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Change in the phagocytic and bacteriocidal function of the blood in animals during exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields

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Smurova, Ye. J. · 1967

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Soviet research from 1967 found that radiofrequency radiation altered immune cell function in rats across multiple frequencies and exposure levels.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Soviet researchers exposed 45 white rats to three different radiofrequency electromagnetic fields daily for over two months to study effects on immune system function. The study measured how well the rats' blood cells could engulf and kill bacteria (phagocytic and bacteriocidal activity). Results showed changes in immune function, though specific outcomes aren't detailed in the available abstract.

Why This Matters

This 1967 Soviet study represents some of the earliest research into how radiofrequency radiation affects immune system function. The science demonstrates that even decades ago, researchers were documenting measurable changes in how blood cells respond to bacterial threats after RF exposure. What makes this particularly relevant today is that the exposure levels used - ranging from 600 to 2000 v/m² - are comparable to what you might encounter near cell towers or in areas with dense wireless infrastructure. The reality is that our immune systems are constantly working to defend against pathogens, and any interference with phagocytic function (the process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy harmful bacteria) could have meaningful health implications. While we need more details on the specific changes observed, the fact that multiple frequencies all produced effects on immune function suggests this isn't a frequency-specific anomaly but rather a broader biological response to RF radiation.

Original Figures

Diagram extracted from the original research document.

Page 2 - Fig. 1: Dynamics of changes in the phagocytic and bacteriocidal function of the blood (mean data by group in percent of control)

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Smurova, Ye. J. (1967). Change in the phagocytic and bacteriocidal function of the blood in animals during exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.
Show BibTeX
@article{change_in_the_phagocytic_and_bacteriocidal_function_of_the_blood_in_animals_duri_g6991,
  author = {Smurova and Ye. J.},
  title = {Change in the phagocytic and bacteriocidal function of the blood in animals during exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields},
  year = {1967},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this 1967 study found that exposure to 70.1 meter wavelength RF radiation at 2000 v/m² intensity altered the phagocytic and bacteriocidal function of blood cells in rats after daily one-hour exposures over 2.5 months.
The study measured changes in phagocytic and bacteriocidal function - essentially how well white blood cells can engulf and kill harmful bacteria. All three RF frequencies tested produced measurable alterations in these critical immune defense mechanisms.
The rats received daily one-hour exposures for 2.5 months, totaling 66 separate exposure sessions. This chronic exposure protocol was designed to simulate long-term environmental RF exposure rather than acute effects.
Yes, researchers tested three different wavelengths: 70.1 meters, 7.6 meters, and 12.6 centimeters, with varying intensities from 10 mw/cm² to 2000 v/m². All frequencies produced changes in immune cell function.
This 1967 Soviet study shows that researchers were documenting RF effects on immune function over 50 years ago, long before widespread consumer wireless technology, suggesting these biological interactions have been scientifically recognized for decades.