The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damaged DNA, heat to the tissues and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS communities, medical specialists and researchers. The agency will continue study research related to the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
exposed to electromagnetic fields that are created by man (EMFs) are associated with DNA damage as well as health consequences. EMFs can affect intracellular ionic concentrations, which are crucial to maintain the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It can also cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result in DNA damage. Furthermore exposure to EMFs is also linked to an increase in the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in the male germ cell's development. This results in the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell functioning maturation when the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cell development, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF-EMF 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 increased by 18% after an entire 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, RF-EMF radiation is not yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, emf radiation have found that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA health in variety of cell types. In one of these studies researchers subjected Vero cell lines to EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They evaluated DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.
The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are typically believed to have thermal origins, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects are also present. These factors could be responsible for some of the unsolved issues in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF may be mediated by the cell membrane. This is an area of research that has been extensively studied. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that RF-EMF energy higher than 1 MHz gets transferred into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electrical properties of tissues are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions, and other molecules within the body. what is emf radiation determines how absorbent RF EMR is by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an effect. This is the reason why the amount of tissue heating doesn't increase continuously as it moves from the exterior to and is only noticeable in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to heating by RF as compared to other tissues, since they are low in water content.
The extent of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field radiation than most tissues and transforms it into heat more effectively. Usually, the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured by millimeters (mm). The greater the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition the impacts that 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 actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF to brain cells. They also looked at the effects of ELF EMF on brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms aren't completely comprehended, 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. Fortunately, there are some tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to frequencies of 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of the BBB and caused an increase in the signs of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin to neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its permeation in the cortex. But this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could alter the BBB and increase calcium ion efflux. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also linked to increasing the permeability of BBB.