Health Effects of EMF Radiation
RF-EMF radiation can cause damages to DNA and tissue and can disrupt the blood-brain-barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating in discussions with EHS group, the medical professionals as well as researchers. ARPANSA will continue to review research on the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
exposed to electromagnetic fields that are created by man (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other health adverse effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic concentrations that are vital to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting damages to the DNA. Moreover, exposure to EMFs is also associated with the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cells' development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa pass throughout the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cell development A specially designed waveguide machine was designed to expose unrestrained mice to RF-EMF with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers discovered that exposure to RF-EME triggered the oxidation of DNA in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after one week of treatment and by 23% after 5 weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
Despite this the fact that RF-EMF radiation isn't yet considered a carcinogen. But, numerous studies have revealed that RF-EMF exposure can impair the integrity of DNA in range of cell lines. In one such study, scientists subjected Vero cell lines to EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage within 48 hours of exposure to determine if exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are usually thought as thermal in nature, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects are also present. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of the RF-EMF can occur on the cell's membrane. This is a field which has already been thoroughly examined. Particularly the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. Current understanding suggests that RF-EMF energy higher than 1 MHz gets transferred to tissues via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transferred to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other molecules in the body. This determines how well absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. electricity sensitivity with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an effect. This is the reason the degree of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously between the outside and inside the body and is only noticeable in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissues are less prone to RF heating than other tissues because they are not as water-based. content.
The extent of the field's penetration depends on the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more energy than other tissues and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Typically the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, and the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure to brain cells. They also examined what effects ELF EMF on the nervous system. Though the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely understood but there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, known methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and caused an increase in symptoms of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin to neurons. Furthermore, they discovered in 30 minutes exposure to 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its permeation into the brain. But this effect didn't happen with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive method for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could influence the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTcMIBI radiotracer inside the brain has been connected to increased permeability of BBB.