Health and fitness Effects of EMF Radiation
RF-EMF radiation can cause damage to DNA, heat up of tissues and alter the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively engaged in discussions with EHS community, medical professionals, and researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects of 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 other negative health effects. EMFs can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels that are crucial to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It can also cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result damages to the DNA. Additionally, exposure to EMFs can also trigger an increase in the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked with alterations in male germ cell development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa as well functioning maturation as spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To determine the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was constructed for the purpose of exposing mice without restriction to RF-EMF with a dose of 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, the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been classified as a cancer-causing agent. However, numerous studies have revealed that RF-EMF exposure can impair the integrity of DNA in variety of cell types. In one of these studies, scientists subjected Vero cells with an EMF of 100 Hz for 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 generally thought as thermal in nature, some studies have shown that non-thermal influences are also present. These factors could be responsible for some of the unresolved issues in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may be felt at the cell's membrane. This is an area which has already been extensively examined. Particularly the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been studied. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMFs greater than 1 MHz is transferred to tissue through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transfer to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules and other substances in the body. This determines how absorbent EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more field, and thus cause more of an effect. emf radiation 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 spots. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating than other tissues because they are low in water content.
The intensity of the field's penetration depends on the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energy than other tissues and converts it into heat more efficiently. Typically the depth of penetration that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition the impacts on the effects of EMF affect brain function are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, and the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMF on the nervous system. Though what is emf radiation that play a role are not fully known but there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and depletion of myelin. emf radiation symptoms might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and also increased the signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of neuronal albumin. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of 900 MHz exposure 99mTcMIBI increased its penetration to the cerebral cortex. But, this effect did not occur with Evans blue-based injections.
However, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive method for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has also been linked to increasing the permeability of the BBB.