The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damages to DNA and tissue and can disrupt the blood-brain-barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating within the EHS group, the medical experts as well as researchers. The agency will continue examine research regarding the health effects of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage and other negative health adverse effects. EMFs can affect intracellular ionic concentrations, which are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. In turn, this can cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result damages to the DNA. Moreover exposure to EMFs is also linked to 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 cells' development. This is due to the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well maturation of the functional aspect as spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To determine the effects of RF-EMF on the development of male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was constructed to expose unrestrained mice to RF EME at 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers have discovered exposure to RF-EME causes oxidative DNA damage in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after a week of treatment, and by 23 percent 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 it isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. But, numerous studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage the integrity of DNA in range of cell types. In one of these studies researchers subjected Vero cells to an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. what is emf radiation evaluated DNA damage at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are usually believed to have thermal origins, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects are also present. These may be the reason for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies on 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 the RF-EMF can occur at the cell membrane. This is an area of research that has been thoroughly examined. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. The current understanding is that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transferred to tissues via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy that is transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
emf radiation of tissues are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other molecules inside the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more EMR field and produce more of an effect. This is the reason why the amount of tissue heating is not constant from outside to inside and is only noticeable in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating than other tissues, because they are not as water-based. content.
The extent of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energies than the other tissue, and converts it to heat more effectively. Usually the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). The higher the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes is emf radiation harmful -brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier changing sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Additionally to this, the effects of EMF affect brain function are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, in addition to the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure to brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMF on brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely comprehended 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, tested methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to frequencies of 900 millimeters EMF caused a rise in the permeability of BBB and caused an increase in signs of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin to neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation into the brain. However this effect didn't occur when using Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability. This could affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has been linked to increasing the permeability of the BBB.