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

Reproductive Health

Poulletier de Gannes F et al, (February 2012) Effect of In Utero Wi-Fi Exposure on the Pre- and Postnatal Development of Rats, Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2012

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Pregnant rats showed no developmental harm from WiFi exposure up to 4 W/kg, well above typical home levels.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

French researchers exposed pregnant rats to WiFi signals (2.45 GHz) for 2 hours daily throughout pregnancy, testing three different power levels up to 4 W/kg. They found no birth defects, developmental problems, or other harmful effects in either the mother rats or their offspring during 28 days of observation after birth.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2450 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2450 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale
Cite This Study
Unknown (2012). Poulletier de Gannes F et al, (February 2012) Effect of In Utero Wi-Fi Exposure on the Pre- and Postnatal Development of Rats, Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol.
Show BibTeX
@article{poulletier_de_gannes_f_et_al_february_2012_effect_of_in_utero_wi_fi_exposure_on_the_pre_and_postnatal_development_of_rats_birth_defects_res_b_dev_reprod_toxicol_ce1233,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Poulletier de Gannes F et al, (February 2012) Effect of In Utero Wi-Fi Exposure on the Pre- and Postnatal Development of Rats, Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol},
  year = {2012},
  doi = {10.1002/bdrb.20346},
  
}
DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.20346PubMed: 22311618

Quick Questions About This Study

This rat study found no birth defects or developmental abnormalities from WiFi exposure during pregnancy, even at levels 40 times higher than typical home WiFi exposure. However, more research on long-term effects is needed.
Researchers tested three levels: 0.08, 0.4, and 4 W/kg. The highest level (4 W/kg) is roughly 40 times stronger than typical WiFi exposure in homes, which is usually under 0.1 W/kg.
Pregnant rats were exposed to 2.45 GHz WiFi signals for 2 hours per day, 6 days per week, throughout their 18-day pregnancy period. Offspring were then monitored for 28 days after birth.
No postnatal developmental problems were observed in rat pups whose mothers were exposed to WiFi during pregnancy. The researchers monitored the offspring for 28 days after birth and found no significant abnormalities.
Yes, 2.45 GHz is one of the main frequencies used by WiFi routers in homes. This study specifically used this common WiFi frequency to assess realistic exposure scenarios for pregnant women.