Health Effects of EMF Radiation

· 4 min read
Health Effects of EMF Radiation

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 in discussions with EHS group, the medical professionals and researchers. ARPANSA will continue to review research on the health effects caused by EMF radiation.

RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage as well as health adverse effects. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. It can also alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting in DNA damage. Additionally, exposure to EMFs is also associated with the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked with alterations in male germ cell development.  is emf radiation harmful  is due to the development of germ cells into spermatozoa as well functioning maturation as spermatozoa pass through the epididymis. To study the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was constructed for the purpose of exposing unrestrained mice to RF-EME with a dose of 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 increased by 18% following one 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 RF-EMF radiation has not yet been recognized as a true carcinogen. But, several studies have found that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA health in variety of cell lines. In one of these studies, scientists exposed Vero cell lines to EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage within 48 hours of exposure to determine whether the exposure affected DNA integrity.



RF-EMF causes tissue heating
While the effects of RF EMF are usually believed as thermal in nature, some studies have shown that non-thermal influences are also present. These factors could be responsible for some of the unresolved issues in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to consider the non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.

The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may be felt at the cell's membrane. This is a field where research has been extensively examined. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been investigated. It is believed that energy from RF-EMF that exceeds 1 MHz is transferred to tissue through dielectric as well as the dissipation of ions. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.

The electric properties of tissues are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules and other substances in the body. This determines how absorbent 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 why the level of tissue heating is not constant from outside to inside however, it is more prevalent in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue are less prone to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they are low in water content.

The depth of the field's penetration depends on the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field energies than the other tissue and converts it into heat more effectively. Usually, the depth of penetration that RFEMF has is measured in millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, deeper the penetration.

RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore to this, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, in addition to the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxide.

Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF to brain cells.  is emf radiation harmful  looked at what effects ELF EMFs on the brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell involved are not completely comprehended however, there is an obvious association between ELF-EMF exposure and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some proven methods for regenerating myelin within the brain.

Researchers have discovered that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion in the cortex. However this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.

Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Furthermore,  emf radiation symptoms  a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain has also been linked to increased permeability of BBB.