Effect of exposure to RF-EMF from lab simulator of 5G NR base station on physiological parameters & cognitive abilities of male rats of different ages

Authors: Krivova NA, Kudabaeva MS, Zaeva OB et al.

Year: 2024

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60862-5

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-60862-5

Abstract

Overview

This study investigated the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure, emulating a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, on male Wistar rats of three different ages: juvenile, adult, and presenile. The experiment provides insight into age-related susceptibility to RF-EMF, which is important given the ubiquity of 5G base stations affecting all population age groups.

Methods

  • Exposure to 2.4 GHz RF-EMF, following ICNIRP limits
  • Average specific absorption rates: 0.0076 W/kg and 0.0059 W/kg (whole body)
  • Weekly monitoring: body weight, rectal temperature, right hind limb skin temperature
  • Cognitive assessment: Morris water maze in the 5th week of exposure
  • Post-euthanasia: organ weights compared between exposed and control groups

Findings

No statistically significant differences were detected in any physiological or cognitive parameters between RF-EMF exposed and control rats of the same age group.

Conclusion

The data contribute to the assessment of potential health effects from chronic RF-EMF exposure—such as those emitted by 5G NR base stations—across different age groups. Elevated public concern stems from ongoing research about the biological impacts of RF-EMF, and chronic exposure remains a health consideration that warrants precaution and further investigation.

RF-EMF 5G cognitive function rats physiological parameters age differences chronic exposure
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