6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Immune System

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Key Finding: 83% of 410 primary studies on immune system found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 410 studies examining immune system, 83% 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 ContextStudy Exposure Level in Context5.2 µW/m²Extreme Concern - 1,000 µW/m²FCC Limit - 10M µW/m²Effects observed in the Slight Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 1.92 million times higher than this level

Research Overview

  • -The science demonstrates a consistent pattern: 84% of studies examining electromagnetic field exposure and immune function have documented measurable effects.
  • -This isn't a fringe finding or isolated result.
  • -Across 521 peer-reviewed investigations, researchers have identified changes in immune cell activity, altered inflammatory responses, reduced antibody production, and shifts in white blood cell populations following EMF exposure.

The science demonstrates a consistent pattern: 84% of studies examining electromagnetic field exposure and immune function have documented measurable effects. This isn't a fringe finding or isolated result. Across 521 peer-reviewed investigations, researchers have identified changes in immune cell activity, altered inflammatory responses, reduced antibody production, and shifts in white blood cell populations following EMF exposure. Some studies show suppressed immune function-your body's defense system becoming less responsive-while others document hyperactivation, where immune cells overreact to normal stimuli.

In this case, we're talking about your immune system and electromagnetic fields-and the evidence demonstrates a consistent pattern that most people simply haven't heard about.

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 425 studies

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 applied 50 Hz, 1 mT electromagnetic fields for 4 to 6 hours to human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) that had been stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus or interferon gamma/lipopolysaccharide. Field application increased nitric oxide levels, with the increase appearing earlier and being more prominent in cells stimulated with S. aureus. ELF-EMF alone caused increased hsp70 levels in a time-dependent manner, and the growth curve of exposed bacteria was lower than the control. The researchers suggested that ELF-EMF could be exploited for beneficial uses.

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 studied how electromagnetic field exposure affects N9 microglial cells and the role of the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway in any resulting pro-inflammatory responses. EMF significantly induced phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, and also dramatically increased the expression of CD11b, TNF-α, and iNOS, and the production of NO. When cells were pretreated with the JAK inhibitor P6, phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was strongly suppressed, and expression of CD11b, TNF-α, and iNOS was suppressed at 12 hours but not at 3 hours after EMF exposure.

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 murine N9 microglial cells to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields and examined several molecular markers of cell activation. After exposure, a significant increase of STAT3 DNA-binding ability was noted, and EMF rapidly induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and activated JAK1 and JAK2. Transcription levels of the inflammation-associated genes iNOS and TNF-alpha also increased after EMF exposure. When a JAK inhibitor called P6 was applied, it reduced induction of iNOS and TNF-alpha, nuclear factor binding activity, and activation of STAT3 in EMF-stimulated microglia.

Cellular effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2009

The review examined research on ELF fields in cancer, immune and nerve cells, and positive effects on bone and nerve cells, wound healing, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. The authors concluded that the myriad of effects ELF fields have on biological systems should not be ignored when evaluating risk and passing legislation to protect the public and workers. They also noted that the possibility of testing the efficacy of ELF fields in therapeutic protocols should not be overlooked.

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can alter neuroprocessing in humans

Unknown authors · 2009

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields from DC to 300 Hz have been shown to affect pain sensitivity in snails, rodents, and humans. In this fMRI study, researchers exposed normal volunteers to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and measured brain activation during acute thermal pain. Significant interactions between pre- and post-exposure activation were found between sham and exposed groups in the ipsilateral right insula, anterior cingulate, and bilateral hippocampus/caudate areas.

Alterations in adenylate kinase activity in human PBMCs after in vitro exposure to electromagnetic field: comparison between extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF) and therapeutic application of a musically modulated electromagnetic fiel

Unknown authors · 2009

Researchers exposed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 20 volunteers to extremely low frequency (ELF) and Therapeutic Application of Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Fields (TAMMEFs) in vitro. ELF fields were 100 Hz, while TAMMEFs had variable frequencies, intensities, and wave shapes. Adenylate kinase activity increased after ELF exposure and decreased slightly after TAMMEF exposure, but ecto-5′-nucleotidase, adenosine deaminase, and adenosine kinase activities were unchanged.

Natural killer cell activity decreases in workers occupationally exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields exceeding 1 microT

Unknown authors · 2009

In 121 workers, individual ELF-MF exposure was monitored for two work shifts and exposure levels were calculated as time-weighted averages. Subjects were grouped into low (≤0.2 μT), medium (0.21–0.99 μT), and higher (≥1 μT) exposure categories. NK activity was significantly reduced in the higher exposure group compared with the low exposure group (p<0.01), while the medium group showed a non-significant reduction.

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

The aim was to test if exposure used in mobile phones and wireless network technologies would induce DNA damage in cultured human lymphocytes with and without a known clastogen. Lymphocytes from six donors were exposed to 2.3 GHz, 10 W/m(2) continuous waves, or 2.3 GHz, 10 W/m(2) pulsed waves (200 Hz pulse frequency, 50% duty cycle). Mitomycin C was added to half of the cultures. No statistically significant differences were observed between control and exposed cultures. A weak trend for more chromosomal damage with the interaction of pulsed fields with mitomycin C compared to a constant field was observed.

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

Researchers exposed lymphocytes from two smoking and four non-smoking donors for 53 hours to 1.0 W/m(2) continuous-wave at 18.0 GHz or 10 W/m(2) pulsed-wave at 16.5 GHz, alone or with MMC. DNA synthesis and repair were inhibited in some cultures. No synergistic effect was observed with MMC or with cells pre-exposed to tobacco smoke. A non-significant trend toward increased aberration frequencies appeared for 16.5 GHz pulsed exposure in DNA synthesis and repair inhibited cultures. Neither exposure induced statistically significant increases in chromosomal aberration frequencies.

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

The study aimed to confirm earlier Russian and Ukrainian data on 2450 MHz microwave effects on immunological processes and teratology in rats. All results using ELISA and classic teratology end points were negative. The researchers concluded that exposure at 2450 MHz, CW, 7h/day for 30 days at 0.16 W/kg whole-body SAR had no influence on several immune and degenerative parameters or prenatal development.

Immune System
Review
128 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

The review summarized multiple papers on the effects of man-made electromagnetic fields on the immune system. It found that electromagnetic fields disturb immune function by stimulating allergic and inflammatory responses and affecting tissue repair. The review stated that such disturbances increase the risk of diseases including cancer. The authors reported that these effects occur at exposure levels significantly below current national and international safety limits.

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

The study investigated microwaves from UMTS and GSM mobile phones on human lymphocytes. UMTS microwaves inhibited the formation of DNA repair foci in lymphocytes from both hypersensitive and healthy individuals. The inhibition persisted for up to 72 h after exposure, longer than the stress response to heat shock. Effects of GSM microwaves depended on carrier frequency. No significant differences were found between hypersensitive and healthy groups, except for specific responses to UMTS and GSM-915 MHz microwaves.

Are people living next to mobile phone base stations more strained? Relationship of health concerns, self-estimated distance to base station, and psychological parameters.

Augner C, Hacker GW. · 2009

The study examined whether people who believe they live close to mobile phone base stations show greater psychological or psychobiological strain. Fifty-seven participants completed questionnaires and provided saliva samples for alpha-amylase, cortisol, immunoglobulin A, and substance P. Self-declared base station neighbors (within 100 meters) had higher salivary alpha-amylase and higher scores on several symptom checklist subscales and the global strain index, but no difference in EMF-related health concerns.

Results of a long-term low-level microwave exposure of rats.

Adang D, Remacle C, Vorst AV. · 2009

Researchers exposed four-month-old Wistar albino rats to two different microwave frequencies and exposure modes for 2 hours a day, seven days a week, over 21 months. They measured leucocytes, erythrocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mortality rate. After three and eight months, monocytes differed by about 20% in the 970-MHz continuous wave group; after 14 and 18 months, white blood cells increased about 15% and neutrophils about 25%; lymphocytes fell about 15% at 18 months. Mortality in exposed groups increased after 21 months at age 25 months and reached almost twice the sham-exposed value by age 28 months.

Influence of 1.8-GHz (GSM) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on DNA damage and repair induced by X-rays in human leukocytes in vitro.

Zhijian C et al. · 2009

Researchers used the in vitro comet assay to determine whether 1.8-GHz radiofrequency radiation can influence DNA repair in human leukocytes exposed to X-rays. Leukocytes from four young healthy donors were intermittently exposed to RFR at a SAR of 2 W/kg for 24 hours with fields on for 5 minutes and off for 10 minutes, then irradiated with X-rays at doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 Gy. DNA damage was measured at 0, 15, 45, 90, 150 and 240 minutes after X-rays using percent tail DNA, and repair speed was assessed via DNA repair percentage. The results showed individual differences in DNA repair speeds among the four donors. Intermittent RFR exposure did not directly induce DNA damage or show synergistic effects with X-rays.

[Radiation protection and possible mechanisms for low intensity microwave.]

Xu Q, Tong J, Jin ZD, Lu MX, DU HB, Cao Y. · 2009

Researchers randomly assigned 96 healthy Kunming mice to four groups: normal control, microwave (120 microW/cm(2), 900 MHz), gamma-ray irradiation (5 Gy), and combined microwave plus gamma-ray (120 microW/cm(2) + 5 Gy). The microwave and combined groups were exposed to 120 microW/cm(2) microwave for 1 h/d for 14 days before the gamma-ray and combined groups received 5 Gy (60)Co gamma-ray irradiation on the 15th day. Bone marrow pathology in the combined exposure group was milder and recovered faster than in the gamma-ray only group. Splenic cell apoptosis was significantly lower in the combined group on days 6 and 9 after irradiation (23.02% +/- 15.18% and 25.37% +/- 11.62%). Serum superoxide dismutase increased and lipid peroxide decreased significantly in the combined group (P < 0.05).

Induction of adaptive response in human blood lymphocytes exposed to radiofrequency radiation.

Sannino A et al. · 2009

Lymphocytes were collected at 72 hours to measure micronuclei frequency in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Four donors exhibited a significant reduction in micronuclei after RF pre-exposure, indicating an adaptive response. One donor showed no significant difference in micronuclei between pre-exposed and unexposed cells, indicating a non-responder. The data indicated heterogeneity in the induction of an adaptive response between individuals exposed to RF radiation.

[Antagonistic effect of microwave on hematopoietic damage of mice induced by gamma-ray irradiation.]

Cao Y, Xu Q, Lu MX, Jin ZD, DU HB, Li JX, Nie JH, Tong J. · 2009

Researchers treated male Kunning mice with low-dose microwave radiation before exposing them to gamma-ray irradiation, then measured survival, blood parameters, and markers of bone marrow activity. Mice pre-exposed to 120 microW/cm² 900 MHz microwave had a higher 30-day survival rate and more white blood cells compared with gamma-ray-treated mice that did not receive microwave pre-exposure. The microwave pre-exposure group also showed increases in thymus and spleen organ indexes, bone marrow cell proliferation activity, CFU-GM hematopoietic foci numbers, and serum concentrations of GM-CSF and IL-3. The researchers suggested that low-dose microwave radiation may exert potential antagonistic effects on hematopoietic injuries induced by ionizing radiation.

Cellular Effects156 citations

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field enhances human keratinocyte cell growth and decreases proinflammatory chemokine production

Unknown authors · 2008

Researchers exposed the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT to 1 mT, 50 Hz ELF-EMF for different lengths of time and compared them with unexposed control cells. Cell growth and viability were evaluated by cell count and trypan blue exclusion. Significantly increased growth rates were observed after 48 hours of EMF exposure compared with control cells, while no difference in cell viabilities was detected. Gene expression and release of RANTES, MCP-1, MIP-1 alpha and IL-8 were significantly reduced after 72 hours of exposure. NF-kappaB levels became almost undetectable after only 1 hour of EMF exposure and were inversely correlated with cell density.

Electromagnetic field therapy delays cellular senescence and death by enhancement of the heat shock response

Unknown authors · 2008

Researchers evaluated the hormetic effect of non-thermal repetitive electromagnetic field shock (50MHz/0.5W) on primary human T lymphocytes and fibroblast cell lines. REMFS extended the total number of population doublings of mouse fibroblasts and contributed to youthful morphology of cells near their replicative lifespan. REMFS also enhanced cellular defenses of human T cells as reflected in lower cell mortality when compared to non-treated T cells. Mechanistic analysis showed that REMFS increased HSF1 phosphorylation, enhanced HSF1-DNA binding, and improved Hsp70 expression relative to non-REMFS-treated cells.

Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) occupational exposure and natural killer activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes

Unknown authors · 2008

Researchers examined natural killer activity in 52 workers exposed to different levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Individual exposure was monitored over three work shifts using personal dosimeters and expressed as time-weighted averages. Workers were split into low-exposed (TWA ≤0.2 microT) and higher-exposed (TWA >0.2 microT) groups, with a subgroup of highest-exposed (TWA >1 microT). The higher-exposed group showed a non-significant trend toward reduced NK activity, but the highest-exposed subgroup had a significant reduction in NK activity at multiple effector-to-target ratios and in lytic units. Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant negative correlation between exposure level and lytic units, with no correlation to other personal characteristics.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

No effect of mobile phone-like RF exposure on patients with atopic dermatitis.

Johansson A et al. · 2008

Fifteen subjects with atopic dermatitis and 15 matched controls were exposed for 30 min to a 900 MHz GSM mobile phone-like RF field at 1 W/kg. Blood samples were taken before and after exposure to measure serum levels of substance P (SP), TNF R1, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). At baseline, the atopic dermatitis group had significantly higher serum TNF R1 and significantly lower BDNF than controls, while SP did not differ. No effects of RF exposure were found on any of the measured substances. Symptom reports were too few to evaluate a possible correlation with exposure.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

Molecular responses of Jurkat T-cells to 1763 MHz radiofrequency radiation.

Huang TQ, Lee MS, Oh E, Zhang BT, Seo JS, Park WY. · 2008

They assessed cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, DNA damage, and gene expression. RF exposure did not significantly change cell numbers, cell cycle distribution, or DNA damage levels. Genome-wide analysis found no genes changed more than two-fold, but ten genes changed 1.3- to 1.8-fold, including down-regulation of CXCR3 and IL1R2.

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

The science demonstrates a consistent pattern: 84% of studies examining electromagnetic field exposure and immune function have documented measurable effects. This isn't a fringe finding or isolated result. Across 521 peer-reviewed investigations, researchers have identified changes in immune cell activity, altered inflammatory responses, reduced antibody production, and shifts in white blood cell populations following EMF exposure.
The SYB Research Database includes 410 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.
83% of the 410 studies examining immune system found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 342 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 17% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.