The radiation RF-EMF causes damage to DNA, heat up of tissues, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively engaged with the EHS group, the medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue examine research regarding the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage, as well as other negative health effects. EMFs can affect intracellular ionic concentrations, which are vital to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA destruction. Additionally exposure to EMFs can also trigger an overproduction of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked with alterations in the development of male germ cells. This involves the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell functional maturation when the spermatozoa pass through the epididymis. To investigate the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide machine was designed to expose unrestrained mice to RF-EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers discovered that exposure to RF EME caused an oxidative DNA injury in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after an entire 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).
Although the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been considered to be a carcinogen. However, several studies have found that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA health in variety of cell varieties. In one study researchers exposed Vero cell lines to EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine if 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 shown that non-thermal influences are also observed. These factors could be responsible for certain of the unsolved findings in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could be felt at the cell's membrane. This is an area of research that has been thoroughly examined. Particularly the electrochemical properties of cell membranes is being studied. Current understanding suggests that energy from RF-EMFs that exceeds 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transfer to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
is emf radiation harmful of tissue are regulated through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other molecules in the body. This determines how absorbent EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more field and cause more of an impact. emf radiation is why the level of tissue heating doesn't increase continuously from outside to inside, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues, because they are low in water content.
The extent of penetration of electromagnetic fields depends on the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energy than other tissues, and converts it to heat more efficiently. Usually, the depth of penetration that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). However, the greater the frequency, the shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally, the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, 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 from the Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure in brain cells. They also looked at how ELF EMF on brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that are involved aren't fully understood but there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, known methods for regenerating myelin in the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of the BBB and also increased the symptoms of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin to neurons. Furthermore, they discovered in 30 minutes exposure to 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion to the cerebral cortex. But this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.
However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may alter the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium ions. Additionally, emf radiation of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has also been connected to increased permeability of the BBB.