EMF Research Resource

When it comes to EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies), we often get asked, “Where’s the science?” This is why we decided to create a place where we can combine all of the research and studies into one place.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that NOT ALL electromagnetic radiation is harmful, some EMFs can be extremely beneficial — like the UVA, UVB, and Infrared light from the sun and the earth’s magnetic field (or the schumann resonance). We will go into all of this in a later post, but for now, we wanted to create a place where you can access studies and resources for when or if you get asked the question,  “Where’s the science”?

AC Magnetic Fields

EMF guidelines and risk reviews

• IEEE C95.1., 2005 – Safety Standards for Human Exposure to RF Fields (3 kHz–300 GHz)
  These IEEE standards set exposure limits for human safety related to electric and magnetic fields from power systems.

• ICNIRP Guidelines., 2010 – Recommendations for limiting human exposure to electric and magnetic fields in the 1 Hz to 100 kHz range
  The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommends exposure limits for time-varying electric and magnetic fields (1 Hz–100 kHz), focusing on short-term nerve and muscle stimulation. ICNIRP states there is no conclusive evidence for chronic effects like cancer or reproductive harm, but acknowledges data gaps.

• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Federal Guidance for Radiation Protection
  The EPA states there is no federal standard for exposure to EMFs from power lines. While it acknowledges potential risks, the agency defers to other bodies like IEEE and ICNIRP. EPA highlights the scientific uncertainty around health effects and calls for further research.

• Building Biology Institute Guidelines SBM., 2015 – Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods SBM
  The Building Biology Testing Methods Standard outlines the physical, chemical, and biological hazards that may be present in bedrooms, living areas, work environments, and on properties. This is where I did my training to become a certified electromagnetic radiation specialist.

• Carpenter, D. and Sage, C., 2007 – BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Radiation
  These independent reviews argue that the current public safety limits (ICNIRP/IEEE) are outdated and not protective. They recommend biologically-based exposure limits far lower than official standards, citing associations with oxidative stress, neurological issues, reproductive effects, and cancer.

• CL Sage, MA and SA Sage, BS. J., 2006 – Briefing Report on Electromagnetic Fields: Health Effects
  This paper argues for precautionary public policy on EMF exposure, especially in land use planning, suggesting distance from power lines and infrastructure is crucial when planning schools or residences.

Adult Cancer & EMFs

• JHAM Youngson et al., 1991 – A case/control study of adult haematological malignancies in relation to overhead powerlines
  Study found a weak but suggestive link between living near overhead power lines and adult hematological malignancies.

• Feychting M, Ahlbom A., 1994 – Magnetic fields, leukemia and central nervous system tumors in Swedish adults residing near high voltage power lines
  Swedish adults living near high-voltage lines had elevated risks of leukemia and CNS tumors.

Children Cancer & EMFs

• Olsen JH, Nielsen A, Schulgen G., 1993 – Residence near high voltage facilities and risk of cancer in children
  Found a slight but statistically significant increase in childhood cancers for children living near high-voltage power lines in Denmark.

• Green LM, Miller AB, Agnew DA, et al., 1999 – Childhood leukemia and personal monitoring of residential exposures to electric and magnetic fields in Ontario, Canada
  Found increased leukemia risk among children living in homes with higher magnetic field exposures based on personal monitoring.

• Kheifets L Shimkhada R., 2005 – Childhood Leukemia and EMF: Review of the Epidemiological Evidence
  A review of multiple epidemiological studies that suggest a statistical association between EMF exposure and childhood leukemia, though not conclusively causal. It calls for precaution given consistent patterns across studies.

• Michaelis J, Schüz J, Meinert R, et al., 1998 – Combined risk estimates for two German population-based case-control studies on residential magnetic fields and childhood acute leukemia
  Two German case-control studies found an increased risk of acute childhood leukemia linked to residential EMF exposure.

• Foliart DE, Pollock BH, Mezei G, et al., 2006 – Magnetic field exposure and long-term survival among children with leukaemia
  Follow-up study on children with leukemia showed no strong association between magnetic field exposure and long-term survival.

Reproductive and Developmental

• Li DK, Odouli R, Wi S, et al., 2002 – A population-based prospective cohort study of personal exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage
  A prospective study showing that pregnant women exposed to higher magnetic fields (>16 mG) had nearly 3x the risk of miscarriage. Exposure was measured using wearable devices, suggesting real-time magnetic field exposure may impact early pregnancy.

• Li, D. K., Chen, H. & Odouli, R., 2011 – Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Fields During Pregnancy in Relation to the Risk of Asthma in Of spring
  Found that maternal exposure to higher magnetic fields during pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of asthma in their children.

• Li D, Chen H, Ferber JR, Hirst AK, Odouli R., 2020 – Association Between Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Field Nonionizing Radiation During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort
  The study suggests that in utero exposure to high levels of MF nonionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of ADHD in offspring, especially for cases with immune-related comorbidities. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore the biological mechanisms underlying this association and to assess potential public health implications.

Radio Frequencies

Reproductive and Developmental

Reproductive Health Impacts (Male and Female Fertility)

• Agarwal et al., 2008 – Observational Study on Cell Phones and Male Infertility
  Men who used cell phones extensively showed reduced sperm count, motility, and normal morphology. Strong correlation between duration of use and reduced semen quality.

• Agarwal et al., 2009 – In Vitro Study on RF-EMW and Semen
  Exposure of human semen to RF-EMW (cell phone radiation) led to decreased sperm motility and viability, and increased oxidative stress.

• De Iuliis et al., 2009 – Mobile Phone Radiation and Human Sperm DNA Damage
  Found direct DNA damage and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human sperm exposed to mobile phone radiation. Suggests oxidative stress as a primary mechanism of harm.

• Yan et al., 2007 – Yan et al., 2007 – Rat Study on Sperm Motility
  Exposure to mobile phone emissions decreased sperm motility and viability in rats.

• Otitoloju et al., 2010 – Sperm Head Abnormalities in Mice
  Exposure to base station radiation caused significant increases in sperm head abnormalities.

• Dasdag et al., 1999 – Microwave Exposure and Testicular Function in Rats
  Chronic exposure led to reduced testicular size and impaired sperm production.

• Kesari & Behari, 2012 – Mobile Radiation Effects on Male Rats
  Exposure resulted in decreased sperm count and increased oxidative stress markers, suggesting reproductive pattern disruption.

• Salama et al., 2010 – Mobile Phone Exposure and Testicular Structure in Rabbits
  Long-term exposure damaged testicular tissue and altered hormone levels critical for reproductive function.

• Sage, 2017 – Testicular Cancer Risk in Teenage Boys
  Hypothesis paper suggesting increased testicular cancer risk due to boys keeping phones in front pockets. Reports a 1.55% annual increase in testicular cancer diagnoses in boys aged 15–19 from 2008–2012.

Wi-Fi and Laptop EMF Exposure

• Avendano et al., 2012 – Wi-Fi from Laptops Affects Sperm
  Using laptops with Wi-Fi significantly reduced human sperm motility and increased DNA fragmentation. Suggests that Wi-Fi devices in close proximity to reproductive organs pose fertility risks.

• Atasoy et al., 2012 – Wi-Fi Exposure in Rat Testes
  Histological studies confirmed structural damage in developing rat testes after Wi-Fi exposure.

Female Reproductive and Developmental Health

• Gul et al., 2009 – Microwave Effects on Rat Ovaries
  Cellular phone microwave exposure caused degeneration of ovarian follicles, suggesting impaired fertility.

• Panagopoulos, 2012 – Microwave Exposure and Ovarian Development in Fruit Flies
  Significant negative effects on ovarian development and reproductive capacity in Drosophila melanogaster.

• Magras & Zenos, 1997 – RF Exposure and Prenatal Development in Mice
  Continuous exposure led to irreversible infertility in exposed generations and developmental abnormalities.

Cellular, Genetic, and Oxidative Stress Mechanisms

• Czyz et al., 2004 – GSM Signals and Gene Expression
  High-frequency EMF exposure altered gene expression in p53-deficient embryonic stem cells, raising concerns about carcinogenic potential.

This page will be a living document and we will continue to add studies as we find them.