The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues, and disrupt the blood brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively engaged with the EHS communities, medical specialists and researchers. The agency will continue to study research related to the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other adverse health adverse effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels, which are crucial to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It 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 associated with changes in male germ cell development. This involves the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell as functional maturation as the spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To determine the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cell development A specially designed waveguide machine was designed for the purpose of exposing mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME caused oxidative DNA damage in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after an entire 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 RF-EMF radiation has not yet been considered to be a carcinogen. But, several studies have revealed that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA integrity in a range of cell lines. In one study researchers subjected Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF EMF are usually believed to have thermal origins, a few studies have shown that non-thermal influences are also evident. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF may occur at the cell membrane. emf radiation is an area which has already been extensively investigated. Particularly the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. The current understanding is that RF-EMF energy greater than 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue through dielectric and Ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
what is emf radiation of tissues are regulated in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other molecules in the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. emf radiation symptoms with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the EMR field and produce more of an effect. This is the reason why the amount of heat generated by tissue does not increase steadily from outside to inside the body, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues, because they are low in water content.
The depth of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the strength and frequency of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field radiation than most tissues, and converts it into heat more effectively. Usually the penetration depth of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore to this, the effects that EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, in addition to the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure on brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMF on nervous system. Although the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully known but there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to the frequency of 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and also increased the signs of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration to the cerebral cortex. But this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.
However, RF-EMF has no clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which could influence the BBB and also increase the efflux of calcium ions. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has been linked to an increase in the permeability of BBB.