The radiation RF-EMF causes damage to DNA, heat up of tissues and alter the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively involved with the EHS group, the medical specialists, and researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage, as well as other adverse health adverse effects. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels that are vital to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. It can also cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result damages to the DNA. Additionally, exposure to EMFs can cause the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in male germ cell development. This involves the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa as well functional maturation when the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To determine 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 study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. emf radiation 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).
Despite this, the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been considered to be a carcinogen. But, several studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF can affect the integrity of DNA in range of cell types. In one such study researchers were exposed Vero cells to an EMF at 100 Hz over 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine whether the 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 influences are also observed. These may be the reason for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may occur at the cell membrane. This is a field where research has been thoroughly investigated. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes is being studied. The current understanding is that RF-EMF energy greater than 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 tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are regulated by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions, and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the EMR field and produce more of an impact. This is the reason why the amount of tissue heating is not constant from outside to inside however, it is more prevalent in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues because they have a low water content.
emf radiation symptoms of penetration of electromagnetic fields depends on the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue, and converts it into heat more efficiently. Typically the penetration depth for RF EMF is determined in millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, the deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally to this, the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, as well as the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also examined the effects of ELF EMF on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms that play a role are not fully comprehended, there is a clear association between ELF-EMF exposure 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 observed that exposure to 900 millimeters EMF increased the permeability of BBB and also increased the indicators of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Further, they found that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its permeation in the cortex. However this effect did not happen with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, 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 affect the BBB and enhance the efflux of calcium-ion. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has also been linked to increased permeability and permeability of the BBB.