6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body

Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

DNA & Genetic Damage

Combined effects of 872 MHz radiofrequency radiation and ferrous chloride on reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

No Effects Found

Luukkonen J, Juutilainen J, Naarala J. · 2010

View Original Abstract
Share:

This study found no DNA damage from high-level 872 MHz radiation in brain cells, adding to mixed scientific evidence on cellular effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed human brain cells to 872 MHz radiation (similar to older cell phone signals) at high levels for up to 3 hours, looking for DNA damage and cellular stress. They found no effects from the radiation exposure, even when combined with iron chloride, a chemical known to cause cellular damage. This suggests that at these specific conditions, the radiofrequency radiation did not harm the brain cells or their DNA.

Why This Matters

This study provides important data in the ongoing debate about cell phone radiation and brain health, though it represents just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The researchers used a SAR level of 5 W/kg, which is significantly higher than typical cell phone exposures (usually under 2 W/kg) and higher than current regulatory limits in most countries. What makes this research particularly valuable is that it looked for synergistic effects between RF radiation and iron, since iron accumulation in the brain has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The reality is that negative studies like this one are crucial for building a complete scientific picture. However, the broader body of research on RF radiation and cellular effects shows mixed results, with some studies finding biological changes at much lower exposure levels and longer durations than tested here. The science demonstrates that exposure conditions matter tremendously in EMF research.

Exposure Details

SAR
5 W/kg
Source/Device
872 MHz
Exposure Duration
1h, 3h

Exposure Context

This study used 5 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 5 W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)This level is 3 times the FCC limit
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 872 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 872 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

The aim of the present study was to investigate possible cooperative effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA damage.

In order to test intracellular ROS production as a possible underlying mechanism of DNA damage, we a...

The chemical treatments resulted in statistically significant responses, but no effects from either ...

Cite This Study
Luukkonen J, Juutilainen J, Naarala J. (2010). Combined effects of 872 MHz radiofrequency radiation and ferrous chloride on reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Bioelectromagnetics. 31(6):417-424, 2010.
Show BibTeX
@article{j_2010_combined_effects_of_872_2884,
  author = {Luukkonen J and Juutilainen J and Naarala J.},
  title = {Combined effects of 872 MHz radiofrequency radiation and ferrous chloride on reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.},
  year = {2010},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.20580},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20580},
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.20580

Cited By (37 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 2010 study found no DNA damage in human brain cells exposed to 872 MHz radiation for up to 3 hours, even at high levels. The researchers tested conditions similar to older cell phone signals but observed no harmful effects on cellular DNA or viability.
Research on 872 MHz radiation (similar to older cell phones) showed no negative effects on human brain cell health. The study exposed neuroblastoma cells to high radiation levels for 3 hours without observing damage to DNA, cellular stress, or cell survival rates.
Studies indicate 872 MHz radiofrequency radiation does not harm neurons under tested conditions. Researchers exposed human neuroblastoma cells to this frequency without finding increased cellular stress, DNA damage, or reduced cell viability, even when combined with damaging chemicals.
A controlled study found no DNA damage risks from 872 MHz radiofrequency radiation in human brain cells. Despite 3-hour exposures at high levels, researchers observed no genetic damage, suggesting this specific frequency may not pose DNA risks under these conditions.
Research shows 872 MHz RF radiation does not increase cellular stress in human brain cells. The study measured reactive oxygen species production (a stress indicator) and found no significant changes, even when radiation was combined with iron chloride, a known cellular stressor.