RF-EMF radiation can cause damages to DNA and tissue, and can disrupt the blood-brain-barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively involved in discussions with EHS communities, medical experts and researchers. The agency will continue examine research regarding the health effects of EMF radiation.
DNA damage is caused by RF-EMF
exposed to electromagnetic fields that are created by man (EMFs) can cause DNA damage and other negative health adverse effects. EMFs can disrupt intracellular ionic concentrations, which are vital to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. In turn, this can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Additionally, exposure to EMFs can also trigger an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked to changes in male germ cells' development. This involves the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move across the epididymis. To study the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to the development of male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was designed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused an oxidative DNA damage to the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after a 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).
Despite this, RF-EMF radiation is not yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, several studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF can affect the integrity of DNA in variety of cell varieties. In one of these studies researchers were exposed Vero cells to an EMF of 100 Hz for about 45 minutes. what is emf radiation evaluated DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are typically considered to have thermal origins, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects may also be evident. These factors could be responsible for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies on 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 may occur on the cell's membrane. This is a field which has already been thoroughly examined. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. It is believed that energy from RF-EMF higher than 1 MHz gets transferred to tissues via dielectric and ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other molecules 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. This is the reason the degree of tissue heating is not constant as it moves from the exterior to the body, but occurs in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to heating by RF as compared to other tissues, since they are not as water-based. content.
The intensity of the field's electromagnetic energy is determined by the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue and converts it to heat more efficiently. Usually, the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). The higher the frequency, deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally to this, the effects that EMF affect brain function have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, as well as the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF in brain cells. They also looked at what effects ELF EMF on brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely known, there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin within the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to the frequency of 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of the BBB and caused an increase in the signs of neuronal injury in rats. They also observed an increase in the release of neuronal albumin. Additionally, they observed that after 30 minutes of exposure to 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion to the cerebral cortex. But, this effect did not occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF has no clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. emf radiation could alter the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Moreover, emf radiation of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has also been linked to increasing the permeability of the BBB.