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

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Key Finding: 77% of 274 studies on immune system found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 274 studies examining immune system, 77% found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure.

Lowest Documented Effect

Research found effects on immune system at exposures as low as:

Study Exposure Level in ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in Context0.00000052, 0.00001536, 0.00021268Extreme Concern1,000 uW/m2FCC Limit10M uW/m2Effects observed in the No Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 19,230,769,230,769x higher than this exposure level

Research Overview

  • -When 106 out of 129 studies (82.2%) document immune system effects from electromagnetic field exposure, we're looking at one of the most consistently demonstrated biological impacts of EMF.
  • -The science demonstrates that your body's natural defense system responds to wireless radiation in ways that can compromise your ability to fight infections, heal from injuries, and maintain optimal health.
  • -Research has documented a range of immune system disruptions, from reduced white blood cell counts and altered antibody production to increased inflammatory markers and compromised cellular repair mechanisms.

When 106 out of 129 studies (82.2%) document immune system effects from electromagnetic field exposure, we're looking at one of the most consistently demonstrated biological impacts of EMF. The science demonstrates that your body's natural defense system responds to wireless radiation in ways that can compromise your ability to fight infections, heal from injuries, and maintain optimal health.

While we don't yet have as many studies specifically examining EMF effects on immune function as we do for other biological systems, the evidence that does exist points to concerning patterns.

Importantly, many effects occur at exposure levels below those causing significant body temperature increases, with some studies showing responses at specific absorption rates as low as 0.14 W/kg.

Source: BioInitiative Working Group. BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for Biologically-based Public Exposure Standards for Electromagnetic Radiation. Edited by Cindy Sage and David O. Carpenter, BioInitiative, 2012, updated 2020. www.bioinitiative.org

Showing 274 studies

Exposure to radiation from single or combined radio frequencies provokes macrophage dysfunction in the RAW 264.7 cell line.

López-Furelos A et al. · 2018

Spanish researchers exposed immune cells (macrophages) to radio frequency radiation at cell phone frequencies (900 MHz and 2450 MHz) for up to 72 hours. They found that the radiation significantly impaired the cells' ability to fight infections and triggered inflammatory responses, with combined frequencies causing more damage than single frequencies. This suggests that everyday exposure to multiple wireless signals simultaneously may compromise immune function.

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.

Taheri M et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed two types of bacteria (Listeria and E. coli) to radiofrequency radiation from cell phones (900 MHz) and Wi-Fi routers (2.4 GHz) to see if it affected how well antibiotics worked against them. They found that RF exposure made these disease-causing bacteria more resistant to antibiotics, meaning the medications became less effective at killing them. This could have serious implications for treating infections, as it suggests our wireless devices might be contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The response of human bacteria to static magnetic field and radiofrequency electromagnetic field.

Crabtree DPE, Herrera BJ, Kang S. · 2017

Researchers at Baylor University exposed bacteria from human skin to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (the type emitted by cell phones) and found that these exposures altered bacterial growth patterns. The study tested both laboratory bacteria and skin bacteria samples from people with different cell phone usage histories, finding variable but consistent disruption across different bacterial species. This suggests that cell phone radiation may be disrupting the beneficial bacteria that naturally live on our skin, potentially affecting human health through this disrupted relationship.

Effect of long-term exposure of mice to 900 MHz GSM radiation on experimental cutaneous candidiasis.

Bayat M, Hemati S, Soleimani-Estyar R, Shahin-Jafari A. · 2017

Researchers exposed mice to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for 6 hours daily over several weeks, then infected them with a common fungal pathogen (Candida) to test their immune response. The radiation-exposed mice showed delayed wound healing, higher infection levels in their skin, and increased susceptibility to life-threatening systemic infections. This suggests that chronic exposure to cell phone frequencies may weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infections.

Alterations of thymic morphology and antioxidant biomarkers in 60-day-old male rats following exposure to a continuous 900 MHz electromagnetic field during adolescence.

Kulaber A, Kerimoğlu G, Ersöz Ş, Çolakoğlu S, Odacı E. · 2017

Researchers exposed young male rats to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for one hour daily during their adolescent development period. The exposed rats showed increased oxidative stress in their thymus (a key immune system organ) and tissue damage including bleeding into the tissue. This suggests that RF radiation during development may harm the immune system by creating damaging free radicals.

Behavioral testing of mice exposed to intermediate frequency magnetic fields indicates mild memory impairment.

Kumari K et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed mice to intermediate frequency magnetic fields (7.5 kHz) for 5 weeks and tested their learning and memory abilities. Mice exposed to higher field levels showed impaired memory performance and increased brain inflammation markers. This suggests that magnetic fields from common sources like induction cooktops and security systems may affect cognitive function.

Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field from 915 MHz radiofrequency identification system on circulating blood cells in the healthy adult rat.

Kim HS et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed rats to 915 MHz radiofrequency radiation (used in RFID systems) for 8 hours daily over 2 weeks. They found measurable changes in blood cell counts - red blood cells increased while white blood cells decreased, demonstrating RF radiation can alter blood composition at moderate exposure levels.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field protects injured spinal cord from the microglia- and iron-induced tissue damage.

Dey S, Bose S, Kumar S, Rathore R, Mathur R, Jain S. · 2017

Researchers exposed rats with severed spinal cords to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz at 17.96 µT) for 2 hours daily over 8 weeks. The magnetic field treatment significantly improved locomotion and reduced inflammation, tissue damage, and iron buildup at the injury site compared to untreated injured rats. This suggests that certain EMF exposures might actually help the nervous system heal from traumatic injuries.

Effect of 50-Hz sinusoidal magnetic field on the production of superoxide anion and the expression of heat-shock protein 70 in RAW264 cells

Pooam M, Nakayama M, Nishigaki C, Miyata H · 2017

Scientists exposed immune cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields from power lines at levels found near electrical devices. The magnetic fields damaged cellular energy centers, increased harmful free radicals, and triggered stress responses. This suggests everyday magnetic field exposure may stress our immune systems.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure enhances inflammatory response and inhibits effect of antioxidant in RAW 264.7 cells.

Kim SJ et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed immune cells called macrophages to 60 Hz magnetic fields at 0.8 mT (similar to power line frequencies) and found the fields significantly increased inflammatory responses. The EMF exposure boosted production of inflammatory molecules like nitric oxide and cytokines, while also reducing the effectiveness of antioxidants that normally help control inflammation. This suggests that everyday electromagnetic field exposure might make our immune cells more prone to chronic inflammation.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Evaluation of cell viability, DNA single-strand breaks, and nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW264 exposed to a 50-Hz magnetic field.

Nakayama M, Nakamura A, Hondou T, Miyata H · 2016

Researchers exposed immune cells called macrophages to 50-Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for 24 hours to see if it would damage their DNA. They found that magnetic field exposure alone caused no harm, but when cells were first activated by bacterial toxins, the magnetic field exposure increased DNA damage and reduced cell survival.

Cell phone use is associated with an inflammatory cytokine profile of parotid gland saliva.

Siqueira EC et al. · 2016

Researchers analyzed saliva from the parotid glands (located near the jaw) in 83 people who regularly use cell phones, comparing the side exposed to phone radiation with the unexposed side. They found that the exposed side showed signs of inflammation, with decreased levels of an anti-inflammatory protein and increased levels of a pro-inflammatory protein. The inflammatory changes were more pronounced in people who had used cell phones for over 10 years, suggesting cumulative effects from long-term exposure.

Effect of electromagnetic waves from mobile phone on immune status of male rats: possible protective role of vitamin D.

El-Gohary OA, Said MA. · 2016

Researchers exposed male rats to mobile phone radiation for either 1 or 2 hours daily over 30 days and measured changes in their immune systems. They found that phone radiation significantly weakened multiple immune markers (antibodies and white blood cells), with longer exposures causing greater damage. Importantly, rats given vitamin D supplements showed protection against these immune system effects.

Inhibition of STAT3- and MAPK-dependent PGE2 synthesis ameliorates phagocytosis of fibrillar β-amyloid peptide (1-42) via EP2 receptor in EMF-stimulated N9 microglial cells.

He GL et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed brain immune cells called microglia to electromagnetic fields and found that EMF exposure significantly impaired the cells' ability to clear harmful amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The EMF exposure triggered inflammatory pathways that reduced the cells' cleaning function by 30-40%. This suggests EMF exposure could potentially accelerate brain aging by preventing normal cellular housekeeping.

Induction of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase in Mouse Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Exposed to 900 MHz Radiofrequency Fields: Preliminary Observations.

He Q, Sun Y, Zong L, Tong J, Cao Y. · 2016

Researchers exposed mouse bone marrow cells to cell phone-level radiation for three hours daily over five days. The cells showed significant increases in PARP-1, a protein that repairs DNA damage, suggesting the radiation triggered cellular stress requiring DNA repair mechanisms.

Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation on Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells.

Gläser K et al. · 2016

German researchers exposed human blood stem cells (the cells that create all blood cells in your body) to cell phone radiation at three different frequencies for up to 66 hours. They tested multiple biological endpoints including DNA damage, cell death, and oxidative stress. Surprisingly, they found that GSM radiation actually caused a small decrease in DNA damage compared to unexposed cells, while showing no other significant effects.

Electromagnetic pulse activated brain microglia via the p38 MAPK pathway

Yang LL et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed rats to electromagnetic pulses (EMP) at extremely high levels and found that these exposures activated microglia, the brain's immune cells, causing inflammation. The study identified that this brain immune response happened through a specific cellular pathway called p38 MAPK, and the effects were measurable within hours of exposure. This research helps explain one biological mechanism by which electromagnetic fields might affect brain function.

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields regulate differentiation of regulatory T cells: Potential role for ROS-mediated inhibition on AKT

Tang R, Xu Y, Ma F, Ren J, Shen S, Du Y, Hou Y, Wang T · 2016

Researchers exposed mice with lung cancer to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (7.5 Hz, 0.4 Tesla) for 2 hours daily over 27 days and found the treatment significantly reduced tumor spread in the lungs. The magnetic fields worked by altering immune cell behavior - specifically reducing regulatory T cells (immune cells that normally suppress anti-tumor responses) and increasing cellular stress molecules called reactive oxygen species. This suggests that certain magnetic field exposures might enhance the body's natural ability to fight cancer by modifying immune system function.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

A Genotoxic Analysis on Hematopoietic system after Mobile Phone Type Radiation Exposure in Rats.

Kumar G, McIntosh RL, Anderson V, McKenzie RJ, Wood AW. · 2015

Researchers exposed rat bone marrow to mobile phone radiation at 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies to test for genetic damage and effects on blood cell production. They tested both continuous and pulsed signals at power levels ranging from 2 to 12.4 watts per kilogram. The study found no significant changes in cell growth or DNA damage in the bone marrow cells after exposure.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

A genotoxic analysis of the hematopoietic system after mobile phone type radiation exposure in rats.

Kumar G, McIntosh RL, Anderson V, McKenzie RJ, Wood AW. · 2015

Researchers exposed rat bone marrow to cell phone-type radiation at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies to test for DNA damage and changes in blood cell production. They found no significant effects on genetic damage or cell growth at radiation levels of 2-2.5 watts per kilogram, which are similar to current safety limits. This study suggests that short-term exposure to these specific radiation levels may not cause immediate DNA damage in blood-forming cells.

EMF radiation at 2450MHz triggers changes in the morphology and expression of heat shock proteins and glucocorticoid receptors in rat thymus.

Misa-Agustiño MJ et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi) and found it caused visible damage to the thymus, a key immune system organ. The radiation triggered cellular stress responses, increased blood vessel leakage, and altered stress proteins even at levels below those that cause heating. This suggests that EMF exposure can disrupt immune system function through non-thermal biological mechanisms.

Learn More

For a comprehensive exploration of EMF health effects including immune system, along with practical protection strategies, explore these books by R Blank and Dr. Martin Blank.

FAQs: EMF & Immune System

When 106 out of 129 studies (82.2%) document immune system effects from electromagnetic field exposure, we're looking at one of the most consistently demonstrated biological impacts of EMF. The science demonstrates that your body's natural defense system responds to wireless radiation in ways that can compromise your ability to fight infections, heal from injuries, and maintain optimal health.
The BioInitiative Report database includes 274 peer-reviewed studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and immune system. These studies have been conducted by researchers worldwide and published in scientific journals. The research spans multiple decades and includes various types of EMF sources including cell phones, WiFi, power lines, and other common sources of electromagnetic radiation.
77% of the 274 studies examining immune system found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 210 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 23% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.