RF-EMF radiation can cause damage to DNA, heat up of tissues, and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is active in collaborating within the EHS community, medical experts and researchers. ARPANSA will continue study research related to the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as adverse health consequences. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels that are essential to ensure the electrochemical balance of cells. It can also cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result in DNA damage. Furthermore exposure to EMFs is also associated with an overproduction of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked with alterations in male germ cell development. This involves the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell functional maturation when the spermatozoa travel throughout the epididymis. To determine the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cell development, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the exposure of mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study researchers found that exposure to RF-EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of the 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).
However, the radiation emitted by RF-EMF isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, emf radiation have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage the integrity of DNA in range of cell lines. In one such study scientists subjected Vero cell lines to EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for within 48 hours of exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are typically believed to have thermal origins, some studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects are also observed. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF could occur at the cell membrane. This is a field where research has been thoroughly investigated. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMF that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to the tissue via dielectric and the dissipation of ions. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transferred to the tissue could be as high as 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 RF is by various 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 heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously as it moves from the exterior to the body however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to heating by RF as compared to other tissues, since they are not as water-based. content.
The depth of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energy than other tissues and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Typically the penetration depth of RF-EMF is measured by millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, more shallow 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. Furthermore, emf radiation on the effects of EMF on brain activity have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, and the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF on brain cells. They also looked at how ELF EMF on nervous system. Though the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not fully comprehended 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. There are, however, known what is emf radiation for regenerating myelin in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF increased the permeability of BBB and also increased the indicators of neuronal injury in rats. They also observed increased exovasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its permeation into the brain. However, this effect did not happen with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may influence the BBB and also increase the efflux of calcium-ion. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also linked to increasing the permeability of the BBB.