8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

EMF Research Studies

Browse 8,700 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from 4 research libraries.

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Showing 742 studies in Cancer & Tumors

Effect of weak combined static and extremely low-frequency alternating magnetic fields on tumor growth in mice inoculated with the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers exposed mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma to extremely weak magnetic fields (as low as 100-300 nT at frequencies of 1, 4.4, and 16.5 Hz) combined with a static field of 42 µT. The treatment dramatically inhibited tumor growth, with tumor tissue practically absent in treated mice while control mice showed extensive cancer spread. Healthy mice showed no adverse effects from the same magnetic field exposure.

Exposure of mcf-7 breast cancer cells to electromagnetic fields up-regulates the plasminogen activator system

Unknown authors · 2009

German researchers exposed breast cancer cells to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields at 1.2 microTesla (similar to power line levels) and found the EMF increased production of proteins that help cancer spread to other parts of the body. The study suggests that common household electromagnetic field exposure might make existing breast tumors more likely to metastasize.

Cell phone radiation: Evidence from ELF and RF studies supporting more inclusive risk identification and assessment

Unknown authors · 2009

This 2009 review by researcher Carl Blackman examined how current cell phone radiation safety standards focus only on heating effects, while ignoring non-thermal biological effects that research has documented since 1986. The paper argues that exposure limits based solely on thermal effects are inadequate to protect public health, especially given epidemiological studies linking long-term cell phone use to increased brain cancer rates.

Effect of weak combined static and extremely low-frequency alternating magnetic fields on tumor growth in mice inoculated with the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers exposed mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma to extremely weak magnetic fields (1-16.5 Hz frequencies at 100-300 nanotesla intensity) combined with a static field of 42 microtesla. The treatment dramatically reduced tumor growth, with tumor tissue becoming practically absent in treated mice while control animals showed extensive cancer spread. Importantly, the same magnetic field exposure caused no harmful effects in healthy mice.

Exposure of mcf-7 breast cancer cells to electromagnetic fields up-regulates the plasminogen activator system

Unknown authors · 2009

German researchers exposed MCF-7 breast cancer cells to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields at 1.2 microTesla (similar to power line EMF). The EMF exposure significantly increased expression of genes that help cancer cells spread and metastasize. This suggests that common household electromagnetic fields could potentially make existing breast cancers more aggressive.

Morbidity experience in populations residentially exposed to 50 hz magnetic fields: methodology and preliminary findings of a cohort study

Unknown authors · 2009

Italian researchers studied 345 residents living near a 60 kV power line in Rome from 1954-2003, tracking hospital records from 1998-2003. They found significantly increased cancer rates among long-term residents (over 30 years) and those in the highest magnetic field exposure areas. The study also revealed a two-fold increase in heart disease among the most exposed residents.

Occupational exposure of UK adults to ELF magnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2009

UK researchers measured magnetic field exposure from power lines and electrical equipment in 317 workers across 117 different occupations. They found workplace exposure was significantly higher than home exposure, with welders, printers, and telephone operators facing the highest levels. The study revealed that job classification systems alone poorly predict actual exposure levels.

Health effects of magnetic fields generated from power lines: new clues for an old puzzle

Unknown authors · 2009

This 2009 Italian research review examined three decades of studies on power line magnetic fields and health, building on the landmark 1979 Wertheimer-Leeper study that first linked childhood cancer to electrical wiring configurations. The researchers found evidence connecting 50-60 Hz magnetic field exposure to increased rates of cancer, heart disease, and blood disorders in highly exposed populations.

Maternal occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and the risk of brain cancer in the offspring

Unknown authors · 2009

Canadian researchers studied 548 children with brain tumors and 760 healthy controls, examining their mothers' workplace exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields before and during pregnancy. They found that mothers with higher occupational EMF exposure had a 50-60% increased risk of having children who developed brain tumors, particularly astroglial tumors.

Risk factors for leukemia in Thailand

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers in Bangkok studied 180 adult leukemia patients compared to 756 healthy controls to identify disease risk factors. They found suggestive evidence that GSM cell phone use doubled leukemia risk, while working near power lines increased myeloid leukemia risk by over 4 times. The study also confirmed strong associations with chemical exposures like benzene and pesticides.

Cancer & Tumors108 citations

The controversy about a possible relationship between mobile phone use and cancer

Unknown authors · 2009

This 2009 analysis examined the methodological challenges in studying potential cancer risks from mobile phone use. Researchers found that current epidemiological studies face three major limitations: no reliable way to measure actual EMF exposure, insufficient long-term usage data, and lack of clear biological mechanisms to guide research. Despite these challenges, the overall evidence suggests an increased cancer risk, though its magnitude remains unknown.

Cell phone radiation: Evidence from ELF and RF studies supporting more inclusive risk identification and assessment

Unknown authors · 2009

This 2009 review by researcher Carl Blackman examined evidence showing that cell phone radiation causes biological effects beyond just heating tissue. The analysis found that current safety standards, which only protect against thermal effects during 6-minute exposures, ignore non-thermal biological effects that could contribute to long-term health risks including brain cancers observed in epidemiological studies.

Cancer & Tumors144 citations

Epidemiological evidence for an association between use of wireless phones and tumor diseases

Unknown authors · 2009

This comprehensive review analyzed multiple studies on long-term mobile phone use and cancer risk, focusing on brain tumors. Researchers found that after 10+ years of use, mobile phone users showed a 30% increased risk for glioma (brain cancer) and acoustic neuroma, with the highest risk on the same side of the head where phones were typically held. The authors concluded that current safety standards are inadequate for long-term exposure.

Recent advances in research on radiofrequency fields and health: 2004-2007

Unknown authors · 2009

This comprehensive review examined radiofrequency research from 2004-2007, analyzing studies on mobile phones, wireless networks, and RF health effects including cancer, neurological impacts, and biological changes. The authors concluded there was no clear evidence of adverse health effects from RF fields during this period, though they recommended continued research especially regarding children's mobile phone use.

Estimating the risk of brain tumors from cellphone use: Published case-control studies

Unknown authors · 2009

This 2009 analysis compared early cell phone brain tumor studies and found stark differences between industry-funded research (Interphone studies) and independent Swedish studies. The industry-funded studies found no increased brain tumor risk, while independent research consistently showed significant increases in brain tumor risk from cell phone and cordless phone use.

Most cancer in firefighters is due to radio-frequency radiation exposure not inhaled carcinogens

Unknown authors · 2009

A 2009 hypothesis by epidemiologist Samuel Milham suggests that the elevated cancer rates seen in firefighters may be primarily caused by radio-frequency radiation from their communication equipment, not smoke inhalation as commonly assumed. The cancer types increased in firefighters closely match those found in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation.

Risk factors for leukemia in Thailand

Unknown authors · 2009

A case-control study of 180 leukemia patients in Bangkok found no clear association with cell phone use, though usage durations were short (median 24-26 months). However, researchers found elevated leukemia risk among GSM service users and those with certain usage practices, alongside strong associations with chemical exposures and powerline work.

Cancer & Tumors177 citations

Time trends in brain tumor incidence rates in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, 1974-2003

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers analyzed brain tumor rates in four Nordic countries from 1974-2003, covering 60,000 cases in 16 million adults. They found steady increases in glioma and meningioma rates throughout the study period, but no acceleration after 1998 when mobile phone use exploded. This timing suggests mobile phones didn't drive the tumor increases observed.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Mobile phone use and risk of uveal melanoma: results of the risk factors for uveal melanoma Case-control study

Stang A et al. · 2009

German researchers studied 459 people with uveal melanoma (a rare eye cancer) to see if mobile phone use increased their risk. They compared these cancer patients to over 1,000 control subjects and found no connection between regular mobile phone use and developing this type of eye cancer. This study contradicted the researchers' own previous findings that had suggested a link.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Risk of pituitary tumors in cellular phone users: a case-control study.

Schoemaker MJ, Swerdlow AJ · 2009

British researchers studied 291 people with pituitary tumors (small growths in a brain gland that regulates hormones) and 630 healthy controls to see if cell phone use increased tumor risk. They found no association between cell phone use and pituitary tumors, even among the heaviest users or those who had used phones for over 10 years. This suggests that cell phone radiation doesn't appear to cause this specific type of brain tumor.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effects of exposure to DAMPS and GSM signals on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity: I. L-929 mouse fibroblasts.

Billaudel B, Taxile M, Ruffie G, Veyret B, Lagroye I. · 2009

Researchers exposed mouse cells to cell phone signals (DAMPS and GSM) for one hour to see if it would increase activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), an enzyme linked to cell growth and potentially cancer development. They found no significant changes in ODC activity at exposure levels of 2.5 and 6 W/kg, contradicting some earlier studies that reported increased enzyme activity. This suggests that under controlled temperature conditions, these specific cell phone signals may not trigger this particular cellular response.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Effects of exposure to DAMPS and GSM signals on Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC) activity: II. SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

Billaudel B et al. · 2009

Researchers exposed human brain tumor cells to cell phone radiation similar to DAMPS and GSM signals for up to 24 hours, then measured changes in an enzyme called ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) that's involved in cell growth. They found no changes in ODC activity regardless of the type of signal, exposure duration, or radiation intensity. This suggests that typical cell phone radiation levels don't affect this particular cellular process in brain cells.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found163 citations

Epidemiologic Evidence on mobile phones and tumor risk: a review.

Ahlbom A et al. · 2009

Researchers from the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reviewed all available studies on mobile phone use and brain tumor risk through 2009. They found no increased risk of brain tumors within approximately 10 years of mobile phone use, though they noted the observation period may be too short to detect slow-growing tumors that could take decades to develop. The review acknowledged significant methodological problems in existing studies, including biased recall of phone usage patterns.

The estimation of 3D SAR distributions in the human head from mobile phone compliance testing data for epidemiological studies.

Wake K et al. · 2009

Researchers developed a method to accurately map how cell phone radiation (called SAR) spreads throughout the human brain using standard phone testing data. They found they could successfully estimate radiation exposure patterns in specific brain regions where tumors develop. This technique was used in the major INTERPHONE study to better understand the relationship between cell phone use and brain cancer risk.

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