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)

Nonlinear EEG activation evoked by low-strength low-frequency magnetic fields.

Carrubba S, Frilot C, Chesson AL, Marino AA. · 2007

Researchers exposed eight people to weak 60 Hz magnetic fields (1 gauss) for 2 seconds and measured their brain activity using specialized electrodes. They discovered that human brains can detect these low-level magnetic fields and respond in complex, nonlinear ways that standard testing methods miss. This suggests humans may have an evolutionary magnetic sensing ability that makes us vulnerable to artificial electromagnetic fields in our environment.

Change of nitric oxide concentration in men exposed to a 1.5 T constant magnetic field

Sirmatel O, Sert C, Tümer C, Oztürk A, Bilgin M, Ziylan Z · 2007

Researchers exposed 33 healthy young men to the strong magnetic field from an MRI machine (1.5 Tesla) for 30 minutes and measured changes in nitric oxide, a molecule that helps regulate blood flow and cellular function. They found that nitric oxide levels increased significantly after the magnetic field exposure compared to before. This suggests that even brief exposure to strong magnetic fields can trigger measurable biological changes in the body.

Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index in the men exposed to 1.5 T static magnetic field.

Sirmatel O, Sert C, Sirmatel F, Selek S, Yokus B · 2007

Researchers exposed 33 men to the strong magnetic field from an MRI machine (1.5 Tesla) and measured markers of oxidative stress in their blood before and after exposure. Surprisingly, they found that the magnetic field actually reduced oxidative stress by increasing the body's antioxidant capacity and decreasing harmful oxidants. This suggests that short-term exposure to strong static magnetic fields may have protective rather than harmful effects on cellular health.

Affective response to 5 microT ELF magnetic field-induced physiological changes.

Stevens P · 2007

Researchers exposed people to extremely low frequency magnetic fields at 5 microTesla (similar to standing near some household appliances) pulsing at brain wave frequencies of 8-12 Hz. Participants reported changes in their emotional state during exposure, and brain measurements showed altered electrical activity patterns. This suggests that even relatively weak magnetic fields can influence both how people feel and measurable brain function.

Exposure to an additional alternating magnetic field affects comb building by worker hornets.

Ishay JS et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed worker hornets to weak 50 Hz magnetic fields (similar to power line frequency) for two weeks and found dramatic disruptions in their natural building behavior. The exposed hornets built 35-55% fewer cells, created deformed hexagonal structures, and produced more fragile comb stems compared to unexposed hornets. This demonstrates that even very low-level magnetic field exposure can interfere with complex biological processes that insects rely on for survival.

Pulsed radio-frequency electromagnetic fields: dose-dependent effects on sleep, the sleep EEG and cognitive performance.

Regel SJ et al. · 2007

Swiss researchers exposed 15 men to cell phone-like radiation at different intensities for 30 minutes before sleep, then monitored their brain activity and cognitive performance. They found that stronger radiation caused measurable changes in brain wave patterns during sleep and slowed reaction times on memory tasks. This demonstrates a dose-response relationship, meaning higher radiation exposure produces more pronounced effects on brain function.

Mobile phone 'talk-mode' signal delays EEG-determined sleep onset.

Hung CS, Anderson C, Horne JA, McEvoy P · 2007

Researchers exposed 10 healthy young adults to different mobile phone signal modes for 30 minutes, then measured how long it took them to fall asleep. They found that exposure to 'talk mode' signals significantly delayed sleep onset compared to listening mode or no signal exposure. The study suggests that the specific signal patterns phones emit during calls may interfere with the brain's natural transition to sleep.

Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz) induces Egr-1 gene expression and affects cell-cycle control in human neuroblastoma cells.

Buttiglione M et al. · 2007

Researchers exposed human brain cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) at power levels similar to what your phone emits. They found that this radiation activated stress response genes, disrupted normal cell division, and triggered cell death pathways. The effects occurred at radiation levels considered 'safe' by current standards, suggesting that RF exposure may interfere with fundamental cellular processes in brain tissue.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma risk in Japan.

Takebayashi T et al. · 2006

Japanese researchers studied 101 people with acoustic neuromas (benign tumors on the nerve connecting the ear to the brain) and compared their mobile phone use to 339 healthy controls. They found no increased risk of developing these tumors among mobile phone users, even those who used phones for over 8 years or accumulated more than 900 hours of call time. The study suggests mobile phone use does not significantly increase acoustic neuroma risk in Japan.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of thirty minutes mobile phone use on the human sensory cortex.

Yuasa K et al. · 2006

Japanese researchers tested whether 30 minutes of mobile phone use affects brain activity by measuring electrical signals in the sensory cortex (the brain region that processes touch and sensation) in 12 healthy volunteers. They found no changes in brain activity after phone exposure compared to fake exposure. This suggests that short-term mobile phone use doesn't immediately alter how your brain processes sensory information.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

[Global gene response to GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field in MCF-7 cells.]

Wang LL, Chen GD, Lu DQ, Chiang H, Xu ZP. · 2006

Researchers exposed breast cancer cells (MCF-7) to cell phone radiation at 1800 MHz for 24 hours to see if it would change gene activity. They found essentially no meaningful changes in gene expression, even when using exposure levels higher than typical cell phone use. The study suggests that this type of radiation may not significantly alter how genes function in these particular cells.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic Studies in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed In Vitro to 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz Radiofrequency Radiation.

Vijayalaxmi · 2006

Researchers exposed human blood cells to radiofrequency radiation at 2.45 GHz and 8.2 GHz (frequencies used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 2 hours to see if it caused genetic damage. They found no significant increase in chromosomal damage or DNA breaks compared to unexposed cells. This suggests that short-term RF exposure at these power levels may not directly damage genetic material in blood cells.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

In vitro effects of GSM modulated radiofrequency fields on human immune cells.

Tuschl H, Novak W, Molla-Djafari H. · 2006

Researchers exposed human immune cells to cell phone radiation at 1950 MHz for 8 hours to see if it affected immune function. They tested multiple immune system markers including cytokine production (chemical messengers that coordinate immune responses) and gene activity. The study found no statistically significant effects on any immune parameters tested.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of thirty-minute mobile phone use on visuo-motor reaction time.

Terao Y, Okano T, Furubayashi T, Ugawa Y · 2006

Researchers tested whether 30 minutes of mobile phone use affects reaction time and movement speed in visual-motor tasks. In a well-designed study with 16 people, they found no differences in performance between real phone exposure and fake exposure. This suggests that short-term mobile phone use doesn't impair basic motor coordination or reaction speed.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Effect of acute exposure to microwave from mobile phone on DNA damage and repair of cultured human lens epithelial cells in vitro.

Sun LX, Yao K, He JL, Lu DQ, Wang KJ, Li HW · 2006

Chinese researchers exposed human eye lens cells to mobile phone radiation (1.8 GHz) at different power levels for 2 hours to see if it damaged DNA. They found that lower exposure levels (1-3 W/kg SAR) caused either no DNA damage or damage that the cells could repair within an hour, but the highest level (4 W/kg SAR) caused permanent DNA damage that cells couldn't fix.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

935 MHz cellular phone radiation. An in vitro study of genotoxicity in human lymphocytes

Stronati L et al. · 2006

Italian and British researchers exposed human immune cells (lymphocytes) to 935 MHz cell phone radiation for 24 hours at levels similar to what tissues experience during phone use. Using multiple DNA damage tests, they found no genetic damage from the radiation alone, and the radiation didn't make X-ray damage worse. This suggests that 24-hour exposure to this type of cell phone radiation doesn't directly break DNA or interfere with DNA repair.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

Hsp70 expression and free radical release after exposure to non-thermal radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultrafine particles in human Mono Mac 6 cells.

Simko M et al. · 2006

German researchers exposed human immune cells (monocytes) to radiofrequency radiation at 2 W/kg SAR - similar to cell phone levels - while also testing exposure to ultrafine air pollution particles. They measured two key stress indicators: free radical production and heat shock proteins. While the air pollution particles triggered significant stress responses, the RF radiation produced no measurable effects on either stress marker, even when combined with the particles.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found257 citations

Cellular Telephone Use and Cancer Risk: Update of a nationwide Danish cohort.

Schüz J et al. · 2006

Danish researchers followed 420,095 cell phone subscribers for up to 21 years to see if mobile phone use increased cancer risk. They found no increased risk for brain tumors, acoustic neuromas, or other cancers typically associated with phone use, even among people who used phones for 10 years or more. This large-scale study suggests that cell phone use does not significantly increase cancer risk over the long term.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Base Stations of DECT Cordless Phones and the Risk of Glioma and Meningioma (Interphone Study Group, Germany).

Schuz J et al. · 2006

German researchers studied 747 brain tumor patients and 1,494 healthy controls to see if sleeping near DECT cordless phone base stations increases brain tumor risk. They found no increased risk of glioma or meningioma brain tumors, with odds ratios of 0.82 and 0.83 respectively (values below 1.0 suggest slightly reduced risk). This provides initial evidence that low-level radiofrequency exposure from cordless phone base stations may not increase brain tumor risk.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found245 citations

Cellular phones, cordless phones, and the risks of glioma and meningioma (Interphone Study Group, Germany).

Schuz J et al. · 2006

German researchers studied 747 brain tumor patients and 1,494 healthy controls to examine whether cell phone and cordless phone use increases the risk of glioma and meningioma (two types of brain tumors). While they found no overall increased risk from phone use, people who used cell phones for 10 or more years showed a 2.2-fold higher risk of glioma, though this finding wasn't statistically definitive. The results suggest potential long-term risks that require further investigation.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Exposure to radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz, GSM signal) does not affect micronucleus frequency and cell proliferation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: an interlaboratory study.

Scarfi MR et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human blood cells to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) for 24 hours at various power levels to see if it caused DNA damage or affected cell growth. The study found no evidence of genetic damage or harmful effects on the cells, even at exposure levels up to 10 watts per kilogram. Two independent laboratories confirmed these results using cells from 10 different healthy volunteers.

Cellular EffectsNo Effects Found

Human skin cell stress response to GSM-900 mobile phone signals. In vitro study on isolated primary cells and reconstructed epidermis

Sanchez S et al. · 2006

Researchers exposed human skin cells to cell phone radiation at the legal safety limit (2 W/kg SAR) for 48 hours to see if it triggered cellular stress responses. They found minimal changes - no cell death or tissue damage, with only slight increases in one stress protein in some cell types. The results suggest that skin cells can adapt to this level of radiofrequency exposure without harmful effects.

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