Electromagnetic fields from mobile phones: a risk for maintaining energy homeostasis?

Authors: Seewooruttun C, Mai TC, Corona A, Delanaud S, Seze R, Bach V, Desailloud R, Pelletier A

Year: 2025 May 6

Category: Endocrinology, Environmental Health

Journal: Annales d'Endocrinologie (Paris)

DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2025.101782

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40339686/

Abstract

Overview

Globally, low-intensity radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) radiation from telecommunications, especially mobile phones, is nearly ubiquitous. Their rapid expansion has increased concerns about potential interactions with biological mechanisms.

RF-EMF safety guidelines currently prioritize protection against the thermal heating effects observed at high-intensity levels, which have well-established biophysical mechanisms. However, the impact of RF-EMF exposure on thermoregulation remains a critical area of research.

Findings

  • Most studies show RF-EMF exposure at 900 MHz can elicit physiological and biological effects in rodents that are similar to their response to cold environments, even below the threshold for producing measurable thermal effects.
  • This review details physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the observed responses during or after low-level RF-EMF exposure, with significant implications for environmental health and safety.
  • Evidence suggests that low-intensity RF-EMF exposure (SAR<4 W/kg) induces thermoregulatory responses in rodents, associated with a cold sensation.
  • Molecular data indicate RF exposure primarily stimulates "browning" of white adipose tissue (WAT), marked by increased UCP1 staining and reduced adipocyte size, rather than brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, although increased noradrenaline and NEFA plasma levels were detected in rats.

Conclusion

RF-EMF exposure is widespread and difficult to avoid in modern society. While the thermal effects of high-intensity exposure are well recognized, growing evidence shows that even low-intensity exposure can impact thermoregulation and trigger adaptive energy responses. Although these adaptive responses do not immediately compromise homeostasis or health, the long-term consequences remain unclear and warrant further study.

With the rollout of 5G technology (3.5 GHz) and increasing early-life exposure, urgent further research is essential to better understand these thermoregulatory effects, including the roles of the thyroid and age-related susceptibility. Investigating peripheral tail temperature and thermal preferences in 5G-exposed animals will provide important safety insights.

Importantly, there is a clear connection between electromagnetic field exposure and potential disruptions to energy homeostasis and thermoregulatory processes, highlighting the need for caution and ongoing research related to EMF safety and public health.

RF-EMF mobile phones thermoregulation energy homeostasis 5G thermal effects environmental safety
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