Biological effects of 5G-modulated 700 MHz RF-EMF exposure on neuronal and glial cell models under isothermal conditions

Whether radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) at wireless telecommunication frequencies can alter brain physiology remains a matter of debate. The 700 MHz band, recently allocated for 4G and early 5G deployment, is increasingly prevalent in the environment, yet its biological effects are poorly documented. Here, we investigated the impact of 700 MHz 5G-modulated RF-EMF exposure on two complementary central nervous system cell models: primary rat cortical astrocytes and human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Cells were exposed in transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cells at specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.08 W/kg and 4 W/kg, for 1 h or 24 h, and analyzed immediately or after a 24 h recovery period. Multiparametric flow cytometry quantified mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability, and apoptosis stratified as early and late, together with astrocytes' proliferation. Across all exposure conditions, no statistically significant differences were detected compared to sham controls, while positive controls with hydrogen peroxide elicited significant increases in ROS and apoptosis, validating assay sensitivity. These results demonstrate that, under strictly controlled iso-thermal conditions, 5G-modulated 700 MHz RF-EMF exposure does not induce measurable oxidative stress, apoptosis, or proliferative alterations in astrocytic and neuronal models. Our findings provide evidence supporting the absence of acute or subacute biological effects in vitro at isothermal exposure levels up to 4 W/kg, thereby reinforcing the scientific basis for current exposure guidelines.