3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Whole Body / General

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Key Finding: 84% of 367 studies on whole body / general found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 367 studies examining whole body / general, 84% found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure.

Lowest Documented Effect

Research found effects on whole body / general 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 Context0.000000072, 2Extreme Concern0.1 W/kgFCC Limit1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the No Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 22,222,222x higher than this exposure level

Research Overview

  • -When 82.5% of studies examining EMF effects on the whole body find biological changes, we're looking at a pattern that demands attention.
  • -This isn't a handful of isolated findings-it's 113 studies out of 137 showing measurable impacts across multiple body systems, from cellular function to organ health.
  • -The documented effects span a remarkable range of biological processes.

When 82.5% of studies examining EMF effects on the whole body find biological changes, we're looking at a pattern that demands attention. This isn't a handful of isolated findings-it's 113 studies out of 137 showing measurable impacts across multiple body systems, from cellular function to organ health. The documented effects span a remarkable range of biological processes.

The evidence shows this isn't about immediate dramatic effects, but rather about the gradual erosion of your body's natural protective mechanisms through chronic, low-level exposures that surround us constantly.

Research on chicken embryos exposed to both ELF and RF radiation demonstrated 27% less protective protein production after repeated exposures, indicating compromised cellular defense mechanisms.

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 367 studies

GSM 900 MHz Microwave Radiation-Induced Alterations of Insulin Level and Histopathological Changes of Liver and Pancreas in Rat.

Mortazavi SM et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation (GSM 900 MHz) for either 3 or 6 hours daily over 7 days to study effects on insulin production and organ health. While insulin levels remained unchanged, the radiation caused inflammatory damage in the liver and harmed insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, with longer exposure times producing more severe damage.

Radiofrequency-electromagnetic field exposures in kindergarten children.

Bhatt CR, Redmayne M, Billah B, Abramson MJ, Benke G. · 2016

Australian researchers measured radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure levels in kindergarten children from cell towers, Wi-Fi, and other wireless sources. They found that environmental exposure levels in kindergarten settings were significantly higher than the personal exposure levels children experienced, with cell tower signals being the dominant source of exposure at levels up to 179 mV/m.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Preliminary background indoor EMF measurements in Greece.

Kottou S et al. · 2015

Greek researchers measured electromagnetic field levels in over 4,500 indoor locations across three regions, focusing on extremely low frequency magnetic fields and radiofrequency electric fields that health agencies consider possibly cancer-causing. They found that while EMF levels varied by location and distance from sources, all measurements remained well below current safety limits set by European regulators. The study provides baseline data on typical indoor EMF exposure levels in Greek homes.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Does radio frequency radiation induce micronuclei frequency in exfoliated bladder cells of diabetic rats?

Gurbuz N, Sirav B, Kuzay D, Ozer C, Seyhan N. · 2015

Researchers exposed diabetic rats to cell phone radiation (2100 MHz) to see if it caused genetic damage in bladder cells by looking for micronuclei - small fragments of broken DNA that indicate cellular damage. They found no increase in genetic damage in either healthy or diabetic rats exposed to the radiation compared to unexposed animals. The study suggests that this level of RF radiation may not cause DNA damage in bladder cells, even in animals with diabetes who might be more vulnerable.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

First epidemiological study on occupational radar exposure in the French Navy: a 26-year cohort study.

Dabouis V et al. · 2015

French researchers tracked 57,000 naval personnel over 26 years to compare death rates between those working with radar systems and those in non-radar roles. They found no increased risk of death from any cause, including cancer, among radar-exposed workers compared to unexposed personnel. This large-scale occupational study suggests that the radiofrequency radiation from naval radar systems did not significantly impact mortality rates during the study period.

Whole Body / GeneralNo Effects Found

Response of Caenorhabditis elegans to wireless devices radiation exposure.

Fasseas MK et al. · 2015

Greek researchers exposed microscopic worms (C. elegans) to radiation from cell phones, WiFi routers, and cordless phones at levels below international safety guidelines. They found no effects on the worms' lifespan, fertility, growth, memory, or cellular damage markers. The study suggests these worms are resilient to wireless device radiation under the tested conditions.

Association between mobile phone use and self-reported well-being in children: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in Chongqing,

Zheng F et al. · 2015

Researchers surveyed 746 children in China about their mobile phone use and health symptoms. They found that children who used phones for more years or made longer daily calls were significantly more likely to report fatigue, with those making longer calls nearly three times more likely to experience fatigue. The connection between phone use and fatigue remained strong even after accounting for other factors that might explain the symptoms.

Effect of occupational EMF exposure from radar at two different frequency bands on plasma melatonin and serotonin levels.

Singh S, Mani KV, Kapoor N. · 2015

Researchers studied 155 military personnel exposed to radar frequencies of 8-12 GHz and 12.5-18 GHz to measure how electromagnetic fields affect melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (a mood chemical) in their blood. Workers exposed to the higher frequency range (12.5-18 GHz) showed significantly lower melatonin levels and higher serotonin levels, especially those with more than 10 years of exposure. This suggests that long-term exposure to certain radar frequencies can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance.

The influence of electromagnetic radiation generated by a mobile phone on the skeletal system of rats.

Sieroń-Stołtny K et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to mobile phone radiation (900 MHz frequency) for 28 days and examined effects on their bone health. The radiation didn't change bone size but significantly weakened bone strength, reduced calcium content, and disrupted the normal processes that build and break down bone tissue. This suggests that cell phone radiation may interfere with bone health even when bones appear normal on the outside.

Effect of mobile phone use on metal ion release from fixed orthodontic appliances.

Saghiri MA, Orangi J, Asatourian A, Mehriar P, Sheibani N · 2015

Researchers studied 50 people with metal braces to see if cell phone use affected how much nickel (a metal in braces) was released into their saliva. After a week of no phone use, participants used their phones normally for another week. The study found that cell phone use significantly increased nickel levels in saliva, with longer phone use causing more nickel release from the orthodontic appliances.

Effect of exposure and withdrawal of 900-MHz-electromagnetic waves on brain, kidney and liver oxidative stress and some biochemical parameters in male rats.

Ragy MM · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 900-MHz electromagnetic radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for one hour daily over 60 days and found significant damage to the brain, liver, and kidneys. The exposure increased harmful oxidative stress markers and damaged tissue function, but these effects reversed when the EMF exposure was stopped for 30 days. This suggests that cell phone radiation may cause measurable biological damage that could potentially be reversed with reduced exposure.

Scenarios approach to the electromagnetic exposure: the case study of a train compartment.

Paffi A, Apollonio F, Pinto R, Liberti M. · 2015

Italian researchers studied electromagnetic field exposure inside train compartments, which previous research identified as having the highest EMF levels people encounter in daily life. They found that exposure levels spike dramatically based on how many passengers are using cell phones, poor cell tower coverage forcing phones to boost power, and the metal walls that trap and amplify radiation. The study demonstrates how real-world conditions create exposure hotspots that standard safety assessments miss.

Exposure to non-ionizing radiation provokes changes in rat thyroid morphology and expression of HSP-90

Misa-Agustiño MJ et al. · 2015

Spanish researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz radiation (the same frequency as Wi-Fi and microwave ovens) and found significant changes in thyroid gland structure. The radiation caused thyroid follicles to swell and shrink in different patterns depending on exposure duration and power levels. These structural changes suggest the thyroid gland was responding to radiation stress, raising questions about potential long-term effects on thyroid function in humans exposed to similar frequencies.

Generation of infant anatomical models for evaluating electromagnetic field exposures.

Li C et al. · 2015

Researchers created detailed anatomical models of infant bodies and heads using MRI scans to test how electromagnetic fields affect babies differently than adults. They found significant physical differences between infant and adult models that affect how much radiation is absorbed. The study suggests current safety guidelines for radiofrequency exposure may not adequately protect infants.

Mobile phone base stations and well-being - A meta-analysis.

Klaps A, Ponocny I, Winker R, Kundi M, Auersperg F, Barth A. · 2015

Researchers analyzed 17 studies examining whether cell tower radiation affects people's well-being and health symptoms. They found that people only reported negative effects when they knew a cell tower was present, but experienced no effects in double-blind studies where they didn't know about exposure. This suggests that reported symptoms from cell towers are largely due to the 'nocebo effect' - where expecting harm causes real symptoms, even without actual physical cause.

Frequent cellular phone use modifies hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to a cellular phone call after mental stress in healthy children and adolescents: A pilot study.

Geronikolou SA et al. · 2015

Researchers studied how children's stress hormone systems respond to cell phone calls after experiencing mental stress. They found that children who regularly use cell phones had different cortisol (stress hormone) patterns compared to occasional users when making a 5-minute phone call after a stressful task. This suggests that frequent cell phone use may alter how young people's bodies handle stress.

The effects of 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation on nasal mucosa and mucociliary clearance in rats.

Aydoğan F et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation (simulating 3G cell phone signals) for 6 hours daily over 10 or 40 days to study effects on nasal tissue and mucus clearance. The exposed rats showed significant damage to nasal tissue, including cell death, loss of protective cilia (tiny hair-like structures), and impaired ability to clear mucus from nasal passages. This matters because our nasal passages are a primary defense against airborne pathogens, and cell phone radiation may be compromising this natural protective mechanism.

Impact of a Small Cell on the RF-EMF Exposure in a Train.

Aerts S, Plets D, Thielens A, Martens L, Joseph W. · 2015

Researchers measured radiation exposure from cell phones on trains, comparing users connected to distant cell towers versus small cells installed inside the train. They found that passengers using in-train small cells experienced 35 times less brain exposure and 11 times less whole-body exposure from their phones. This demonstrates that proximity to cell towers significantly affects how much radiation your phone needs to emit.

Common behaviors alterations after extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure in rat animal model.

Mahdavi SM, Sahraei H, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Najafi Abedi A. · 2015

Iranian researchers exposed rats to 40 Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency used in many electrical systems) for 21 days and tracked changes in behavior and metabolism. They found significant disruptions including altered body weight patterns, reduced appetite, elevated blood glucose levels, and decreased movement and exploration behaviors. These findings suggest that even relatively low-frequency electromagnetic fields can disrupt normal biological functions in mammals.

Impacts of exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation on liver function in rats.

Ma HR, Ma ZH, Wang GY, Song CM, Ma XL, Cao XH, Zhang GH. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation for 4 hours daily over 18 days and found significant liver damage. The radiation caused increased oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules), liver cell death, and visible tissue damage including cell swelling and death. This suggests that prolonged exposure to mobile phone frequencies may harm liver function through cellular stress pathways.

Diamagnetic levitation promotes osteoclast differentiation from RAW264.7 cells

Sun YL et al. · 2015

Chinese researchers used powerful magnetic fields to simulate weightlessness conditions and study how this affects bone-destroying cells called osteoclasts. They found that simulated microgravity enhanced the formation and bone-eating activity of these cells, while the magnetic field itself had the opposite effect. This research helps explain why astronauts lose bone density in space and provides insights into magnetic field effects on bone health.

The Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Liver Tissue Protein Oxidation and Antioxidant Enzyme Levels After the Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation.

Ozgur E et al. · 2015

Scientists exposed guinea pigs to cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for seven days and found it significantly reduced SOD, a protective antioxidant enzyme in liver tissue. Surprisingly, two common antioxidant supplements caused cellular damage when used alone, showing radiation's complex effects on cellular protection.

Structural and Ultrastructural Study of Rat Liver Influenced by Electromagnetic Radiation.

Holovská K et al. · 2015

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by WiFi and microwave ovens) for 3 hours daily over 3 weeks at power levels of 2.8 mW/cm². They found liver damage including inflammation, blood vessel dilation, and cellular changes including fat accumulation and dying liver cells. This suggests that chronic exposure to common microwave frequencies may harm liver function.

Radio Hazard Safety Assessment for Marine Ship Transmitters: Measurements Using a New Data Collection Method and Comparison with ICNIRP and ARPANSA Limits.

Halgamuge MN. · 2015

Scientists measured radio waves from ship transmitters across three deck levels, taking 528 measurements. They found EMF levels on the bridge roof exceeded safety limits for the general public but stayed within workplace exposure limits, providing crucial data for maritime EMF safety standards.

Learn More

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

FAQs: EMF & Whole Body / General

When 82.5% of studies examining EMF effects on the whole body find biological changes, we're looking at a pattern that demands attention. This isn't a handful of isolated findings-it's 113 studies out of 137 showing measurable impacts across multiple body systems, from cellular function to organ health. The documented effects span a remarkable range of biological processes.
The BioInitiative Report database includes 367 peer-reviewed studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and whole body / general. 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.
84% of the 367 studies examining whole body / general found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 309 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 16% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.