The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damaged DNA, heat to the tissues and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS communities, medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
DNA damage is caused by RF-EMF
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage and other adverse health consequences. EMFs can disrupt 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 to DNA damage. Furthermore, exposure to EMFs is also linked to an increase in the production 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, aswell as functional maturation as the spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was designed to expose unrestrained mice to RF-EMF in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a recent study, researchers have discovered exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidation of DNA 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, RF-EMF radiation is not yet recognized as a true carcinogen. However, several studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a range of cell lines. In one study, scientists subjected Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage at 48 hours following exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
Although the effects of RF EMF are typically thought as thermal in nature, some studies have revealed that non-thermal influences are also observed. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting an exhaustive review.
Effects that are not thermal from RF-EMF may occur on the cell's membrane. This is an area where research has been thoroughly examined. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. Current understanding suggests that RF-EMF energy higher than 1 MHz is transferred to tissues via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transfer to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more field and cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heat generated by tissue is not constant between the outside and inside the body, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues because they have a low water content.
The depth of the field's penetration is determined by the frequency and strength of field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field energies than the other tissue and transforms it into heat more efficiently. Typically the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). 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 changing sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore, the effects of EMF affect brain function are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For what is emf radiation , 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 from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF on brain cells. They also looked at what effects ELF EMF on brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms that are involved aren't fully known but there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, known methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 Mhz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and raised symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, Browse around this site discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation in the cortex. However this effect didn't occur with Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive method for disrupting the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could alter the BBB and enhance calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also linked to an increase in the permeability of BBB.