Health Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation RF-EMF causes damage to DNA, heat up of tissues and alter the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively involved in discussions with EHS communities, medical professionals and researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage, as well as other health effects. emf radiation can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels that are vital to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting in DNA damage. Additionally, exposure to EMFs can also trigger an increase in the production of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked to changes in the male germ cell's development. This results in the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide machine was constructed for the purpose of exposing mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidative DNA damage of the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after one 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).
Although the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been considered to be a carcinogen. But, several studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF can affect the integrity of DNA in variety of cell types. In one of these studies researchers were exposed Vero cell lines to EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for within 48 hours of exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
While the effects of RF EMF are usually thought to have thermal origins, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal effects may also be observed. These effects may account for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could be felt at the cell's membrane. This is an area where research has been thoroughly examined. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. The current understanding is that RF-EMF energy that exceeds 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue through dielectric as well as the dissipation of ions. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules 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 of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the degree of heat generated by tissue does not increase steadily as it moves from the exterior to however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues because they have a low water content.
what is emf radiation of penetration of electromagnetic fields depends on the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energy than other tissues and converts it into heat more efficiently. Typically the penetration depth of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). However, the greater the frequency, the deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier change sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore the impacts that EMF in brain activities have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, as well as the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF on brain cells. They also examined what effects ELF EMFs on the nervous system. Although the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not fully understood however, there is an obvious connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and depletion of myelin. is emf radiation harmful might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to the frequency of 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and increased indicators of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed increased exovasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation in the cortex. However this effect did not occur with Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF has no clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which could influence the BBB and also increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also connected to increasing the permeability of the BBB.