Can EMFs be good for aging?

That electromagnetic feel

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a form of radiation that is created when waves of electric and magnetic fields move together. They are created by moving electric charges. Nearly every electronic device (cell phones, power lines, etc…) emits EMFs. As they become woven into the thread of everyday life, more people are growing worried about their safety, and it’s not uncommon to see cell phone cases, bed sheets, and jewelry with EMF protection technology. But, are EMFs truly as harmful as they are portrayed?

Takeaways: EMFs, aging and lifespan, the counter-argument, expert tips to reduce EMF exposure

What are EMFs

EMFs are generated during energy production and distribution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They exist on the electromagnetic spectrum, which consists of high-frequency (high-energy) and low-energy radiation, according to healthline.

High-frequency EMFs damage DNA because they ionize atoms (meaning they break up atoms). This can cause cancer and other genetic mutations. Sources include X-ray imaging machines and CT scans (at low levels), the sun, and radioactive elements.

Low- to mid-frequency EMFs are considered relatively harmless, according to the EPA. They are a type of NON-ionizing radiation (NIR) that do not break up atoms, but just give the cells a little shake.

Types of radiation that fall within this range includes:

• Extremely low-frequency electric field (ELF-EMFs)

• Radiofrequency (RF-EMFs)

• visible light

• infrared light

ELF-EMFs and RF-EMFs are major sources human-made non-ionizing radiation, healthline writes.

• ELF-EMFs include power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances technologies according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

• RF-EMFs include cell phones, microwaves, smart meters, portable wireless devices, laptop computers, and other wireless devices.

EMFs have always existed in nature, well before the 1980s power line scare—from earth’s magnetic fields to sunlight and the buzzing energy in a lightning storm. They’re even emitted from our own bodies, writes the EPA. 

EMFs, aging, and lifespan: The evidence is mixed

We know that high-energy EMFs are dangerous, but it’s the low- to mid-energy EMFs that are controversial. Studies offer possible insights into their effect on lifespan, aging, and disease, but the research is unclear and inconsistent.

Lifespan

EMFs may reduce lifespan, but the damage depends on factors like frequency, intensity, and wave shape, according to a 2025 study in Science of The Total Environment. Lower frequency EMFs tend to be safer, and exposure level matters.

For instance, magnetic fields from computers significantly drop at a distance of 12–20 inches away from the screen, writes the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and microwaves have a shield preventing EMFs from leaking more than 2 inches away, healthline writes.

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress contributes to aging and age-related disease. While some animal studies show no significant link between FR-EMFs and oxidative stress, a 2021 review offers evidence that RF-EMFs and ELF-MFs may increase oxidative stress in animals and cells even within regulated range, causing nervous system and reproductive dysregulation. Although a more recent literature review supports this connection, the evidence is weak due to flawed data collection.

Cellular senescence

EMF exposure appears to damage DNA—this causes cellular senescence, an inflammatory process considered to be ‘the origin of aging’—but it does not impact any other markers of senescence, based on a 2021 analysis.

New research might fill in some gaps, with researchers discovering that non-ionizing radiation (NIR) can trigger senescence through cell signaling pathways. However, the study lacks depth in exploring how different types of NIR (and different exposure levels) affects senescence and aging.

Sleep and Biological age

Sleep is a cornerstone of healthy aging, and broad findings suggest EMFs disrupt sleep patterns.

In one study, sleeping on an EMF-protective mat slowed biological aging. Research in the journal Environmental Health shows that two months of EMF-protected sleep is associated with a “rejuvenation of the[ir] biological age,” and a significant increase in hormones like serotonin, oxytocin, melatonin, and testosterone.

• Researchers previously found that EMF-protected sleep also improves immunity and reduces inflammation.

Without the mat? Sleep quality may suffer. In a small study, 12 adults reported worse sleep after sleeping in the same room as a higher-frequency RF-EMF baby monitor.

Cancer

Most research looks at the association between EMFs and leukemia and brain cancer, but evidence is inconclusive. Research from three decades ago suggests “higher-than-expected rates” of leukemia, brain tumors, and male breast cancer in telephone line and power station workers, but recent measurements do not support this, writes NCI.

Two case-controlled studies indicate high exposure to microwave-emitting equipment may increase risk of brain cancer (or death from brain cancer), but other evidence is sparse.

But the average person is not closely exposed to microwave-emitting equipment all day, every day. So what of the low grade exposure from our refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves at home?

The link doesn’t seem to be strong, especially the EMF/breast cancer link, which is concerning to some. Based on epidemiological studies, it’s unlikely that there is a strong relationship between breast cancer and ELF-EMF exposure at home, writes NCI. 

Can EMFs be good for aging?

There could be therapeutic benefits to EMFs in given situations.

Alzheimer’s disease

Repeated exposure to electromagnetic stimulation (REMFs) is a promising non-invasive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, based on 2022 research published in Scientific Reports. When brain cultures were exposed to one to two hours of daily REMFs, they had significantly lower amyloid-β (Aβ; a root cause of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) levels in just 14 days.

Musculoskeletal diseases

A systematic review suggests that low-intensity and low-frequency magnetic fields are a well-tolerated strategy to effectively reduce musculoskeletal pain and increase patient functionality.

They may even benefit other conditions…

• Ulcers

• Bone disorders

• Cancer

Expert tips to reduce EMF exposure

Despite mixed evidence, longevity medicine specialist Dr. Frank Lipman recommends a few actions to reduce EMF exposure:

• Move further from EMF sources

• Unplug most home appliances when you’re not using them

• Try EMF reduction tools (make sure they are clinically validated)

• Add more houseplants

• Cut down on cell phone use

• Shut your cell phone off completely

• Move your cell phone as far from your head as possible when sleeping (preferably another room)

• Switch internet connection from wireless to wired Ethernet cable

The conversation

There is not a lot of research on the direct impact of lower-energy on aging. Some evidence suggests that EMFs can increase the risk of cancer and aging mechanisms, but it is inconsistent.

Many of these studies weren’t done in people either, so the findings don’t directly translate to us. More research needs to be done on the long-term effects of EMFs; in the meantime, you may be able to rest easy knowing that scientific evidence does not support claims that they cause cancer and disease.

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