Health and fitness Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, heat up of tissues, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. emf radiation are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS community, medical professionals as well as researchers. The agency will continue to study research related to the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other health adverse effects. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels, which are crucial to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. It can also cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result to DNA destruction. Moreover exposure to EMFs is also associated with the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been associated with changes in the male germ cell's development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, aswell functioning maturation as spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the exposure of mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers found that exposure to RF EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following 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).
However, RF-EMF radiation is not yet considered to be a carcinogen. But, several studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a variety of cell lines. In one of these studies researchers were exposed Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for within 48 hours of exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
While the effects of RF EMF are generally believed to have thermal origins, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects are also evident. These may be the reason for some of the unresolved issues in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may occur at the cell membrane. This is an area of research that has been extensively investigated. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. Current understanding suggests that energy from RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue through dielectric as well as the dissipation of ions. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy that is transferred to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other substances in the body. This determines how absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously between the outside and inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues because they have a low water content.
The intensity of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the strength and frequency of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more radiation than most tissues and converts it into heat more efficiently. Typically, the depth of penetration that RFEMF has is measured as millimeters (mm). But, the greater the frequency, the shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally the impacts of EMF on brain activity have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, in addition to the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also looked at the effects of ELF EMFs on the nervous system. While the mechanisms of the cell that play a role are not fully known, 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. Fortunately, there are some proven methods for regenerating myelin within the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF enhanced the permeability of BBB and increased signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Further, they found the following: after 30 mins of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation in the cortex. However this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could alter the BBB and also increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has been associated with increasing the permeability of the BBB.