The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damages to DNA and tissue and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved in discussions with EHS community, medical experts as well as researchers. ARPANSA will continue to review research on the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage, as well as other adverse health effects. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels, which are crucial to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. This can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting 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 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 move throughout the epididymis. To determine the sensitivity of RF-EMF exposure to male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide device was developed to expose unrestrained mice to RF EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In emf radiation symptoms , researchers discovered exposure to RF-EME causes oxidative DNA damage in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% following 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).
However, RF-EMF radiation is not yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, numerous studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA health in range of cell varieties. In one such study, scientists exposed Vero cells to an EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. They measured DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
Although the effects of RF-EMF are typically considered to be thermal, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal effects are also evident. These effects may account for some of the unsolved issues in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects of the RF-EMF can occur on the cell's membrane. This is an area where research has been thoroughly examined. In particular the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been investigated. The current understanding is that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz gets transferred to tissues via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transfer to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules and other molecules within the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more EMR field and produce more of an effect. is emf radiation harmful is why the level of tissue heating doesn't increase continuously between the outside and inside, but occurs in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues because they have a low water content.
The depth of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the strength and frequency that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue is more able to absorb field energies than the other tissue and converts it into heat more efficiently. Usually the penetration depth that RFEMF has is measured as millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF EMF can alter the blood-brain-barrier, altering sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore, the effects that EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For example, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, as well as the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF in brain cells. They also studied how ELF EMFs on the nervous system. While the mechanisms of the cell involved are not completely understood but there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and myelin depletion. what is emf radiation might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin within the brain.
Researchers have discovered that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin to neurons. Further, they found in 30 minutes 900 MHz exposure 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its permeation into the brain. However this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.
Despite these findings, RF EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and increase calcium ion efflux. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTcMIBI radiotracer inside the brain is also connected to an increase in the permeability of the BBB.