Millimeter-wave high frequency 5G (26 GHz) electromagnetic fields do not modulate human brain electrical activity

Environ Res · 2026 · No effect · Moderate evidence

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No effectModerate evidencePaper 2485

Study snapshot

PublicationEnviron Res · 2026

Study typerandomized_trial

Reported directionNo effect

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Category: Neurophysiology Tags: 5G, millimeter-wave, electromagnetic fields, EEG, brain activity, human study, safety DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123349 URL: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview The advent of 5G networks employing millimeter-wave frequencies such as 26 GHz has spurred concerns regarding their potential effects on human neurophysiology, particularly in relation to electrical brain activity. Notably, prior to this work, no controlled investigations examined the impact of 26 GHz exposure on the human brain. Methods - Design: Randomized, triple-blind crossover study - Participants: 31 healthy young adults (18 men, 14 women, mean age 26.1 ± 5.2 years) - Exposure: Each participant underwent two sessions (real and sham), separated by a week, receiving 26.5-minute exposures to 26 GHz electromagnetic fields at an intensity of 2 V/m. - EEG Activity: Recorded before, during, and after exposure, focusing on power spectral density in delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and beta (12-35 Hz) bands. - Statistical Analysis: Mixed-effects models with baseline correction to determine the effects of exposure across temporal phases and electrode clusters. Findings - No significant modulation of EEG frequency bands was identified during the eyes-closed condition following 26 GHz exposure. - Mixed-effects modeling revealed no significant main effects or interactions for exposure conditions across all frequency bands and electrode clusters. Conclusion This first controlled investigation into the neurophysiological effects of 26 GHz 5G electromagnetic fields on human EEG activity did not reveal detectable alterations in brain electrical activity under exposure conditions that comply with regulatory limits. These results offer preliminary assurance regarding the safety of 5G millimeter-wave technology. However, further studies across broader populations and varying exposure scenarios are recommended, as ongoing scrutiny of potential health risks from electromagnetic fields is essential for public health.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typerandomized_trial

Effect directionno_effect

Population31 healthy young adults (mean age 26.1 ± 5.2 years)

Sample size31

ExposuremmWave · 26000 MHz · 26.5 min

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In a randomized, triple-blind crossover study (real vs sham), 26 GHz exposure at 2 V/m for 26.5 minutes did not significantly modulate EEG power spectral density in delta, theta, alpha, or beta bands across temporal phases and electrode clusters under eyes-closed conditions. Mixed-effects models showed no significant main effects or interactions for exposure across all frequency bands and electrode clusters.

Outcomes measured

EEG power spectral density in delta (1–4 Hz)
EEG power spectral density in theta (4–8 Hz)
EEG power spectral density in alpha (8–12 Hz)
EEG power spectral density in beta (12–35 Hz)

Limitations

Only healthy young adults were studied
Exposure scenario limited to 26 GHz at 2 V/m for 26.5 minutes
EEG results reported for eyes-closed conditions

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "mmWave",
    "source": "5G",
    "frequency_mhz": 26000,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "26.5 min"
  },
  "population": "31 healthy young adults (mean age 26.1 ± 5.2 years)",
  "sample_size": 31,
  "outcomes": [
    "EEG power spectral density in delta (1–4 Hz)",
    "EEG power spectral density in theta (4–8 Hz)",
    "EEG power spectral density in alpha (8–12 Hz)",
    "EEG power spectral density in beta (12–35 Hz)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In a randomized, triple-blind crossover study (real vs sham), 26 GHz exposure at 2 V/m for 26.5 minutes did not significantly modulate EEG power spectral density in delta, theta, alpha, or beta bands across temporal phases and electrode clusters under eyes-closed conditions. Mixed-effects models showed no significant main effects or interactions for exposure across all frequency bands and electrode clusters.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "Only healthy young adults were studied",
    "Exposure scenario limited to 26 GHz at 2 V/m for 26.5 minutes",
    "EEG results reported for eyes-closed conditions"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "5G",
    "millimeter-wave",
    "26 GHz",
    "EEG",
    "brain electrical activity",
    "randomized",
    "triple-blind",
    "crossover",
    "sham exposure",
    "2 V/m"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.72,
      "reason": "Controlled human study of 26 GHz (5G mmWave) exposure with neurophysiological (EEG) outcomes."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123349
PubMed: 41265672

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