6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

Smart Meter Radiation Research

RF Radiation

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

1,753
Studies
81%
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 (1,753)

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

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

Stefanics G et al. · 2007

Each participant underwent a 10-minute exposure to 900 MHz pulsed EMF from a commercial Nokia 6310 mobile phone. Fifteen participants received genuine EMF exposure and fifteen received sham exposure in a double-blind, counterbalanced order. No significant differences were found in the latency of ABR waves I, III, and V before and after either genuine or sham exposure. The authors suggest that, in their experimental conditions, a single 10-minute exposure to 900 MHz EMF from a commercial mobile phone does not produce measurable immediate effects on the latency of auditory brainstem waves I, III and V.

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

Japanese researchers exposed human brain and lung cells to radiofrequency radiation at levels similar to cell tower emissions (2.1 GHz) for up to 48 hours. They found no changes in heat shock proteins (cellular stress markers that increase when cells are damaged) even at exposure levels 10 times higher than public safety limits. This suggests that cell tower-level RF radiation does not trigger detectable cellular stress responses in laboratory conditions.

Hearing of microwave pulses by humans and animals: effects, mechanism, and thresholds

Unknown authors · 2007

The paper discusses the phenomenon, mechanism, power requirement, pressure amplitude, and auditory thresholds of microwave hearing. Microwave pulse hearing involves electromagnetic waves from hundreds of MHz to tens of GHz, unlike normal hearing which uses sound pressure waves. The microwave auditory effect does not come from direct interaction with auditory nerves but from a thermoelastic wave launched by pulse absorption in soft tissues. This thermoelastic wave travels by bone conduction to the inner ear and activates cochlear receptors like normal hearing. The paper emphasizes human exposures to wireless communication fields and MRI coils.

Hearing of microwave pulses by humans and animals: effects, mechanism, and thresholds

Unknown authors · 2007

This 2007 study explains how humans and animals can actually hear microwave pulses, a phenomenon where electromagnetic waves create audible sounds inside the head. The research shows that pulsed microwaves heat tissue, creating pressure waves that travel through bone to the inner ear, where they're perceived as clicking or buzzing sounds. This finding has important implications for understanding exposure to wireless devices and MRI equipment.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Acute exposure to low-level CW and GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency does not affect Ba 2+ currents through voltage-gated calcium channels in rat cortical neurons.

Platano D et al. · 2007

Researchers studied the non-thermal effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on barium currents through voltage-gated calcium channels in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons using the patch-clamp technique. Neurons were exposed for one to three periods of 90 seconds to 900 MHz continuous wave or GSM-modulated signals during whole-cell recording at specific absorption rates of 2 W/kg for both modulation types. Single or multiple acute exposures to either continuous wave or GSM-modulated 900 MHz fields did not significantly alter the current amplitude or the current-voltage relationship through voltage-gated calcium channels.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Acute exposure to low-level CW and GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency does not affect Ba(2+) currents through voltage-gated calcium channels in rat cortical neurons.

Platano D et al. · 2007

Italian researchers exposed rat brain cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) for short periods to see if it affected calcium channels, which are crucial for nerve cell communication. They found no changes in how calcium moved through these channels, even at radiation levels of 2 W/kg. This suggests that brief cell phone-level exposures may not immediately disrupt this particular aspect of brain cell function.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Lack of promoting effects of chronic exposure to 1.95-GHz W-CDMA signals for IMT-2000 cellular system on development of N-ethylnitrosourea-induced central nervous system tumors in F344 rats.

Shirai T et al. · 2007

Pregnant F344 rats received a single dose of ENU on gestational day 18. Rats were exposed to a 1.95-GHz W-CDMA signal for 90 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 104 weeks starting at 5 weeks of age. Brain average specific absorption rates were designed to be .67 and 2.0 W/kg for low and high exposures, respectively. The incidence and numbers of brain tumors in female rats exposed to 1.95-GHz W-CDMA signals showed tendencies to increase but without statistical significance, and overall no significant increase in incidences or numbers was detected in either males or females.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Perception of the electromagnetic field emitted by a mobile phone

Unknown authors · 2007

Researchers tested 84 young healthy adults on two forced-choice tasks to detect a GSM mobile phone field at 902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz. Participants completed 600 trials across three conditions per task with a monetary prize for 75% accuracy, but performance was no better than chance and no one won. Two participants scored 97% and 94% in one condition but failed to replicate the result in a retest one month later. Six participants who reported being able to perceive the field performed no better than others.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Evaluating the biological effects of intermittent 1.9 GHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency fields in a series of human-derived cell lines.

Chauhan V et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed human-derived cell lines TK6, HL60, and Mono-Mac-6 to intermittent 1.9 GHz pulse-modulated RF fields for 6 hours at SARs of 0, 1, and 10 W/kg. Cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle kinetics were measured immediately after exposure and 18 hours later. Cytokine expression (TNFA, IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12) was also assessed. No detectable changes in cell viability, cell cycle kinetics, apoptosis, or cytokine expression were observed in any exposed group compared to sham controls. The positive heat-shock control showed decreased viability, increased apoptosis, and a G(2)/M cell cycle block.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

In Vitro Study of the Stress Response of Human Skin Cells to GSM-1800 Mobile Phone Signals Compared to UVB Radiation and Heat Shock.

Sanchez et al. · 2007

The study investigated heat-shock protein expression and apoptosis in human primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The exposure used a GSM-1800 signal at 1800 MHz with 217 Hz modulation for 48 hours at an SAR of 2 W/kg. The GSM-1800 exposure produced no effect on either cell type, while UVB radiation and heat shock injured cells. The authors concluded that the GSM-1800 signal does not act as a stress factor on human primary skin cells in vitro.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Analysis of gene expression in two human-derived cell lines exposed in vitro to a 1.9 GHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency field.

Chauhan V et al. · 2007

Researchers examined the effect of RF field exposure on late onset gene expression in U87MG cells after a 24 h exposure period. A human monocyte-derived cell line (MM6) was exposed to intermittent RF fields for 6 h and gene expression was assessed immediately and at 18 h postexposure. Both cell lines were exposed to 1.9 GHz pulse-modulated RF fields for 6 or 24 h at SARs of 0.1-10.0 W/kg. The study found no evidence that nonthermal RF field exposure altered gene expression in either U87MG or MM6 cells relative to nonirradiated controls. Heat shock at 43°C for 1 h altered the expression of well-characterized heat-shock proteins in both cell lines.

Effects of GSM 1800 MHz on dendritic development of cultured hippocampal neurons.

Ning W, Xu SJ, Chiang H, Xu ZP, Zhou SY, Yang W, Luo JH · 2007

Researchers cultured hippocampal neurons from rats and exposed them to GSM 1800 MHz microwaves at either 2.4 or 0.8 W/kg for 15 minutes each day from DIV6 to DIV14. At 2.4 W/kg, the density and mobility of dendritic filopodia at DIV8 and the density of mature spines at DIV14 were significantly decreased, and the average length of dendrites per neuron at DIV10 and DIV14 was also decreased. Dendritic arborization was unaltered in the exposed neurons, and no significant changes were found in neurons exposed to 0.8 W/kg.

Effects of GSM 1800 MHz on dendritic development of cultured hippocampal neurons

Ning W, Xu SJ, Chiang H, Xu ZP, Zhou SY, Yang W, Luo JH · 2007

Researchers exposed developing rat brain cells (hippocampal neurons) to cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz for 15 minutes daily over 8 days. At the higher exposure level (2.4 W/kg), the radiation significantly disrupted normal brain cell development, reducing the formation of dendrites (the branch-like structures neurons use to communicate) and synapses (connection points between neurons). This suggests cell phone radiation during critical developmental periods could interfere with normal brain formation.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of acute exposure to a 1439 MHz electromagnetic field on the microcirculatory parameters in rat brain.

Masuda H et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed rat heads to 1439 MHz RF-EMF for 10 minutes at three intensity doses of 0.6, 2.4, and 4.8 W/kg BASAR. They measured blood-brain barrier permeability, leukocyte behavior, plasma velocity, and vessel diameter using a closed cranial window method. No extravasation of intravenously injected dyes from pial venules was found at any BASAR level. No significant changes in the number of endothelial-adhering leukocytes after exposure were found. Plasma velocities and vessel diameters remained constant within the physiological range throughout each exposure.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Effects of exposure of newborn patched1 heterozygous mice to GSM, 900 MHz.

Saran A et al. · 2007

Two hundred Ptc1+/- mice and wild-type siblings were enrolled, and newborns were exposed to 900 MHz radiation at 0.4 W/kg average SAR for 5 days, 0.5 hours twice daily, or sham exposed. GSM-simulated RF fields did not affect survival, with no statistically significant differences between exposed and sham groups. No effects were seen on cerebellar tumors, rhabdomyosarcomas, or skin proliferative lesions.

Risk of cellular phone interference with an implantable loop recorder.

Trigano A, Blandeau O, Dale C, Wong MF, Wiart J. · 2007

Researchers tested cellular phone interference with implantable loop recorders by placing phones 1 cm from externally applied devices in 45 patients. The ILR was positioned in the left parasternal region and the telemetry wand removed after regular programming. They used GSM phones at 900 MHz with 2 W output and PCS phones at 1800 MHz with 1 W output. The artifacts occurred without causing permanent device dysfunction or reprogramming.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Influence of a 902.4 MHz GSM signal on the human visual system: Investigation of the discrimination threshold

Irlenbusch L et al. · 2007

Researchers measured the visual discrimination threshold in 33 subjects during both RF and sham exposures. Each experiment consisted of two 30-minute periods with a 5-minute break, and the threshold was recorded every 10 seconds. The RF exposure used a 902.4 MHz GSM signal pulsed at 217 Hz with a power flux density of 1 W/m². No statistically significant difference in the threshold was found between RF and sham exposures.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Influence of a 902.4 MHz GSM signal on the human visual system: investigation of the discrimination threshold.

Irlenbusch L et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed 33 people to GSM mobile phone signals near their eyes to test whether radiofrequency radiation affects visual sensitivity (the ability to detect light differences). Using exposure levels similar to holding a phone close to your face, they found no measurable changes in visual discrimination abilities during 30-minute exposure sessions. This suggests that typical mobile phone use doesn't immediately impair basic visual function.

Neurophysiologic effects at low level 1.8 GHz radiofrequency field exposure: a multiparametric approach on freely moving rats.

Crouzier D et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed freely moving rats for 24 hours to a 1.8 GHz GSM radiofrequency signal at low power density. The study tracked acetylcholine release in the hippocampus, EEG, EMG, and subcutaneous temperature, and also analyzed brain lipid extracts using NMR after the animals were sacrificed. No significant changes in any measured parameter were observed under radiofrequency exposure, and the NMR study also failed to show any effect.

Studying gene expression profile of rat neuron exposed to 1800MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields with cDNA microassay.

Zhao R, Zhang S, Xu Z, Ju L, Lu D, Yao G. · 2007

Researchers investigated whether 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields could influence gene expression in rat neurons. Among 1200 candidate genes, 24 were up-regulated and 10 were down-regulated after 24 hours of intermittent exposure at a SAR of 2 W/kg. The researchers concluded that gene expression in rat neurons could be altered by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields under their experimental conditions.

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

Brillaud E, Piotrowski A, de Seze R · 2007

Researchers measured GFAP expression in rat brains 2, 3, 6, and 10 days after a single 15-minute 900 MHz GSM exposure at a brain averaged SAR of 6 W/kg. A statistically significant increase in GFAP stained surface area was observed 2 days after exposure in the frontal cortex and the caudate putamen. A smaller statistically significant increase was noted 3 days after exposure in those same areas and in the cerebellum cortex. The researchers concluded this was a temporary effect, probably due to a hypertrophy of glial cells, and noted that whether the effect could be harmful remains to be studied.

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 1,753 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.
81% of the 1,753 studies examining smart meters electromagnetic radiation found measurable biological effects. This means that 1420 studies documented observable changes when organisms were exposed to smart meters EMF. The remaining studies either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results.