Systemic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (review). Part 1. Secretion glands

UDC: 
57.042+57.049+ 612.1+614
DOI: 
10.21668/health.risk/2025.2.15.eng
Authors: 

N.I. Khorseva1, P.E. Grigoriev2,3

Organization: 

1Institute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina St., Moscow, 119334, Russian Federation
2Sevastopol State University, 33 Universitetskaya St., Sevastopol, 299053, Russian Federation
3Academic Research Institute of Physical Methods of Treatment, Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation named after I.M. Sechenov, 10/3 Mukhina St., Yalta, Republic of Crimea, 298603, Russian Federation

Abstract: 

Among publications on systemic effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF), primarily those inherent in cellular communication devices (most often from 900 MHz to 2.5 GHz), as well as Wi-Fi, special attention should be paid to their influence on structural changes in the secretory glands, which are often direct targets for the impact of the corresponding RF EMF (for example, the thyroid gland).
Various pathohistological effects of chronic exposure to RF EMF in different modes on the glands of external secretion have been established both in experimental studies on animals and in epidemiological ones. The parotid gland, salivary glands, sweat glands are among those mentioned in them.

The endocrine glands can also be affected by RF EMF, which is confirmed by the results of numerous studies on the pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands, in which changes in their structure and functions have been recorded in both experimental animals and humans. At the same time, there is fairly pronounced dependence between resulting effects and exposure and other characteristics of RF EMF.
At present, biological effects of RF EMF produced by various frequency ranges (cellular devices and telecommunication masts) have been reliably established. Various histopathological changes have been registered in the glands of mixed secretion such as the liver, pancreas, testicles and ovaries. Serious disorders in the testicles and ovaries revealed in experimental animals are particularly relevant since they undoubtedly lead to reproductive dysfunction.

Particular concern is raised by the fact that cellular users of different ages, primarily children and adolescents, carry mobile devices in their trouser pockets, i.e. in close proximity to the sex glands.

The present period is also characterized by accumulation of comparative epidemiological data as well as non-invasive measurements of structural and functional changes in the secretory glands in humans. Based on them, an unambiguous conclusion should be made about the need to limit and take precautions when using cellular devices, which is also indicated by some of the works considered in this review.

Keywords: 
electromagnetic fields of the radio frequency range, cellular devices, Wi-Fi, endocrine glands, exocrine glands, mixed secretion glands, histological changes, young animals
Khorseva N.I., Grigoriev P.E. Systemic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (review). Part 1. Secretion glands. Health Risk Analysis, 2025, no. 2, pp. 175–184. DOI: 10.21668/health.risk/2025.2.15.eng
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Received: 
06.03.2025
Approved: 
25.04.2025
Accepted for publication: 
14.06.2025

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