Health

 Experimental research shows chronic exposure to wireless reduces brain cells and causes brain cell death in the memory and learning centers of the brain. Cell phone radiation has also been shown to alter brain activity in humans. In 2011, NIH research found just 50 minutes of a wireless transmitting device (cell phone) next to the brain increases glucose in the part of the brain most exposed. Preliminary 3G and 4G research has further shown that non-thermal levels of this radiation alter the brain’s electrical activity. 

Sienkiewicz Z, van Rongen E. Can Low-Level Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields Effect Cognitive Behaviour in Laboratory Animals? A Systematic Review of the Literature Related to Spatial Learning and Place Memory. 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 May 8;16(9). pii: E1607. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16091607.Varghese, Rini, et al. “Rats exposed to 2.45 GHz of non-ionizing radiation exhibit behavioral changes with increased brain expression of apoptotic caspase 3.” Pathophysiology (2017).

Shahin, Saba, et al. “2.45 GHz Microwave radiation impairs hippocampal learning and spatial memory: Involvement of local stress mechanism induced suppression of iGluR/ERK/CREB signaling.” Toxicological Sciences (2017).  

“Effects of short and long term electromagnetic fields exposure on the human hippocampus.” Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure (2017). doi: 10.1016/j.jmau.2017.07.001.

Altun, Gamze, et al. “Protective effects of melatonin and omega-3 on the hippocampus and the cerebellum of adult Wistar albino rats exposed to electromagnetic fields.” Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure , 2017.

Kim, Ju Hwan, et al. “Long-term exposure to 835 MHz RF-EMF induces hyperactivity, autophagy and demyelination in the cortical neurons of mice.” Scientific Reports, vol. 7, no. 41129, 2017.

Sharma, Archana, et al. “Ten gigahertz microwave radiation impairs spatial memory, enzymes activity, and histopathology of developing mice brain.” Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 2017.

Sahin, Duygu, et al. “The 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation of a 3G-mobile phone and the DNA oxidative damage in brain.” Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 75 (2016): 94-98.

Tang, Jun, et al. “Exposure to 900MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats.” Brain Research, vol. 1601, 2015, pp. 92-101.

Dasdag et al. “Effects Of 2.4 Ghz Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Equipment On microRna Expression In Brain Tissue.” International Journal of Radiation Biology, vol. 16, 2015, pp. 1-26.

Roggeveen S, et al. EEG changes due to experimentally induced 3G mobile phone radiation. PLoS One,  vol. 10, no. 6, 2015.

Zarei et al. A Challenging Issue in the Etiology of Speech Problems: The Effect of Maternal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields on Speech Problems in the Offspring. Journal of Biomedical and Physical Engineering, vol. 5, no. 3, 2015, pp. 151-4.

Bin Lv, et al. The alteration of spontaneous low frequency oscillations caused by acute electromagnetic fields exposure. Clinical Neurophysiology, vol. 125, no. 2, 2014, pp. 277-86.

Júnior, L.C., et al. Behavior and memory evaluation of Wistar rats exposed to 1·8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. Neurological Research, vol. 36, no. 1, 2014.

Qiao S, et al. Reduction of Phosphorylated Synapsin I (Ser-553) Leads to Spatial Memory Impairment by Attenuating GABA Release after Microwave Exposure in Wistar Rats. PLoS ONE, vol. 9, no. 4, 2014.

Razavinasab M, K. Moazzami and M. Shabani. Maternal mobile phone exposure alters intrinsic electrophysiological properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat offspring. Toxicology and Industrial Health, vol. 30, no. 2, 2014, pp. 101-96.

Redmayne M, Johansson O. Could myelin damage from radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure help explain the functional impairment electrohypersensitivity? A review of the evidence. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, vol. 17, no. 5, 2014, pp. 247-58.

Saikhedkar N, et al. Effects of mobile phone radiation (900 MHz radiofrequency) on structure and functions of rat brain. Neurological Research, vol. 2, no. 6, 2014, pp. 2499-504.

Jing J, et al. “The influence of microwave radiation from cellular phone on fetal rat brain. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 31, no. 1, 2012, pp. 57-66.
Sirav B, and N. Seyhan. Effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure on blood-brain barrier permeability in male and female rats. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 30, no. 4, 2011, pp. 253-60.

Volkow, N.D., et al. Effects of cell phone radiofrequency signal exposure on brain glucose metabolism. Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 305, no. 8, 2011, pp. 808-13.

Maskey, Dhiraj, et al. “Effect of 835 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure on calcium binding proteins in the hippocampus of the mouse brain.” Brain Research, no. 1313, 2010, pp. 232-41.

Nittby H, et al. Effects of microwave radiation upon the mammalian blood-brain barrier. European Journal of Oncology, vol. 5, 2010, pp. 333-55.
Sonmez, O.F., et al. “Purkinje cell number decreases in the adult female rat cerebellum following exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field.” Brain Research, vol. 1356, 2010, pp. 95-101.

Bas, O., et al. “900 MHz electromagnetic field exposure affects qualitative and quantitative features of hippocampal pyramidal cells in adult rat.” Brain Research, no. 1265, 2009, pp. 178–85.

Bas O, et al. Chronic prenatal exposure to the 900 megahertz electromagnetic field induces pyramidal cell loss in the hippocampus of newborn rats. Toxicology and Industrial Health, vol. 25, 2009, pp. 377–84.

Naziroğlu M. and Gumral. Modulator effects of L-carnitine and selenium on wireless devices (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative stress and electroencephalography records in brain of rat. International Journal of Radiation Biology, vol. 85, no. 8, 2009, pp. 680-9.

Sİrav, Bahriye, and Nesrin Seyhan. “Blood-brain barrier disruption by continuous-wave radio frequency radiation.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine 28.2 (2009): 215-222.

Odaci E, O. Bas  and S. Kaplan. Effects of prenatal exposure to a 900 megahertz electromagnetic field on the dentate gyrus of rats: a stereological and histopathological study. Brain Research, no. 1238, 2008,  224–9.

Leszczynski, Dariusz, et al. “Non‐thermal activation of the hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway by mobile phone radiation in human endothelial cells: Molecular mechanism for cancer‐and blood‐brain barrier‐related effects.” Differentiation, vol. 70, no. 2‐3, 2002, pp. 120-9.  

 Yale University research found prenatally exposed pups had impaired memory, increased hyperactivity, and altered brains—consistent with a growing literature. Many studies have now demonstrated that wireless signals can damage cognitive abilities such as learning, memory, attention, and reaction times.“We have shown that behavioral problems in mice that resemble ADHD are caused by cell phone exposure in the womb,” said Dr. Hugh Taylor of Yale Medical School. “The rise in behavioral disorders in human children may be in part due to fetal cellular telephone irradiation exposure.”

Varghese, Rini, et al. “Rats exposed to 2.45 GHz of non-ionizing radiation exhibit behavioral changes with increased brain expression of apoptotic caspase 3.” Pathophysiology (2017).

Birks, Laura, et al. “Maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and child behavioral problems in five birth cohorts.” Environment International 104 (2017): 122-131.

Deshmukh, P.S., et al. “Cognitive impairment and neurogenotoxic effects in rats exposed to low-intensity microwave radiation.” International Journal of Toxicology, vol. 34, no. 3, 2015, pp. 284-290.

Narayanan, S.N., et al. “Possible cause for altered spatial cognition of prepubescent rats exposed to chronic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.” Metabolic Brain Disease, vol. 30, no. 5, 2015, pp. 1193-206.

Schoeni A, Roser K, Röösli M. “Memory performance, wireless communication and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A prospective cohort study in adolescents.” Environment International, vol. 85, 2015, pp. 343-51.

Deshmukh, P.S., et al. “Effect of low level microwave radiation exposure on cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats.” Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, vol. 50, no. 2, 2013, pp. 114-9.

Ntzouni, Maria P., et al. “Transient and cumulative memory impairments induced by GSM 1.8 GHz cell phone signal in a mouse model.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 32, no. 1, 2013, pp. 95-120.

Aldad, T.S., et al. “Fetal Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure From 800-1900 MHz-Rated Cellular Telephones Affects Neurodevelopment and Behavior in Mice.” Scientific Reports, vol. 2, no. 312, 2012.

Megha, K., et al. “Microwave radiation induced oxidative stress, cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain of Fischer rats.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, vol. 50, no. 12, 2012, pp. 889-96.

Papageorgiou, C., et al. “Effects of wi-fi signals on the p300 component of event-related potentials during an auditory hayling task.” Journal of Integrative  Neuroscience, vol. 10, no. 2, 2011, pp. 189-202.

Nittby, H., et al. “Cognitive impairment in rats after long-term exposure to GSM-900 mobile phone radiation.” Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 29, 2008, pp. 219–32. 

 Research in humans shows that chronic mobile phone usage results in high-frequency hearing loss and inner ear damage. Research has also shown a significant risk of tumors on the auditory nerve in the brain (acoustic neuromas). Experimental research with rodents shows signs of neuronal degeneration in the auditory system after exposure.

Medeiros, Luisa Nascimento and Tanit Ganz. “Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radio frequency radiation.” Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, vol. 82, no. 1 2015, 97-104.

Özgür A, et al. “Effects of chronic exposure to electromagnetic waves on the auditory system.” Acta Otolaryngol, vol. 135, no. 8, 2015, pp. 765-70.

Dhiraj Maskey, Myeung Ju Kim. “Immunohistochemical Localization of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Superior Olivary Complex of Mice after Radiofrequency Exposure.” Neuroscience Letters, vol. 564, 2014, pp. 78-82.

Seckin E, et al. “The effect of radiofrequency radiation generated by a Global System for Mobile Communications source on cochlear development in a rat model.” Journal of Laryngology and Otology, vol. 128, no. 5, 2014, pp. 400-5.

Velayutham P, et al. “High-frequency hearing loss among mobile phone users.” Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 66, no. 1, 2014, pp. 169-72.

Khullar S., A. Sood and S. Sood. “Auditory Brainstem Responses and EMFs Generated by Mobile Phones. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 65, no. 3, 2013, pp. 645-9.

Sudan M, et al. “Cell phone exposures and hearing loss in children in the Danish National Birth Cohort.” Paediatric Perinatal Epidemiology, vol. 27, no. 3, 2013, pp. 247- 57.

Panda N, S. Munjal and J. Bakshi J. “Audiological Disturbances in Long-Term Mobile Phone Users.”  American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, no. 533259, 2007 .

Oktay M, and S. Dasdag. “Effects of intensive and moderate cellular phone use on hearing function.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 25, no. 1, 2006, pp. 13-21.

Das S, Chakraborty S, Mahanta B, A study on the effect of prolonged mobile phone use on pure tone audiometry thresholds of medical students of Sikkim.,J Postgrad Med. 2017 Oct-Dec;63(4):221-225. doi: 10.4103/0022-3859.201419.  . 

Research shows children who used cell phones or who were exposed prenatally to wireless radiation are at higher risk of developing headaches.

Demir YP, Sumer MM. Effects of smartphone overuse on headache, sleep and quality of life in migraine patients. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2019 Apr;24(2):115-121. doi: 10.17712/nsj.2019.2.20180037.

Wang, Jing, et al. “Mobile Phone Use and The Risk of Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cross-sectional Studies.” Scientific Reports 7.12595 (2017). doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12802-9

Cho, Y.M., et. al. “A cross-sectional study of the association between mobile phone use and symptoms of ill health. Environmental Health and Toxicology (2016).

Küçer N and T. Pamukçu. “Self-reported symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields: a questionnaire study.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine 33.1 (2014): 15-7.

Szyjkowska, A., et al. “The risk of subjective symptoms in mobile phone users in Poland – An epidemiological study. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, vol. 27, no. 2, 2014, pp. 293-303.

Madhuri Sudan, et al. “Prenatal and Postnatal Cell Phone Exposures and Headaches in Children.” Open Pediatrics Medical Journal,  vol. 6, 2012, pp. 46-52.

Divan, H.A., et al. “Prenatal and postnatal exposure to cell phone use and behavioral problems in children.” Epidemiology, vol. 19, no. 4, 2008, pp. 523-9.  . 

 Oxidative stress is the formation of tissue-damaging free radicals. A recent research review shows 93 out of 100 currently available peer-reviewed studies indicate that radiofrequency radiation increases oxidative stress. This stress response damages cells and DNA through the production of peroxides and free radicals. Oxidative stress is implicated in the cause of many diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Igor Yakymenko, et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 2015.Jbirea JM, Azab AE, Elsayed ASI. Disturbance in haematological parameters induced by exposure to electromagnetic fields. Hematology & Transfusion International Journal. 6(6):242-251. 2018.

Doyon, P. R., and O. Johansson. “Electromagnetic fields may act via calcineurin inhibition to suppress immunity, thereby increasing risk for opportunistic infection: Conceivable mechanisms of action.” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 106, 2017, pp. 71-87.

Çelik, Ömer, Mehmet Cemal Kahya, and Mustafa Nazıroğlu. “Oxidative stress of brain and liver is increased by Wi-Fi (2.45 GHz) exposure of rats during pregnancy and the development of newborns.” Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, vol. 75, 2016, pp. 134-9.

Kuybulu et al. “Effects of long-term pre- and post-natal exposure to 2.45 GHz wireless devices on developing male rat kidney.” Renal Failure, vol. 38, no. 4, 2016, pp. 571-80.Mina, Despoina, et al. “Immune responses of a wall lizard to whole-body exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.” International Journal of Radiation Biology, vol. 92, no. 3, 2016, pp. 162-168.

Pandey, Neelam, et al. “Radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz)-induced DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in testicular germ cells in swiss albino mice.” Toxicology and Industrial Health, 2016.

Sahin, Duygu, et al. “The 2100MHz radiofrequency radiation of a 3G-mobile phone and the DNA oxidative damage in brain.” Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 75 (2016): 94-98.
Bodera, et al. Influence of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) on lipid peroxidation in brain, blood, liver and kidney in rats. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, vol. 28, no. 4, 2015, pp. 751-9.

Cetin H, et al. “Liver antioxidant stores protect the brain from electromagnetic radiation (900 and 1800 MHz)-induced oxidative stress in rats during pregnancy and the development of offspring.” Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, vol. 27, no. 6, 2014.

Hou Q, et al. “Oxidative changes and apoptosis induced by 1800-MHz electromagnetic radiation in NIH/3T3 cells.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 34, no. 1, 2014, pp. 85-92.

Yakymenko, Igor, et al. “Low intensity radiofrequency radiation: a new oxidant for living cells.” Oxidants and Antioxidants in Medical Science, vol. 3, no. 1, 2014, pp. 1-3.

Hamzany Y, et al. “Is Human Saliva an Indicator of the Adverse Health Effects of Using Mobile Phones?” Antioxidants and Redox Signaling, vol. 18, no. 6, 2013, pp. 622-7.

Nazıroğlu, M., et al. “Recent reports of Wi-Fi and mobile phone-induced radiation on oxidative stress and reproductive signaling pathways in females and males.” Journal of Membrane Biology, vol. 246, no. 12, 2013, pp. 869-75.

Szmigielski, Stanislaw. “Reaction of the immune system to low-level RF/MW exposures.” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 454, 2013, pp. 393-400.

Ballardin, Michela, et al. “Non-thermal effects of 2.45 GHz microwaves on spindle assembly, mitotic cells and viability of Chinese hamster V-79 cells.” Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, vol. 716, no. 1, 2011, pp. 1-9.

Augner C, et al. “Effects of exposure to GSM mobile phone base station signals on salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and immunoglobulin A.” Biomedical and Environmental Science, vol. 23, no. 3, 2010, pp. 199-207.

Grigoriev, Yury G., et al. “Confirmation studies of Soviet research on immunological effects of microwaves: Russian immunology results.” Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 31, no. 8, 2010, pp. 589-602.

Tomruk A, Guler G and A.S. Dincel. “The influence of 1800 MHz GSM-like signals on hepatic oxidative DNA and lipid damage in nonpregnant, pregnant, and newly born rabbits.” Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, vol. 56, no. 1, 2010, pp. 39-47.   

 The radiation from wireless transmitting devices damages sleep. For example, this radiation has been shown to delay entrance into deep non-REM sleep and decrease time spent in this stage of sleep. The quantity and quality of sleep has a profound impact on learning and memory. A sleep-deprived person cannot focus or learn efficiently. Sleep also has a critical role in the consolidation of memory essential for learning new information.

Schmid MR, et al. “Sleep EEG alterations: effects of different pulse-modulated radio frequency electromagnetic fields.” Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 21, no. 1, 2012, pp. 50-8.Hillert, L., et al. “The Effects of 884 MHz GSM Wireless Communication Signals on Self-reported Symptom and Sleep (EEG)- An Experimental Provocation Study.” Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 3, no. 7, 2007, pp. 1148-50.

Regel SJ, et al. “Pulsed radio-frequency electromagnetic fields: dose-dependent effects on sleep, the sleep EEG and cognitive performance.” Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 16, no. 3, 2007,  pp. 253-8.

Mann and J. Röschke. “Effects of Pulsed High-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Human Sleep.” Neuropsychobiology, vol. 33, 1996, pp. 41-47.  

Radiation at extremely low levels (0.0001 the level emitted by the average digital cellular telephone) caused heart attacks and the deaths of some chicken embryos…independent, third-party peer-reviewed studies need to be conducted in the U.S. to begin examining the effects from radiation on migratory birds and other trust species. —Willie Taylor, US Department of the Interior in his February 2014 letter to Mr. Eli Veenendaal of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.Studies at non-thermal (no measurable temperature change) levels of microwave exposures show chromosomal instability, altered gene expression, gene mutations, DNA fragmentation, and DNA structural breaks. Genetic mutations and cellular damage can potentially contribute to cancer growth. Strong effects from microwaves have been found in stem cells. Since stem cells are more active in children, researchers are concerned that children are at increased risk.While electromagnetic fields may not directly damage DNA, research indicates they could set into motion a series of biological impacts that result in genetic damage. 

A 2015 experimental study found that 2.4 GHz (frequenciesi used by Wi-Fi radiation) can alter expression of some of the miRNAs, and the study’s authors concluded that “long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases originated from the alteration of some miRNA expression and more studies should be devoted to the effects of RF radiation on miRNA expression levels.”Dr. Lai analyzed research since 2006 and found there are more papers reporting effects from exposure than no effect: New radiofrequency studies report that 65% of genetic studies show effects and 35% do not show effects.  

Research has shown impacts to the pineal gland, adrenal gland, and thyroid gland. These glands balance hormones that involve sleep. Research has shown that low levels of microwave exposure can reduce melatonin. Melatonin is not just critical to maintaining our sleep rhythm but it is also an extremely important antioxidant that helps to repair damaged DNA and reduces the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, research shows thyroid hormone levels can be impacted by wireless radiation. It has been established that even a small change in thyroid hormones can alter the brain. 

Topsakal, Senay, et al. “The ameliorative effect of gallic acid on pancreas lesions induced by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation (Wi-Fi) in young rats.” Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences (2017).

Hancı H, et al. “Can prenatal exposure to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field affect the morphology of the spleen and thymus, and alter biomarkers of oxidative damage in 21-day-old male rats?” Biotechnic and Histochemistry, vol. 90, no. 7, 2015, pp. 535-43.

Kesari KK, Kumar S, Behari J. “Pathophysiology of microwave radiation: effect on rat brain. Appl Biochem Biotechnol.” Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, vol. 166, no. 2, 2012, pp. 379-88.

Kesari KK, Kumar S, and J. Behari. “900-MHz microwave radiation promotes oxidation in rat brain.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 30, no. 4, 2011, pp. 219-234.

Kumar S, K.K. Kesari and J. Behari. “The therapeutic effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field onthe reproductive patterns of male Wistar rats exposed to a 2.45-GHz microwave field.” Clinics (Sao Paulo), vol. 66, no. 7, 2011, pp. 1237-45.

Mortavazi S, et al. “Alterations in TSH and Thyroid Hormones following Mobile Phone Use.” Oman Medical Journal, vol. 24, no. 4, 2009, pp. 274–8.

Koyu A, et al. “Effects of 900 MHz electromagnetic field on TSH and thyroid hormones in rats.” Toxicology Letters, vol. 157, no. 3, 2005, pp. 257-62. 

Research shows increases in heart rate, arrhythmias, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, and other disturbances in the heart’s cardiovascular functioning after exposure to wireless radiation. Several studies reported changes in EEG after prolonged repeated exposure to radiofrequency radiation. In some of these studies, relatively low power densities were used.

Hinrikus, Hiie, et al. “Mechanism of low-level microwave radiation effect on nervous system.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 36, no. 2, 2016, pp. 202-12.

Saili et al. Effects of acute exposure to WIFI signals (2.45 GHz) on heart variability and blood pressure in Albinos rabbit. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol. 40, no. 2, 2015, pp. 600-5.

Türedi S, et al. “The effects of prenatal exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field on the 21-day-old male rat heart.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 34, no. 4, 2015, pp. 390-7.Saini, Barjinder Singh and Anukul Pandey. “Effect of Wireless Network Radiation on Heart Rate Variability.” International Journal of Information and Electronics Engineering, vol. 4, no. 1, 2014.

Alhusseiny A, Al-Nimer M and A. Majeed. “Electromagnetic energy radiated from mobile phone alters electrocardiographic records of patients with ischemic heart disease.” Annals of Medical and Health Science Research, vol. 2, no. 2, 2012, pp. 146-51.

Esmekaya MA, C. Ozer and N. Seyhan. “900 MHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative stress on heart, lung, testis and liver tissues.” General Physiology and Biophysics, vol. 30, no. 1, 2011, pp. 84-9.

Havas M and J. Marrongelle. “Provocation study using heart rate variability shows microwave radiation from 2.4 GHz cordless phone affects autonomic nervous system.” European Journal of Oncology, vol. 5, 2010, pp. 273-300.

Andrzejak R, et al. “The influence of the call with a mobile phone on heart rate variability parameters in healthy volunteers.” Industrial Health, vol. 46, no. 4, 2008, pp. 409-17.Cherry, Neil. “Cardiac Effects of Natural and Artificial EMR.” 2002.

Shandala, M.G., et al. “Study of nonionizing microwave radiation effects upon the central nervous system and behavior reaction.” Environmental Health Perspective, vol. 30, 1979, pp. 115-21.

Takashima, S., Onaral, B. and H.P. Schwan. “Effects of modulated RF energy on the EEG of mammalian brain.” Radiation and Environmental Biophysics, vol. 16, no. 1, 1979, pp. 15-27.  

Research shows that exposure to electromagnetic fields could potentially increase the effects from other exposures. For example, a recent study showed a significant dose-response relationship between the number and duration of voice calls made on cell phones and ADHD risk among children exposed to lead in their environment.

Soffritti, Morando, et al. “Synergism between sinusoidal-50 Hz magnetic field and formaldehyde in triggering carcinogenic effects in male Sprague–Dawley rats.” American Journal of Industrial Medicine, vol. 59, no. 7, 2016, pp. 509-21.

Soffritti, Morando, et al. “Life-span exposure to sinusoidal-50 Hz magnetic field and acute low-dose γ radiation induce carcinogenic effects in Sprague-Dawley rats.” International Journal of Radiation Biology, vol. 92, no. 4, 2016, pp. 202-14.

Tang, J., et al. “Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats.” Brain Research, vol. 1601, 2015, pp. 92-101.

Byun Y-H, et al. “Mobile Phone Use, Blood Lead Levels, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms in Children: A Longitudinal Study.” PLoS ONE, vol. 8, no. 3, 2013.

Kostoff, Ronald N. and Clifford G.Y. Lau. “Combined biological and health effects of electromagnetic fields and other agents in the published literature.” Technological Forecasting and Social Change, vol. 80, no. 7, 2013, pp. 1331-49.

Nittby, Henrietta, et al. “Increased blood–brain barrier permeability in mammalian brain 7 days after exposure to the radiation from a GSM-900 mobile phone.” Pathophysiology, vol. 16, no. 2-3, 2009, pp. 103-12.

Eberhardt, Jacob L., et al. “Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Nerve Cell Damage in Rat Brain 14 and 28 Days After Exposure to Microwaves from GSM Mobile Phones.” 

Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 27, no. 3, 2008, pp. 215-29.

Nittby, Henriettta, et al. “Radiofrequency and Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Effects on the Blood-Brain Barrier.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 27, no. 2, 2008, pp. 103-126.

Juutilainen, Jukka, Timo Kumlin, and Jonne Naarala. “Do extremely low frequency magnetic fields enhance the effects of environmental carcinogens? A meta-analysis of experimental studies.” International Journal of Radiation Biology, vol. 82, no. 1, 2006, pp. 1-12.

Leszczynski, D., et al. “Non-thermal activation of the hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway by mobile phone radiation in human endothelial cells: molecular mechanism for cancer- and blood-brain barrier-related effects.” Differentiation, vol. 70, no. 2-3, 2002, pp. 120-9.

Persson, Bertil R.R., et al. “Increased Permeability of the Blood-Brain Barrier Induced by Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields.” Biological Effects and Safety Aspects of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy, vol. 649, 1992, pp. 356-8.  

The number of mobile phones, laptop computers, and other devices emitting radio frequency radiation to which we are exposed on a daily basis is enormous. WiFi and cell phones are ubiquitous. Current research indicates that children and the fetus are most at risk from exposures to electromagnetic fields. Their systems are still developing so even small insults can result in large impacts later in life. Equally important, their smaller stature, thinner skulls and unique body makeup result in radiofrequency radiation penetrating their brains and bodies more deeply in proportion to adults. Children have more active stem cells which are shown to be more impacted by microwave radiation. Current government safety standards do not adequately account  for these differences.  

Fernández, A.A. de Salles, M.E. Sears, R.D. Morris, D.L. Davis, Absorption of wireless radiation in the child versus adult brain and eye from cell phone conversation or virtual reality, Environmental Research, 2018, ISSN 0013-9351

Liorni I, et al. COMPUTATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF PREGNANT WOMAN MODELS EXPOSED TO UNIFORM ELF-MAGNETIC FIELDS: COMPLIANCE WITH THE EUROPEAN CURRENT EXPOSURE REGULATIONS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES AT 50 Hz. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, vol. 172, no. 4, 2016, pp. 382-92.

Fernandez-Rodriguez, C.E., A.A.A. De Salles and Devra Lee Davis. “Dosimetric Simulations of Brain Absorption of Mobile Phone Radiation–The Relationship Between psSAR and Age.” IEEE Access, vol.3, 2015, pp.2425-30.

Ferreira, Juliana Borges, and Álvaro Augusto Almeida de Salles. “Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in the head of Tablet users.” 7th Latin American Workshop On Communications, 2015.
Ferreira, Juliana Borges, Alvaro Augusto Almeida de Salles and Claudio Enrique Fernandez-Rodriguez. “SAR simulations of EMF exposure due to tablet operation close to the user’s body.” Microwave and Optoelectronics Conference, 2015.

Gandhi, Om. Yes the Children are more exposed to radio-frequency energy from mobile telephones than adults. IEEE Spectrum, vol. 3, 2015, pp. 985-8.

Morris, Robert D., Lloyd L. Morgan, and Devra L. Davis. “Children Absorb Higher Doses of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation From Mobile Phones Than Adults.” IEEE Access, vol. 3, 2015, pp. 2379-87.

Panagopoulos, Dimitris J., Olle Johansson, and George L. Carlo. “Real versus simulated mobile phone exposures in experimental studies.” BioMedical Research International, vol. 2015, no. 607053, 2015.

Redmayne M, and O. Johansson. “Radiofrequency exposure in young and old: different sensitivities in light of age-relevant natural differences.” Reviews in Environmental Health, vol. 30, no. 4, 2015, pp. 323-35.
Cabot, E. et al. “Quantification of RF-exposure of the fetus using anatomical CAD-models in three different gestational stages.” Health Physics, vol. 107, no. 5, 2014, pp. 369-81.

Pizzaro, Y.A.A., et al. “Specific absorption rate (SAR) in the head of Google glasses and Bluetooth user’s.” IEEE Latin-America Conference on Communications, 2014.

Verloock, Leen, et al. “Assessment of Radio Frequency Exposures in Schools, Homes, and Public Places in Belgium.” Health Physics, vol. 107, no. 6, 2014, pp. 503-13.

Gultekin, David H. and Lothar Moeller. “NMR imaging of cell phone radiation absorption in brain tissue.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 110, no. 1, 2013, pp. 58-63.

Bellieni et. al. “Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of “laptop” computers.” Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health, vol. 67, no. 1, 2012, pp. 31-6.

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The BioInitiative 2012 Report has been prepared by 29 authors from ten countries, ten holding medical degrees (MDs), 21 PhDs, and three MsC, MA or MPHs. Among the authors are three former presidents of the Bioelectromagnetics Society, and five full members of BEMS. 

The report concludes that  bioeffects are clearly established to occur with very low exposure levels (non-thermal levels) to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation exposures. 

In the eight years since the BioInitiative 2012 Report was posted, there have been a substantial number of new research. The large majority of studies report biological effects as opposed to ’no effect’.  The trend continues to show that exposure to low-intensity ELF-EMF/Static Fields and RFR at levels allowable under current federal public safety limits pose health risks.  The updated files in the Research Summaries section detail the number of studies showing ‘effect vs no effect’ for free radical (oxidative damage), comet assay studies, genetic and neurological studies and electrohypersensitivity.