Microwaves and cellular immunity. I. Effect of whole body microwave irradiation on tumor necrosis factor production in mouse cells.
Fesenko, EE, Makar, VR, Novoselova, EG, Sadovnikov, VB, · 1999
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation at 1 microW/cm2 altered mouse immune function more effectively than powerful immune stimulants, with effects lasting days after exposure.
Plain English Summary
Russian researchers exposed mice to low-level microwave radiation and found it significantly altered immune system function. Short exposures boosted immune cell activity, while longer exposure suppressed it. These effects persisted for days after radiation ended, showing even weak microwaves can disrupt normal immunity.
Why This Matters
This study reveals something remarkable: microwave radiation at just 1 microW/cm2 - a power level thousands of times lower than current safety limits - triggered measurable changes in immune system function. The researchers found that microwaves were actually more effective at stimulating TNF production than lipopolysaccharide, one of the most potent known immune stimulants. What makes this particularly significant is the biphasic response pattern: short-term exposure boosted immunity while chronic exposure suppressed it. This suggests our immune systems may initially mobilize against EMF as a stressor, then become depleted with prolonged exposure. The persistence of effects for three days after exposure ended indicates these aren't just temporary disruptions, but potentially lasting biological changes. While some might argue enhanced immunity sounds beneficial, disrupting the delicate balance of immune function can lead to autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammation.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 0.001 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 8.15-18 GHz (1 Hz within)
- Exposure Duration
- 5 h to 3 days.
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 aim of this study is to investigate Microwaves and cellular immunity. I. Effect of whole body microwave irradiation on tumor necrosis factor production in mouse cells.
Whole body microwave sinusoidal irradiation of male NMRI mice with 8.15-18 GHz (1 Hz within) at a po...
Show BibTeX
@article{fesenko_1999_microwaves_and_cellular_immunity_969,
author = {Fesenko and EE and Makar and VR and Novoselova and EG and Sadovnikov and VB and},
title = {Microwaves and cellular immunity. I. Effect of whole body microwave irradiation on tumor necrosis factor production in mouse cells.},
year = {1999},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10619445/},
}