The radiation RF-EMF causes damaged DNA, heat to the tissues and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively engaged with the EHS communities, medical experts as well as researchers. The agency will continue to study research related to the health effects of EMF radiation.
DNA damage is caused by RF-EMF
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage as well as adverse health effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. In turn, this can cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result in 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 is due to the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa as well functioning maturation when the spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was designed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers found that exposure to RF-EME caused oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following one 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 recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA health in range of cell types. In one of these studies, scientists were exposed Vero cell lines to EMF at 100 Hz over 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine whether the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
Although the effects of RF-EMF are usually thought as thermal in nature, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal influences 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 look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of the RF-EMF can be mediated by the cell membrane. This is an area where research has been extensively examined. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been studied. Current understanding suggests that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz gets transferred into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions, and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more of the EMR field and produce more of an effect. This is why the level of heat generated by tissue is not constant from outside to inside, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating than other tissues because they are not as water-based. content.
The depth of the field's penetration depends on the strength and frequency of field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energies than the other tissue, and converts it into heat more efficiently. Usually what is emf radiation of penetration of RF-EMF is measured by millimeters (mm). But, the greater 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, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition the impacts of EMF on brain activity have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, and the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure to brain cells. is emf radiation harmful looked at how ELF EMFs on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms aren't completely comprehended but there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, known is emf radiation harmful to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF enhanced the permeability of BBB and caused an increase in symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered in 30 minutes exposure to 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration into the brain. But this effect didn't occur with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF has no clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could alter the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has been linked to an increase in the permeability and permeability of the BBB.