RF-EMF radiation can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively engaged in discussions with EHS communities, medical specialists, and researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) can cause DNA damage, as well as other negative health effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. In turn, this can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA damage. Additionally what is emf radiation to EMFs is also linked to an increase in 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 results in the development of germ cells into spermatozoa as well functioning maturation when the spermatozoa move across the epididymis. To determine the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the development of male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed to expose non-restrained mice to RF EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers have discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused oxidative DNA damage in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after a 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 the fact that RF-EMF radiation isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, numerous studies have shown that RF-EMF exposure can impair the integrity of DNA in variety of cell varieties. In emf radiation , scientists subjected Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They evaluated DNA damage within 48 hours of exposure to determine whether the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are usually considered to be thermal, some studies have shown that non-thermal effects may also be evident. These effects may account for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF may occur on the cell's membrane. what is emf radiation is a field which has already been thoroughly investigated. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transferred to tissues 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 in the body. This determines how absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues is not constant between the outside and inside the body, but occurs in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less prone to RF heating than other tissues because they are low in water content.
The extent of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the strength and frequency of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue, and converts it to heat more efficiently. Usually, the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). However, the greater the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally to this, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity are 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 at the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF to brain cells. They also examined the effects of ELF EMF on brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that are involved aren't fully understood but there is a clear connection 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 tested methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF caused a rise in the permeability of BBB and raised signs of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Further, they found that after 30 minutes of 900 MHz exposure 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion into the brain. But, this effect did not occur with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive method for disrupting the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which could affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has been connected to increased permeability of the BBB.