The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is active in collaborating with the EHS community, medical experts, and researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other health effects. EMFs can disrupt the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure a cell's electrochemical balance. It can also alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting damages to the DNA. Additionally, exposure to EMFs can also trigger the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
emf radiation to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cell development. This results in the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa travel throughout the epididymis. To study the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to the development of male germ cells A specially designed waveguide device was developed for the exposure of 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 caused an oxidative DNA injury in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following one 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, the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been classified as a cancer-causing agent. But, several studies have revealed that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA integrity in a variety of cell types. In one of these studies researchers were exposed Vero cells with an EMF of 100 Hz for about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine if exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are usually believed as thermal in nature, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal influences are also evident. These effects may account for some of the unresolved issues in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an extensive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field of research that has been extensively studied. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that RF-EMF energy greater than 1 MHz is transferred to tissue through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy that is transferred to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are regulated through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other substances in the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. emf radiation with higher conductivity tend to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the level of tissue heating does not increase steadily between the outside and inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they are not as water-based. content.
The extent 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 to heat more efficiently. Typically, the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured in millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, the shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes is emf radiation harmful -brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition to this, the effects on the effects of EMF in brain activities have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF in brain cells. They also looked at what effects ELF EMFs on the nervous system. Although the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully understood but there is a clear 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, tested methods to regenerate myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to 900 MHz EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased exovasation of neuronal albumin. Further, they found in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure, 99mTc-MIBI increased its permeation into the brain. But this effect did not occur with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could alter the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has also been associated with an increase in the permeability of BBB.