The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues and alter the blood brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is active in collaborating in discussions with EHS community, medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue to review research on the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as health adverse effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels that are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. This can cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result damages to the DNA. Moreover exposure to EMFs can cause an increase in 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 the development of male germ cells. This involves the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move across the epididymis. To determine the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to the development of male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the exposure of mice without restriction to RF-EMF in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers discovered that exposure to RF-EME causes oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after 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).
Although RF-EMF radiation is not yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, numerous studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA health in range of cell varieties. In one study researchers subjected Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are typically believed as thermal in nature, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects may also be present. These effects may account for some of the unresolved observations in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field where research has been thoroughly examined. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes is being studied. The current understanding is that RF-EMF energy that exceeds 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other substances in the body. This determines how well absorbed 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 degree of tissue heating is not constant from outside to inside, but occurs in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they are not as water-based. content.
The intensity of penetration of electromagnetic fields depends on the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field energies than the other tissue and transforms it into heat more effectively. Usually, what is emf radiation of penetration that RFEMF has is measured by millimeters (mm). is emf radiation harmful , the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition the impacts that EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For emf radiation symptoms , EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and 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. They also examined the effects of ELF EMF on brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not fully known but there is a clear association between ELF-EMF exposure and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to frequencies of 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and also increased the symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered the following: after 30 mins of 900 MHz exposure, 99mTc-MIBI increased its permeation to the cerebral cortex. However this effect didn't occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could affect the BBB and enhance calcium ion efflux. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain has also been linked to an increase in the permeability of BBB.