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

Kinetic study on the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on catalase, cytochrome P450 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in human HaCaT and THP-1 cell lines.

Patruno A et al. · 2011

Researchers exposed human skin and immune cells to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields for 25 hours. The EMFs altered three key enzymes that protect cells from damage and control inflammation. These findings reveal new ways EMFs interact with cellular repair systems, potentially affecting wound healing and neurodegenerative diseases.

Reproductive HealthNo Effects Found

Prenatal exposure to non-ionizing radiation: effects of WiFi signals on pregnancy outcome, peripheral B-cell compartment and antibody production.

Sambucci M et al. · 2010

Italian researchers exposed pregnant mice to WiFi signals (2.45 GHz) for 2 hours daily during pregnancy to study effects on birth outcomes and immune system development in offspring. They found no differences in pregnancy success, birth weight, or immune function (specifically B-cells that produce antibodies) when offspring were tested at 5 weeks and 26 weeks of age. This suggests that prenatal WiFi exposure at these levels may not significantly impact reproductive outcomes or immune system development.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

1950 MHz IMT-2000 field does not activate microglial cells in vitro.

Hirose H et al. · 2010

Japanese researchers exposed rat brain immune cells called microglia to 1950 MHz cell phone radiation for 2 hours at various power levels, then monitored the cells for signs of activation or inflammation. They found no significant differences between exposed and unexposed cells in terms of immune markers or inflammatory proteins. This suggests that short-term exposure to 3G cell phone frequencies at typical power levels does not trigger immune responses in brain cells.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Microglial activation as a measure of stress in mouse brains exposed acutely (60 minutes) and long-term (2 years) to mobile telephone radiofrequency fields.

Finnie JW, Cai Z, Manavis J, Helps S, Blumbergs PC. · 2010

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz for either one hour or repeatedly over two years, then examined their brains for signs of microglial activation (immune cells that respond to brain stress or damage). They found no evidence that either short-term or long-term radiofrequency exposure activated these immune cells, even though the same cells responded strongly when brain tissue was physically damaged. This suggests that cell phone radiation at these levels may not trigger the brain's stress response mechanisms.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

1950 MHz IMT-2000 field does not activate microglial cells in vitro.

Hirose H et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain immune cells called microglia to cell phone radiation at levels up to 2.0 W/kg for two hours to see if it would activate an inflammatory response. They found no signs of activation or increased production of inflammatory molecules compared to unexposed cells. This suggests that moderate levels of cell phone radiation don't trigger brain inflammation in laboratory conditions.

The role of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in pro-inflammatory responses of EMF-stimulated N9 microglial cells.

Yang X, He G, Hao Y, Chen C, Li M, Wang Y, Zhang G, Yu Z. · 2010

Researchers exposed immune cells called microglia (brain cells that respond to threats) to electromagnetic fields and found they became activated and produced inflammatory molecules. The study identified a specific cellular pathway called JAK2-STAT3 that drives this inflammatory response. This matters because chronic brain inflammation is linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive problems.

STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in the activation of microglia induced by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields.

Hao Y, Yang X, Chen C, Yuan-Wang, Wang X, Li M, Yu Z. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain immune cells called microglia to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwaves) and found that this radiation activated inflammatory pathways in the cells. The EMF exposure triggered specific molecular changes that led to increased production of inflammatory proteins and nitric oxide. This matters because activated microglia contribute to brain inflammation, which is linked to neurological problems and brain diseases.

Effects of 900-MHz microwave radiation on gamma-ray-induced damage to mouse hematopoietic system.

Cao Y, Xu Q, Jin ZD, Zhang J, Lu MX, Nie JH, Tong J. · 2010

Researchers exposed mice to 900-MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) before exposing them to gamma radiation to see how it affected their blood-forming system. They found that the microwave exposure actually protected the mice from radiation damage, with less severe harm to bone marrow and spleen tissues. The protective effect appeared to work by boosting growth factors and helping blood-forming cells survive the gamma radiation.

Cellular Effects108 citations

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields modulate expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCat: potential therapeutic effects in wound healing.

Patruno A et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed human skin cells (keratinocytes) to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields to study potential wound healing effects. They found that EMF exposure increased production of nitric oxide and cell growth while reducing inflammatory markers. These cellular changes suggest ELF-EMF could potentially accelerate wound healing by promoting beneficial processes while reducing harmful inflammation.

Mechanisms involved in the blood-testis barrier increased permeability induced by EMP.

Wang XW et al. · 2010

Chinese researchers exposed male mice to electromagnetic pulses (intense bursts of electromagnetic energy) and found that this exposure damaged the blood-testis barrier, a protective wall that shields developing sperm from immune system attacks. The damage led to the production of antibodies that attack the mice's own sperm, potentially causing infertility. This suggests that electromagnetic pulse exposure could impair male fertility by triggering an autoimmune response against sperm.

Confirmation studies of Soviet research on immunological effects of microwaves: Russian immunology results.

Grigoriev YG et al. · 2010

Russian researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at levels similar to what cell phones emit (2450 MHz frequency) for 7 hours daily over 30 days. They found the radiation triggered immune system changes in brain tissue, causing the body to produce antibodies against its own brain cells. This suggests that even low-level microwave exposure may cause autoimmune reactions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

Effects of Exposure to GSM mobile phone base station signals on salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and Immunoglobulin A.

Augner C et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed 57 people to cell tower signals at different power levels and measured stress hormones in their saliva. They found that exposure to radiofrequency radiation increased cortisol (a stress hormone) and alpha-amylase (a stress enzyme) at power levels far below current safety guidelines. This suggests that even low-level cell tower radiation may trigger biological stress responses in the human body.

Impact of 1.8-GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on DNA damage and repair induced by doxorubicin in human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells.

Zhijian C et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed human immune cells to cell phone radiation (1.8 GHz) combined with a chemotherapy drug (doxorubicin) to see how radiation affects DNA repair. They found that while the radiation alone didn't damage DNA, it significantly interfered with the cells' ability to repair DNA damage caused by the chemotherapy drug. This suggests that cell phone radiation may impair the body's natural DNA repair mechanisms when cells are already stressed.

[Autoimmune processes after long-term low-level exposure to electromagnetic fields (the results of an experiment). Part 4. Manifestation of oxidative intracellular stress-reaction after long-term non-thermal EMF exposure of rats]

Grigor'ev IuG et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2450 MHz) for 7 hours daily over 30 days at non-heating levels. They found clear signs of oxidative stress in blood, indicating cellular damage from harmful free radicals. This suggests low-level microwave exposure can damage cells without heating tissue.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields affect the immune response of monocyte-derived macrophages to pathogens.

Akan Z, Aksu B, Tulunay A, Bilsel S, Inhan-Garip A · 2010

Researchers exposed immune cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields (power line frequency) while they fought bacterial infections. The magnetic field exposure boosted the cells' bacteria-fighting ability by increasing nitric oxide production and protective proteins. This suggests some EMF exposures might enhance rather than harm immune function.

The role of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in pro-inflammatory responses of EMF-stimulated N9 microglial cells

Yang X, He G, Hao Y, Chen C, Li M, Wang Y, Zhang G, Yu Z · 2010

Researchers exposed brain immune cells called microglia to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 20 minutes at high intensity. They found that this EMF exposure triggered inflammation in the brain cells by activating a specific molecular pathway called JAK2-STAT3, which led to increased production of inflammatory chemicals. This suggests that EMF exposure may contribute to brain inflammation through well-defined biological mechanisms.

STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in the activation of microglia induced by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields.

Hao Y, Yang X, Chen C, Yuan-Wang, Wang X, Li M, Yu Z · 2010

Researchers exposed brain immune cells called microglia to 2.45 GHz radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 20 minutes and found it activated these cells through a specific cellular pathway called STAT3. The activated microglia began producing inflammatory molecules including nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. This matters because microglial activation is linked to brain inflammation and neurological problems.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic effects of exposure to 2.3 GHz radiofrequency radiation on human lymphocytes in vitro.

Hansteen IL et al. · 2009

Norwegian researchers exposed human immune cells (lymphocytes) to 2.3 GHz radiofrequency radiation - similar to what cell phones emit - for an entire cell cycle to see if it would damage DNA or chromosomes. They found no statistically significant genetic damage compared to unexposed cells, even when they added a known DNA-damaging chemical to make cells more vulnerable. This suggests that RF radiation at levels used by mobile devices may not directly break chromosomes in immune cells under these laboratory conditions.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Cytogenetic effects of 18.0 and 16.5 GHz microwave radiation on human lymphocytes in vitro.

Hansteen IL et al. · 2009

Norwegian researchers exposed human immune cells (lymphocytes) to high-frequency microwave radiation at levels similar to industrial applications for 53 hours to test for DNA damage. They found no statistically significant genetic damage from either continuous 18.0 GHz or pulsed 16.5 GHz radiation, though the pulsed exposure showed a non-significant trend toward increased genetic abnormalities that the researchers said needs further study.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

A confirmation study of Russian and Ukrainian data on effects of 2450 MHz microwave exposure on immunological processes and teratology in rats.

de Gannes FP et al. · 2009

French researchers exposed pregnant rats to 2450 MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and WiFi) for 7 hours daily over 30 days to test whether this exposure affects immune function or causes birth defects. They found no effects on immune system markers or fetal development at the power levels tested. This study was designed to confirm earlier Russian and Ukrainian research that had suggested potential harmful effects.

Immune System128 citations

Disturbance of the immune system by electromagnetic fields-A potentially underlying cause for cellular damage and tissue repair reduction which could lead to disease and impairment.

Johansson O. · 2009

This comprehensive review by Swedish researcher Olle Johansson examined dozens of studies on how electromagnetic fields affect the immune system. The research shows that EMF exposure disrupts immune function by triggering allergic and inflammatory responses while impairing the body's ability to repair tissue damage. These immune disruptions occur at EMF levels well below current safety limits and may increase disease risk, including cancer.

Blood laboratory findings in patients suffering from self-perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).

Dahmen N, Ghezel-Ahmadi D, Engel A. · 2009

German researchers examined blood test results from 132 people who report electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) symptoms and compared them to 101 healthy controls. They found that EHS patients were significantly more likely to have thyroid dysfunction, liver problems, and signs of chronic inflammation in their blood work. The study suggests that some people attributing symptoms to EMF exposure may actually have undiagnosed medical conditions that could be treated.

Microwaves from UMTS/GSM mobile phones induce long-lasting inhibition of 53BP1/gamma-H2AX DNA repair foci in human lymphocytes.

Belyaev IY, Markovà E, Hillert L, Malmgren LO, Persson BR. · 2009

Researchers exposed human white blood cells to microwave radiation from GSM and UMTS mobile phones and found that the radiation interfered with the cells' ability to repair DNA damage. The interference lasted up to 72 hours after exposure - longer than the cellular stress response from heat shock. UMTS signals (used in 3G phones) appeared to cause more biological disruption than older GSM signals, suggesting newer phone technologies may pose greater health risks.

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.