The radiation RF-EMF causes 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. The agency will continue to study research related to the health impacts of EMF radiation.
DNA damage is caused by RF-EMF
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other health effects. 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. Moreover exposure to EMFs is also linked to an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been associated with changes in male germ cell development. This is due to the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, as well maturation of the functional aspect as spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide machine was designed to expose non-restrained mice to RF-EMF with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In what is emf radiation , researchers found that exposure to RF-EME caused an oxidative DNA damage to spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after one week of treatment and by 23 percent after five weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
However it isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. However, several studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA integrity in a variety of cell lines. In emf radiation symptoms exposed Vero cells to an EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine if the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are typically considered as thermal in nature, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects may also be present. These may be the reason for some of the unsolved issues in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting an exhaustive review.
Effects that are not thermal from RF-EMF could occur on the cell's membrane. This is a field which has already been thoroughly investigated. In particular, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. It is believed that RF-EMF energy higher than 1 MHz is transmitted into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissues are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other molecules inside the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an impact. This is the reason why the amount of heating in tissues doesn't increase continuously as it moves from the exterior to the body, but occurs in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissues are less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues, because they are low in water content.
The depth of the field's penetration is determined by the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more field radiation than most tissues and converts it to heat more efficiently. Usually the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined by millimeters (mm). But, the greater the frequency, the deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier changing sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. In addition to this, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram's activity and sleep patterns, and the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure to brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMF on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms aren't completely comprehended but there is a clear relationship between exposure to ELF EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some tested methods to regenerate myelin within the brain.
Researchers have found that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and increased the signs of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered the following: after about 30 min of exposure at 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its penetration to the cerebral cortex. However, this effect did not happen with Evans blue injections.
However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and also increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, what is emf radiation of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also connected to increasing the permeability and permeability of the BBB.