3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Symptoms & Sensitivity

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Key Finding: 72% of 232 studies on symptoms & sensitivity found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 232 studies examining symptoms & sensitivity, 72% found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure.

Lowest Documented Effect

Research found effects on symptoms & sensitivity 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 69 out of 107 peer-reviewed studies (64.5%) document measurable effects from EMF exposure, we're looking at a substantial body of evidence that electromagnetic fields can trigger real physiological responses in people.
  • -The science demonstrates a clear pattern: EMF exposure consistently produces detectable changes in human biology, from altered brainwave patterns and disrupted sleep cycles to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.
  • -The documented effects span multiple body systems.

When 69 out of 107 peer-reviewed studies (64.5%) document measurable effects from EMF exposure, we're looking at a substantial body of evidence that electromagnetic fields can trigger real physiological responses in people. The science demonstrates a clear pattern: EMF exposure consistently produces detectable changes in human biology, from altered brainwave patterns and disrupted sleep cycles to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. The documented effects span multiple body systems.

The science demonstrates measurable changes in brain activity, sleep patterns, and cognitive performance from radiofrequency radiation at levels we encounter daily through our phones and wireless devices.

Based on this section of the BioInitiative Report 2012, the scientific evidence demonstrates clear neurological and behavioral effects from radiofrequency radiation exposure, particularly from mobile phone use.

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 232 studies

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Is cochlear outer hair cell function affected by mobile telephone radiation?

Monnery PM, Srouji EI, Bartlett J · 2004

Researchers tested whether mobile phone radiation affects the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear that are crucial for hearing. They measured otoacoustic emissions (sounds produced by healthy ears) in 12 people with normal hearing while exposing them to mobile phone radiation. The study found no changes in these ear-generated sounds, suggesting that mobile phone radiation doesn't immediately damage the outer hair cells responsible for fine-tuned hearing.

Laughter counteracts enhancement of plasma neurotrophin levels and allergic skin wheal responses by mobile phone-mediated stress.

Kimata H. · 2004

Researchers studied patients with atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition) to see how mobile phone use affects their allergic responses and stress markers. They found that writing messages on a mobile phone increased stress hormones and worsened allergic skin reactions, while watching comedy videos beforehand prevented these negative effects. This suggests that mobile phone use can trigger stress responses that worsen allergic conditions, but positive emotions may provide protection.

Long-term sickness and mobile phone use.

Hallberg O, Johansson O. · 2004

Swedish researchers examined the relationship between mobile phone use and long-term sickness absence from work across Sweden's population. They found a correlation between increasing mobile phone use (measured as 'ear-heating minutes per year') and rising rates of long-term sick leave. The study suggests this trend will continue as mobile phone usage increases, pointing to potential widespread health impacts from cellular phone radiation.

[Subjective symptoms reported by people living in the vicinity of cellular phone base stations: a review of the studies]

Bortkiewicz A, Zmyslony M, Szyjkowska A, Gadzicka E. · 2004

Polish researchers reviewed studies examining health complaints from people living near cell phone towers. They found that residents consistently reported symptoms affecting their circulatory system and sleep patterns, along with headaches, concentration problems, and other health issues. Importantly, these symptoms occurred at higher rates closer to the towers, and even affected people who didn't initially connect their health problems to the nearby antenna.

Association of mobile phone radiation with fatigue, headache, dizziness, tension and sleep disturbance in Saudi population.

Al-Khlaiwi T, Meo SA. · 2004

Saudi researchers surveyed 437 mobile phone users to examine connections between phone use and common health symptoms. They found that mobile phone users reported headaches (21.6% of users), sleep disturbances (4%), tension (3.9%), fatigue (3%), and dizziness (2.4%). The study suggests these symptoms may be linked to mobile phone radiation exposure, though the research didn't measure specific radiation levels.

Electromagnetic field exposure and health among RF plastic sealer operators.

Wilen J et al. · 2004

Swedish researchers studied 35 workers who operate radiofrequency plastic welding machines, measuring their EMF exposure and health compared to 37 unexposed controls. The workers experienced significantly altered heart rhythms (lower heart rate and more episodes of slow heartbeat), along with impaired nerve function and increased reports of fatigue, headaches, and hand warmth sensations. Nearly a quarter of the machines exceeded international safety guidelines for EMF exposure.

Cellular phone dermatitis with chromate allergy

Seishima M, Oyama Z, Oda M · 2003

Japanese researchers studied 8 patients who developed skin rashes after using cell phones for 9-25 days. All patients tested positive for chromate allergy, a metal used in phone plating that caused contact dermatitis (allergic skin reactions) on their ears and cheeks where the phone touched their skin. This demonstrates that cell phone materials themselves can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Survey study of people living in the vicinity of cellular phone base stations.

Santini R, Santini P, Le Ruz P, Danze JM, Seigne M · 2003

French researchers surveyed 530 people living at various distances from cell phone towers to assess their health symptoms. They found that people living closer to towers reported more health problems, with some symptoms appearing within 10 meters (nausea, appetite loss) and others extending up to 300 meters away (fatigue, headaches, sleep problems). Women reported symptoms significantly more often than men across seven different health complaints.

The Microwave Syndrome: A Preliminary Study in Spain.

Navarro EA, Sequra J, Portoles M, Gomez-Perretta de Mateo C · 2003

Spanish researchers surveyed residents living near a cell phone base station to examine whether RF exposure causes 'microwave sickness' - a collection of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, and sleep problems. They found a clear statistical relationship between the strength of RF radiation measured at people's homes and how severe their symptoms were. This suggests that everyday exposure to cell tower radiation may be causing real health effects in nearby communities.

Enhancement of allergic skin wheal responses in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome by playing video games or by a frequently ringing mobile phone.

Kimata H. · 2003

Researchers studied how mobile phone ringing and video game playing affected allergic reactions in people with eczema compared to healthy individuals. They found that both activities significantly worsened allergic skin reactions and increased stress-related chemicals in the blood, but only in patients with atopic eczema. This suggests that electromagnetic stress from technology may specifically aggravate symptoms in people who already have compromised immune systems.

Effects of electromagnetic radiation from a cellular telephone on epidermal Merkel cells.

Irmak MK, Oztas E, Yagmurca M, Fadillioglu E, Bakir B. · 2003

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz radiation from a cellular phone for 30 minutes and examined specialized skin cells called Merkel cells, which help detect touch and pressure. They found significantly increased cellular activity in these sensory cells compared to unexposed rats. This suggests that cell phone radiation may affect the skin's sensory system in ways that could contribute to electromagnetic sensitivity symptoms.

Neurological effects of radiofrequency radiation.

Hocking B, Westerman R. · 2003

Researchers reviewed case reports of people who developed neurological symptoms after exposure to radiofrequency radiation from sources like mobile phones and radio transmitters. They found that some people experience lasting nerve problems and abnormal sensations, even at exposure levels that don't cause obvious tissue heating. The findings challenge the current safety standards, which assume all RF radiation health effects come from heating tissue.

Vestibular schwannoma, tinitus and cellular telephones.

Hardell L et al. · 2003

Swedish researchers studied whether older analog cell phones increased the risk of vestibular schwannoma, a type of brain tumor that affects hearing and balance. They found that analog cell phone users had a 245% higher risk of developing these tumors compared to non-users. The study also revealed that brain tumor rates in Sweden increased significantly during the period when cell phones became widely adopted.

Subjective symptoms among mobile phone users--a consequence of absorption of radiofrequency fields?

Wilén J, Sandström M, Hansson Mild K · 2003

Researchers studied 2,402 mobile phone users to see if radiation absorption levels (SAR) correlated with symptoms like headaches and fatigue. They found that phones with SAR values above 0.5 watts per kilogram, especially when used for long calling times, were associated with increased symptom reporting. This suggests that the amount of radiation your phone emits into your head may directly influence how you feel after using it.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found110 citations

Effects of the electromagnetic field of mobile telephones on hearing.

Ozturan O, Erdem T, Miman MC, Kalcioglu MT, Oncel S. · 2002

Turkish researchers tested whether 10 minutes of cell phone use affects hearing by measuring sensitive inner ear responses in 30 people with normal hearing. They found no changes in these delicate measurements and no hearing complaints from participants. This was the first study to look specifically at whether mobile phone radiation might damage hearing function.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found132 citations

Hypersensitivity symptoms associated with exposure to cellular telephones: No causal link.

Hietanen M, Hämäläinen A-M, Husman T. · 2002

Finnish researchers tested 20 people who claimed to be sensitive to cell phone radiation by exposing them to both real and fake cell phone signals in controlled conditions. The study found that participants reported more symptoms during fake exposure than real exposure, and none could tell when phones were actually on or off. This suggests that while people genuinely experience symptoms they attribute to cell phones, the phones themselves aren't causing these effects.

Study of the health of people living in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations: I. Influence of distance and sex.

Santini R, Santini P, Danze JM, Le Ruz P, Seigne M. · 2002

French researchers surveyed 530 people living at various distances from cell phone towers to assess health complaints. They found that people living within 300 meters of towers reported significantly more symptoms including fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, and depression compared to those living farther away. Women experienced more symptoms than men, and the closer people lived to the towers, the more severe their health complaints became.

Electromagnetic interference of bone-anchored hearing aids by cellular phones revisited.

Kompis M, Hausler R. · 2002

Researchers surveyed six users of BAHA Compact bone-anchored hearing aids to test whether cellular phones cause electromagnetic interference with these medical devices. Four patients experienced no interference at all, while two heard only quiet sounds when they personally used their phones. This suggests the newer BAHA Compact devices are well-protected against cellular phone interference.

Enhancement of allergic skin wheal responses by microwave radiation from mobile phones in patients with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.

Kimata H. · 2002

Researchers tested whether mobile phone radiation affects allergic skin reactions in people with atopic dermatitis (a chronic inflammatory skin condition). They found that microwave radiation from mobile phones made allergic reactions to common allergens like dust mites and pollen significantly worse, while also increasing levels of inflammatory substances in the blood. This suggests that phone radiation may amplify existing allergic responses in people with sensitive skin conditions.

Neurological changes induced by a mobile phone.

Hocking B, Westerman R. · 2002

Researchers studied a 34-year-old journalist who experienced unusual sensations on her scalp after using her mobile phone. Using nerve testing before and after phone exposure, they found measurable changes in the nerve fibers on the side of her head where she held the phone compared to the opposite side. This provides the first objective evidence that mobile phones can cause detectable neurological changes in some people who report phone-related symptoms.

Risk perception, somatization, and self report of complaints related to electromagnetic fields--a randomized survey study

Frick U, Rehm J, Eichhammer P. · 2002

German researchers surveyed the general population to understand who reports electromagnetic field-related health complaints and what psychological factors influence these reports. They found that women and people with higher somatization tendency (the tendency to experience physical symptoms from psychological distress) were more likely to report EMF-related symptoms, and that how people think about EMF threats significantly affects their symptom reporting. This research highlights the complex interplay between actual EMF exposure, psychological factors, and health complaints.

Project NEMESIS: perception of a 50 Hz electric and magnetic field at low intensities (laboratory experiment)

Mueller CH, Krueger H, Schierz C · 2002

Researchers tested 63 people to see if they could detect weak electrical fields from household wiring. Seven participants could reliably sense these fields during blind testing, but having electromagnetic sensitivity symptoms didn't predict detection ability, suggesting perception and symptoms are separate phenomena.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found186 citations

Mobile phone use and subjective symptoms. Comparison of symptoms experienced by users of analogue and digital mobile phones.

Sandstrom M, Wilen J, Oftedal G, Hansson Mild K · 2001

Researchers compared symptoms between users of older analog phones (NMT) and newer digital phones (GSM) among nearly 17,000 people in Sweden and Norway. Contrary to initial reports suggesting digital phones caused more symptoms, the study found GSM users actually experienced fewer symptoms like ear warmth and headaches. However, people who talked longer on either type of phone reported more symptoms overall.

Symptoms & SensitivityNo Effects Found111 citations

GSM phone signal does not produce subjective symptoms.

Koivisto M et al. · 2001

Finnish researchers exposed healthy volunteers to GSM mobile phone signals (902 MHz) for 30-60 minutes and measured whether they experienced symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or skin sensations. The study found no difference in reported symptoms between exposure and non-exposure sessions, suggesting that short-term GSM phone radiation doesn't cause immediate subjective symptoms in healthy people.

Learn More

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

FAQs: EMF & Symptoms & Sensitivity

When 69 out of 107 peer-reviewed studies (64.5%) document measurable effects from EMF exposure, we're looking at a substantial body of evidence that electromagnetic fields can trigger real physiological responses in people. The science demonstrates a clear pattern: EMF exposure consistently produces detectable changes in human biology, from altered brainwave patterns and disrupted sleep cycles to increased oxidative stress and...
The BioInitiative Report database includes 232 peer-reviewed studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and symptoms & sensitivity. 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.
72% of the 232 studies examining symptoms & sensitivity found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 167 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 28% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.