The radiation RF-EMF causes DNA damage, tissue heating, and even disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively engaged within the EHS community, medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF causes DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) can cause DNA damage, as well as other adverse health adverse effects. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure a cell's electrochemical balance. It can also disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Furthermore, exposure to EMFs can also trigger an overproduction of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been associated with changes in male germ cells' development. This is due to the development of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell functioning maturation when the spermatozoa pass across the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was constructed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF-EMF with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.
In what is emf radiation , researchers found exposure to RF-EME causes oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after a week of treatment, and by 23% after five 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 a carcinogen. However, several studies have shown that RF-EMF exposure can impair DNA integrity in a range of cell types. In one of these studies researchers exposed Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are generally considered to be thermal, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects are also present. These may be the reason for certain of the unsolved findings in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. This is why it is crucial to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.
Effects that are not thermal from the RF-EMF can be mediated by the cell membrane. This is a field of research that has been thoroughly investigated. Particularly the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been investigated. Current understanding suggests that energy generated by RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transmitted to tissues via dielectric dissipation and ionic discharge. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy that is transferred to tissues could be as high as 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are regulated by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions and other molecules within the body. This determines how well absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an effect. This is the reason why the amount of heating in tissues is not constant between the outside and inside the body and is only noticeable in hot areas. emf radiation and fatty tissue is less susceptible to RF heating as compared to other tissues, since they have a low water content.
The intensity of the field's electromagnetic energy depends on the frequency and strength of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energy than other tissues, and converts it into heat more effectively. Typically the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined by millimeters (mm). But, the higher the frequency, deeper the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition to this, the effects of EMF affect brain function have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can alter electroencephalogram activity as well as sleep patterns, as well as the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. what is emf radiation examined the effects of ELF EMFs on the brain system. Though the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely known but 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 inside the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to frequencies of 900 millimeters EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and caused an increase in signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the release of albumin to neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure to 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration in the cortex. However, this effect did not happen with Evans blue-based injections.
However, RF-EMF is not able to provide a definitive mechanism for disrupting the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could affect the BBB and increase calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also connected to increased permeability of the BBB.