Summary of seven Swedish case reports on the microwave syndrome associated with 5G radiofrequency radiation

Limits for maximum exposure

Most countries use extremely high and outdated guidelines by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for maximum allowed exposure to RF radiation. The first guidelines were published in 1998 [9], and were updated in 2020 [10]. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted similar maximum limits set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-19-126A1_Rcd.pdf).

ICNIRP is a private organization based in Germany. New members are elected by existing members and most of them have historically had both economic and/or personal ties to the telecom industry [11], 12]. ICNIRP’s limits are based only on heating (thermal) effects from RF radiation that appear when the RF radiation is so intense that it causes acute thermal effects within an hour. For chronic full body exposure to 5G at 3.5 GHz the ICNIRP limit is 10,000,000 μW/m² averaged over 6 min [9], or 30 min [10]. The ICNIRP thermal-based limits do not protect against any effect caused by non-thermal acute or chronic exposure in spite of growing evidence for such effects. Therefore the ICNIRP and the FCC limits are criticized for their inability to protect against a long range of known health effects based on substantial and increasing scientific evidence [13], [14], [15]. In fact, RF radiation was already in 2011 evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO to be a possible human carcinogen, Group 2B [16], 17]. In spite of further evidence of the carcinogenicity indicating that RF radiation now may be classified as a human carcinogen Group 1 [18], a new evaluation has not been made by IARC.

The ICNIRP approach appears to be of large importance for the telecommunication industry since these guidelines for exposure to RF radiation allow them to deploy 5G according to their plans. A major example is that 5G roll out would be “difficult or impossible” if the limits were lowered 100 times according to a leading 5G infrastructure provider (https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/20171205/Documents/S3_Christer_Tornevik.pdf). Yet another example of the importance of these limits to the industry is a promotional brochure about the ICNIRP 2020 limits from the telecommunication operator’s organization GSMA (https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GSMA_International_EMF_Exposure_Guideline_Oct21.pdf).

The microwave syndrome

Microwaves are frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz within the radiofrequency spectrum and it is within the microwave frequency range that the 5G and previous generations of mobile phone technology carrier waves operate. Evidence of negative health effects from RF/microwave radiation were published already in the 1960s and 1970s in Eastern European countries in studies of exposed workers [19], [20], [21]. Common symptoms were headache, fatigue, concentration difficulty, insomnia, emotional distress, irritability, dysesthesia, skin lesions including burning sensation, cardiac and lung symptoms. These are included in the microwave syndrome or illness that comprises a variety of clinical and physical symptoms. It was observed that in general women appeared to be more sensitive than men and that the individual sensitivity varied.

A review of these studies, as well as studies on animals, concluded that “a surprisingly wide variety of neurological and physiological reactions are to be expected” because of exposure to non-thermal levels of RF/microwave radiation [19].

Other term for the illness was radiofrequency sickness syndrome [22]. The non-thermal effects depend primarily on the modulation and/or pulsation of the signal and also on the peak and average intensity. Pulsed signals and simultaneous exposure to several frequencies caused more effects and were thus considered more hazardous. The observed effects increased with longer time of exposure [20]. Today the population is exposed simultaneously to a multitude of frequencies from various wireless technologies. The signals are pulsed and modulated and the exposure is chronic.

It was also observed that, in general, the symptoms declined after the exposure had ceased. According to Marha et al. (see page 31) “at a certain time after exposure had ended (sometimes as long as several weeks or more), the organism usually returns to its original physiological state and all subjective and objective complaints vanish” [21].

The results of these early observations have been confirmed during the last two decades in investigations on health effects among inhabitants near mobile phone masts or base stations. Some of these recent studies have investigated prevalence of symptoms identified within the microwave syndrome, others have investigated other outcomes such as cancer or effects on biochemical parameters, for instance hormones or indications of genetic damage [23]. One study from France has studied frequency of ALS [24]. According to a review in 2022 of most of these studies, 17 of 23 studies showed evidence for radiofrequency sickness or the microwave syndrome, 10 of 13 reported increased cancer risks and six of eight studies found changes in biochemical markers among people living in the vicinity of masts or base stations [23].

5G studies so far

The literature is sparse on health effects caused by exposure to 5G radiation. So far, according to our knowledge, no long-term effects have been studied and there are only a few short term animal studies and one human laboratory study. None of the laboratory studies have used exposure corresponding to real life 5G exposure [25], [26], [27], [28], [29].

There were at the start of the roll-out of 5G no studies available on biological effects on humans from exposure to the 5G frequencies around 3.5 GHz.

Thus, no study had investigated exposure similar to that encountered by millions of people now exposed to radiation from 5G antennas in combination with 4G technology.

A few animal studies have investigated effects on animals after exposure to 3.5 GHz RF radiation at levels below the ICNIRP limits. Studies exposing animals to the 3.5 GHz frequency (not real-life 5G signals) have found negative effects such as oxidative stress in the liver, kidneys, the plasma, degenerated neurons in the brain as well as oxidative stress in muscles and negative effects on bone strength. Further, modified behavior after fetal exposure has been reported [25], [26], [27], [28].

Human laboratory studies

A study published in September 2023, investigating effects on human brain waves, exposed 34 healthy young volunteers to GSM pulse-modulated 3.5 GHz at a mean level between 1.5 and 2 V/m or up to 10,610 μW/m² during only 26 min. The estimated peak power density (PD) was calculated to 680,000 μW/m². The authors reported “an overall non-significant difference in beta, alpha, theta, and delta brain oscillations relative to 5G exposure. However, a few electrodes in the baseline-corrected exposure and post-exposure periods exhibited significant modulation corresponding to the eye condition only in the alpha, theta, and delta rhythms, which did not survive the posterior statistical correction.” [29].

Some changes in human brain waves were thus observed. However the signal was GSM modulated and consequently not representative of real 5G exposure. The exposure lasted only 26 min and was thus not representative for effects of chronic real life exposure. In addition, real life exposure includes simultaneous exposure to several other signals, for instance to 4G.

Case studies of human real life 5G exposure

We have previously published seven case reports on health effects in humans exposed to 5G RF radiation [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]. The studies were performed during 2021–2023 and investigated health effects previously described to be associated with exposure to RF radiation among a total of 16 persons. Measurements of RF radiation were also made.

Aim of this study

The aim of this study was to make a summary of our seven case reports [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]. One purpose was to investigate the severity and any pattern of different diseases/symptoms based on the total material.

The 5G case studies

In the following a summary is given of our seven case studies.

Study [1]: two previously healthy persons, a man aged 63 years and a woman aged 62 years, developed symptoms of the microwave syndrome after installation of a 5G base station for wireless communication on the roof above their apartment. A base station for previous telecommunication generation technology (3G/4G) was present at the same spot since several years. Very high RF radiation with maximum (highest measured peak value) levels of 354,000, 1,690,000, and >2,500,000 μW/m² were measured at three occasions in the bedroom located only 5 m below the new 5G base station. Maximum (peak) level of 9,000 μW/m² was measured prior to the 5G deployment. The rapidly emerging symptoms after the start of 5G were typical for the microwave syndrome: fatigue, sleeping difficulty, emotional distress, nose bleeds, tinnitus, dizziness, skin disorders, concentration problems, balance disorder, impaired short-term memory, confusion, heart and lung symptoms (palpitations, feeling of heaviness in the chest) and a feeling of warmth in the body. The symptoms were more pronounced in the woman. Due to the severity of symptoms, the couple left their dwelling and moved to a small office room with maximum (peak) RF radiation of 3,500 μW/m². Within a couple of days, most of their symptoms alleviated or disappeared completely.

Study [2]: in this case study we describe two men, case 1 and case 2, working in three office rooms close to base stations situated on the roof above their office. After the deployment of 5G, both men developed symptoms typical for the microwave syndrome, e.g., fatigue, headache, tinnitus, dizziness, concentration and attention deficiency, and balance disorder. RF radiation after the 5G deployment was measured in the three offices. In office one, only 3 m below the nearest 5G base station, maximum (peak) RF radiation during 1 min varied from 463 to 1,800,000 μW/m², in office two from 6,230 to 501,000 μW/m², and in office three, from 13,700 to 61,000 μW/m². The symptoms disappeared in both men within a couple of weeks (case 1) or immediately (case 2) after leaving the office for other offices and living spaces with much lower maximum peak RF radiation emissions, maximum for case 1=16 μW/m², and for case 2=2,920 μW/m². The clinical pictures in both men were clearly related to the exposure.

Study [3]: in this case report we presented a woman aged 52 years who developed health problems consistent with the microwave syndrome after installation of a 5G base station facing her apartment at 60 m distance. These symptoms consisted of e.g., headache, dizziness, concentration difficulties, fatigue, arrhythmia, skin burning and nose bleeding. High RF radiation levels were measured in her apartment especially in the part closest to the base station. At the window in her living room peak levels of RF radiation from 17,500 to 758,000 μW/m² were obtained during 10 measurements, each over 1 min. By the sofa in the living room peak levels from 36,800 to 222,000 μW/m² were measured. Very high radiation was measured at the balcony facing the base station where all 10 measurements yielded within 10–15 s peak levels >2,500,000 μW/m². After temporally leaving the apartment for another dwelling with much lower RF radiation, 96–2,810 μW/m² peak levels, almost all symptoms disappeared within a short time. After moving back to her own apartment the symptoms reappeared.

Study [4]: in this study we examined a family of three persons living at distances to two 5G base stations of about 50 and 70 m, respectively. The base stations are located on the top of two 6-floor buildings and the antennas are directed towards the family’s apartment on the fourth floor on the opposite side of the street. Measurements in the apartment were made 10 times at every place, each measurement during 1 min. Highest levels were measured close to the two windows in the master bed room varying from 320,000 to 1,200,000 μW/m². High levels were also found at the window of the son’s room, 121,000 to 490,000 μW/m², and the daughter’s room 34,800 to 166,000 μW/m². Somewhat lower levels were found at the place of the pillow in the bed for all family members. The family members reported symptoms included in the microwave syndrome to varying self-estimated degrees. The daughter had the most severe health issues, for example sleeping problems, headache, concentration and memory problems, skin disorders, irregular heartbeat, light sensitivity, anxiety and panic attacks.

Study [5]: in this case report a 49-year old previously healthy man was described. After a 5G base station was installed 20 m from his apartment, he rather immediately developed a variety of symptoms that are part of the microwave syndrome. Most severe were headache, dysesthesia (abnormal sensation), loss of immediate memory, high and irregular pulse, chest squeeze, burning and lancinating skin. Very high RF radiation was measured in his apartment. The levels measured with the Safe and Sound Pro II meter reached the maximum peak measureable level of the used Safe and Sound Pro meter, >3,180,000 μW/m², within 10–15 s for each of the 10 measurements made during 1 min in the living room. In the man’s bedroom, measured levels at pillow in the bed ranged from 105,000 to 240,000 μW/m². Follow-up measurements were also made with a Narda-550 broadband meter showing results in root mean square (RMS) for both maximum and average values. The highest maximum RMS level in the apartment was 1,368,021 μW/m². Highest maximum RMS level in the living room was 571,624 μW/m². After moving to another apartment with low RF radiation the symptoms decreased or disappeared within a short time period but they reappear whenever he returns to his apartment with high 5G RF radiation.

Study [6]: this study included a woman aged 82 years with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) since almost four decades. After deployment of two 5G base stations, 528 and 489 m from her house respectively, she developed worse symptoms with e.g., fatigue, dysesthesia, dizziness, balance disorder, light sensitivity, and skin disorders that all are included in the microwave syndrome. Also her 83 years old husband was affected, although to a minor extent. The GigaHerz Solution HF 59B and the GigaHerz Solution HFW 59D were used for the measurements. High levels of maximum peak RF radiation levels were measured in the kitchen 166,700 μW/m² and in the living room, 147,100 μW/m².

Study [7]: in this case report a previously healthy family including a man, a woman and their three children was studied. The family members rapidly developed symptoms of the microwave syndrome after arriving at a summer cottage located at 125 m distance from a 24 m high mobile phone tower with 5G antennas. The most severe symptoms for the adults were sleeping problems, headache, tiredness, and irregular heartbeat. The children got sleeping problems, diarrhea, stomach pain, skin rashes, headache, and emotional symptoms. All symptoms disappeared and health was restored when the family returned to their own house at another place with no 5G base stations in the vicinity. No measurements were available inside the cottage during the time the family stayed near the mast. Later measurement showed that the radiation level varied from 9,000 to 43,400 μW/m² outside the cottage on the 5G base station side, compared with 2,500 μW/m² at most within their regular home without a 5G base station nearby. It can be reasonably assumed that the RF levels were considerably higher at the time the family stayed at the cottage during high vacation season when the nearby camping area was full of people. The area was nearly empty when the measurements were performed. The number of users and size of data transfers influence the RF radiation emitted from 5G base stations.

RF radiation

Measurements of RF radiation peak maximum levels are displayed in Table 6. Measurements were made only in one of our studies in the studied apartment before the deployment of the 5G base station [1]. In that case study a base station for 3G/4G was located at the same spot since several years. The radiation increased from 9,000 μW/m² with 3G/4G to >2,500,000 μW/m² with 5G (peak maximum). The couple had lived in the same apartment for many years without health issues associated with the 3G/4G base station. However, 5G caused severe symptoms within a couple of days. The study persons had to leave the apartment definitely.

In two of our other studies very high RF radiation was also measured that reached over 2 million μW/m² (on balcony) [3] or 3 million μW/m² [5]. In these cases the study persons also quickly developed severe symptoms of the microwave syndrome within a few days that became so intolerable that the persons could not stay in their respective apartments.

In study [7] unfortunately no measurements were made during the days the studied family of five persons (two adults and three minor children) spent a long week-end at the house near a 5G mast. Also in this case study the studied persons developed severe symptoms within a few days that vanished when the family returned to their home with much lower RF radiation exposure.

The measured levels in all these case studies were considerably lower than the ICNIRP guidelines for RF radiation, but at the same time also considerably higher than the recommendations from other experts, as shown in Table 7. In one of our studies [5], measurements were also made with Narda-550 broadband meter with results in RMS averaged over 2 min that are more comparable with ICNIRP limits averaged over 6 or 30 min. In that study, a man aged 49, developed within a week very severe symptoms that he considered life threatening (symptoms from the heart). He therefore left the apartment definitely. The RF-radiation in the living room averaged over 2 min was 135,983 μW/m² (Narda-550 broadband meter), which is considerably lower than the ICNIRP limits of 10,000,000 μW/m² averaged over 6 or 30 min. The maximum peak level measured with another meter (Safe and Sound Pro II) was >3,180,000 μW/m², which is extremely much higher than the maximum levels recommended by EuropaEM EMF guidelines of 100 μW/m² [31]. All the measurements of 5G radiation in all case studies showed levels very much higher than the levels recommended by EuropaEM EMF guidelines and also by the BioInitiative Group 2012 [31], 32].