Millimeter-wave high frequency 5G (26 GHz) electromagnetic fields do not modulate human brain electrical activity

The deployment of 5G networks utilizing millimeter-wave frequencies such as 26 GHz has raised concerns about potential neurophysiological effects. However, no controlled studies have investigated the impact of 26 GHz exposure on human brain electrical activity. We conducted a randomized, triple-blind crossover study in 31 healthy young adults (18 men, 14 women, mean age 26.1 ± 5.2 years). Participants underwent two sessions (real and sham exposure) separated by one week, with 26.5-min exposure to 26 GHz electromagnetic fields at 2 V/m. EEG activity was recorded before, during, and after exposure. Power spectral density was computed for delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and beta (12-35 Hz) frequency bands. Statistical analysis employed mixed-effects models with baseline correction, examining exposure effects across temporal phases and electrode clusters. No significant modulation of EEG frequency bands was observed during eyes-closed conditions following 26 GHz exposure. Mixed-effects modeling revealed no significant main effects or interactions for exposure conditions across all frequency bands and electrode clusters. This first controlled investigation of 26 GHz 5G effects on human EEG activity found no detectable alterations in brain electrical activity under regulatory-compliant exposure conditions. These findings contribute important preliminary safety data for 5G millimeter-wave technology deployment, though further research across diverse populations and exposure scenarios remains warranted.