Select Page

A Small Sampling of the Numerous Scientific Research Studies Published After December 4, 2019- The Day the FCC Closed Their Inquiry on Human Exposure to Radio frequency Radiation (RFR). 

DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS INFORMATION HERE. 

The Environmental Working Group published a study in Environmental Health analyzing the findings of tumor and heart damage from the National Toxicology Program study and concluded that FCC limits should be strengthened by 200 to 400 times to protect children according to current risk assessment guidelines (Uche 2021). A 2021 study on RFR and the brain published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology found the threshold for an effect in EEG is more than a 1,000 times lower than level deemed safe by the U.S. FCC (Hinrikus et al. 2021).  

 

European Parliament requested a research report  “Health Impact of 5G” released in July 2021 concluding that commonly used RFR frequencies (450 to 6000 MHz) are probably carcinogenic for humans and clearly affect male fertility with possible adverse effects on the development of embryos, fetuses and newborns. 

 

A landmark three part 2021 research review on effects to wildlife published in Reviews on Environmental Health by U.S experts including former U.S. Fish and Wildlife senior biologist Albert Manville states current science should trigger urgent regulatory action citing more than 1,200 scientific references which found adverse biological effects to wildlife from even very low intensities of non ionizing radiation with findings of  impacts to orientation and migration, reproduction, mating, nest, den building and survivorship (Levitt et al., 2021a, Levitt et al., 2021bLevitt et al., 2021c). 

  • February 2020- Scientists of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Toxicology Program published a study finding “significant increases in DNA damage” in groups of male mice, female mice  and male rats after just 14 to 19 weeks of exposure to RFR (Smith-Roe et al., 2020).
  • March 2020– Yale researchers published a study supported by the American Cancer Society linking thyroid cancer to cell phone use in people with a type of common genetic variation (Luo et al., 2020). 
  • May 2020- A meta analysis of 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications (1990-2015) describing 1127 experimental observations in cell-based in vitro models on RFR published in Environmental Research found less differentiated cells such as epithelium and spermatozoa are more sensitive to RF (Halgamuge et al., 2020).
  • May 2020– A review on real world exposure to 5G published in Toxicology Letters found that 5 G will have systematic effects as well as adverse effects to the skin and eyes (Kostoff et al., 2020). 
  • November 2020- A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies found evidence that linked cellular phone use to increased tumor risk (Choi et al., 2020). 
  • February 2021– A 4G study found kidney inflammation and damage to the testes in mice (Hasan  et al., 2021). 
  • March 2021– The Switzerland Institute of the Environment expert published review found increased oxidative stress in the majority of animal studies and cell studies with exposures within regulatory limits (Schuermann et al., 2021).
  • July/August 2021– Two systematic reviews find harm to sperm (Sungjoon et al, 2021, Yu et al., 2021). 
  • August 2021– A review on impacts to the thyroid found RFR might be associated alterations in thyroid hormone levels, with a possible disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (Alkayyali et al.,  2021)
  • August 2021- 2400 MHz effected the structural integrity of the hippocampus in mice (Hasan  et al., 2021). 
  • August 2021- A review summarizes the effects of EMR on the neurotransmitters in the brain (Hu et al., 2021). 
  • September 2021– A systematic review on the effects of RFR to male reproductive hormones found that wireless can decrease testosterone reduction (Maluin  et al, 2021)
  • September 2021- A  review on the genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields found DNA strand breaks, micronucleus formation, and chromosomal structural changes (Lai 2021). 
  • September 2021– A systematic review published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences found that neuronal ion channels are particularly affected (Bertagna et al  2021).
  • October 2021– A review in the International Journal of Oncology describes how EMFs lead to dysfunction of ion channels which lead to reactive oxygen species/free radical overproduction providing “ a complete picture” of  how exposure may indeed lead to DNA damage and related pathologies, including cancer,” (Panagopoulos et al. 2021). 

 2022 Update

The study “Effect of Duration of Mobile Phone Use on the Salivary Flow and Total Antioxidant Capacity of Saliva and Salivary Immunoglobulin A Level: A Cross-sectional Stud” published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry  on eighty one student volunteers found “an increase in the salivary MDA (malondialdehyde)  concentration in subjects using handheld mobile phones for a longer duration, indicating higher oxidative stress in salivary glands exposed to mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic waves for a longer duration.” Malondialdehyde is the most frequently used biomarker of oxidative stress in many health problems such as cancer, psychiatry, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or cardiovascular diseases.

 

The study “Computational modeling investigation of pulsed high peak power microwaves and the potential for traumatic brain injury” compared high peak exposures to football head impacts stating that “ the simulations here have shown that exceptionally intense HPM exposures with incident power densities greater than 1.5 × 106 mW/cm2 (at short pulse durations) may generate intracranial stresses that are similar (±∼20 to 200 kPa) in comparison to typical TBI events (sports, vehicle accidents, ballistic impact, etc.).” The authors concluded that, “Our simulations show that, for certain extremely high-power microwave exposures (permissible by current safety standards), very high stresses may occur within the brain that may have implications for neuropathological effects. Although the required power densities are orders of magnitude larger than most real-world exposure conditions, they can be achieved with devices meant to emit high-power electromagnetic pulses in military and research applications.”

 

The study “Measurements of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, including 5G, in the city of Columbia, South Carolina, USA” published in World Academy of Sciences Journal authored by Tarmo Koppel and Lennart Hardell MD of the Environment and Cancer Research Foundation found the highest RF exposure readings were registered close to cell phone base station antennas mounted on top of utility poles, street lamps or traffic lights. 

 

The study “Very high radiofrequency radiation at Skeppsbron in Stockholm, Sweden from mobile phone base station antennas positioned close to pedestrians’ heads” published in Environmental Research concluded that “antennas should be positioned as far as possible from the general public.” 

 

The study Electromagnetic hypersensitivity close to mobile phone base stations – a case study in Stockholm, Sweden published in Reviews on Environmental Health presented the case of a woman who developed a series of health problems after moving to an office with high EMF exposure.  The symptoms were compared with published scientific studies showing detrimental effects from EMFs on humans, animals and biological material.

 

The study Biochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometrical investigation of the effect of thymoquinone on the rat testis following exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field found testosterone levels and wet weight of testes were significantly decreased rats exposed for 60 min/day for 28 days. 

 

The French government supported study Longitudinal study of exposure to radio frequencies at population scale of wireless exposures in 13 countries published in Environment International found total exposure has been multiplied by 2.3 in the four-year period considered, with Wi-Fi as the largest contributor. “The population tends to be more exposed at home; for half of the study subjects, personal Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices contributed to more than 50% of their total exposure.” 

 

The study Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields Act via Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Activation to Cause Very Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: 18 Distinct Types of Evidence details the scientific basis to conclude that “that smarter, more highly pulsed “smart” wireless communication may cause widespread very, very early onset Alzheimer’s Disease in human populations” 

 

The study “Impacts of smartphone radiation on pregnancy: A systematic review” published in Heliyon found wireless radiation exposure associated with hormonal, thermal, and cardiovascular changes as well as  miscarriages and fetal temperature fluctuations and heart rate variability. The authors urgently recommended more research on pregnancy and highlighted how health practitioners could use the scientific evidence to encourage pregnant women to decrease their risk by decreasing their cell phone radiation exposure. 

The review “The role of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation on female fertility: A review” published in the international Journal of Environmental Research concludes, “To date, several in vitro and in vivo studies unveiled that exposure to non-ionizing radiations brings about harmful effects on oocytes, ovarian follicles, endometrial tissue, estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, developing embryo, and fetal development in animal models. Non-ionizing radiation also upsurges the free radical load in the uterus and ovary, which leads to inhibition of cell growth and DNA disruptions. In conclusion, non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations can cause alterations in both germ cells as well as in their nourishing environment and also affect other female reproductive parameters that might lead to infertility.”Alkayyali T et al.,(2021)  An Exploration of the Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted by Mobile Phones and Extremely Low Frequency Radiation on Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid Gland Histopathology. Cureus. Aug 20;13(8) 

The study Effects of Acute Exposure to 3500 MHz (5G) Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Anxiety-Like Behavior and the Auditory Cortex in Guinea Pigs published in Bioelectromagnetics found guinea pigs exposed to low levels of  3500 MHz  for 72 hours had numerous effects compared to the sham group. The researchers concluded that “these results suggest that oxidative stress is an important mechanism underlying the biological effects of RF-EMR, which can induce ultrastructural damage to the ACx and cell apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent mechanism.” 

 

The study Receipt of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Subsequent Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cohort Study published in the journal Bioelectromagnetics found a statistically significant increase in the hazard ratio  of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)   observed among those who received more than 10  electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments , compared to those receiving no ECT, with an even stronger association observed among subjects older than 65 years. The researchers conclude that “our results provide weak support for the hypothesis that receipt of ECT increases the risk of developing ALS. Additional studies in larger populations, or in populations where ECT is more common, will be needed to refute or confirm an association between receipt of ECT and subsequent development of ALS.” Note, authors of the study have received funding from electric power companies and the Electric Power Research Institute, a consulting form for electric power companies. 

The study  Trigger of a migraine headache among Thai adolescents smartphone users: a time series study published in the journal Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology found migraine headaches correlated in a non linear fashion with specific smartphone radiation levels. The authors conclude that “the findings from the present study point out that smartphone electromagnetic radiation is likely to be the trigger of migraine type headache” and “Finally, younger student, internet use and talking without hand-free devices were risk factors of migraines. It is recommended that limited time for smartphone talking with hand-free device and older age starting using smartphone be suggested in order to prevent migraine attack.”

 

A  systematic review and meta-analysis of cell phone radiation and risk of headaches published in the International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health found  increasing call duration and mobile phone use in older individuals increased the risk of headache.

Scientific Citations

Bertagna et al (2021) Effects of electromagnetic fields on neuronal ion channels: a systematic review. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2021 Sep;1499(1):82-103

 

Choi Yoon-Jung et al.,  (2020) Cellular Phone Use and Risk of Tumors: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.  17(21), 8079 

 

Halgamuge MN, Skafidas E, Davis D. (2020) A meta-analysis of in vitro exposures to weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phones (1990–2015). Environmental Research, Volume 184 

Hasan et al., (2021) Hematobiochemical and histopathological alterations of kidney and testis due to exposure of 4G cell phone radiation in mice. Saudi J Biol Sci.   May;28(5):2933-2942 

Hasan et al., (2021) Effect of 2400 MHz mobile phone radiation exposure on the behavior and hippocampus morphology in Swiss mouse model, Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, August

 

Hinrikus, Jaanus Lass & Maie Bachmann (2021) Threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field effect on human brain, International Journal of Radiation Biology, 97:11, 1505-1515 

Kostoff, R., Heroux, P., Aschner, M., & Tsatsakis, A. (2020). Adverse health effects of 5G mobile networking technology under real-life conditions. Toxicology Letters, 323, 35-40 

Lai H. (2021) Genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. Electromagn Biol Med. 2021 Apr 3;40(2):264-273 

 

Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. (2021) Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment. Rev Environ Health  May 27. 

 

Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. (2021)  Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF. Rev Environ Health. Jul 8. 

 

Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. (2021)  Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 3. Exposure standards, public policy, laws, and future directions. Rev Environ Health.  Sep 27.  

 

Luo, J., et al.(2020)  Genetic susceptibility may modify the association between cell phone use and thyroid cancer: A population-based case-control study in Connecticut, Environmental Research, Volume 182 

 

Maluin SM et al., (2021) Effect of Radiation Emitted by Wireless Devices on Male Reproductive Hormones: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol.  Sep 24;12:732420 

 

Panagopoulos, D.J., et al.,  (2021). Human‑made electromagnetic fields: Ion forced‑oscillation and voltage‑gated ion channel dysfunction, oxidative stress and DNA damage (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 59, 92. 

 

Schuermann, David, and Meike Mevissen  (2021) “Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress—Biological Effects and Consequences for Health” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 7: 3772. 

 

Smith-Roe, SL., et al. (2020) “Evaluation of the genotoxicity of cell phone radiofrequency radiation in male and female rats and mice following subchronic exposure.” Environmental and molecular mutagenesis, Feb;61(2):276-290   

 

Sungjoon Kim et al.,  (2021) Effects of mobile phone usage on sperm quality – No time-dependent relationship on usage: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis. Environ Res. 2021 Jul 29;111784.  

 

Uche, U.I., Naidenko, O.V. (2021) “Development of health-based exposure limits for radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices using a benchmark dose approach.” Environmental Health 20, 84 (2021) 

 

Yu G et al (2021) Current progress on the effect of mobile phone radiation on sperm quality: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of human and animal studies. Environ Pollut.  Aug 1;282:116952.