3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

EMF Research Studies

Browse 3,138 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from the BioInitiative Report database.

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Showing 367 studies in Whole Body / General

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Review of extensive workups of 34 patients overexposed to radiofrequency radiation.

Reeves GI · 2000

U.S. Air Force researchers examined 34 military personnel who were accidentally exposed to radiofrequency radiation levels exceeding safety limits. Despite comprehensive medical testing including neurological and psychological evaluations, they found no significant health effects attributable to the RF exposure, with only temporary sensations of warmth and brief burning pain that resolved within weeks.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Cardiovascular and thermal effects of microwave irradiation at 1 and/or 10 GHz in anesthetized rats.

Jauchem JR, Ryan KL, Freidagger MR · 2000

Researchers exposed anesthetized rats to microwave radiation at 1 GHz, 10 GHz, or both frequencies combined at high power levels (12 W/kg) until the animals died from overheating. They found that rats exposed to 1 GHz died fastest, while those exposed to 10 GHz survived longest, with combined exposure falling in between. This study was designed to understand how different microwave frequencies affect heat distribution in the body and cardiovascular responses during extreme thermal stress.

Cancer in Radar Technicians Exposed to Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation: Sentinel Episodes.

Richter E, Berman T, Ben-Michael E, Laster R, Westin JB · 2000

Israeli researchers studied radar technicians exposed to high levels of radiofrequency radiation and found unusually high cancer rates among young workers aged 20-37. The study documented multiple cancer types including eye melanoma, testicular cancer, and lymphoma, with alarmingly short latency periods (time from exposure to cancer development). These findings suggest that prolonged exposure to intense RF radiation significantly increases cancer risk, particularly when safety measures are inadequate.

[Changes in gastric electric activity and serum catecholamine level under the influence of electromagnetic microwaves].

Kulkybaev GA, Pospelov NI · 2000

Researchers exposed 17 dogs to microwave radiation on their stomach area and head, then measured stomach electrical activity and stress hormone levels. They found a two-phase response: during exposure, stomach activity decreased while stress hormones increased, but 24 hours later the pattern reversed with higher stomach activity and lower stress hormones. This suggests microwave radiation disrupts normal digestive function and triggers a stress response that persists even after exposure ends.

Heating and pain sensation produced in human skin by millimeter waves: comparison to a simple thermal model.

Walters TJ, Blick DW, Johnson LR, Adair ER, Foster KR · 2000

Researchers exposed 10 volunteers to high-intensity millimeter wave radiation (94 GHz) for 3 seconds to determine when skin heating becomes painful. They found that pain occurred when skin temperature reached 43.9°C, representing a 9.9°C increase from baseline. The study was designed to help predict pain thresholds for military applications using millimeter wave technology.

Inhibitory action of microwave radiation on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in liver of rats treated with hydrocortisone.

Olchowik G, Maj JG · 2000

Researchers exposed rats to millimeter wave radiation at 53.57 GHz for 60 days while treating them with hydrocortisone, a steroid that normally increases liver enzyme activity. The microwave radiation blocked this expected enzyme increase in a dose-dependent manner, with stronger radiation causing greater interference. This suggests that millimeter wave exposure can disrupt normal cellular processes in the liver, potentially affecting how the organ responds to hormones and medications.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Absence of ocular effects after either single or repeated exposure to 10 mW/cm(2) from a 60 GHz CW source.

Kues HA, D'Anna SA, Osiander R, Green WR, Monahan JC · 1999

Researchers exposed rabbits and monkeys to 60 GHz millimeter wave radiation at 10 mW/cm² for either 8 hours straight or 4 hours daily for five days, then examined their eyes for damage using microscopes. They found no detectable eye damage from either exposure pattern. This suggests that millimeter wave radiation at this power level doesn't cause immediate eye injury in laboratory animals.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Lack of effects on heart rate and blood pressure in ketamine-anesthetized rats briefly exposed to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses.

Jauchem JR, Frei MR, Ryan KL, Merritt JH, Murphy MR · 1999

Researchers exposed anesthetized rats to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses (extremely brief, high-intensity bursts of electromagnetic energy) to see if it affected their heart rate and blood pressure. They found no significant changes in cardiovascular function during the brief exposures. This suggests that short-term exposure to these specific types of electromagnetic pulses may not immediately harm the cardiovascular system.

Microwave emission from police radar.

Fink JM, Wagner JP, Congleton JJ, Rock JC · 1999

Researchers measured microwave radiation exposure from police radar units on officers' eyes and reproductive organs. They found extremely low exposure levels (less than 1% of safety standards) at officer positions, though direct antenna exposure was higher. Proper training and equipment positioning minimize risks.

Reproductive Health175 citations

Whole-body microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones and testicular function of rats.

Dasdag et al. · 1999

Researchers exposed male rats to cell phone radiation for 2 hours daily over one month and examined their reproductive organs. They found that phones actively making calls (not just on standby) caused structural changes in the testes, specifically shrinking the seminiferous tubules where sperm are produced. The study also recorded higher body temperatures in rats exposed to active phone radiation.

Human exposure at two radio frequencies (450 and 2450 MHz): similarities and differences in physiological response.

Adair ER, Cobb BL, Mylacraine KS, Kelleher SA, · 1999

Researchers exposed 14 volunteers to radio frequency radiation at 450 and 2450 MHz (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 45 minutes at power levels exceeding current safety guidelines. The exposure caused measurable increases in skin temperature, with the body responding through increased sweating and blood flow to maintain normal core body temperature within 0.1 degrees Celsius.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses and morphine-induced changes in nociception and activity in mice.

Seaman RL, Belt ML, Doyle JM, Mathur SP · 1998

Researchers exposed mice to extremely high-intensity ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses (99-105 kV/m) for up to 45 minutes and tested whether this affected their pain sensitivity and movement, including when combined with morphine. The study found no changes in pain response or activity levels in either normal mice or those given morphine. This suggests these particular electromagnetic pulses did not interfere with the nervous system pathways that control pain and movement.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

The 1.5 GHz electromagnetic near-field used for cellular phones does not promote rat liver carcinogenesis in a medium-term liver bioassay.

Imaida et al. · 1998

Researchers exposed rats to 1.439 GHz radiofrequency radiation (the type used in Japanese cell phones) to see if it would promote liver cancer development. Despite using exposure levels up to 1.91 W/kg and finding evidence of biological stress (increased stress hormones), the radiation did not increase cancer-promoting changes in the liver. This suggests that cell phone radiation at these levels does not accelerate liver cancer progression in this animal model.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

GSM radiocellular telephones do not disturb the secretion of antepituitary hormones in humans.

de Seze R, Fabbro-Peray P, Miro L · 1998

French researchers exposed 20 healthy men to cell phone radiation for 2 hours daily over one month and measured six key hormones produced by the pituitary gland. They found no lasting changes in hormone levels, with only a temporary 21% decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone that returned to normal after exposure ended. This suggests that typical cell phone use doesn't cause permanent disruption to the body's hormone control center.

Radiofrequency (RF) sickness in the Lilienfeld Study: an effect of modulated microwaves?

Johnson Liakouris AG · 1998

Researchers re-examined health data from U.S. Embassy staff exposed to microwave radiation in Moscow during the Cold War, finding that previously dismissed symptoms matched a recognized pattern called radiofrequency sickness syndrome. The study suggests these health effects were linked to chronic exposure to low-intensity, modulated microwave radiation similar to what we encounter from modern wireless devices.

[Effect of mobile phone on life-saving and life-sustaining systems].

Irnich W, Tobisch R · 1998

German researchers tested how mobile phones interfere with 224 life-saving medical devices like respirators and defibrillators across 2,016 different scenarios. They found that while interference can occur, dangerous situations are extremely rare because multiple factors must align simultaneously and medical devices have built-in safety features. The study concluded that blanket hospital bans on mobile phones are based on theoretical fears rather than actual evidence, recommending instead a simple 1-meter distance rule from medical equipment.

Preliminary report: symptoms associated with mobile phone use.

Hocking, B · 1998

Researchers surveyed 40 mobile phone users who experienced unusual symptoms like burning sensations and dull aches in their head and ears during or after phone calls. These symptoms typically started within minutes of use and lasted up to an hour afterward, with 75% of cases linked to digital phones. The study found that most people got relief by changing how they used their phones or switching to different devices.

Odontologic survey of referred patients with symptoms allegedly caused by electricity or visual display units.

Bergdahl J, Tillberg A, Stenman E. · 1998

Swedish researchers examined 28 patients who reported health symptoms they believed were caused by electricity or computer screens (visual display units). The study found these patients had various dental and oral health problems, including jaw dysfunction, mouth burning, and reduced saliva production. While the study couldn't prove electricity caused these symptoms, it suggests that dental health issues might contribute to the suffering experienced by people who report electrical sensitivity.

Extraordinary behavior disorders in cows in proximity to transmission stations.

Loscher W, Kas G, · 1998

German researchers studied dairy cows living near TV and cell phone transmission towers and found significant behavioral abnormalities over a two-year period. When they moved an affected cow 20 kilometers away from the antennas, its behavior completely normalized within five days, but the problems returned when the cow was brought back. The study suggests that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from the transmission equipment were the likely cause of these behavioral changes.

Ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses: lack of effects on heart rate and blood pressure during two-minute exposures of rats.

Jauchem JR et al. · 1998

Researchers exposed 10 anesthetized rats to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses at very high intensities (87-104 kV/m electric field strength) for two minutes and monitored their heart rate and blood pressure. They found no immediate changes in either cardiovascular measure during or after exposure. This suggests that short-term exposure to these specific high-intensity electromagnetic pulses does not cause immediate cardiovascular effects in rats.

Thermophysiological responses of human volunteers during controlled whole-body radio frequency exposure at 450 MHz.

Adair ER, Kelleher SA, Mack GW, Morocco TS, · 1998

Researchers exposed seven people to 450 MHz radio waves for 45 minutes to study heat effects. The RF energy increased sweating but participants' bodies successfully maintained normal core temperature through natural cooling. This shows human thermoregulation can handle these RF exposure levels effectively.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Absence of chronic effect of exposure to short-wave radio broadcast signal on salivary melatonin concentrations in dairy cattle.

Stark KD, Krebs T, Altpeter E, Manz B, Griot C, Abelin T · 1997

Swiss researchers studied dairy cows living near a powerful short-wave radio transmitter to see if radio frequency radiation affected their melatonin levels (a hormone that regulates sleep cycles). While they found no chronic reduction in melatonin over time, they discovered an intriguing pattern: when the transmitter was turned back on after being off for three days, cows near the transmitter showed significantly higher melatonin levels on the first night of re-exposure. This suggests radio frequency fields may cause acute disruptions to biological rhythms, even if long-term effects aren't apparent.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Age does not affect thermal and cardiorespiratory responses to microwave heating in calorically restricted rats.

Ryan KL, Walters TJ, Tehrany MR, Lovelace JD, Jauchem JR · 1997

Researchers exposed rats of different ages to 35 GHz microwave radiation until death to study whether age affects how the body responds to microwave heating. They found that young, middle-aged, and older rats all showed identical patterns of rising body temperature and heart rate during exposure, with no age-related differences in survival time. This suggests that age doesn't change how mammals respond to intense microwave heating.

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