Effects of 26 GHz radiofrequency exposure on electrodermal activity in healthy young adults

PURPOSE: The deployment of 26 GHz millimeter wave technology represents the next phase of 5 G implementation, yet potential effects on autonomic nervous system function remain unexplored. This study investigated whether environmental-level 26 GHz exposure influences electrodermal activity (EDA), a sensitive marker of sympathetic nervous system activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two healthy young adults participated in a randomized, counterbalanced, triple-blind study examining EDA responses to controlled 26 GHz exposure. Participants underwent two sessions (real and sham exposure) with electric field intensities of 2 V/m at head level and 1 V/m at torso level, representing upper environmental exposure ranges. EDA parameters were measured during pre-exposure, exposure (25.5 min), and post-exposure phases using established continuous decomposition analysis. Both tonic components (baseline sympathetic activation) and phasic responses (stimulus-evoked reactions) were assessed following standardized auditory stimulation protocols. RESULTS: No statistically significant effects of 26 GHz exposure were observed across all measured EDA parameters. Tonic activity, phasic responses, response latency, amplitude measures, and global skin conductance remained unchanged during and following RF exposure compared to sham conditions across all experimental phases. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental-level 26 GHz exposure does not produce detectable acute effects on sympathetic nervous system activity as measured through electrodermal responses. These findings contrast with reported effects at lower 5 G frequencies, suggesting frequency-specific biological interactions. The limited tissue penetration of millimeter waves likely prevents electromagnetic energy from reaching sympathetically innervated structures. Results support current guidelines yet emphasize the need for complementary study.