Wireless radiation and electromagnetic fields (EMF) are a rapidly increasing environmental exposure.
Cell phones, cell towers, and wireless devices emit radiofrequency radiation, a type of EMF. Government limits are decades old. Scientists are calling for safeguards to protect human health and wildlife.
Our Work
The Wireless and EMF Program at Environmental Health Sciences aims to:
- Advance scientific understanding of health
and environmental risks. - Support science-based, protective regulations
and transparent oversight. - Promote innovative solutions towards a safe
technology future.
Watch Now
Linda Birnbaum PhD, former director of the National Institutes of Environmental Health and the National Toxicology Program, dives into the science behind EMF’s health impacts, the “clear evidence” of cancer findings in the NIH animal study, the increased vulnerability of children and pregnant women, and the actions needed to reduce cell phone exposure.
FAQ
- What is EMF?
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous in the modern world. They are invisible energized waves composed of electric and magnetic fields. Growing research suggests artificially generated non-ionizing EMFs can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
- How are we exposed to EMFs?
Scientists have focused on the health effects of two types of non-ionizing EMF:
- Wireless radiofrequency radiation, which is emitted by all wireless devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart devices, Bluetooth, cell towers and 5G.
- Magnetic field extremely low frequency EMF (often referred to as just “EMF”), which is emitted by electronics, charging cords and power lines.
- What are the health effects of exposure to EMF?
Studies have reported associations between exposure to EMF and cancer, genetic effects, decreased testosterone, sperm damage, memory problems, altered thyroid hormone levels, and altered neurotransmitters in the brain. Studies have also found impacts to wildlife, plants and trees.
Non-ionizing EMFs have been found to increase oxidative stress in the body. This can lead to inflammation, disrupting healthy functions and increasing the risk of chronic disease.
- How is EMF exposure regulated?
In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission’s regulatory limits for wireless radiation exposure were set in 1996. Since that time, there has been no review of these limits to ensure they are based on up-to-date science. FCC limits only prevent short-term tissue overheating, ignoring biological effects and long-term exposure risks.
The U.S. does not have any limits for magnetic field EMF exposure.
- What do experts say?
Numerous scientific and medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and California Department of Health, are calling for a scientific review of current regulations as well as public health advice to reduce exposure.
The New Hampshire State Commission issued a Report on 5G and wireless technology recommending cell towers be distanced from homes and schools. Click here to learn more about experts’ safety recommendations.
- What are some ways to reduce exposure?There are many simple ways to protect yourself.
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Distance phones and wireless devices away from your head and body.
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Do not carry cell phones in your pocket or bra.
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Use speakerphone or wired airtube headphones for calls, and corded and ethernet tech rather than wireless or Bluetooth.
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Turn your Wi-Fi off when it’s not in use.
The Santa Clara Medical Association issued Best Practices for Safe Technology in Schools and the Maryland State Environmental Health And Protection Advisory Council provides Guidelines to Reduce Wireless and EMF.
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Latest on EHN.org
EHN All about wireless radiation on EHN: Latest news and updates
- Study finds long-term cell phone use impacts a salivary gland
A recent study published in the International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine examined the impact of cell phone radiation exposure on the parotid gland, the largest of the major salivary glands.
- Parents push for school transfers after cancer concerns near cell tower in Missouri district
A growing number of parents in Liberty, Missouri, are seeking school transfers and demanding more testing at Warren Hills Elementary, where multiple staff cancer diagnoses and a nearby cell tower have raised health concerns.
- Major WHO-backed study: high certainty that wireless radiation causes cancer in animals
A new systematic review of animal studies on wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation and cancer commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in Environment International concluded with “high certainty” that exposure to wireless RF radiation causes two types of cancer in animals. The “certainty” reflects how confident researchers are that the observed effects — such as the link between wireless RF radiation and cancer — are real and not due to chance, bias, or flaws in the study design.
- Redwood City residents push back against wave of new cell towers
Residents of the San Francisco Bay Area community of Redwood City are raising concerns about the health, transparency, and property value impacts of dozens of proposed wireless facilities across the city.
- Cell phone use linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer
A new study published in the Fortune Journal of Health Sciences by Dr. Lennart Hardell and researcher Michael Carlberg reported an association between prostate cancer and exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by cell phones.
- San Diego families protest 5G cell towers planned for children’s park
A crowd of parents and children gathered in the La Jolla neighborhood’s Cliffridge Park to protest Dish Network’s plan to install 5G antennas disguised as baseball field foul poles near schools and recreation areas.