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Journal of Radio Electronics Online scientific journal · eISSN 1684-1719
2026, № 5 · BIOMEDICAL RADIO ELECTRONICS

Biological effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation

V.N. Makarov1, N.A. Boos1, M.A. Mahov2

1 MIREA - Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russia
2 LLC Firma «TECHNOSVET», Moscow, Russia
Full text DOI: 10.30898/1684-1719.2026.5.9 UDC 615.471 EDN PYXWYR

Abstract

With the widespread adoption of wireless technologies (2G-5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), the biological effects of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) electromagnetic radiation have gained considerable public health and scientific significance. The aim of this work is to systematize the mechanisms of RF/MW radiation interaction with biological tissues, to review experimental and epidemiological evidence on its biological effects, and to critically evaluate current international safety standards. This is a literature review based on searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar covering the period 1976-2025, with priority given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large multicenter studies. The dominant energy absorption mechanism is dielectric heating, quantified by the specific absorption rate (SAR). In addition to thermal effects, a large proportion of peer-reviewed studies have reported non-thermal effects-reactive oxygen species induction, calcium homeostasis disruption, DNA damage, and altered blood-brain barrier permeability-although their reproducibility is limited. Analysis of over 500 genotoxicity studies found that 59 % reported significant DNA damage at exposures below ICNIRP limits, with reproductive system cells showing the greatest sensitivity (80 % positive findings). The large-scale NTP and Ramazzini studies found malignant heart schwannomas in rats following chronic exposure. Epidemiological data from major cohort studies (COSMOS, Interphone) have not shown a statistically significant increase in brain cancer risk, though follow-up periods may be insufficient to detect tumors with long latency. Current ICNIRP and IEEE standards are based exclusively on thermal thresholds and do not account for signal modulation or potential non-thermal effects. Fifth-generation millimeter-wave radiation is confined to superficial skin absorption; its long-term biological effects remain largely unexplored. A reassessment of the IARC classification is planned for 2025-2029.

  • RF radiation
  • microwave radiation
  • specific absorption rate (SAR)
  • oxidative stress
  • genotoxicity
  • carcinogenicity
  • ICNIRP
  • IARC
  • 5g
  • millimeter wave
  • Safety Standards
Аннотация (на русском)

Биологические эффекты радиочастотного и СВЧ излучений

В условиях повсеместного распространения беспроводных технологий (2G-5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) проблема биологических эффектов радиочастотного (РЧ) и сверхвысокочастотного (СВЧ) излучения приобретает высокое общественное и научное значение. Цель работы - систематизация механизмов взаимодействия РЧ/СВЧ-излучения с биологическими тканями, обобщение экспериментальных и эпидемиологических данных о его биологических эффектах и критическая оценка действующих международных нормативов безопасности. Работа выполнена в формате обзора литературы с поиском источников в базах данных PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus и Google Scholar за период 1976-2025 годов; приоритет отдавался высококачественным систематическим обзорам, мета-анализам и крупным многоцентровым исследованиям. Доминирующим механизмом поглощения энергии является диэлектрический нагрев, количественно описываемый удельным коэффициентом поглощения (SAR). Наряду с тепловыми, в значительной части рецензируемых исследований зафиксированы нетепловые эффекты - индукция активных форм кислорода, нарушение гомеостаза кальция, повреждения ДНК и изменения проницаемости гематоэнцефалического барьера, - однако их воспроизводимость ограничена. Анализ более 500 работ по генотоксичности показал, что 59 % исследований зафиксировали значимые повреждения ДНК при экспозициях ниже лимитов ICNIRP; наибольшую чувствительность проявили клетки репродуктивной системы (80 % положительных результатов). Крупные исследования NTP и Ramazzini обнаружили злокачественные шванномы сердца у крыс при хроническом облучении. Эпидемиологические данные крупных когортных исследований (COSMOS, Interphone) не демонстрируют статистически значимого повышения риска злокачественных новообразований мозга, однако период наблюдения остается недостаточным для выявления опухолей с длительным латентным периодом. Действующие стандарты ICNIRP и IEEE основаны исключительно на тепловом пороге и не учитывают модуляцию сигнала и возможные нетепловые эффекты. Миллиметровые волны 5G ограничены поверхностным поглощением в коже, их долгосрочные биоэффекты практически не изучены. Переоценка классификации МАИР запланирована на 2025-2029 годы.

For citation

Makarov V.N., Boos N.A., Mahov M.A. Biological effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation // Journal of Radio Electronics. – 2026. – No. 5. https://doi.org/10.30898/1684-1719.2026.5.9

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