Wellness Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation RF-EMF causes damage to DNA, heat up of tissues and alter the blood brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively engaged with the EHS community, medical professionals as well as researchers. ARPANSA will continue review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage, as well as other health consequences. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. In turn, this can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Furthermore exposure to EMFs is also associated with an overproduction of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been associated with changes in male germ cell development. This is due to the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell functional maturation when the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the development of male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide machine was constructed to expose mice that were not restrained to RF-EME with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME caused an oxidative DNA injury in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after one week of treatment and by 23 percent after 5 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 classified as a cancer-causing agent. However, several studies have revealed that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA integrity in a variety of cell types. In one of these studies scientists exposed Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are typically thought to be thermal, some studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects may also be evident. These effects may account for certain of the unsolved findings in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an extensive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF may occur at the cell membrane. This is an area where research has been thoroughly investigated. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been investigated. It is believed that RF-EMF energy that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue via dielectric and the dissipation of ions. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transfer to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions, and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more EMR field and produce more of an effect. This is why the level of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously as it moves from the exterior to the body and is only noticeable in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less prone to RF heating than other tissues, because they have a low water content.
The depth of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the frequency and strength of field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Usually the depth of penetration that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). The higher the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition the impacts on the effects of EMF on brain activity have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For https://www.proteckd.com/blogs/emf/electromagnetic-sensitivity , EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, and 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 studied how ELF EMF on the nervous system. Although the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully understood, 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, tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to the frequency of 900 Mhz EMF enhanced the permeability of BBB and also increased the symptoms of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin to neurons. Furthermore, they discovered in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration in the cortex. However, this effect did not occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may alter the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has also been associated with increased permeability of the BBB.