8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Whole Body / General

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Key Finding: 95% of 3,825 studies on whole body / general found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 3,825 studies examining whole body / general, 95% 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 ContextStudy Exposure Level in Context0.000000072, 2Extreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the No Concern rangeFCC limit is 22,222,222x higher than this 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 3,825 studies

The Distribution of Radiofrequency Current and Burns

Becker CM, Malhotra IV, Hedley-Whyte J · 1973

This 1973 medical study examined nine patients who suffered burns during electrosurgery procedures due to radiofrequency current flowing through electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring electrodes. Researchers found that RF currents averaging 175 milliamperes could cause skin damage, with burns occurring from equipment malfunctions, improper electrode placement, and current leakage through monitoring cables.

Magnetism in biology

Kholodov YA · 1973

This 1973 review by Kholodov examined the emerging field of magnetobiology, tracing the history of magnetic field research and discussing how magnetic fields affect living organisms. The report provided an overview of early discoveries about biological responses to magnetism and outlined prospects for future research in this scientific area.

CHANGES OF THE BLOOD COAGULATION FOLLOWING SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF CONSTANT MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE HUMAN ORGANISM

G. A. Stasiuk · 1973

Soviet researchers exposed 60 healthy people to a single, brief session of constant magnetic field exposure at 1650 oersted intensity. They found significant blood changes including increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and clotting factors, plus reduced white blood cells. These effects persisted for a full month after just one exposure.

Nonionizing Radiation Levels in the Washington, D.C., Area

Smith SW, Brown DG · 1973

Researchers measured radio frequency and microwave radiation levels across Washington D.C. in 1969, testing frequencies from 20 Hz to 10 GHz at ten urban locations. The highest radiation levels came from AM radio towers and airport radar, reaching about 0.01 milliwatts per square centimeter. These peak measurements were still 1,000 times lower than occupational safety standards of that era.

Microwave Radiation Hazards around Large Microwave Antenna

A. L. Klascius · 1973

This 1973 research examined radiation hazards around large microwave antenna installations, focusing on electromagnetic field exposure and potential biological effects on personnel. The study investigated safety concerns for workers operating near high-powered microwave transmission equipment. This early research helped establish understanding of occupational microwave exposure risks decades before widespread consumer wireless technology.

EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT IRRADIATION BY AN ULTRAHIGH-FREQUENCY FIELD ON THE RABBIT EYE

A. P. Balutina · 1973

Researchers exposed rabbit eyes to microwave radiation from both moving and stationary antennas, using different power levels and pulsed patterns. The study compared continuous versus intermittent exposure over multiple sessions, with animals monitored for up to 4 months afterward. This early research examined how different microwave exposure patterns might affect eye tissue.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SPONSORED BY THE JOINT SERVICES ELECTRONICS PROGRAM AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY

N. Bloembergen, J. A. Pierce, R. W. P. King · 1973

This 1973 report documented presentations from Harvard University's Joint Services Electronics Program annual review, marking 25 years of military-funded research. The meeting focused on radiofrequency shielding and potential hazards, representing early institutional recognition of RF safety concerns. This historical document shows that questions about electromagnetic field effects were being discussed in academic and military circles decades before widespread public awareness.

BIOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY TO WEAK MAGNETIC FIELDS DUE TO BIOLOGICAL SUPERCONDUCTIVE JOSEPHSON JUNCTIONS?

FREEMAN W. COPE · 1973

This 1973 theoretical paper proposed that living organisms can detect extremely weak magnetic fields through biological superconducting junctions similar to those found in electronic devices. The author suggested these biological structures could be sensitive enough to detect magnetic fields as weak as 0.00000000001 Gauss, which would explain how animals navigate using Earth's magnetic field.

Evaluation of Effects of the Microwave Oven (915 and 2450 MHz) and Radar (2810 and 3050 MHz) Electromagnetic Radiation on Noncompetitive Cardiac Pacemakers

Charles H. Bonney, Pedro L. Rustan, Jr., Gary E. Ford · 1973

Researchers implanted cardiac pacemakers in dogs and exposed them to microwave oven frequencies (915 and 2450 MHz) and radar frequencies (2810 and 3050 MHz). The study found that specific field strengths could completely shut down pacemakers, with 915 MHz requiring only 75 V/m while higher frequencies needed 250 V/m. This 1973 research established the first quantitative safety thresholds for pacemaker interference from common electromagnetic sources.

SANGUINE SYSTEM BIOLOGICAL/ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM SUMMARY STATUS REPORT

Department of the Navy Electronic Systems Command · 1973

The U.S. Navy's 1973 Sanguine program conducted comprehensive research to assess whether extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation from a proposed military communications system would harm biological and ecological systems. The study examined effects across multiple areas including genetics, fertility, plant growth, animal behavior, and bird migration patterns. This represents one of the earliest large-scale government investigations into ELF health effects.

MICROWAVE IRRADIATION SACRIFICE – APPLICATION IN NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH

D.E. Schmidt, M.J. Schmidt, G.A. Robison · 1973

Researchers exposed rat brains to microwave radiation to instantly stop all brain activity for biochemical analysis. The microwave exposure rapidly inactivated key brain enzymes throughout the entire brain simultaneously. This method preserved brain chemical levels better than traditional sacrifice methods, suggesting microwaves can penetrate and affect brain tissue uniformly.

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION HAZARDS STANDARDIZATION PROGRAM

CAINE, S. · 1973

This 1973 Department of Defense technical report examined the military's program for standardizing electromagnetic radiation hazard protocols and safety measures. The study focused on developing consistent approaches to protect military personnel from EMF exposure across different defense operations. This represents early institutional recognition of electromagnetic radiation as a potential occupational health concern.

A REVIEW OF SELECTED BIOEFFECTS THRESHOLDS FOR VARIOUS SPECTRAL RANGES OF LIGHT

W. F. Van Pelt, W. R. Payne, R. W. Peterson · 1973

This 1973 government report reviewed biological effects thresholds across different types of light exposure - visible, ultraviolet, and infrared radiation. The research compiled safety thresholds for various spectral ranges to establish exposure limits. This foundational work helped define early standards for optical radiation protection.

CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE OF RODENTS TO 10^8 PULSES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

S. J. Baum, W. D. Skidmore, M. E. Ekstrom · 1973

This 1973 technical report examined the effects of exposing laboratory rodents to 100 million pulses of electromagnetic radiation continuously. While specific findings aren't available from the abstract, this early research represents one of the first systematic attempts to study prolonged EMF exposure effects in living organisms. The study's focus on continuous, high-volume pulse exposure provides historical context for understanding how EMF research methodology has evolved.

Environmental Exposure to Nonionizing Radiation

Unknown authors · 1973

The EPA published this 1973 government report examining environmental exposure to nonionizing radiation, which includes radio waves, microwaves, and other electromagnetic fields below the ionization threshold. This early federal assessment addressed public health concerns about growing exposure from radio, television, and emerging wireless technologies. The report represents one of the first comprehensive government evaluations of nonionizing radiation as an environmental health issue.

MICROWAVE EFFECTS ON CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ATTRIBUTED TO THERMAL FACTORS

Eugene M. Taylor et al. · 1973

This 1973 study examined how microwave radiation affects brain activity by measuring changes in the central nervous system's electrical responses. Researchers found that microwaves only produced brain effects through heating, not through any unique electromagnetic mechanism. When they cooled the brain during microwave exposure, the effects were reduced or eliminated entirely.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ СОСТАВА КРОВИ ПОСЛЕ КРАТКОВРЕМЕННОГО ЛОКАЛЬНОГО ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ ПОСТОЯННОГО МАГНИТНОГО ПОЛЯ НА ОРГАНИЗМ ЧЕЛОВЕКА

Г. А. СЛАСЮК · 1973

This 1973 Soviet research by G.A. Slasyuk investigated how magnetic fields affect human blood components, specifically studying changes in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells. The study represents early scientific recognition that electromagnetic fields can produce measurable biological effects in human blood. This work contributed to the growing body of evidence that EMF exposure can alter fundamental cellular processes in the human body.

副腎摘出 rat に growth hormone を連続投与した場合の pentobarbital 麻酔および脳 serotonin 増量

小林雅文, 白井孝, 北山善之進, 鶴田真敬, 石塚勇次郎 · 1973

This 1973 Japanese study examined how pentobarbital anesthesia and serotonin affected growth hormone levels in adrenalectomized rats (rats with surgically removed adrenal glands). The research investigated the complex interactions between anesthetic drugs, neurotransmitters, and hormonal regulation in laboratory animals. While not directly an EMF study, this type of research provides important baseline data for understanding how various exposures affect biological systems.

NONIONIZING RADIATION HAZARDS

Herman P. Schwan · 1973

This 1973 research by Herman Schwan at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering conducted comprehensive studies on how microwaves affect biological systems. The work examined how microwave energy penetrates and is absorbed by human and animal bodies, leading to safety standards still used in Western countries today. This foundational research established the scientific basis for current microwave exposure limits.

A REVIEW OF SELECTED BIOEFFECTS THRESHOLDS FOR VARIOUS SPECTRAL RANGES OF LIGHT

W. F. VAN PELT, W. R. PAYNE, R. W. PETERSON · 1973

This 1973 government review examined bioeffects thresholds across different wavelengths of light and optical radiation. The research compiled safety limits for various types of light exposure, establishing foundational guidelines for optical radiation protection. This work helped define early standards for light-based technologies and their biological impacts.

Science focuses on a 'light of life'

Lisa J. Shawver · 1973

This 1973 research explored Kirlian photography, a technique that captures electrical corona discharges around living organisms when exposed to high-frequency electromagnetic fields. The study examined how this bioelectrography method reveals light emissions from human subjects, investigating its potential as a diagnostic tool for health assessment.

Dielectric Properties of Materials for Microwave Processing—Tabulated

W. R. Tinga, S. O. Nelson · 1973

This 1973 technical reference compiled dielectric properties (how materials interact with electromagnetic fields) for hundreds of biological materials including foods, agricultural products, and human tissues. The data was collected to help engineers design microwave applications for food processing and communications. While not a health study, it provided foundational data showing how microwave energy penetrates and heats biological materials.

Thermal Effects of Single and Repeated Exposures to Microwaves - A Review

Sol M. Michaelson · 1973

This 1973 review by Michaelson examined thermal effects from both single and repeated microwave exposures. The research focused on understanding how microwave radiation heats biological tissues and the differences between one-time versus multiple exposures. This early work helped establish the scientific foundation for understanding how microwaves affect living systems through heating mechanisms.

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 SYB Research Database includes 3,825 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.
95% of the 3,825 studies examining whole body / general found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 3618 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 5% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.