Health and fitness Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation RF-EMF causes damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues and alter the blood brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively involved with the EHS communities, medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage, as well as other negative health consequences. EMFs can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels that are vital to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting in DNA damage. Furthermore exposure to EMFs is also associated with an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cell development. This is due to the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move throughout the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the development of male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF-EME with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after an entire 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, RF-EMF radiation is not yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a range of cell lines. In one of these studies scientists subjected Vero cells to an EMF at 100 Hz over 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are usually believed to be thermal, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects are also observed. These effects may account for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may be felt at the cell's membrane. This is a field of research that has been thoroughly examined. Particularly, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. It is believed that energy from RF-EMF that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to tissue through dielectric as well as ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transferred to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are regulated through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other molecules in the body. This determines how absorbent EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the degree of tissue heating is not constant between the outside and inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they are not as water-based. content.
The depth of the field's penetration depends on the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field energies than the other tissue, and converts it to heat more efficiently. Typically the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured by millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, the deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition to this, the effects of EMF in brain activities are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF in brain cells. They also studied what effects ELF EMF on the nervous system. While the mechanisms of the cell involved are not completely understood, there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin in the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 millimeters EMF increased the permeability of BBB and also increased the signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Further, emf radiation protection found that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration to the cerebral cortex. But this effect did not happen with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF has no clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with an increase in the permeability of BBB.