Well being Effects of EMF Radiation
RF-EMF radiation can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively engaged in discussions with EHS communities, medical professionals and researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
exposed to electromagnetic fields that are created by man (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage as well as health effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic concentrations that are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. In turn, this can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting damages to the DNA. Additionally, exposure to EMFs is also linked to the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cells' development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, as well maturation of the functional aspect as spermatozoa travel through the epididymis. To study the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was designed to expose non-restrained mice to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers discovered exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidation of DNA in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following an entire week of treatment and by 23 percent after five weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
However the fact that RF-EMF radiation isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, numerous studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA integrity in a variety of cell types. In one of these studies researchers subjected Vero cells to an EMF of 100 Hz for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine whether the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are generally thought as thermal in nature, some studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects may also be observed. These may be the reason for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting systematic reviews.
emf radiation -thermal effects of the RF-EMF can be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field of research that has been thoroughly studied. Particularly, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. Current understanding suggests that RF-EMF energy higher than 1 MHz is transmitted to tissues via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transferred to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
Website link of tissue are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues is not constant from outside to inside the body, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to heating by RF as compared to other tissues, since they are low in water content.
The intensity of the field's electromagnetic energy is determined by the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue and converts it into heat more efficiently. Typically the penetration depth that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, the deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally the impacts that EMF affect brain function are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, and the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also examined what effects ELF EMFs on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms aren't completely known but there is a clear association between ELF-EMF exposure and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some tested methods to regenerate myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of the BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the release of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation to the cerebral cortex. However, this effect did not happen with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF does not have a clear method for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could influence the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has been connected to an increase in the permeability of the BBB.