Wireless Radiation and Fetal Brain Development

Adapted from a report by Environmental Health Sciences  (December 5, 2025) with thanks to our Advisory Board member Marne Glaser

 A new study by Yale researchers (published in Cell Reports) suggests that exposure to wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation—the kind emitted by cell phones, cell towers, and Wi-Fi—may impact brain development before birth.

How was the study conducted?

Scientists used human cortical organoids. These are lab-grown “mini-brains” created from stem cells. While they aren’t conscious, they mimic the early stages of a human fetus’s brain, allowing researchers to see how environmental factors, such as air pollution, microplastics, and diesel fuel could affect the brain.

Study results

It was observed that exposure to RF radiation disrupted and delayed a key aspect of the development of nerve and brain cells during fetal development.  Neurons exposed to RF radiation displayed altered function, and they exhibited increased expression of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Findings revealed that RF-exposed cortical neurons exhibited increases in autism spectrum disorder-associated gene expression and “dendritic spine density,” characteristics of people on the autism spectrum.

Why this is important

This study adds to a growing body of research reporting cell phone health risk, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood when the brain is developing rapidly and is uniquely vulnerable to environmental impacts.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has repeatedly called for an update to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would highlight how children absorb proportionately higher rates of wireless into their brains and bodies during sensitive stages of development.

Numerous experts and medical groups recommend reducing exposure, especially to children.  The researchers highlight that previous studies in animal models have shown autism-like behaviors and increased hyperactivity and memory impacts with exposure.

They state that the parallels drawn from these studies “underscore the relevance of our findings in a human context.” Some human studies have associated prenatal and postnatal exposure to RF radiation with lower cognitive scores and behavioral problems.

“Parents hand their child a cell phone assuming it’s safe, but what they don’t know is that there is a substantial body of scientific evidence reporting harm, and yet our regulations are decades out of date,” stated Theodora Scarato, Director of the Wireless and EMF Program at EHS.

“Wireless exposure should be reduced — especially for children and during pregnancy.” In 2021, the D.C. Circuit specifically ordered the FCC to explain how its 1996 wireless radiation limits protect children and address the scientific evidence reporting neurological, reproductive, and developmental impacts. Yet the FCC has still not responded to the court.

What you can do

Reduce exposure at home: Create distance between your child and wireless devices, and keep phones off and away from the body — especially during pregnancy. Reduce Wi-Fi exposure by hardwiring your tech. Learn more about reducing exposure here.

Share this information: Talk to your community and elected officials.

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