Well being Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues, and disrupt the blood brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively involved with the EHS group, the medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue to study research related to the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage as well as health consequences. EMFs can disrupt intracellular ionic concentrations, which are essential to ensure a cell's electrochemical balance. In turn, this can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting in DNA damage. Furthermore exposure to EMFs can cause an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked to changes in male germ cell development. This involves the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To investigate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the purpose of exposing mice without restriction to RF-EMF in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME causes oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after a week of treatment, and by 23% after five weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
Although the radiation emitted by RF-EMF isn't yet recognized as a true carcinogen. But, several studies have shown that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA integrity in a range of cell types. In one such study, scientists exposed Vero cells to an EMF of 100 Hz for about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine if exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are generally considered as thermal in nature, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal influences are also present. These factors could be responsible for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could be mediated by the cell membrane. This is an area which has already been extensively investigated. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. It is believed that energy from RF-EMFs that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue through dielectric as well as ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transfer to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are regulated by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other substances in the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the degree of heat generated by tissue is not constant as it moves from the exterior to, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues because they are not as water-based. content.
electronic sensitivity of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by 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 into heat more efficiently. Usually the penetration depth for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier change sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Additionally, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, as well as the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure in brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMFs on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully known, there is a clear association between ELF-EMF exposure and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some known methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to 900 MHz EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and also increased the symptoms of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased exovasation of albumin into neurons. Further, they found that after 30 minutes of 900 MHz exposure, 99mTc-MIBI increased its permeation to the cerebral cortex. However this effect did not occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and also increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTcMIBI radiotracer inside the brain has been connected to an increase in the permeability of the BBB.
