The radiation from RF-EMF can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS community, medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue study research related to the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as health effects. EMFs can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. This can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting in DNA damage. Furthermore, exposure to EMFs can cause an increase in the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked with alterations in the development of male germ cells. This is due to the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well functioning maturation as spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To investigate the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed for the exposure of mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after a 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).
However, the radiation emitted by RF-EMF isn't yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA integrity in a range of cell varieties. In one such study researchers exposed Vero cell lines to EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. emf radiation assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine if exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are typically thought as thermal in nature, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal effects may also be evident. These may be the reason for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field where research has been extensively examined. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been investigated. It is believed that energy from RF-EMF 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 tissues are regulated in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions, and other molecules in the body. This determines how absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an effect. This is why the level of heating in tissues does not increase steadily as it moves from the exterior to the body and is only noticeable in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they have a low water content.
The intensity of penetration of electromagnetic fields 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 effectively. Typically, the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). But, emf radiation , shallower 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 to this, the effects that EMF affect brain function have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, as well as the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. emf radiation looked at the effects of ELF EMF on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not fully comprehended however, there is an obvious relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, proven methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to frequencies of 900 millimeters EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and also increased the indicators of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed the following: after 30 mins of 900 MHz exposure 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion to the cerebral cortex. However this effect did not occur when using Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could affect the BBB and also increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has been connected to increased permeability and permeability of the BBB.