Effect on the immune system of mice exposed chronically to 50 Hz amplitude-modulated 2.45 GHz microwaves.
Elekes, E, Thuroczy, G, Szabo, LD · 1996
View Original AbstractMale mice showed 37-55% increases in immune activity from 2.45 GHz microwave exposure, the same frequency used by WiFi and microwaves.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed male and female mice to microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (similar to microwave ovens and WiFi) for 3 hours daily over 6 days to test effects on immune function. They found that both continuous and pulsed microwave exposure significantly increased antibody production in male mice (37-55% increases), but had no effect on female mice. This suggests that microwave radiation can stimulate immune system activity, with males appearing more sensitive than females.
Why This Matters
This 1996 study reveals something important that often gets overlooked in EMF research: biological effects can vary dramatically between males and females. The fact that male mice showed significant immune system changes while females showed none highlights why blanket safety standards may not adequately protect everyone. The 2.45 GHz frequency used here is particularly relevant because it's the same frequency used by microwave ovens, WiFi routers, and many wireless devices in your home. While the study doesn't specify exact power levels, the consistent pattern of immune activation in males suggests this frequency can trigger biological responses even at non-thermal levels. What this means for you: the research demonstrates that microwave radiation isn't biologically inert as often claimed by industry. Your immune system may be responding to wireless exposures in ways we're still discovering, and those responses may depend on your biological sex.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 2.45 GHz carrier frequency or amplitude-modulated 50 Hz square wave Duration: 6 days, 3 h/day
Study Details
The effect of continuous (CW; 2.45 GHz carrier frequency) or amplitude-modulated (AM; 50 Hz square wave) microwave radiation on the immune response was tested.
CW exposures (6 days, 3 h/day) induced elevations of the number of antibody-producing cells in the s...
It is concluded that both types of exposure conditions induced moderate elevation of antibody production only in male mice.
Show BibTeX
@article{elekes_1996_effect_on_the_immune_2053,
author = {Elekes and E and Thuroczy and G and Szabo and LD},
title = {Effect on the immune system of mice exposed chronically to 50 Hz amplitude-modulated 2.45 GHz microwaves.},
year = {1996},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8809365/},
}