Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation – 26sep2025.
A new study published in the scientific journal Electromagnetic Biology & Medicine shows serious effects on the liver at exposure levels well below current limits. The study, conducted by Turkish researchers, is the first investigation to date of effects of exposure to the 6 GHz frequency, which is commonly used in WiFi 6E and WiFi 7. WiFi 6E went on sale in Sweden in 2022.
The researchers exposed adult rats to microwave radiation at the frequency of 6 GHz with a remarkably low exposure of 0.065 W/kg for four hours every day for 42 days. The current limit value developed by the criticized organization ICNIRP is 2 W/kg. Despite the relatively low level of exposure, and despite the fact that the signal was not pulse-modulated as in real exposure to WiFi, the study yielded worrying results. Research has previously shown that pulse-modulated exposure produces more negative effects.
Liver damage and DNA damage
Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed significant deleterious changes in the rats exposed to 6 GHz compared to the unexposed control group. In addition, genotoxicity tests (Comet tests) indicated an increased number of DNA-damaged cells.
The authors note that this is the first study to date to investigate DNA damage of the frequency 6 GHz.
Mounting evidence of harmful influence
These new results are consistent with a rapidly growing body of research. Repeated studies have previously shown that radiation emitted from WiFi, mobile phones and mobile base stations can damage cells’ DNA, cause oxidative stress and damage the brain but also other organs such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid and testicles, see for example our fact sheet on WiFi and health.
Professor Henry Lai has compiled all the research up to May 2025. It shows that:
- 89% or 359 of 407 studies have shown oxidative stress effects.
- 72% 366 of 511 studies show genetic effects.
- 78% or 373 of 480 studies show neurological effects.
Recently, systematic reviews commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) have also provided “very solid evidence” of the harmful effects of exposure to RF radiation. This applies to both impaired fertility and an increased risk of cancer.
6 GHz frequency
With the launch of WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 and other consumer products that use the 6GHz band, people including sensitive individuals such as young children are exposed to hazardous microwave exposure. The Turkish study shows adverse effects at exposure levels that are far below those allowed by the current regulations developed by ICNIRP and by the FCC (USA). These only protect against immediate warming effects, so-called thermal effects, and therefore lack protection against the many harmful effects that research has documented in recent decades at levels that are lower, such as DNA damage and harmful effects on the brain.
ICNIRP states in its recommendations published in 2020 that people with exposure to 6 GHz and above can also be exposed to even stronger radiation than from products that use frequencies below 6 GHz (see Table 1). This means that ICNIRP believes that people’s heads can be heated 5 degrees above normal without being harmed, i.e. up to 42 degrees Celsius, which is contrary to medical knowledge. According to former ICNIRP member, Professor James Lin, who today is extremely critical of ICNIRP’s limit values and attitude, such a high temperature can cause cell death and be cytotoxic (damage cells).
Summary
The 6 GHz band, which is used in WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 launched in recent years, has been shown to be able to cause DNA damage and histopathological damage in the liver at levels well below current limits.
The new study is the first to investigate whether 6 GHz causes DNA damage. Previous research has largely shown that microwave radiation causes DNA damage and oxidative stress when exposed to other frequencies used in wireless technology. DNA damage and oxidative stress are recognized mechanisms behind many disease states, such as cancer.
Recommendations
- Do not use wireless networks WiFi. Instead, use a wired connection to the internet (fixed connection).
- Check your router with a radiation meter so that it does not transmit microwaves even though you have turned off the wireless function.
- Also check the radiation in your home to detect any elevated levels from other products or from nearby cell towers or base stations, or from neighbors’ equipment.
- Keep your distance from your smartphone when using it, i.e. keep your phone away from your body.
- Use speaker function or headphones with air tube. Never use wireless headphones, such as Airpods.
- Turn off unnecessary functions on your smartphone, as well as WiFi, Bluetooth and mobile data.
Source: Ilgaz NS, Karamazı Y, Emre M, Toyran T, Karaoğlan Ö, Emre T, Dönmez Kutlu M, Öksüz Üçkayabaşı H, Aydın Ç, Yılmaz MB. Genotoxic and histopathological effects of 6 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on rat liver tissue. Electromagn Biol Med. 2025 Jul 22:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2025.2534381. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40692353/
LVsA Note This post is an auto translation
Source – Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation – WiFi 6 GHz causes DNA damage
