History of EMF

Thomas Edison demonstrates the first practical incandescent light bulb, beginning the age of widespread electrical infrastructure.

Guglielmo Marconi demonstrates wireless telegraphy, laying the foundation for radio communication.

Commercial radio broadcasting begins, introducing RF radiation into homes for the first time.

World War II drives massive development of radar technology. First reports of "microwave syndrome" among radar operators.

Martin Cooper of Motorola makes the first handheld cellular phone call, ushering in the mobile era.

IEEE 802.11 standard released, enabling wireless internet that would eventually blanket every home and office.

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection publishes RF exposure guidelines still used by most countries today.

Apple's iPhone revolutionizes smartphones, leading to ubiquitous personal RF exposure devices.

World Health Organization classifies RF electromagnetic fields as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).

U.S. National Toxicology Program releases largest-ever study showing "clear evidence" of tumors in rats from cell phone radiation.

Fifth generation cellular networks begin deployment, adding new frequency bands and densified infrastructure.

ICNIRP updates guidelines for the first time since 1998, but critics argue they still only consider thermal effects.