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Gautam R, Jha N, Tomar AK, Nirala JP, Arora T, Rajamani P

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 2025

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35.5 GHz millimeter waves used in 5G technology damaged sperm and caused DNA damage in rat studies.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed male rats to 35.5 GHz millimeter waves (used in 5G technology) for 2 hours daily over 60 days. The radiation significantly reduced sperm count and viability, caused DNA damage in testicular tissue, and increased oxidative stress markers. This study raises concerns about potential reproductive health effects from chronic exposure to 5G frequencies.

Why This Matters

This research provides some of the first evidence that 35.5 GHz frequencies-a key component of 5G networks-may harm male fertility through oxidative damage mechanisms. The science demonstrates clear biological effects at the cellular level: reduced sperm viability, increased DNA damage, and depleted antioxidant defenses in testicular tissue. What makes this particularly relevant is that 35.5 GHz sits squarely within the millimeter wave spectrum that 5G networks use for high-speed data transmission. While the 2-hour daily exposure in this study may seem high, consider that 5G infrastructure is designed for ubiquitous coverage, meaning chronic low-level exposure could become the norm for millions of people. The reality is that we're deploying this technology faster than we're studying its biological effects, despite mounting evidence that these frequencies can penetrate tissue and disrupt cellular function.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 35.5 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 35.5 GHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2025). Gautam R, Jha N, Tomar AK, Nirala JP, Arora T, Rajamani P.
Show BibTeX
@article{gautam_r_jha_n_tomar_ak_nirala_jp_arora_t_rajamani_p_ce2382,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Gautam R, Jha N, Tomar AK, Nirala JP, Arora T, Rajamani P},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.1111/andr.70107},
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 35.5 GHz exposure for 60 days significantly reduced sperm count and viability in rats, while causing DNA damage in testicular tissue through oxidative stress mechanisms.
The study exposed rats for 2 hours daily over 60 days before observing significant sperm damage. However, the timeline for reproductive effects in humans remains unknown and requires further research.
The research showed increased lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue, along with decreased superoxide dismutase, sulfhydryl levels, and total antioxidant capacity-indicating severe oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Yes, 35.5 GHz falls within the millimeter wave spectrum (24-100 GHz) that 5G networks use for high-speed data transmission, making these findings directly relevant to 5G health concerns.
Yes, comet assay testing revealed significant DNA damage in testicular tissue of rats exposed to 35.5 GHz, indicating genotoxic effects that could potentially impact reproductive function and offspring health.