RF-EMF radiation can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues and even disrupt the blood brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS community, medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue examine research regarding the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other health adverse effects. is emf radiation harmful can alter the intracellular ionic levels that are vital to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It can also disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Moreover exposure to EMFs can also trigger an increase in the production of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been associated with changes in the male germ cell's development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, aswell functional maturation when the spermatozoa pass throughout the epididymis. To investigate the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF-EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers have discovered that exposure to RF-EME causes an oxidative DNA injury in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was 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, emf radiation -EMF radiation has not yet been classified as a cancer-causing agent. However, numerous studies have shown that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA health in variety of cell types. In one such study, scientists exposed Vero cells to an EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are generally thought to have thermal origins, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal influences are also observed. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting an extensive review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is an area which has already been thoroughly examined. Particularly the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. what is emf radiation is believed that energy from RF-EMF that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to tissue through dielectric and Ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy that is transferred to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are regulated in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other substances in the body. This determines how well absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the EMR field and produce more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously from outside to inside the body, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues, because they have a low water content.
The intensity of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the frequency and strength of field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energy than other tissues and transforms it into heat more effectively. Typically the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition to this, the effects of EMF in brain activities have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, as well as the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF on brain cells. They also studied what effects ELF EMF on brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that play a role are not fully understood, 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, tested methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and also increased the signs of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin to neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its penetration to the cerebral cortex. But this effect did not occur with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may alter the BBB and also increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has been associated with an increase in the permeability of the BBB.