The radiation RF-EMF causes DNA damage, tissue heating, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS communities, medical specialists, and researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
DNA damage is caused by RF-EMF
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage, as well as other negative health effects. EMFs can alter intracellular ionic concentrations, which are vital to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. In turn, this can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting to DNA damage. Additionally, exposure to EMFs is also associated with the production of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cells' development. This involves the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell functioning maturation when the spermatozoa move across the epididymis. To determine the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was designed to expose non-restrained mice to RF EME with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers discovered exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidation of DNA in spermatozoa. is emf radiation harmful 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).
However it isn't yet recognized as a true carcinogen. But, numerous studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage the integrity of DNA in range of cell varieties. In one study, scientists exposed Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage within 48 hours of exposure to determine if exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
While the effects of RF-EMF are typically thought to be thermal, some studies have revealed that non-thermal influences are also observed. These factors could be responsible for some of the unsolved issues in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could occur on the cell's membrane. This is an area which has already been extensively studied. Particularly, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. Current understanding suggests that RF-EMF energy higher than 1 MHz is transmitted into the tissues through dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbent EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heat generated by tissue doesn't increase continuously as it moves from the exterior to the body, but occurs in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating than other tissues, because they have a low water content.
The extent of the field's electromagnetic energy depends on the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. is emf radiation harmful absorbs more energy than other tissues and converts it into heat more effectively. Typically the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). However, 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 which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore to emf radiation symptoms , the effects of EMF affect brain function have been linked to 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 the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF on brain cells. They also looked at how ELF EMF on the brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that are involved aren't fully known however, there is an obvious relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are known methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to 900 MHz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of BBB and increased signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered the following: after about 30 min of exposure at 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its permeation in the cortex. However this effect didn't happen with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF has no clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could influence the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with increased permeability and permeability of the BBB.