Health Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damaged DNA, heat to the tissues and can disrupt the blood-brain-barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS community, medical professionals, and researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health impacts of 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. EMFs can alter intracellular ionic concentrations, which are crucial to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. This can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Moreover, exposure to EMFs can also trigger an overproduction of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been associated with changes in male germ cell development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, as well functioning maturation when the spermatozoa pass throughout the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on the development of male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was constructed to expose unrestrained mice to RF EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers have discovered that exposure to RF-EME triggered an oxidative DNA damage to spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after 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).
Despite this it isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, several studies have found that RF-EMF exposure can impair the integrity of DNA in variety of cell types. In one study researchers subjected Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They evaluated DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are usually thought to be thermal, some 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. Therefore, it is important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
Effects that are not thermal from RF-EMF could occur at the cell membrane. This is a field which has already been thoroughly examined. Particularly the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been investigated. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMF higher than 1 MHz is transferred to tissues via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy that is transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are regulated through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other molecules inside the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more of the field and cause more of an effect. emf radiation is the reason why the amount of heating in tissues is not constant between the outside and inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot spots. emf radiation and fatty tissues are less prone to RF heating than other tissues, because they are not as water-based. content.
The extent of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue, and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Usually the penetration depth that RFEMF has is measured as millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier changing sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore to this, the effects on the effects of EMF in brain activities are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, 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 Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. is emf radiation harmful studied how ELF EMFs on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully known but there is a clear association between ELF-EMF exposure and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, known methods to regenerate myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and caused an increase in signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes exposure to 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its diffusion in the cortex. However, this effect did not occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may influence the BBB and also increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTcMIBI radiotracer inside the brain has also been associated with increased permeability and permeability of the BBB.