RF-EMF radiation can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues and even disrupt the blood brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating within the EHS community, medical specialists, and researchers. The agency will continue to study research related to the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage, as well as other adverse health consequences. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels, which are crucial to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. In turn, this can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting to DNA destruction. Moreover, exposure to EMFs is also associated with an increase in the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been associated with changes in the male germ cell's development. This is due to the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, aswell functional maturation when the spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To investigate the effects of RF-EMF on 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 have discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following a 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).
However, the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been considered to be a carcinogen. But, several studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage the integrity of DNA in range of cell varieties. In one study scientists exposed Vero cell lines to EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
emf radiation symptoms of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are generally believed as thermal in nature, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal influences are also observed. These factors could be responsible for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to take into account non-thermal effects 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 extensively investigated. Particularly the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMF that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue through dielectric and the dissipation of ions. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are regulated by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions, and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more field and cause more of an impact. This is why the degree of heating in tissues does not increase steadily as it moves from the exterior to and is only noticeable in hot spots. is emf radiation harmful and fatty tissues are less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues, because they are low in water content.
The intensity of the field's penetration is determined by the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field energies than the other tissue and transforms it into heat more effectively. Typically, the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined by millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, the shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier change sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Additionally the impacts that EMF in brain activities have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, in addition to the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF on brain cells. They also studied the effects of ELF EMF on brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely comprehended however, there is an obvious connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of the BBB and also increased the signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of neuronal albumin. Additionally, they observed that after 30 minutes of 900 MHz exposure, 99mTc-MIBI increased its permeation to the cerebral cortex. However this effect didn't occur when using Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could alter the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has also been linked to an increase in the permeability and permeability of the BBB.