Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY WAVES
No Effects Found
James C. Lin, John C. Nelson, Merlin E. Ekstrom · 1979
148 MHz radiation at 0.5 mW/cm² showed no detectable health effects in mice during comprehensive two-year study.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Researchers exposed baby mice to 148 MHz radio frequency radiation (similar to older wireless devices) for one hour daily over 10 weeks, then monitored them for nearly two years. They found no differences in growth, blood chemistry, or tissue damage between exposed and control groups at the tested power level of 0.5 mW/cm².
Cite This Study
James C. Lin, John C. Nelson, Merlin E. Ekstrom (1979). BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY WAVES.
Show BibTeX
@article{biological_effects_of_radio_frequency_waves_g5280,
author = {James C. Lin and John C. Nelson and Merlin E. Ekstrom},
title = {BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RADIO FREQUENCY WAVES},
year = {1979},
}Quick Questions About This Study
The researchers used 148 MHz radio frequency radiation, which falls in the VHF band used by some older wireless communication systems and is lower than modern cell phone frequencies of 800-2100 MHz.
The mice began RF exposure when they were only 4-7 days old (postpartum), making this a study of early-life exposure effects during critical developmental periods.
The study used 0.5 mW/cm² (63.25 V/m), which is higher than typical cell phone exposures at normal distances but lower than close-range WiFi router or microwave oven emissions.
Scientists tracked the mice for up to 600 days (nearly two years), conducting regular blood tests and tissue examinations to detect any delayed health effects from the radiation exposure.
No significant differences were found in blood cell counts, body weight, or tissue pathology between RF-exposed mice and control groups throughout the extended monitoring period.