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Increased DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and protein oxidation (AOPP) by Low level electromagnetic field (2.45 GHz) in rat brain and protective effect of garlic.

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Gürler HS, Bilgici B, Akar AK, Tomak L, Bedir A. · 2014

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WiFi-frequency radiation caused measurable DNA damage in rat brains after 30 days at exposure levels common in homes and offices.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for one hour daily over 30 days and measured DNA damage in their brains and blood. The radiation caused significant genetic damage, indicated by increased levels of 8-OHdG (a marker of DNA oxidation) in both brain tissue and blood plasma. Interestingly, rats given garlic extract were protected from this DNA damage, suggesting antioxidants may help counter EMF-induced cellular harm.

Why This Matters

This study adds to the mounting evidence that everyday wireless frequencies can damage DNA at the cellular level. The 2.45 GHz frequency used here is identical to what WiFi routers and microwave ovens emit, and the exposure level (3.68 V/m) is well within what you might encounter near these devices in your home or office. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates measurable genetic damage in brain tissue after just 30 days of moderate exposure. The protective effect of garlic suggests that EMF-induced damage operates through oxidative stress pathways, which antioxidants can help counter. While you shouldn't rely on supplements as your primary protection strategy, this research reinforces that EMF exposure creates real biological stress that your body must work to repair.

Exposure Details

Electric Field
3.68 ± 0.36 V/m
Source/Device
2.45 GHz
Exposure Duration
1 hour/day for 30 consecutive days

Exposure Context

This study used 3.68 ± 0.36 V/m for electric fields:

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.

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2.45 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2.45 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

To investigate the oxidative damage and protective effect of garlic on rats exposed to low level of electromagnetic fields (EMF) at 2.45 GHz Microwave radiation (MWR).

Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I was the control group and not exposed...

Exposure to low level of EMF increased 8-OHdG level in both plasma and brain tissue whereas it incre...

It may be concluded that low level EMF at 2.45 GHz MWR increases the DNA damage in both brain tissues and plasma of the rats whereas it increases protein oxidation only in plasma. It may also be argued that the use of garlic decreases these effects

Cite This Study
Gürler HS, Bilgici B, Akar AK, Tomak L, Bedir A. (2014). Increased DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and protein oxidation (AOPP) by Low level electromagnetic field (2.45 GHz) in rat brain and protective effect of garlic. Int J Radiat Biol. 2014 May 21:1-15.
Show BibTeX
@article{hs_2014_increased_dna_oxidation_8ohdg_530,
  author = {Gürler HS and Bilgici B and Akar AK and Tomak L and Bedir A.},
  title = {Increased DNA oxidation (8-OHdG) and protein oxidation (AOPP) by Low level electromagnetic field (2.45 GHz) in rat brain and protective effect of garlic.},
  year = {2014},
  doi = {10.3109/09553002.2014.922717},
  url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09553002.2014.922717},
}
DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2014.922717

Cited By (41 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, research shows WiFi radiation at 2.45 GHz damaged DNA in rat brains after just one hour of daily exposure for 30 days. The study found significantly increased levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of DNA oxidation, in both brain tissue and blood plasma.
Yes, garlic extract provided significant protection against WiFi-induced DNA damage in this study. Rats given garlic showed no increase in brain DNA damage markers (8-OHdG) despite daily 2.45 GHz radiation exposure, suggesting antioxidants may counter EMF cellular harm.
8-OHdG is a biomarker that indicates DNA oxidation damage. WiFi radiation at 2.45 GHz significantly increased 8-OHdG levels in rat brains and blood, showing that microwave frequencies cause oxidative stress that damages genetic material through cellular oxidation processes.
Research demonstrates that just one hour of daily 2.45 GHz WiFi exposure for 30 days caused measurable DNA damage in rat brain tissue. The study found significantly increased oxidative damage markers, indicating that even brief daily exposures accumulate harmful effects.
The 2.45 GHz microwave radiation increased protein oxidation (AOPP levels) in blood plasma but not in brain tissue. This suggests WiFi frequencies cause different types of cellular damage in different body systems, with blood proteins being particularly vulnerable.