Combining wireless electromagnetic (EMF) radiation exposure with known carcinogen hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) — the industrial contaminant highlighted in the film "Erin Brockovich") — significantly increased DNA damage in a recent study published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
In short:
- Mouse embryonic cells were exposed to hexavalent chromium for 12 hours, followed by 15 minutes of wireless radiation exposure to test for a synergistic effect.
- While cells exposed to only 15 minutes of wireless radiation alone showed no effect, combined exposure with hexavalent chromium led to enhanced genotoxicity, including double strand DNA breaks that can lead to mutations, chromosomal instability, and cancer if not properly repaired.
- The authors conclude that combined exposure to multiple environmental stressors — even at relatively low intensities — may produce greater biological effects than those observed when each agent is studied individually.
Key quote:
“These findings underscore the need to evaluate the biological effects of RF-EMF [wireless radiation] within realistic, multi-stressor environmental contexts to more accurately assess potential health risks.”
Why this matters:
In today's world, people are simultaneously exposed to multiple environmental hazards, from air pollution to heavy metals and industrial chemicals, as well as wireless radiation from cell towers and cell phones. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that non-ionizing EMFs can act synergistically with other toxics, heightening their harmful effects. For example, studies have found that carbon black, a toxic component of air pollution, can prolong inflammation, alter immune responses, and increase cell toxicity when paired with Wi-Fi signals. The effects of the pesticide atrazine, a known endocrine disruptor, were enhanced by powerline EMF. Studies report that children exposed to both lead and wireless radiation show higher ADHD symptoms and greater neurobehavioral effects compared to lead exposure alone.
What you can do:
EHS provides resources on easy ways to reduce your wireless exposure, such as distancing cell phones from your brain with speaker mode, keeping laptops off the lap and away from the body, and using wired ethernet connections instead of Wi-Fi.
Equally important is the need for strong policy action to address the growing science on cell tower radiation health effects and to meaningfully reduce public exposure to harmful industrial contaminants in our air, water, and communities.
Related EHN coverage:
- Wireless radiation exposure linked to DNA damage
- Sperm DNA is damaged by phthalates, electromagnetic radiation, and other environmental hazards, study finds
More resources:
- Environmental Health Sciences: Health and Science Fact Sheets on Wireless & EMF
- Expert Webinar: Cell Tower Health, Safety & Property Value Risks Near Homes and Schools
Zhu, Ying et al. (2026). Exposure to hexavalent chromium and 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation can synergistically induce intracellular DNA damage in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
