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 1,359 studies (Human Studies)

Blocking 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation-induced reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in lens epithelial cells by noise magnetic fields.

Wu W, Yao K, Wang KJ, Lu DQ, He JL, Xu LH, Sun WJ. · 2008

Researchers exposed human eye lens cells to cell phone radiation at levels four times higher than safety limits and found it caused DNA damage and increased harmful reactive oxygen species (molecules that damage cells). However, when they simultaneously exposed the cells to electromagnetic noise fields, this completely blocked the DNA damage and cellular harm from the phone radiation.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induce genotoxic effects in vitro in human fibroblasts but not in lymphocytes.

Schwarz C et al. · 2008

German researchers exposed human cells to cell phone radiation (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) at levels well below safety limits to test for DNA damage. They found that skin cells (fibroblasts) showed significant genetic damage at extremely low exposure levels - as little as 0.05 W/kg, which is 40 times lower than the current safety limit. However, immune cells (lymphocytes) showed no damage, suggesting different cell types respond differently to radiofrequency radiation.

Increased levels of numerical chromosome aberrations after in vitro exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for 72 hours.

Mazor R et al. · 2008

Researchers exposed human blood cells to 800 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 72 hours at levels close to current safety limits. They found significant increases in chromosome abnormalities called aneuploidy, where cells had the wrong number of chromosomes. This type of genetic damage can contribute to cancer development and other health problems.

Effects of modulated microwave radiation at cellular telephone frequency (1.95 GHz) on X-ray-induced chromosome aberrations in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Manti L et al. · 2008

Researchers exposed human blood cells to cell phone radiation, then X-rays, to test DNA damage effects. While radiation didn't increase damaged cells overall, it increased chromosome damage within affected cells by a small but significant amount, suggesting interference with DNA repair processes.

Magnetic Fields (ELF)No Effects Found

Frequency spectra from current vs. magnetic flux density measurements for mobile phones and other electrical appliances.

Straume A, Johnsson A, Oftedal G, Wilén J · 2007

Norwegian researchers compared two methods for measuring electromagnetic field exposure from mobile phones and household appliances like hair dryers and electric drills. They found that using battery current measurements (a common shortcut in research) can overestimate phone exposures by up to 220% or underestimate appliance exposures by up to 230% compared to direct magnetic field measurements. This means many EMF exposure studies may have inaccurate data, highlighting the need for more precise measurement techniques.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Short GSM mobile phone exposure does not alter human auditory brainstem response.

Stefanics G et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed 30 healthy young adults to 10 minutes of 900 MHz radiation from a Nokia cell phone and measured their auditory brainstem response (ABR), which tracks how sound signals travel from the ear to the brain. They found no immediate changes in ABR timing compared to sham exposure. This suggests short-term cell phone use doesn't immediately disrupt the basic hearing pathway in the brainstem.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found101 citations

Genotoxic effects of exposure to radiofrequencyelectromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in cultured mammalian cells are not independently reproducible.

Speit G, Schütz P, Hoffmann H. · 2007

German researchers attempted to replicate the controversial REFLEX study findings that showed cell phone radiation (1800 MHz) could damage DNA in human cells. Using identical equipment, cells, and exposure conditions, they found no DNA damage whatsoever. This directly contradicted the original REFLEX results that had suggested radiofrequency radiation at levels similar to cell phones could be genotoxic (DNA-damaging).

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

High-resolution numerical model of the middle and inner ear for a detailed analysis of radio frequency absorption.

Schmid G et al. · 2007

Researchers created a detailed computer model of the human inner and middle ear to measure how much radiofrequency energy is absorbed from cell phones held near the head. They found that typical mobile phones deposit extremely small amounts of energy in ear structures - less than 166 microwatts even at the highest frequency tested. The study concluded that cell phone radiation is unlikely to cause temperature-related damage to hearing organs.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

The dielectric properties of human pineal gland tissue and RF absorption due to wireless communication devices in the frequency range 400-1850 MHz.

Schmid G et al. · 2007

Researchers measured how much radiofrequency energy from cell phones actually reaches the pineal gland, a small brain structure that produces melatonin and regulates sleep cycles. Using tissue samples from 20 human pineal glands and computer modeling, they found that even when a phone operates at maximum power next to your ear, only tiny amounts of RF energy (11 microwatts) are absorbed by this deep brain structure. The scientists concluded that cell phone radiation is unlikely to cause temperature-related effects in the pineal gland.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

In Vitro Study of the Stress Response of Human Skin Cells to GSM-1800 Mobile Phone Signals Compared to UVB Radiation and Heat Shock.

Sanchez et al. · 2007

French researchers exposed human skin cells to GSM cell phone signals at the maximum allowed exposure level for 48 hours, looking for signs of cellular stress like those caused by heat or UV radiation. They found no evidence that the radiofrequency radiation caused stress responses or cell death, unlike the positive control treatments that clearly damaged cells. This suggests that cell phone radiation at current safety limits may not directly harm skin cells in laboratory conditions.

Reproductive HealthNo Effects Found

Effects of Subchronic Exposure to Radio Frequency From a Conventional Cellular Telephone on Testicular Function in Adult Rats.

Ribeiro EP, Rhoden EL, Horn MM, Rhoden C, Lima LP, Toniolo L · 2007

Researchers exposed adult rats to cell phone radiation (1,835-1,850 MHz) for one hour daily over 11 weeks to test effects on reproductive function. They found no changes in testosterone levels, sperm count, testicular weight, or tissue damage compared to unexposed rats. This study suggests that typical cell phone radiation exposure may not harm male fertility in the short term.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Comparison of the effects of continuous and pulsed mobile phone like RF exposure on the human EEG.

Perentos N, Croft RJ, McKenzie RJ, Cvetkovic D, Cosic I. · 2007

Researchers exposed 12 people to mobile phone-like radiofrequency radiation for 15 minutes and measured their brain waves (EEG patterns) to see if the exposure affected brain activity. They found no changes in brain wave patterns from either pulsed or continuous RF exposure. This study failed to replicate earlier research that had found brain wave changes, possibly because this study used more realistic exposure levels that better match actual phone use.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of GSM Cellular Phones on Human Hearing: The European Project "GUARD".

Parazzini M et al. · 2007

European researchers tested whether 10 minutes of GSM cell phone exposure affects hearing in healthy young adults. They used comprehensive hearing tests including threshold levels and inner ear function measurements, comparing real phone exposure to fake exposure in a double-blind study. The results showed no detectable changes to any aspect of hearing function from the electromagnetic field exposure.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Electromagnetic fields produced by GSM cellular phones and heart rate variability.

Parazzini M et al. · 2007

Italian researchers exposed 26 healthy young adults to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz (2 watts) while measuring heart rate variability, which reflects how well the autonomic nervous system regulates heart rhythm. The study found no statistically significant effects on heart rate patterns during either rest or physical stress, though some minor changes were detected in a few measurements. This suggests that short-term cell phone exposure at typical power levels doesn't meaningfully disrupt the body's automatic control of heart function.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found

Effects of mobile phone exposure on time frequency fine structure of transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions.

Paglialonga A et al. · 2007

Researchers tested whether 10 minutes of mobile phone exposure affects the inner ear's ability to produce tiny sounds called otoacoustic emissions (natural sounds the ear makes to help us hear). They used sophisticated wavelet analysis to detect even subtle changes in 27 healthy young adults in a double-blind study. The results showed no changes in ear function after GSM phone exposure, confirming that short-term mobile phone use doesn't appear to harm the delicate sound-producing cells of the inner ear.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found112 citations

Mobile phone headache: a double blind, sham-controlled provocation study.

Oftedal G, Straume A, Johnsson A, Stovner L · 2007

Researchers tested 17 people who claimed mobile phones caused their headaches by exposing them to real phone radiation and fake radiation without telling them which was which. The participants actually reported slightly more pain during the fake exposures than the real ones, and their heart rate and blood pressure didn't change based on whether they received real or fake radiation. This suggests mobile phone headaches are likely a nocebo effect - where expecting negative effects can actually cause symptoms even without real exposure.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found124 citations

Cellular phone use and brain tumor: a meta-analysis.

Kan P, Simonsen SE, Lyon JL, Kestle JR. · 2007

Researchers analyzed nine case-control studies involving over 17,000 people to examine whether cell phone use increases brain tumor risk. They found no overall increased risk for typical users, but discovered a 25% higher risk among people who used cell phones for 10 years or longer. This suggests that while short-term use appears relatively safe, long-term exposure may pose health concerns that require further investigation.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Influence of a 902.4 MHz GSM signal on the human visual system: investigation of the discrimination threshold.

Irlenbusch L et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed 33 people to GSM mobile phone signals near their eyes to test whether radiofrequency radiation affects visual sensitivity (the ability to detect light differences). Using exposure levels similar to holding a phone close to your face, they found no measurable changes in visual discrimination abilities during 30-minute exposure sessions. This suggests that typical mobile phone use doesn't immediately impair basic visual function.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of high frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phones on the human motor cortex.

Inomata-Terada S et al. · 2007

Japanese researchers tested whether 30 minutes of cell phone radiation affects brain motor control by measuring electrical signals in the motor cortex (the brain region that controls movement) before and after phone exposure in 10 healthy volunteers and 2 multiple sclerosis patients. They found no changes in brain activity or motor function after phone exposure compared to fake exposure. The study suggests short-term cell phone use doesn't immediately impair the brain's ability to control muscle movement.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Mobile phone base station-emitted radiation does not induce phosphorylation of Hsp27.

Hirose H et al. · 2007

Japanese researchers exposed human brain and lung cells to radiofrequency radiation at levels similar to cell tower emissions (2.1 GHz) for up to 48 hours. They found no changes in heat shock proteins (cellular stress markers that increase when cells are damaged) even at exposure levels 10 times higher than public safety limits. This suggests that cell tower-level RF radiation does not trigger detectable cellular stress responses in laboratory conditions.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Use of cellular and cordless telephones and risk of testicular cancer.

Hardell L et al. · 2007

Swedish researchers studied 888 men with testicular cancer and 870 healthy controls to see if using cell phones or cordless phones increased cancer risk. They found no meaningful association between phone use and either type of testicular cancer (seminoma or non-seminoma), with risk estimates hovering around normal levels regardless of phone type. The study also found no connection between where men kept their phones (like trouser pockets) and cancer development.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Pulsed and continuous wave mobile phone exposure over left versus right hemisphere: Effects on human cognitive function.

Haarala C et al. · 2007

Finnish researchers exposed 36 healthy men to mobile phone radiation at two different power levels (continuous and pulsed waves) while they performed cognitive tests, comparing left-brain versus right-brain exposure. They found no measurable effects on thinking abilities, reaction times, or other brain functions from either type of phone radiation. This suggests that typical mobile phone use doesn't impair basic cognitive performance in healthy adults.

Sleep & Circadian RhythmNo Effects Found

Effects of short- and long-term pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on night sleep and cognitive functions in healthy subjects.

Fritzer G et al. · 2007

German researchers exposed 10 healthy young men to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (similar to cell phone radiation) for six consecutive nights while monitoring their sleep patterns and cognitive performance. The study found no significant effects on sleep quality, brain wave patterns during sleep, or mental function tests. This suggests that short-term RF exposure at the levels tested does not disrupt sleep or thinking abilities in healthy individuals.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found142 citations

Does short-term exposure to mobile phone base station signals increase symptoms in individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic fields? A double-blind randomized provocation study.

Eltiti S et al. · 2007

Researchers tested whether people who report electromagnetic sensitivity experience symptoms when exposed to cell tower signals by comparing their reactions to real signals versus fake exposure. When participants knew what they were being exposed to, sensitive individuals reported feeling worse with real signals. However, when neither researchers nor participants knew which exposure was real (double-blind testing), the sensitive individuals showed no consistent negative reactions to the cell tower signals.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found

Survey of mobile phone use and their chronic effects on the hearing of a student population.

Davidson HC, Lutman ME. · 2007

Researchers surveyed 117 university students about their mobile phone use and hearing health to see if cell phone radiation causes hearing problems, tinnitus, or balance issues. They found that 94% of students used mobile phones regularly (up to 45 minutes daily for up to 7 years), but heavy users reported no more hearing problems than light users. The study suggests that typical mobile phone use doesn't appear to damage the hearing system, at least based on users' own reports of their symptoms.

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