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)

Exposure to mobile phone radiations at 2350 MHz incites cyto- and genotoxic effects in root meristems of Allium cepa

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed fresh adventitious onion roots to continuous electromagnetic fields at 2350 MHz for one, two, or four hours. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through mitotic index, phase index, and chromosomal aberrations, while genotoxicity was assessed via comet assay measuring head DNA, tail DNA, tail moment, and olive tail moment. Mitotic index increased significantly after four hours and chromosomal aberrations increased after two hours or more, while phase index showed no specific changes. Head DNA and tail DNA percentages changed significantly after two and four hours respectively, but tail moment and olive tail moment did not change significantly.

Appraisal of immediate and late effects of mobile phone radiations at 2100 MHz on mitotic activity and DNA integrity in root meristems of Allium cepa

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed fresh onion roots to 2100 MHz electromagnetic fields for 1 hour and 4 hours and measured mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations, and DNA damage using the comet assay. After 4 hours of exposure, mitotic index and chromosomal aberration percentage increased significantly compared to controls. DNA damage was indicated by a significant decrease in head DNA and increase in tail DNA after 4 hours, while tail moment and olive tail moment did not change significantly. Post-exposure evaluation after 24 hours showed no significant recovery or change.

Single-strand DNA breaks and oxidative changes in rat testes exposed to radiofrequency radiation emitted from cellular phones

Alkis MS, Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Yegin K, Akpolat V · 2019

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation at 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz frequencies for 2 hours daily over 6 months and found significant DNA damage and oxidative stress in testicular tissue. The higher frequencies (1800 and 2100 MHz) caused the most severe effects, including DNA strand breaks and reduced antioxidant defenses. This suggests prolonged cell phone use may pose reproductive health risks for men.

Evaluation of Wi-Fi Radiation Effects on Antibiotic Susceptibility, Metabolic Activity and Biofilm Formation by Escherichia Coli 0157H7, Staphylococcus Aureus and Staphylococcus Epidermis

Said-Salman IH, Jebali FA, Yusef HH, Mustafa ME · 2019

A Wi-Fi router was used as a source of microwaves and bacterial cells were exposed continuously for 24 and 48 hours. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by disc diffusion on Müller Hinton agar, motility of Escherichia coli O157H7 was assessed on motility agar, and metabolic activity and biofilm formation were measured with MTT assay and crystal violet quantification. Exposure altered motility and antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli O157H7, did not change antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermis, and increased metabolic activity and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli O157H7, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis.

Investigation of the neuroprotective effects of thymoquinone on rat spinal cord exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field

Yahyazadeh A et al. · 2019

Researchers exposed adult male Wistar albino rats to electromagnetic field radiation for 60 minutes per day for 28 days and assessed spinal cords using stereological, biochemical, and histological methods. The electromagnetic field group had fewer motor neurons and higher superoxide dismutase levels than the control group. Thymoquinone treatment increased motor neuron numbers and decreased superoxide dismutase activity compared to the electromagnetic field group.

Investigation of the neuroprotective effects of thymoquinone on rat spinal cord exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field

Yahyazadeh A et al. · 2019

Turkish researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for one hour daily over 28 days and found significant damage to spinal cord motor neurons. The study also tested whether thymoquinone, a natural antioxidant compound, could protect against this damage and found it successfully prevented the neurological harm. This suggests cell phone radiation may affect the nervous system beyond just the brain.

Changes in pyramidal and granular neuron numbers in the rat hippocampus 7 days after exposure to a continuous 900-MHz electromagnetic field during early and mid-adolescence

Unknown authors · 2019

Three-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, pseudo-exposed, and EMF groups, with the EMF group receiving a 900-MHz EMF for 1 hour per day for 25 days. Following exposure, behavioral tests were performed for seven days before the animals were euthanized and their brains removed. Brain sections were stained with toluidine blue and pyramidal neuron numbers in CA1, CA2-3, and hilus and granule neuron numbers in the dentate gyrus were estimated using optical fractionation. The EMF group showed statistically higher numbers of both pyramidal and granule neurons than the pseudo-exposed group, and histopathological examination revealed cytoplasmic disruption in those neurons.

Prenatal Effects of a 1,800-MHz Electromagnetic Field on Rat Livers

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed three groups of rats to 1,800-MHz EMF for 6, 12, or 24 hours daily for 20 days during prenatal development. On postnatal day 60, liver tissue and blood were analyzed for biochemical and histological changes. Exposed groups showed significantly higher malondialdehyde levels and lower glutathione levels compared to controls. Serum calcium, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase were elevated, while liver tissue total oxidant status increased and total antioxidant status decreased. Histology revealed extensive vacuolation and degeneration of hepatocytes, and the authors concluded that intrauterine liver damage persists into puberty.

Prenatal Effects of a 1,800-MHz Electromagnetic Field on Rat Livers

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to 1,800-MHz electromagnetic fields (similar to cell phone frequencies) for up to 24 hours daily during pregnancy. When the offspring reached puberty, their livers showed significant damage including cellular degeneration, oxidative stress, and enzyme abnormalities. This suggests that EMF exposure during pregnancy can cause lasting liver damage that persists into adolescence.

Prenatal Effects of a 1,800-MHz Electromagnetic Field on Rat Livers

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to 1,800-MHz electromagnetic fields (cell phone frequency) for different durations daily throughout pregnancy. When the offspring reached 60 days old, their livers showed significant damage including increased oxidative stress, reduced antioxidants, elevated liver enzymes, and cellular degeneration. This study demonstrates that EMF exposure during pregnancy can cause lasting liver damage that persists into the offspring's adult life.

The effect of Wi-Fi electromagnetic waves on neuronal response properties in rat barrel cortex

The effect of Wi-Fi electromagnetic waves on neuronal response properties in rat barrel cortexSistani S et al. · 2019

Researchers exposed 29 male Wistar rats to Wi-Fi radiation for 1 hour and recorded neuronal responses in the barrel cortex. Wi-Fi radiation decreased the condition test ratio for ON responses. Spontaneous activity and ON and OFF responses were not significantly changed. The researchers concluded that Wi-Fi radiation could modulate integrative responses to natural stimuli in barrel cortex.

The impact of exposure of diabetic rats to 900 MHz electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phone antenna on hepatic oxidative stress

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed type 2 diabetic rats to 900 MHz electromagnetic radiation from a GSM antenna for 24 hours per day over 28 days. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of twelve: control rats, normal rats exposed to radiation, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats exposed to radiation. Radiation exposure nonsignificantly reduced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in diabetic rats compared to unexposed diabetic rats. Radiation exposure increased hepatic malondialdehyde and Nrf-2 levels and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities but decreased phosphorylated Akt-2 in diabetic rats.

Early-Life Exposure to Pulsed LTE Radiofrequency Fields Causes Persistent Changes in Activity and Behavior in C57BL/6 J Mice

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers exposed mice to pulsed LTE 1846 MHz downlink signals from gestation day 13.5 to postnatal day 21 at SARs of 0.5 or 1 W/kg. Behavioral tracking measured locomotor, drinking, and feeding behavior in the home cage from 12 to 28 weeks of age. Exposure at 0.5 W/kg significantly decreased drinking frequency and distance moved compared to sham controls. Exposure at 1 W/kg significantly increased drinking frequency and moving duration compared to sham controls.

Melatonin Modulates NMDA-Receptor 2B/Calpain-1/Caspase-12 Pathways in Rat Brain After Long Time Exposure to GSM Radiation

Unknown authors · 2019

Researchers divided 24 male Wistar albino rats into four groups and exposed one group to 2100 MHz radiation for 30 minutes over a 90-day experiment. Subcutaneous melatonin was injected into a third group and given 40 minutes before radiation to a fourth group. Radiation caused neuronal edema, fewer neurons in hippocampal CA1 and CA3, Purkinje neuron displacement, and dark neurons. Radiation activated the NMDA-receptor 2B/Calpain-1/Caspase-12 pathway, and melatonin did not demonstrate protective effects.

Long-term RF exposure on behavior and cerebral glucose metabolism in 5xFAD mice

Unknown authors · 2018

Researchers exposed 5xFAD mice to 1950 MHz RF-EMF at a specific absorption rate of 5.0 W/kg for 2 h/day and 5 days/week for 8 months. Behavioral changes were assessed using an open field test and an object recognition memory task after exposure ended. RF exposure rescued hyperactivity-like and anxiolytic behaviors in the open field test and improved cognitive deficits in the object recognition memory test. Glucose metabolism in the hippocampus and amygdala was significantly increased in RF-exposed mice compared to sham-exposed mice.

Pathological Findings Observed in the Kidneys of Postnatal Male Rats Exposed to the 2100 MHz Electromagnetic Field

Unknown authors · 2018

They measured reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissue and used caspase-3 immunohistochemistry to assess apoptosis. Deterioration was observed in the brush border in renal tubules of the EMF groups. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed a greater number of positively stained renal tubular epithelial cells in the EMF groups compared with the control group. In the EMF groups renal MDA levels increased and renal GSH levels decreased compared with the control group (p = 0.00 for both).

Melatonin attenuates radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz)-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in germ cells of male Swiss albino mice.

Pandey N, Giri S. · 2018

Researchers exposed Swiss albino mice to RFR for 3 hours twice daily for 35 days and gave some mice melatonin at 5 mg/kg body weight per day. RFR-exposed mice showed extensive DNA damage, arrest in pre-meiotic spermatogenesis, low sperm count, and sperm head abnormalities. Biochemical assays revealed excess free radical generation and histological changes in testis and germ cells. Melatonin supplementation diminished or abolished these effects.

Probing the Origins of 1,800 MHz Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation Induced Damage in Mouse Immortalized Germ Cells and Spermatozoa in vitro.

Houston BJ, Nixon B, King BV, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN. · 2018

Researchers exposed cultured mouse spermatogonial GC1 and spermatocyte GC2 cell lines, as well as cauda epididymal spermatozoa, to continuous wave RF-EMR at 1.8 GHz at 0.15 and 1.5 W/kg. A 4-hour exposure increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in GC1 cells (7 vs. 18%; p < 0.001) and GC2 cells (11.5 vs. 16%; p < 0.01), with Complex III of the electron transport chain identified as the potential source. Exposure at 0.15 W/kg for 3 hours induced significant DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa (p < 0.05), though this was no longer significant after 4 hours. After 4 hours of exposure, spermatozoa showed significant oxidative DNA damage in the form of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (p < 0.05) and a decline in sperm motility (p < 0.05).

Radiofrequency radiation from nearby base stations gives high levels in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden: A case report

Hardell L et al · 2018

Researchers measured RF radiation levels in an apartment close to two groups of mobile phone base stations on the roof. A total of 74,531 measurements were made corresponding to ~83 h of recording. The total mean RF radiation level was 3,811 µW/m2 with a range of 15.2 to 112,318 µW/m2 for the whole apartment including balconies. Particularly high levels were measured on three balconies and three of the four bedrooms. The mean RF radiation level decreased by 98% when down-links from the base stations for 2, 3 and 4 G were disregarded.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Evaluation of effect of high frequency electromagnetic field on growth and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria

Unknown authors · 2018

Researchers exposed S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa to 900 and 1800 MHz electromagnetic fields for 2 hours and then measured growth rate and antibiotic susceptibility. DNA analysis showed no difference between exposed and non-exposed S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Exposure to 900 MHz significantly reduced growth of P. aeruginosa, while 1800 MHz had no significant effect. S. aureus and S. epidermidis growth was mostly unaffected except for S. aureus at 900 MHz after 12 hours. Antibiotic susceptibility was unchanged by electromagnetic fields except for S. aureus treated with amoxicillin.

Exposure to mobile phone (900-1800 MHz) during pregnancy: tissue oxidative stress after childbirth

Bahreyni Toossi MH et al. · 2018

Pregnant Balb/C mice were exposed to mobile phone radiation (900–1800 MHz) for 2 hours per day over 20 days during pregnancy. Researchers measured malondialdehyde, total thiol groups, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in heart, liver, kidney, cerebellum, and hippocampus tissues of dams and offspring. MDA levels were significantly increased while TTG, SOD, and CAT were significantly decreased in the tissues of both dams and offspring.

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.