Health Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damaged DNA, heat to the tissues, and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved with the EHS group, the medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) can cause DNA damage and other health effects. EMFs can disrupt intracellular ionic concentrations, which are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It can also cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result damages to the DNA. Moreover, exposure to EMFs is also linked to an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked with alterations in male germ cell development. This results in the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well maturation of the functional aspect as spermatozoa move throughout the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cell development, a specially-built waveguide machine was designed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In emf radiation have discovered that exposure to RF-EME caused an oxidative DNA damage to spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after a week of treatment, and by 23% after 5 weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
Despite this the fact that RF-EMF radiation isn't yet considered a carcinogen. However, numerous studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage the integrity of DNA in range of cell varieties. In one study researchers subjected Vero cells with an EMF of 100 Hz for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are generally thought to have thermal origins, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects may also be observed. what is emf radiation may be the reason for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting systematic reviews.
Non-thermal effects from RF-EMF could occur on the cell's membrane. This is an area where research has been extensively examined. In emf radiation , the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transferred into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy that is transferred to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are regulated by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other molecules inside the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more field and cause more of an impact. This is the reason why the amount of tissue heating doesn't increase continuously from outside to inside the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues, because they are low in water content.
The extent of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field radiation than most tissues, and converts it to heat more efficiently. Typically the penetration depth of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). But, the greater the frequency, the shallower 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 to this, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, as well as the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also examined the effects of ELF EMFs on the brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell involved are not completely comprehended, there is a clear relationship 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 in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of the BBB and caused an increase in signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Further, they found the following: after about 30 min of exposure to 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation into the brain. However, this effect did not occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could influence the BBB and enhance calcium ion efflux. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with increasing the permeability of BBB.