Wireless radiation and the heart

Wireless radiation and the heart


Can the wireless radiation from everyday devices affect the heart?

There’s evidence it can, according to a new review published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in the United States.

Dr Uloma Uche, EWG consultant, explained, ‘With the widespread use of wireless devices, Wifi routers and other communication equipment that emit radiofrequency radiation (RF), as well as substantial evidence linking exposure to radiofrequency radiation to harmful impacts on human health, EWG decided to educate the public including medical professionals about these health impacts, focusing on health outcomes for one system at a time. So far we have published reviews on RF impacts on the nervous, reproductive and cardiovascular systems.

‘For our piece on the impact of RF on heart health, we conducted a systematic review of literature that has examined this issue and summarised their findings. Primary studies (including animal and human studies) were examined. Studies with methodological flaws were excluded from our review.’

The EWG team found that, ‘Electromagnetic radiation in the radiofrequency range emitted by cell phones, tablets and other wireless communication devices is absorbed by the human body and may affect heart health’.

The authors cited studies on animals showing that exposure to wireless radiation resulted in:

  • heart tumours

  • cardiomyopathy

  • changes in heart rate

  • structural changes in the heart

  • changes in lipids in heart tissue

  • oxidative stress

  • changes in blood pressure

  • heart rate variability

  • changes in heart function

  • and changes to the weight of the heart.


Among the animal studies was a major research project by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in the US, which found that rodents exposed to mobile phone radiation had increased rates of glioma brain tumours and schwannomas of the heart. A subsequent study by the Ramazzini Institute found the same thing. In both studies exposures complied with radiation levels allowed by international standards.

The EWG investigation also found that exposure of humans to wireless radiation caused:

  • risk factors for heart problems

  • and changes in heart rate.


‘Studies in people suggest that radiofrequency radiation can raise the risk for cardiovascular diseases by increasing blood pressure, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Changes in heart rate and altered response of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system have also been reported following exposure to radiofrequency radiation,’ the authors said.

Given these harmful effects, what can be done?

Dr Uche says, ‘our recommendation includes reducing one’s exposure to radiofrequency radiation via simple steps such as:

a) When receiving a call from a cell phone, use a headset or put the phone in speaker mode; this helps to reduce the amount of radiation that is exposed to your body.

b) HOLD PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR BODY when in use. If you are using a headset, don’t put the phone in your pocket (shirt or pant pocket) or clip it to your belt or put it on your lap— please put it in your bag, purse, or on a nearby surface. The amount of radiation absorbed by your body decreases dramatically with even a small distance.

c) TEXT MORE, TALK LESS. I know many of us would prefer to pick up the phone and place a call to send a text, However, phones emit less radiation when sending texts than during voice communications. Also, when you are texting, the phone is kept away from the body, decreasing your body’s exposure to radiation.

d) Finally, always check the phone signal to ensure it is strong before making a call. Fewer signal bars mean the phone must work harder to broadcast its signal to the cell tower. As much as possible, make and take calls when your phone has a strong signal. Research shows that radiation exposure increases dramatically when cellphone signals are weak.’

The EWG findings are a wake-up call for all mobile phone users.

‘The harmful effects of radiofrequency radiation are real,’ says Dr Uche. ‘Unfortunately, our exposure to radiofrequency radiation is inevitable with all the technological changes. The public should therefore take the above-mentioned steps to reduce their exposure.’

Reference: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields may affect heart health, new EWG analysis finds’ by Uloma Uche, PhD, Tasha Stoiber, PhD, Olga Naidenko, PhD, Nov 22

With thanks for their assistance to Dr. Uloma Uche and Iris Myers from EWC.


What can you do?

  • Don’t keep your mobile phone in a pocket near your heart.

  • Don’t use wireless devices that are irradiating you at chest-height.

  • Use radiation-free equipment for internet and landline phones.

  • Learn how to make your home radiation free with our online course, Your electromagnetic-safe Home.

What else can you do?

  • forward this email to others to inform them, too

  • see the latest news in our December newsletter EMR and Health here

  • book a phone consultation to find answers to your questions here. 

Christmas holiday hours

Our office will be closing on Friday 23rd December and reopening on January 16 2023.

I’d like to wish all our readers a very happy Christmas and holiday season. We appreciate your interest and support again this year and look forward to sharing important developments in the world of electromagnetic radiation with you again in 2023.

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