The radiation from RF-EMF can cause DNA damage, tissue heating, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is active in collaborating with the EHS communities, medical specialists and researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage and other health effects. EMFs can alter intracellular ionic concentrations, which are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA damage. Moreover exposure to EMFs is also linked to the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked to changes in the male germ cell's development. This involves the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well functioning maturation when the spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed to expose non-restrained mice to RF-EME with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME triggered an oxidative DNA damage to spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after an entire 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).
However the fact that RF-EMF radiation isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. But, numerous studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF can affect the integrity of DNA in range of cell varieties. In one study, scientists subjected Vero cells with an EMF of 100 Hz for about 45 minutes. They evaluated DNA damage at 48 hours following exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are usually thought as thermal in nature, a few studies have shown that non-thermal effects are also observed. These effects may account for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
Non-thermal effects from RF-EMF may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field of research that has been thoroughly investigated. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. Current understanding suggests that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transferred to tissues via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transfer to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are regulated by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other molecules in the body. This determines how well absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. emf radiation with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more field and 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, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to heating by RF as compared to other tissues, since they are not as water-based. content.
The depth of the field's penetration is determined by the frequency and strength of the field. emf radiation absorbs more field energy than other tissues and converts it into heat more effectively. Usually the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured by millimeters (mm). But, the greater the frequency, the shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes what is emf radiation -brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore the impacts on the effects of EMF in brain activities are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also studied how ELF EMFs on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely understood however, there is an obvious connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are tested methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed an increase in the release of albumin into neurons. Further, they found that after 30 minutes of exposure to 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its diffusion into the brain. But this effect didn't occur when using Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may alter the BBB and increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with increasing the permeability and permeability of the BBB.