Health and fitness Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation RF-EMF causes DNA damage, tissue heating and even disrupt the blood brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved in discussions with EHS community, medical experts as well as researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage as well as adverse health consequences. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. In turn, this can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting damages to the DNA. Additionally, exposure to EMFs can cause an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in the development of male germ cells. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move across the epididymis. To study the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was designed to expose mice that were not restrained to RF-EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of the spermatozoa. emf radiation increased by 18% following 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).
However, RF-EMF radiation is not yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have shown that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA integrity in a variety of cell lines. In one of these studies, scientists subjected Vero cell lines to EMF of 100 Hz for 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
Although the effects of RF-EMF are generally considered to be thermal, some studies have shown that non-thermal effects may also be observed. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could occur at the cell membrane. This is an area where research has been extensively studied. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. It is believed that RF-EMF energy greater than 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue via dielectric and Ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transferred to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are regulated in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other molecules within the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more EMR field and produce more of an impact. This is why the degree of heat generated by tissue is not constant from outside to inside the body and is only noticeable in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues because they are low in water content.
The depth of penetration of electromagnetic fields is determined by the frequency and strength of the field. 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 that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). The higher the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally, the effects on the effects of EMF affect brain function have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, and the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF to brain cells. They also examined what effects ELF EMFs on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not fully known, there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and myelin depletion. is emf radiation harmful might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, proven methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and also increased the signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure, 99mTc-MIBI 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 mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which could affect the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTcMIBI radiotracer inside the brain has been associated with increasing the permeability and permeability of the BBB.