The radiation from RF-EMF can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and alter the blood brain barrier. These are real-world effects, and ARPANSA is actively involved within the EHS group, the medical specialists and researchers. ARPANSA will continue to review research on the health impacts of EMF radiation.
RF-EMF can cause DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) can cause DNA damage and other health consequences. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels, which are essential to ensure the balance of electrochemical activity in cells. This can disrupt cell homeostasis, resulting in DNA damage. Moreover, exposure to EMFs is also associated with an overproduction 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. This results in the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa as well functional maturation when the spermatozoa move through the epididymis. To investigate the effects of RF-EMF on the development of male germ cells A specially designed waveguide machine was designed to expose mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.
In what is emf radiation have discovered that exposure to RF EME caused the oxidative DNA damage of spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after an entire week of treatment and by 23 percent after 5 weeks. Furthermore, emf radiation in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
Despite this, the RF-EMF radiation has not yet been classified as a cancer-causing agent. But, several studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA health in variety of cell lines. In one such study researchers exposed Vero cell lines to EMF of 100 Hz for 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for within 48 hours of exposure to determine if exposure affected the integrity of DNA.
The RF-EMF effect causes the heating of tissues
While the effects of RF EMF are usually believed to have thermal origins, some studies have revealed that non-thermal effects are also evident. These factors could be responsible for some of the unresolved observations in the epidemiological study of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting a systematic review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may occur at the cell membrane. This is a field of research that has been thoroughly examined. In particular the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. Current understanding suggests that energy from RF-EMFs higher than 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Studies of the theory have suggested that the energy transfer to tissues could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled in the form and quantity of water molecules and ions, and other molecules in the body. This determines how 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 effect. This is the reason why the amount of tissue heating is not constant from outside to inside the body and is only noticeable in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues, because they are not as water-based. content.
The intensity of penetration of the electromagnetic field depends on the strength and frequency of field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energy than other 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, shallower the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. In addition to this, the effects on the effects of EMF on brain activity are linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.
Researchers at the Vienna University have studied the effects of RF-EMF exposure in brain cells. They also studied the effects of ELF EMF on the brain system. While the mechanisms of the cell that are involved aren't fully understood, there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some known methods for regenerating myelin within the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 Mhz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of BBB and also increased the indicators of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed increased extravasation of neuronal albumin. Additionally, they observed the following: after 30 mins of exposure to 900 MHz 99mTcMIBI increased its permeation to the cerebral cortex. However this effect didn't occur with Evans blue-based injections.

However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could influence the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTcMIBI radiotracer inside the brain has also been linked to increasing the permeability of BBB.