Science on Wireless, EMFs and Health
There is increasing scientific evidence reporting health impacts from the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by cell phones, cell towers, powerlines, wireless devices, and other sources of artificially produced non-ionizing EMFs. Studies have found oxidative stress, genetic damage, and impacts to neurological, reproductive, endocrine and immune system health.
Research on cell phone and wireless radiation exposure has found altered brain function, decreased brain cells, and increased cancer risk. Studies have found that people living in communities near cell towers have higher rates of cancer, neurological issues and biochemical changes. This page presents just a short sampling of the published science on the health-related impacts of EMFs.
Human-made EMFs Versus Natural EMFs
Human‑made electromagnetic fields: Ion forced‑oscillation and voltage‑gated ion channel dysfunction, oxidative stress and DNA damage (Review) by Panagopoulos et al. International Journal of Oncology (2021).
A mechanistic understanding of human magnetoreception validates the phenomenon of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) by Henshaw & Philips. International Journal of Radiation Biology (2024).
Oxidative Stress and NADPH Oxidase: Connecting Electromagnetic Fields, Cation Channels and Biological Effects by Georgiou & Margaritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).
Polarization: A Key Difference between Man-made and Natural Electromagnetic Fields, in regard to Biological Activity by Panagopoulos et al. Scientific Reports (2015).
Real versus Simulated Mobile Phone Exposures in Experimental Studies by Panagopoulos et al. BioMed Research International (2015).
Biological And Health Effects
A scoping review and evidence map of radiofrequency field exposure and genotoxicity: assessing in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological data by Weller et al. Frontiers in Public Health (2025).
Non-thermal biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation: Mechanistic insights into male reproductive vulnerability in the era of ubiquitous exposure by Jangid et al. Reproductive Toxicology (2025).
Cancer epidemiology update, following the 2011 IARC evaluation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Monograph 102) by Miller et al. Environmental Research (2018).
Cellular and molecular effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields by Lai & Levitt. Reviews on Environmental Health (2023).
Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Neurotransmitters in the Brain by Hu et al. Frontiers in Public Health (2021).
Exposure to magnetic fields and childhood leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies by Brabant et al. Reviews on Environmental Health (2022).
Health impact of 5G: Current state of knowledge of 5G related carcinogenic and reproductive/developmental hazards as they emerge from epidemiological studies and in vivo experimental studies by Belpoggi on behalf of the European Parliament Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services. Publications Office of the European Union (2021).
Immune Responses to Multi-Frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 4.3 GHz Microwave Exposure in Rats: Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis by Zhao et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).
Relationship between radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and brain tumor: meta-analyses using various proxies for RF-EMR exposure-outcome assessment by Moon et al. Environmental Health (2024).
A Prospective Cohort Study of Adolescents’ Memory Performance and Individual Brain Dose of Microwave Radiation from Wireless Communication by Foerster et al. Environmental Health Perspectives (2018).
A Review on the Effects of Thermal Inversions and Electromagnetic Fields on Cell Cultures and Wireless Communications by López-Álvarez et al. Sensors (2023).
An Exploration of the Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted by Mobile Phones and Extremely Low Frequency Radiation on Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid Gland Histopathology by Alkayyali et al. Cureus (2021).
Comments on the US National Toxicology Program technical reports on toxicology and carcinogenesis study in rats exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 900 MHz and in mice exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 1,900 MHz by Hardell and Carlberg in the International Journal of Oncology (2019)
Development of health-based exposure limits for radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices using a benchmark dose approach by Uche & Naidenko published in Environmental Health (2021).
Effect of Radiation Emitted by Wireless Devices on Male Reproductive Hormones: A Systematic Review by Maluin et al. Frontiers in Physiology (2021).
Electromagnetic Fields of Wireless Communications: Biological and Health Effects by Panagopoulos. CRC Press (2022).
Electromagnetic field and brain development by Kaplan et al. in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy (2016).
Evaluation of the genotoxicity of cell phone radiofrequency radiation in male and female rats and mice following subchronic exposure by Smith-Roe et al in Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis (2020).
Genetic susceptibility may modify the association between cell phone use and thyroid cancer: A population-based case-control study in Connecticut by Luo et al. Environmental Research (2020).
Histopathologic effects of mobile phone radiation exposure on the testes and sperm parameters: a systematic literature review of animal studies by Assefa & Abdu. Frontiers in Reproductive Health (2025).
Planetary electromagnetic pollution: It is time to assess its impact by Bandara et al. The Lancet Planetary Health (2018).
Risks to Health and Well-Being From Radio-Frequency Radiation Emitted by Cell Phones and Other Wireless Devices by Miller et al. Frontiers in Public Health (2019).
Role of Mitochondria in the Oxidative Stress Induced by Electromagnetic Fields: Focus on Reproductive Systems by Santini et al. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2018).
The assumption of safety is being used to justify the rollout of 5G technologies by McCredden et al. Frontiers in Public Health (2023).
Thermal and non-thermal health effects of low intensity non-ionizing radiation: An international perspective by Belpomme et al. Environmental Pollution (2018).
Wireless technology is an environmental stressor requiring new understanding and approaches in health care by McCredden et al. Frontiers in Public Health (2022).
Scientific Calls For Stronger Safety Limits
Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G by the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. Environmental Health (2022).
Some thoughts on the possible health effects of electric and magnetic fields and exposure guidelines by Barnes & Freeman. Frontiers in Public Health (2022).
The roles of intensity, exposure duration, and modulation on the biological effects of radiofrequency radiation and exposure guidelines by Lai & Levitt. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2022).
Incongruities in recently revised radiofrequency exposure guidelines and standards by Lin. Environmental Research (2023).
International Appeal: Scientists call for protection from non-ionizing electromagnetic field exposure by Kelley et al. European Journal of Oncology (2015).
Addressing Wildlife Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Time for Action by Froidevaux et al. Environmental Science & Technology Letters(2024).
Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach by Levitt et al. Frontiers in Public Health (2022).
Cell Towers
Increased risk of cancer and heart diseases due to the exposure to the radar EMF among the population of Potenza Picena, Italy by Brizzi & Marinelli. European Journal of Oncology (2018).
The microwave syndrome: a preliminary study in Spain by Navarro et al. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2003).
Base transceiver station antenna exposure and workers’ health by Rangkooy et al. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (2023).
Effect of mobile tower radiation on microbial diversity in soil and antibiotic resistance by Sharma et al. International Conference on Power Energy, Environment and Intelligent Control (2018).
Mobile phone and base stations radiation and its effects on human health and environment: A review by Jayaraju et al. Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship (2023).
Effects of exposure to GSM mobile phone base station signals on salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and immunoglobulin Augner et al. Biomedical and Environmental Sciences (2010).
Neurobehavioral effects among inhabitants around mobile phone base stations by Abdel-Rassoul et al. NeuroToxicology (2007).
Evidence for a health risk by RF on humans living around mobile phone base stations: From radiofrequency sickness to cancer by Balmori. Environmental Research (2022).
Wireless technologies, non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and children: Identifying and reducing health risks by Davis et al. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care (2023).
Mortality by neoplasia and cellular telephone base stations in the Belo Horizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil Dode et al. The Science of the Total Environment (2011).
Evaluation of oxidative stress and genetic instability among residents near mobile phone base stations in Germany by Gulati et al. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2024).
Adverse health effects of 5G mobile networking technology under real-life conditions by Kostoff et al. Toxicology Letters (2020).
Biological effects from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base stations and other antenna arrays by Levitt & Lai. Environmental Reviews (2010).
Limiting liability with positioning to minimize negative health effects of cellular phone towers by Pearce. Environmental Research (2020).
Mobile phone infrastructure regulation in Europe: Scientific challenges and human rights protection by Perry & Roda. Environmental Science & Policy (2014).
The Effect of Continuous Low-Intensity Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Radio Base Stations to Cancer Mortality in Brazil by Rodrigues et al. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2021).
Impact of radiofrequency radiation on DNA damage and antioxidants in peripheral blood lymphocytes of humans residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations by Zothansiama et al. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2017).
Wildlife
Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment by Levitt et al. Reviews on Environmental Health (2021).
Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: How species interact with natural and man-made EMF by Levitt et al. Reviews on Environmental Health (2021).
Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 3. Exposure standards, public policy, laws, and future directions by Levitt et al. Reviews on Environmental Health (2021).
Radio-tracking systems emit pulsed waves that could affect the health and alter the orientation of animals by Balmori. Journal for Nature Conservation (2024).
Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and tracking devices—state of the science and best management practices by Manville et al. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2024).
Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to wildlife orientation by Balmori. Science of The Total Environment (2015).
Electrosmog and species conservation by Balmori. Science of The Total Environment (2014).
A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) by Cucurachi et al. Environment International (2013).
Insects and Bees
Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Thill et al. Reviews on Environmental Health (2023).
Electromagnetic fields disrupt the pollination service by honeybees by Molina-Montenegro et al. Science Advances (2023).
Electromagnetic radiation as an emerging driver factor for the decline of insects by Balmori. Science of the Total Environment (2021).
Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees by Shepherd et al. Scientific Reports (2018).
Exposure of Insects to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields from 2 to 120 GHz by Thielens et al. Scientific Reports (2018).
Numerical dosimetry of specific absorption rate of insects exposed to far-field radiofrequency electromagnetic fields by Jeladze et al. International Journal of Radiation Biology (2025).
Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure of Western Honey Bees by Thielens et al. Scientific Reports (2020).
Estimation of the Specific Absorption Rate for a Honey bee Exposed to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields from 2.5 to 100 GHz by Jeladze et al. IEEE International Seminar/Workshop on Direct and Inverse Problems of Electromagnetic and Acoustic Wave Theory (2023).
Trees and Plants
Adverse Influence of Radio Frequency Background on Trembling Aspen Seedlings: Preliminary Observations by Haggerty. International Journal of Forestry Research (2010).
Radiofrequency radiation injures trees around mobile phone base stations by Waldmann-Selsam et al. Science of The Total Environment (2016).
Review on the impact of cell phone radiation effects on green plants by Panda et al. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (2024).
Sensitivity of plants to high frequency electromagnetic radiation: Cellular mechanisms and morphological changes by Kaur et al. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology (2021).
Review: Weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phone radiation on plants by Halgamuge. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2017).
Amphibian
Mobile phone mast effects on common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles: the city turned into a laboratory by Balmori. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2010).
The incidence of electromagnetic pollution on the amphibian decline: Is this an important piece of the puzzle? by Balmori. Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry (2006).
Birds
Teratogenic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on the embryonic development of chick: A study on morphology and hatchability by Augustianath et al. Research in Veterinary Science (2023).
Short-term exposure of 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cellular ROS generation and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell line and impact on developing chick embryo brain tissue by Deena et al. Molecular Biology Reports (2025).
Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields from Phone Masts on a Population of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) by Balmori. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2009).
The urban decline of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus): a possible link with electromagnetic radiation by Balmori & Hallberg. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2009).
A possible effect of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone base stations on the number of breeding house sparrows (Passer domesticus) by Everaert & Bauwens. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (2009).
4G mobile phone radiation alters some immunogenic and vascular gene expressions, and gross and microscopic and biochemical parameters in the chick embryo model by Islam et al. Veterinary Medicine and Science (2023).
Magnetoreception in birds: The effect of radio-frequency fields by Wiltschko et al. Journal of The Royal Society Interface (2015).
Fish
Effects of 700 and 3500 MHz 5G radiofrequency exposure on developing zebrafish embryos by Torres-Ruiz et al. Science of the Total Environment (2024).
Short- and long-duration exposures to cell-phone radiofrequency waves produce dichotomous effects on phototactic response and circadian characteristics of locomotor activity rhythm in zebrafish, Danio rerio by Malik et al. Biological Rhythm Research (2021).
Neurobehavioural Changes and Brain Oxidative Stress Induced by Acute Exposure to GSM900 Mobile Phone Radiations in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Nirwane et al. Toxicological Research (2016).
Transcriptomic and Long-Term Behavioral Deficits Associated with Developmental 3.5 GHz Radiofrequency Radiation Exposures in Zebrafish by Dasgupta et al. Environmental Science & Technology Letters (2022).
Mammals
Tumor promotion by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields below exposure limits for humans by Lerchl et al. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2015).
Compound exposure of 2.8 GHz and 9.3 GHz microwave causes learning and memory impairment in rats by Sun et al. Heliyon (2025).
Fetal RFR Exposure From 800-1900 Mhz-Rated Cellular Telephones Affects Neurodevelopment and Behavior in Mice by Aldad et al. Scientific Reports (2012).
Disruption of the ovarian follicle reservoir of prepubertal rats following prenatal exposure to a continuous 900-MHz electromagnetic field by Türedi et al. International Journal of Radiation Biology (2016).
Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies in Hsd: Sprague Dawley SD rats exposed to whole-body RFR at a frequency (900 MHz) and modulations (GSM and CDMA) used by cell phones by the National Toxicology Program. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (2018).
Report of final results regarding brain and heart tumors in Sprague-Dawley rats exposed from prenatal life until natural death to mobile phone radiofrequency field representative of a 1.8 GHz GSM base station environmental emission by Falcioni et al. Environmental Research (2018).
Changes in the histopathology and in the proteins related to the MAPK pathway in the brains of rats exposed to pre and postnatal radiofrequency radiation over four generations by Tan et al. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy (2022).