Health Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, heat up of tissues and alter the blood brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively involved in discussions with EHS community, medical experts, and researchers. ARPANSA will continue study research related to the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as health consequences. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels that are crucial to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. It can also alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA destruction. Furthermore, exposure to EMFs can cause 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 pass across the epididymis. To investigate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the development of male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide machine was constructed 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 have discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of the spermatozoa. is emf radiation harmful increased by 18% following an entire 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 recognized as a true carcinogen. However, several studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a variety of cell varieties. In one such study scientists were exposed Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes emf radiation symptoms heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are generally believed to have thermal origins, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects may also be present. These effects may account for some of the unresolved issues in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may occur at the cell membrane. This is an area which has already been extensively studied. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that energy from RF-EMFs greater than 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue through dielectric and ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other substances in the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the EMR field and produce more of an impact. This is why the degree of tissue heating does not increase steadily from outside to inside and is only noticeable in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible 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 that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue, and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Usually the penetration depth for RF EMF is determined in millimeters (mm). The greater the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore to this, the effects that EMF in brain activities have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, and the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF on brain cells. They also studied how ELF EMFs on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not 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. Fortunately, there are some known methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and increased signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin to neurons. Further, they found in 30 minutes exposure to 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its penetration to the cerebral cortex. But, this effect did not happen with Evans blue 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 could affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also associated with increased permeability of BBB.