Cell phones, Wi-Fi and cell towers all emit radio-frequency (RF) radiation. Numerous research studies link RF exposure to oxidative stress, a critical health endpoint. Chronic oxidative stress is connected to cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and many other diseases.
A 2021 review reported the majority of the animal studies and more than half of the cell studies found increased oxidative stress caused by non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and concluded that “a trend is emerging” that non ionizing EMF exposure, even in the low dose range, may well lead to changes in cellular oxidative balance (Schuermann et al., 2021). Image on this page is from this study.
“Radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones may lead to oxidative stress in human semen. We speculate that keeping the cell phone in a trouser pocket in talk mode may negatively affect spermatozoa and impair male fertility.” –Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) from cellular phones on human ejaculated semen: an in vitro pilot study – Fertility and Sterility
“Therefore, an increased oxidative stress status produced from a continuous (24 h/day) GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods may result in adverse health effects during future life stages.” – Effects of continuous prenatal and postnatal global system for mobile communications electromagnetic waves (GSM-EMW) exposure on the oxidative stress biomarkers in female rat liver
Induction of oxidative stress is a key characteristic of many human carcinogens (Smith et al., 2016).Wireless RF radiation can interfere with oxidative repair mechanisms and impact cellular processes leading to cancer (Havas, 2017; Melnick, 2019; Yakymenko et al., 2016).
As stated in the 2021 review Human‑made electromagnetic fields: Ion forced‑oscillation and voltage‑gated ion channel dysfunction, oxidative stress and DNA damage (Review):
The ion forced‑oscillation mechanism for irregular gating of voltage‑gated ion channels on cell membranes by polarized/coherent EMFs is extensively described. Dysfunction of ion channels disrupts intracellular ionic concentrations, which determine the cell’s electrochemical balance and homeostasis. The present study shows how this can result in DNA damage through reactive oxygen species/free radical overproduction. Thus, a complete picture is provided of how human‑made EMF exposure may indeed lead to DNA damage and related pathologies, including cancer.
Oxidative stress is important in EMF relatedlted illness. According to “Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS, microwave syndrome) – Review of mechanisms”
“Many hypersensitive patients appear to have impaired detoxification systems that become overloaded by excessive oxidative stress. EMF can induce changes in calcium signaling cascades, significant activation of free radical processes and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells as well as altered neurological and cognitive functions and disruption of the blood-brain barrier…”
“In short, chronic exposure to oxidative stress increases inflammation in the body and over time, this can contribute to a variety of health issues and diseases. Many scientists refer to oxidative stress in understanding why and how this non-ionizing radiation can impact the brain and reproductive organs. Reducing exposure is important to protecting health and mitigating risk, ” stated Theodora Scarato, Director of Environmental Health Trust.
Examples of published research on oxidative stress
Desai, N.R., Kesari, K.K. & Agarwal, A. Pathophysiology of cell phone radiation: oxidative stress and carcinogenesis with focus on male reproductive system. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 7, 114 (2009).
Gurhan H, Bajtoš M, Barnes F. Weak Radiofrequency Field Effects on Chemical Parameters That Characterize Oxidative Stress in Human Fibrosarcoma and Fibroblast Cells. Biomolecules. 2023 Jul 13;13(7):1112. doi: 10.3390/biom13071112.
Ismaiil, L. A., Joumaa, W. H., & Moustafa, M. E. (2019). The impact of exposure of diabetic rats to 900 MHz electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phone antenna on hepatic oxidative stress. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 38(4), 287–296.
Georgiou, C. D., & Margaritis, L. H. (2021). Oxidative Stress and NADPH Oxidase: Connecting Electromagnetic Fields, Cation Channels and Biological Effects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(18), 10041.
Kamali, K., Taravati, A., Sayyadi, S., Gharib, F. Z., & Maftoon, H. (2018). Evidence of oxidative stress after continuous exposure to Wi-Fi radiation in rat model. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 25(35), 35396–35403.
Lai, H., & Levitt, B. B. (2023). Cellular and molecular effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. Reviews on Environmental Health.
Manta, A. K., Stravopodis, D. J., Papassideri, I. S., & Margaritis, L. H. (2014). Reactive oxygen species elevation and recovery in Drosophila bodies and ovaries following short-term and long-term exposure to DECT base EMF. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 33(2), 118–131.
Pagadala et al. (2022). Effect of RFEMR on NSE and MDA levels in Sprague Dawley rats. Bioinformation 18(6), 501-505.
Panagopoulos, D. J., Karabarbounis, A., Yakymenko, I., & Chrousos, G. P. (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(5), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2021.5272
Schuermann, D., & Mevissen, M. (2021). Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress—Biological Effects and Consequences for Health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(7), 3772.
Singh, K. V., Gautam, R., Meena, R., Nirala, J. P., Jha, S. K., & Rajamani, P. (2020). Effect of mobile phone radiation on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and contextual fear memory in Wistar rat. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 27(16), 19340–19351.
Yakymenko, I., Tsybulin, O., Sidorik, E., Henshel, D., Kyrylenko, O., & Kyrylenko, S. (2016). Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 35(2), 186–202.
