

Kwon MS et al. · 2009

Researchers tested whether cell phone radiation affects the brain's ability to automatically detect changes in sounds by measuring brain waves in 17 healthy adults while a GSM phone was placed next to their ear. They found no differences in brain responses whether the phone was on or off, suggesting that acute exposure to cell phone radiation doesn't impair this basic auditory processing function. This study adds to research examining how electromagnetic fields might affect brain function during everyday phone use.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Heat shock protein induction in fetal mouse brain as a measure of stress after whole of gestation exposure to mobile telephony radiofrequency fields.

Finnie JW, Chidlow G, Blumbergs PC, Manavis J, Cai Z.. · 2009

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for one hour daily throughout pregnancy to see if it caused stress in developing fetal brains. They measured heat shock proteins, which are biological markers that cells produce when under stress. The study found no evidence that the radiation caused stress responses in the fetal brain tissue, suggesting no detectable harm at the exposure levels tested.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Expression of the water channel protein, aquaporin-4, in mouse brains exposed to mobile telephone radiofrequency fields

Finnie JW, Blumbergs PC, Cai Z, Manavis J · 2009

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz for either one hour or two years to see if it would increase a brain protein called aquaporin-4, which rises when the blood-brain barrier becomes leaky. They found no increase in this protein after either short or long-term exposure, suggesting that cell phone radiation at this level doesn't make the blood-brain barrier more permeable.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Expression of the water channel protein, aquaporin-4, in mouse brains exposed to mobile telephone radiofrequency fields.

Finnie JW, Blumbergs PC, Cai Z, Manavis J. · 2009

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for either one hour or repeatedly over two years to see if it would damage the blood-brain barrier - the protective shield that keeps toxins out of the brain. They looked for increased levels of aquaporin-4, a protein that indicates barrier damage. The study found no changes in this protein after either short-term or long-term exposure, suggesting the blood-brain barrier remained intact.

Effects of GSM-like radiofrequency on distortion product otoacoustic emissions in pregnant adult rabbits.

Budak GG et al. · 2009

Researchers exposed pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz GSM) for 15 minutes daily over a week, then measured their inner ear function using sensitive hearing tests. They found that non-pregnant rabbits showed significant decreases in cochlear function (the part of the ear that converts sound to nerve signals), while pregnant rabbits were largely protected from these effects. This suggests cell phone radiation can damage hearing mechanisms, but pregnancy hormones may offer some protection.

Effects of different electromagnetic fields on circadian rhythms of some haematochemical parameters in rats

Unknown authors · 2009

Italian researchers exposed rats to two types of electromagnetic fields - 50 Hz magnetic fields (like power lines) and 1.8 GHz radiofrequency fields (like cell phones) - and measured blood chemistry markers throughout the day. Both EMF types disrupted the natural daily rhythms of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the animals' blood. This suggests EMF exposure can interfere with fundamental biological processes that follow our internal clocks.

Effects of different electromagnetic fields on circadian rhythms of some haematochemical parameters in rats

Unknown authors · 2009

Italian researchers exposed rats to both 50 Hz magnetic fields (like power lines) and 1.8 GHz electromagnetic fields (like cell phones) at various intensities. They found that both types of EMF exposure disrupted the natural daily rhythms of blood chemistry markers including glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. This suggests EMF exposure interferes with fundamental biological timing systems that regulate metabolism.

Effects of different electromagnetic fields on circadian rhythms of some haematochemical parameters in rats

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers exposed rats to different electromagnetic fields - 50 Hz magnetic fields at power line frequencies and 1.8 GHz radiofrequency fields similar to cell phones. They found that both types of EMF exposure disrupted the natural daily rhythms of blood chemistry markers like glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. This suggests EMF exposure interferes with fundamental biological timing systems.

Effects of different electromagnetic fields on circadian rhythms of some haematochemical parameters in rats

Unknown authors · 2009

Italian researchers exposed rats to both 50 Hz power line magnetic fields (at household appliance levels) and 1.8 GHz cell phone radiation, then measured blood chemistry markers like glucose and cholesterol throughout 24-hour cycles. Both types of EMF disrupted the animals' natural daily rhythms of these important metabolic markers. This suggests EMF exposure may interfere with fundamental biological timing systems that regulate metabolism.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic effects of exposure to 2.3 GHz radiofrequency radiation on human lymphocytes in vitro.

Hansteen IL et al. · 2009

Norwegian researchers exposed human immune cells (lymphocytes) to 2.3 GHz radiofrequency radiation - similar to what cell phones emit - for an entire cell cycle to see if it would damage DNA or chromosomes. They found no statistically significant genetic damage compared to unexposed cells, even when they added a known DNA-damaging chemical to make cells more vulnerable. This suggests that RF radiation at levels used by mobile devices may not directly break chromosomes in immune cells under these laboratory conditions.

Effects of GSM-like radiofrequency on distortion product otoacoustic emissions of rabbits: comparison of infants versus adults.

Budak GG, Muluk NB, Budak B, Oztürk GG, Apan A, Seyhan N. · 2009

Researchers exposed infant and adult female rabbits to cell phone radiation (1800 MHz GSM) for 15 minutes daily over 7 days and measured their hearing function using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), which test how well the inner ear responds to sound. Adult rabbits showed significant hearing damage across most frequencies tested, while infant rabbits actually showed some improved responses at certain frequencies. This suggests that developing ears may be more resilient to radiofrequency damage than mature ones, possibly due to higher water content in young ear structures.

[Antagonistic effect of microwave on hematopoietic damage of mice induced by gamma-ray irradiation.]

Cao Y, Xu Q, Lu MX, Jin ZD, DU HB, Li JX, Nie JH, Tong J. · 2009

Chinese researchers exposed mice to low-level 900 MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by cell phones) before subjecting them to high-dose gamma radiation that typically damages blood-forming cells. They found that the microwave pre-exposure actually protected the mice, improving their survival rates and helping maintain healthy blood cell production. This suggests that certain levels of microwave radiation might stimulate protective biological responses rather than cause harm.

Continuous exposure to 900MHz GSM-modulated EMF alters morphological maturation of neural cells.

Del Vecchio G et al. · 2009

Italian researchers exposed developing brain cells to cell phone radiation at levels similar to what phones emit (1 W/kg SAR at 900 MHz). They found that this radiation significantly reduced the growth of neurites - the branch-like extensions that neurons use to connect and communicate with each other. This suggests that cell phone radiation may interfere with normal brain cell development and connection formation.

FAQs: Smart Meters EMF Research

Smart meters are digital utility devices that automatically transmit your energy usage data to power companies using radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in the 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz range. Unlike the old analog meters that required manual readings, these devices communicate wirelessly multiple times per day, creating a new source of EMF exposure directly on your home.
The SYB Research Database includes 1,426 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.
76% of the 1,426 studies examining smart meters electromagnetic radiation found measurable biological effects. This means that 1084 studies documented observable changes when organisms were exposed to smart meters EMF. The remaining studies either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results.