RF-EMF radiation can cause damage to DNA, increase the temperature of tissues and alter the blood brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating within the EHS group, the medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue examine research regarding the health impacts of EMF radiation.


RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause DNA damage as well as adverse health effects. EMFs can affect intracellular ionic concentrations, which are crucial to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. It can also disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting damages to the DNA. Moreover, exposure to EMFs can also trigger the production of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been associated with changes in the male germ cell's development. This results in the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell as functional maturation as the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the purpose of exposing mice that were not restrained to RF-EME with a dose of 2.2 W/kg.

In a recent study researchers have discovered that exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was 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).

Although RF-EMF radiation is not yet classified as a cancer-causing agent. However, numerous studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a range of cell lines. In one study researchers exposed Vero cells with an EMF that was 100Hz, for about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected DNA integrity.

The effect of RF-EMF on tissue heating
Although the effects of RF-EMF are generally believed to be thermal, a few studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects may also be observed. These factors could be responsible for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. emf radiation is why it is crucial to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an extensive review.

The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may occur at the cell membrane. This is an area of research that has been thoroughly studied. Particularly the electrochemical properties of cell membranes has been studied. Current understanding suggests that energy from RF-EMFs greater than 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue through dielectric and Ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transfer to tissues could be as high as 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. This determines how absorbed EMR RF is by various tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more field, and thus cause more of an effect. This is why the level of tissue heating is not constant between the outside and inside the body and is only noticeable in hot areas. 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 is determined by the strength and frequency of field. emf radiation absorbs more field radiation than most tissues, and converts it into heat more efficiently. Usually, the depth of penetration for RF EMF is determined by millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, the deeper 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. Furthermore to emf radiation symptoms , the effects of EMF in brain activities have been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.

Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure on brain cells. They also examined what effects ELF EMF on the brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that play a role are not fully comprehended but there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, known methods for regenerating myelin within the brain.

Researchers have observed that exposure to frequencies of 900 MHz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and increased symptoms of neuronal damage in rats. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin to neurons. Additionally, they observed the following: after 30 mins of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration in the cortex. However, this effect did not occur when using Evans blue injections.

Despite these findings, RF EMF has no clear mechanism for disrupting the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability, which could alter the BBB and enhance calcium ion efflux. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also associated with increasing the permeability of BBB.