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 active in collaborating with the EHS community, medical professionals, and researchers. ARPANSA will continue to study research related to the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage as well as health consequences. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels that are vital to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. This can alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA destruction. Additionally, exposure to EMFs is also associated with an overproduction of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked with alterations in male germ cell development. This is due to the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa as well as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move across the epididymis. To investigate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cell development, a specially-built waveguide machine was designed for the exposure of mice that were not restrained to RF-EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers discovered that exposure to RF EME caused an oxidative DNA injury in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following an entire 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).
Despite this, the radiation emitted by RF-EMF isn't yet classified as a cancer-causing agent. But, emf radiation have found that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA health in variety of cell varieties. In one such study scientists exposed Vero cells with an EMF at 100 Hz over 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage within 48 hours of exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are generally thought as thermal in nature, some studies have demonstrated that non-thermal influences are also present. These may be the reason 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 that RF-EMF can have may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field where research has been thoroughly examined. Particularly, emf radiation symptoms of cell membranes is being studied. It is believed that energy from RF-EMFs higher than 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transferred to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions, and other molecules in the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. emf radiation with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more field and cause more of an effect. This is why the degree of heat generated by tissue is not constant as it moves from the exterior to and is only noticeable in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues, because they are low in water content.
The extent of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the strength and frequency of the field. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field radiation than most tissues and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Typically the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). The higher the frequency, shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier change sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore the impacts on the effects of EMF affect brain function have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the activities 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 what effects ELF EMFs on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully understood but 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. Fortunately, there are some tested methods to regenerate myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed increased exovasation of albumin into neurons. Further, they found in 30 minutes exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its penetration in the cortex. However this effect did not occur when using Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may alter the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium-ion. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has been connected to an increase in the permeability of BBB.