The production of tumor necrosis factor in cells of tumor-bearing mice after total-body microwave irradiation and antioxidant diet.
Novoselova EG, Ogay VB, Sorokina OV, Glushkova OV, Sinotova OA, Fesenko EE. · 2004
View Original AbstractExtremely low-level microwave exposure actually slowed tumor growth in mice, suggesting EMF effects are more complex than previously assumed.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed tumor-bearing mice to extremely low-level microwave radiation (similar to ambient environmental levels) for 1.5 hours daily and found it actually slowed tumor growth and extended survival. The microwaves appeared to boost the immune system's production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that helps fight cancer cells. This suggests that certain types of low-level electromagnetic exposure might have protective effects rather than harmful ones.
Why This Matters
This study presents a fascinating paradox in EMF research that challenges our assumptions about electromagnetic exposure effects. While most EMF research focuses on potential harm, this work demonstrates that extremely low-level microwave radiation at just 1 µW/cm² actually enhanced immune function and slowed tumor growth in mice. The exposure level used is remarkably low, comparable to ambient environmental EMF levels rather than device emissions. What makes this research particularly significant is its suggestion that the biological effects of EMF may be far more nuanced than simple 'harmful versus safe' categories. The reality is that electromagnetic fields appear to trigger complex biological responses that can vary dramatically based on exposure parameters, timing, and biological context. This doesn't mean EMF exposure is universally beneficial, but it does underscore why we need more sophisticated research examining the full spectrum of EMF effects rather than assuming all exposure is inherently problematic.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 0.001 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 8.15–18 GHz
- Exposure Duration
- 1.5 h
Exposure Context
This study used 0.001 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 100Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 1.7Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The effects of repeated treatment with weak microwaves (MW) (8.15–18 GHz, 1 µW/cm2, 1.5 h daily) and diet with antioxidants (AO) (β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and ubiquinone Q9) on production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in macrophages and T lymphocytes of healthy and tumor-bearing mice (TBM) were studied.
Tumor size and mortality of TBM were also followed
Microwave radiation and antioxidant diet stimulated production of TNF in cells from healthy mice. At...
These results suggest that diminished tumor growth rate due to extremely low-level MW exposure of mice carrying tumors, at least in part, was caused by enhancement in TNF production and accumulation of plasma TNF.
Show BibTeX
@article{eg_2004_the_production_of_tumor_1236,
author = {Novoselova EG and Ogay VB and Sorokina OV and Glushkova OV and Sinotova OA and Fesenko EE.},
title = {The production of tumor necrosis factor in cells of tumor-bearing mice after total-body microwave irradiation and antioxidant diet.},
year = {2004},
doi = {10.1081/LEBM-200042320},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/LEBM-200042320},
}