According to a recent study published in Reproductive Sciences, rats exposed to cell phone radiation while in the womb experienced significant impacts to key elements of their reproductive health.
In short:
- Prenatal exposure to cell phone radiation caused a decrease in rats’ estrogen and progesterone hormone levels.
- Exposure also affected the size of the rats’ ovaries and reduced the number of developing follicles (which are critical in the development of eggs).
- Impacts to the ovaries were higher in rats exposed for longer periods of time.
Key quote:
“These findings highlight the potential risks of exposure to mobile phone radiation during pregnancy and emphasize the importance of further research to understand the long-term effects on neonatal health.”
Why this matters:
This research expands on the body of scientific evidence linking cell phone and wireless radiation exposure to reproductive impacts. Multiple studies have reported similar fertility outcomes in rats, including decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, a reduction in ovarian follicles, and follicular degeneration. While these studies point to the potential for impacts to ovarian development in humans from prenatal exposure, U.S. regulations remain outdated and many experts caution that federal safety limits, which are not designed to address long-term exposures, are not sufficient to protect public health, particularly during pregnancy and childhood.
“This study, along with numerous others, indicates serious risks to the fertility of future generations — not only in humans, but also in wildlife, particularly species nesting on and near cell towers, “ said Theodora Scarato, Director of Environmental Health Science’s Wireless and EMF Program. “Current safety rules must be immediately revised to reflect the scientific evidence and ensure protection for people and our environment.”
Related EHN coverage:
- Wireless radiation exposure during pregnancy leads to brain damage in rats, study finds
- Cell phone radiation can harm sperm and testes in animals
More resources:
- Safety Tips for Reducing Cell Phone and Wireless Radiation Exposure
- Doctors and Scientists on Cell Phone Radiation
Yousefi, Behpour et al. for Reproductive Sciences. May 19, 2025
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