The radiation from RF-EMF can cause DNA damage, tissue heating, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real 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 damages DNA
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage, as well as other negative health consequences. EMFs can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. emf radiation can also alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting in DNA damage. Moreover, exposure to EMFs is also associated with the production of free radicals as well as 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 development of germ cells into spermatozoa as well functioning maturation as spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To determine the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the development of male germ cells A specially designed waveguide device was developed to expose mice that were not restrained to RF-EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers have discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after one week of treatment and by 23% after 5 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, several studies have revealed that RF-EMF exposure can impair the integrity of DNA in range of cell lines. In one such study, scientists subjected Vero cells to an EMF at 100 Hz over 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are typically believed as thermal in nature, some studies have shown that non-thermal effects may also be observed. These effects may account for some of the unresolved observations 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 that RF-EMF can have may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field where research has been thoroughly investigated. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. The current understanding is that RF-EMF energy that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to tissue via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy that is transferred to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are regulated through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other molecules within the body. emf radiation determines how absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously between the outside and inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating than other tissues because they have a low water content.
The intensity of penetration of electromagnetic fields is determined by the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue, and transforms it into heat more effectively. Typically emf radiation that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). But, the higher 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. Additionally, the effects that EMF affect brain function have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram 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 to brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMF on brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that play a role are not fully comprehended, there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF caused a rise in the permeability of BBB and increased signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of 900 MHz exposure, 99mTc-MIBI increased its diffusion in the cortex. However this effect didn't occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF has no clear method for disrupting the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which could influence the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also linked to increased permeability of the BBB.