RF-EMF radiation can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating in discussions with EHS community, medical professionals as well as researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage as well as negative health adverse effects. EMFs can disrupt intracellular ionic concentrations, which are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It can also disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Moreover, exposure to EMFs is also associated with the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked with alterations in male germ cells' development. emf radiation is due to the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well functioning maturation when the spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To study the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cell development, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed to expose non-restrained mice to RF-EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers found exposure to RF-EME causes an oxidative DNA damage to the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after 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).
However, RF-EMF radiation is not yet considered a carcinogen. However, numerous studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a range of cell varieties. In one of these studies researchers subjected Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage at 48 hours following exposure to determine if exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are generally believed to have thermal origins, some studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects are also evident. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting systematic reviews.
Effects that are not thermal from RF-EMF could occur on the cell's membrane. This is a field where research has been extensively studied. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes is being studied. It is believed that energy from RF-EMF higher than 1 MHz is transferred into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy that is transferred to tissues 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 within the body. This determines how well absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more field and cause more of an effect. This is the reason why the amount of tissue heating doesn't increase continuously from outside to inside the body and is only noticeable in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues because they have a low water content.
The extent of the field's penetration is determined by the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field radiation than most tissues and converts it into heat more efficiently. Usually the penetration depth of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes emf radiation -brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally to this, the effects that EMF affect brain function are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and 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 to brain cells. They also looked at what effects ELF EMFs on the nervous system. Though the cellular mechanisms aren't completely known, 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. Fortunately, there are some known methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF enhanced the permeability of BBB and increased signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Additionally, emf radiation observed in 30 minutes exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion to the cerebral cortex. But, this effect did not occur when using Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF does not have a clear method for disrupting the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could influence the BBB and also increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with an increase in the permeability of BBB.