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 engaged with the EHS communities, medical specialists, and researchers. ARPANSA will continue examine research regarding the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) can cause DNA damage and other negative health effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels that are crucial to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. is emf radiation harmful can also alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting damages to the DNA. 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 linked with alterations in the male germ cell's development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To investigate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cell development A specially designed waveguide machine was designed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF-EME in the range 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 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).
Despite this, RF-EMF radiation is not yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have shown that RF-EMF exposure can impair the integrity of DNA in variety of cell types. In one of these studies researchers subjected Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. what is emf radiation assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are generally believed to have thermal origins, a few studies have shown that non-thermal effects may also be present. These may be the reason for some of the unresolved issues in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting an exhaustive review.

what is emf radiation -thermal effects of RF-EMF could occur at the cell membrane. This is an area of research that has been extensively examined. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that energy from RF-EMFs higher than 1 MHz is transferred to tissue via dielectric and Ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transferred to the tissue could be as high as 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 absorbent EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously from outside to inside the body and is only noticeable in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues, because they have a low water content.
The depth of penetration of electromagnetic fields is determined by the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field radiation than most tissues, and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Typically the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). The higher the frequency, more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier change sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. In addition the impacts on the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For example, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, and the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure to brain cells. They also studied the effects of ELF EMF on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully known however, there is an obvious relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are tested methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF enhanced the permeability of BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Furthermore, they discovered the following: after 30 mins of exposure to 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its diffusion in the cortex. But this effect didn't occur 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 may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may alter the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with increased permeability of BBB.