RF-EMF radiation can cause DNA damage, tissue heating, and disrupt the blood brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively involved with the EHS community, medical experts, and researchers. ARPANSA will continue to study research related to the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as negative health consequences. EMFs can disrupt intracellular ionic concentrations, which are crucial to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. In turn, this can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA destruction. Additionally exposure to EMFs can also trigger an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been associated with changes in the male germ cell's development. This involves the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa as well functioning maturation as spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To investigate the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was constructed for the purpose of exposing mice without restriction to RF-EMF in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following one week of treatment and by 23% after five weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
Although the radiation emitted by RF-EMF isn't yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA health in variety of cell lines. In one such study scientists exposed Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF EMF are usually believed as thermal in nature, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal effects may also be observed. These effects may account for some of the unresolved issues in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
what is emf radiation -thermal effects of RF-EMF could be mediated by the cell membrane. This is an area where research has been extensively examined. Particularly the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been investigated. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMFs that exceeds 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue through dielectric as well as Ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy that is transferred to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other molecules in the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously as it moves from the exterior to the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less prone to RF heating than other tissues, because they have a low water content.
The intensity of penetration of electromagnetic fields is determined by the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more radiation than most tissues and converts it into heat more effectively. Typically the penetration depth for RF EMF is determined by millimeters (mm). However, 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 which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore the impacts that EMF on brain activity have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For is emf radiation harmful , EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure in brain cells. is emf radiation harmful examined the effects of ELF EMF on nervous system. While the mechanisms of the cell that are involved aren't fully known however, there is an obvious relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some known methods for regenerating myelin in the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and also increased the symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Furthermore, they discovered the following: after 30 mins of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its permeation into the brain. But, this effect did not happen with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive method for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could affect the BBB and also increase the efflux of calcium-ion. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has been associated with increasing the permeability of the BBB.
