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Cross-sectional case control study on genetic damage in individuals residing in the vicinity of a mobile phone base station
Abstract
Abstract Mobile phone base stations facilitate good communication, but the continuously emitting radiations from these stations have raised health concerns. Hence in this study, genetic damage using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay was assessed in peripheral blood leukocytes of individuals residing in the vicinity of a mobile phone base station and comparing it to that in healthy controls. The power density in the area within 300 m from the base station exceeded the permissive limits and was significantly (p = 0.000) higher compared to the area from where control samples were collected. The study participants comprised 63 persons with residences near a mobile phone tower, and 28 healthy controls matched for gender, age, alcohol drinking and occupational sub-groups. Genetic damage parameters of DNA migration length, damage frequency (DF) and damage index were significantly (p = 0.000) elevated in the sample group compared to respective values in healthy controls. The female residents (n = 25) of the sample group had significantly (p = 0.004) elevated DF than the male residents (n = 38). The linear regression analysis further revealed daily mobile phone usage, location of residence and power density as significant predictors of genetic damage. The genetic damage evident in the participants of this study needs to be addressed against future disease-risk, which in addition to neurodegenerative disorders, may lead to cancer.
... The same article emphasizes that human experimentations should be conducted to shed light on the issue. Gandhi et al. (2015) examined the leucocytes in individuals living in close proximity to base stations to determine the genetic effects of RFR exposure. They took blood samples from 63 individuals living within 300 meters distance to a base station, and the samples of DNA were examined by using the comet assay. ...
... As a result, the study determined that those living in a distance of 300 m to a base station had more DNA damage (p = 0.000). Also, it was found that the duration of mobile phone usage, distance of residence and the intensity of migration played a role in terms of the actual damage (Gandhi et al., 2015). The results of data in the study by Gandhi et al. (2015) support the results of our present study, because our study, too, suggests that there is a linear relationship between exposure time and DNA damage. ...
... Also, it was found that the duration of mobile phone usage, distance of residence and the intensity of migration played a role in terms of the actual damage (Gandhi et al., 2015). The results of data in the study by Gandhi et al. (2015) support the results of our present study, because our study, too, suggests that there is a linear relationship between exposure time and DNA damage. Garajvrhovac et al. (1992) observed chromosomal aberrations (dicentric, ring, and polycentric chromosomes) in peripheral blood leucocytes and increases in micronuclei of those who work with radar systems (10-50 mW/cm 2 ) (Garajvrhovac et al., 1992). ...
The aim of this study was to investigate effect of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from mobile phones on DNA damage in follicle cells of hair in the ear canal. The study was carried out on 56 men (age range: 30–60 years old)in four treatment groups with n = 14 in each group. The groups were defined as follows: people who did not use a mobile phone (Control), people use mobile phones for 0–30 min/day (second group), people use mobile phones for 30–60 min/day (third group) and people use mobile phones for more than 60 min/day (fourth group). Ear canal hair follicle cells taken from the subjects were analyzed by the Comet Assay to determine DNA damages. The Comet Assay parameters measured were head length, tail length, comet length, percentage of head DNA, tail DNA percentage, tail moment, and Olive tail moment. Results of the study showed that DNA damage indicators were higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the control subjects. In addition, DNA damage increased with the daily duration of exposure. In conclusion, RFR emitted from mobile phones has a potential to produce DNA damage in follicle cells of hair in the ear canal. Therefore, mobile phone users have to pay more attention when using wireless phones.
... After the date by which Colombia introduced the regulations in force, new recommendations have been proposed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and new scientific articles have been published [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], confirming the need to proper control over the deployment of wireless telecommunications infrastructure. For this reason and by studying success cases regulations applied in other countries such as Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Italy and Salvador, the regulations update is needed in Colombia. ...
... It was initially planned to have a study based on some scientific papers, related to the effects of electromagnetic fields on living organisms [3][4][5][6], using databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore digital library, Science Direct, Electro Magnetic Field website (EMF) [12]; consultations were also undertaken with international bodies issuing recommendations in this regard: ITU, The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Thereafter, a study on Colombian current regulations was carried out, against the limitation and mitigation of adverse effects caused by the infrastructure of wireless telecommunications, i.e., the rules at different levels (constitution, law, decree, resolution). ...
... W / m2, while in dwellings that are further away, that density is 0.045 W / m2 on average. Furthermore, Gandhi identified the genetic adverse effects, finding that the population exposed to higher levels of power density, showed damage in the DNA fragments' length [6]. ...
This paper describes the current wireless telecommunications infrastructure deployment regulations in Colombia. It also refers to the possible effects that this infrastructure could cause to the country`s health and environment. similarly, the results obtained show a comparison between the Argentina’s current regulations, one of the most relevant researches carried out and the Colombian case. finally, some recommendations are proposed that can be considered in the project of regulations applicable in Colombia for the ensuring purpose that the non-ionizing radiation generated by wireless communications systems do not have effects on health and the environment.
... Blettner et al., 2009;Röösli et al., 2010;Baliatsas et al., 2016) whereas others found increases in cancer and other health problems in humans living around antennas (e. g. Santini et al., 2002;Navarro et al., 2003;Bortkiewicz et al., 2004;Eger et al., 2004;Wolf and Wolf, 2004;Abdel-Rassoul et al., 2007;Khurana et al., 2010;Dode et al., 2011;Shinjyo and Shinjyo, 2014;Gandhi et al., 2015;López et al., 2021;Rodrigues et al., 2021). There is a specific symptomatology linked to radar and RF exposure at low levels, characterized by functional disturbances of the central nervous system (headache, sleep disturbance, discomfort, irritability, depression, memory loss, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, difficulty in concentration, dizziness, etc.), that has been termed 'RF sickness' (Lilienfeld et al., 1978;Johnson Lyakouris, 1998;Navarro et al., 2003). ...
... Despite the scientific evidence shown in the studies carried out in many countries by different teams of researchers that we have reviewed, several studies conclude that no effects are found and blame it on risk perception and the nocebo effect (Wiedemann et al., 2006;Kowall et al., 2012;Freudenstein et al., 2015;Dieudonné, 2016;Klaps et al., 2016;Koh et al., 2020). However, the nocebo effect is not supported by objective data (Belpomme and Irigaray, 2022), by the results of cancer studies (Eger et al., 2004;Wolf and Wolf, 2004;Dode et al., 2011;Li et al., 2012;Rodrigues et al., 2021), by studies on changes in haematological parameters (Gandhi et al., 2015;Meo et al., 2015;Taheri et al., 2017;Zothansiama et al., 2017), by hormonal changes after long-term exposure (Eskander et al., 2012), by salivary secretion and by effects on fertility (Al-Quzwini et al., 2016). Many reviews on the health effects of mobile phones have reached the same conclusions regarding their effects on male infertility (El-Hamd and Aboeldahab, 2018). ...
The objective of this work was to perform a complete review of the existing scientific literature to update the knowledge on the effects of base station antennas on humans. Studies performed in real urban conditions, with mobile phone base stations situated close to apartments, were selected. Overall results of this review show three types of effects by base station antennas on the health of people: radiofrequency sickness (RS), cancer (C) and changes in biochemical parameters (CBP). Considering all the studies reviewed globally (n = 38), 73.6% (28/38) showed effects: 73.9% (17/23) for radiofrequency sickness, 76.9% (10/13) for cancer and 75.0% (6/8) for changes in biochemical parameters. Furthermore, studies that did not meet the strict conditions to be included in this review provided important supplementary evidence. The existence of similar effects from studies by different sources (but with RF of similar characteristics), such as radar, radio and television antennas, wireless smart meters and laboratory studies, reinforce the conclusions of this review. Of special importance are the studies performed on animals or trees near base station antennas that cannot be aware of their proximity and to which psychosomatic effects can never be attributed.
... In particolare, l'Europa e l'Asia (61 lavori pubblicati, 72.6%) sembrano essere fortemente interessate alla dimensione del fenomeno, alla valutazione dei rischi espositivi, sia occupazionali sia ambientali, e alla comprensione dei meccanismi biologici del danno. La prevalenza maggiore rispetto alla tipologia di studio è appannaggio dei lavori di revisione (23,27.4%), sia rispetto agli effetti sulla salute umana, sia rispetto a specifiche tematiche riguardanti i danni cellulari o più in generale le alterazioni genetiche ed epigenetiche. ...
... sia rispetto agli effetti sulla salute umana, sia rispetto a specifiche tematiche riguardanti i danni cellulari o più in generale le alterazioni genetiche ed epigenetiche. Una percentuale analoga riguarda, nel loro insieme, gli studi epidemiologici di popolazione (23,27.4%), con un buon contributo degli studi meta-analitici (5, 6.0%). ...
In 2013, IARC classified the radiofrequency emitted by mobile phones exposure as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). After this classification, several studies were carried out to confirm and to robust or to reject IARC conclusions. Aim of this work was to draw a synthesis of principal scientific evidencies published till September 2019. The analysis of published results could not indicate clear risk profiles, nor surely confirm or reject the hypothesis that exposures to radiofrequency from mobile phones can threat human health. Despite the prevalence of negative studies, some methodological and temporal limitations prevent to draw firm conclusions about the potential health risks for humans, especially for heavy exposed subjects or particular categories such as children or adolescents. Thus, further studies are needed, as well as some methodological improvements, to fully respond to the question about health threats of radiofrequency emitted by mobile phones.
... Three studies from India on people living near mobile phone base stations compared to people living further away showed a higher frequency of micronuclei, induced DNA damage and lowering of antioxidant levels in blood lymphocytes [40][41][42]. DNA unrepaired damage may lead to genomic instability and in the long run induction of cancer [40]. ...
... Three studies from India on people living near mobile phone base stations compared to people living further away showed a higher frequency of micronuclei, induced DNA damage and lowering of antioxidant levels in blood lymphocytes [40][41][42]. DNA unrepaired damage may lead to genomic instability and in the long run induction of cancer [40]. ...
Earlier animal studies have provided evidence that non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) may be caused by exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. This was recently confirmed by the U.S. National Toxicology (NTP) study that showed an increased incidence of malignant lymphoma in female mice exposed to the GSM modulated or the CDMA modulated cell phone RF radiation. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare malignancy in humans with poor prognosis. An increasing incidence has been reported in recent years. Based on a case-report we present the hypothesis that use of the hand-held mobile phone may be a risk factor for PCNSL. The increasing incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Sweden is discussed in relation to etiologic factors.
... While there has been concerted public pressure for better coverage there has, on the other hand, been an equally strong public concern over the perceived negative externalities of cell phone towers. There is a substantial body of literature on the health impacts of cell phone towers (see, for example, Gandhi et al. 2015;Szmigielski and Sobiczewska 2000). However, only few studies have examined their impact on the property market, the findings of which are inconclusive. ...
... Existing research and reports suggest that long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields can cause cancer and other long-term health problems (Gandhi et al. 2015; International Agency for Research on Cancer 2011; Szmigielski and Sobiczewska 2000). The possible health effects due to living near cell phone towers also have been extensively studied. ...
The growing public pressure against the spread of cell phone towers in urban areas has created a need to understand their impact on adjacent house prices. A few existing studies are, however, controversial in their methodology and inconclusive in their results. Therefore, our study on the effect of cell phone towers on house prices is designed to avoid these deficiencies. Property transaction data collected from two suburbs within the Brisbane City Council were analysed adopting the spatial hedonic property valuation model. The estimated models were statistically significant and were largely in line with theoretical expectations. The results revealed that proximity to cell phone towers negatively affects house values, decreasing as the distance from the tower increases. A suitable compensation programme for nearby property owners is, therefore, suggested as being an appropriate policy response.
... Nikolova et al. (2005) reported that a six-hour short-term exposure of RF caused a temporary increase in double strand breaks. In a recent crosssectional case control study, Gandhi et al. (2014) found a significant increase in DNA breaks of the individuals living in a region close to a base station. However, some studies reported that in vivo and in vitro applications with different frequency RF radiation did not cause DNA single and double strand breaks and RF radiation did not affect genotoxicity. ...
... The findings that DNA damage was not formed in various tissues of rats exposed to prolonged exposure of RF radiation emitted from Wi-Fi devices confirms the results of the other studies that reported RF radiation caused no genotoxic effect and no induction of DNA breakage ( Falzone et al., 2010;Luukkonen et al., 2010;Maes et al., 2006;Stronati et al., 2006;Verschaeve et al., 2006). The significant increase in DNA breaks in testicular tissue exposed to RF radiation is consistent with the findings of several studies ( Singh, 1995, 1996;Paulraj and Behari, 2006;Kesari et al., 2010;Cam and Seyhan, 2012;Franzellitti et al., 2010;Gandhi et al., 2014;Kumar et al., 2010). The significant change observed in testicular tissue is not observed in other somatic cells and this finding indicates that testicular tissue is more sensitive to RF radiation emitted from WiFi devices. ...
... In a study from India, genetic damage using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay was assessed in peripheral blood leukocytes of individuals residing in the vicinity of a mobile phone base station and comparing it to that in healthy controls. Genetic damage parameters of DNA migration length, damage frequency, and damage index were significantly (p < 0.001) elevated in the sample group compared to respective values in healthy controls (Gandhi et al., 2014). ...
In urban environment there is a constant increase of public exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations. With the placement of mobile phone base station antennas radiofrequency hotspots emerge. This study investigates an area at Skeppsbron street in Stockholm, Sweden with an aggregation of base station antennas placed at low level close to pedestrians' heads. Detailed spatial distribution measurements were performed with 1) a radiofrequency broadband analyzer and 2) a portable exposimeter. The results display a greatly uneven distribution of the radiofrequency field with hotspots. The highest spatial average across all quadrat cells was 12.1 V m⁻¹ (388 mW m⁻²), whereas the maximum recorded reading from the entire area was 31.6 V m⁻¹ (2648 mW m⁻²). Exposimeter measurements show that the majority of exposure is due to mobile phone downlink bands. Most dominant are 2600 and 2100 MHz bands used by 4G and 3G mobile phone services, respectively. The average radiofrequency radiation values from the earlier studies show that the level of ambient RF radiation exposure in Stockholm is increasing. This study concluded that mobile phone base station antennas at Skeppsbron, Stockholm are examples of poor radiofrequency infrastructure design which brings upon highly elevated exposure levels to popular seaside promenade and a busy traffic street.
... In a cross-sectional study performed in Amritsar, Punjab, India, DNA migration length, damage frequency (DF) and damage index (DI) were compared between 63 healthy individuals living between 50-300 m of a mobile phone base station and 28 healthy individuals not exposed to a mobile phone base station (Gandhi et al., 2014). Participants were interviewed regarding socio-demographic information, genetic, family and exposure history, life style and mobile phone usage (average daily use and duration of usage) and measurements of their RF-EMF exposure were performed. ...
... Since electromagnetic energy is directly proportional to the frequency of the wave, higher frequencies mean higher energies [39]. The statistically significant increase in the damage to testicular tissues subjected to RFR was in accordance with the findings of various other studies [44,45]. The significant increase in DNA fragmentation seen in testicular tissue indicates that men should be more careful when using or keeping cellular phones for long periods of times near their testicles because DNA strand breaks have been associated with necrosis, aging and cancer [46]. ...
The testes are a sensitive organ to electromagnetic pollution and people are concerned about the harmful effects of the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from cellular phones. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term exposure to different RFR frequencies on single-strand DNA breaks and oxidative changes in rat testicular tissue. Twenty-eight male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided randomly into four groups. Three groups were exposed to radiation emitted from 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz RF generators, 2 h/day for 6 months. The sham-control group was kept under the same experimental conditions but the RFR generator was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, testes were removed and DNA damage, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were analyzed. The results of this study indicated that RFR increased TOS, OSI, MDA and 8-OHdG (p < 0.05). TAS levels in the exposed group were lower than in the sham group (p < 0.05). In terms of DNA damage, the tail intensities in the comet assay were higher in the exposure groups (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that long-term exposure to RFR emitted by cellular phones may cause oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage in rat testicular tissue and may generate DNA single-strand breaks at high frequencies (1800 and 2100 MHz). Our results showed that some RFR emitted from cellular phones has potential to lead to cell damage in the testes.
... There is a large and growing body of evidence that human exposure to RFR from cellular phone base stations causes negative health effects (Siddoo-Atwal, 2018;Singh et al., 2018;Faisal, et al., 2018) including both i) neuropsychiatric complaints such as headache, concentration difficulties, memory changes, dizziness, tremors, depressive symptoms, fatigue and sleep disturbance (Navarro et al., 2003;Hutter et al., 2006;Abdel-Rassoul et al., 2007); and ii) increased incidence of cancer and living in proximity to a cell-phone transmitter station (Wolf and Wolf, 2004;Havas, 2017). The mechanism for causing cancer could be from observed genetic damage using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay assessed in peripheral blood leukocytes of individuals residing in the vicinity of a mobile phone base station and comparing it to that in healthy controls (Gandhi et al., 2014). In epidemiological studies that assessed negative health effects of mobile phone base stations (seven studies explored the association between base station proximity and neurobehavioral effects (Navarro et al., 2003;Hutter et al., 2006;Abdel-Rassoul et al., 2007;Berg-Beckhoff et al., 2009;Blettner et al., 2009;Gadzicka et al., 2006;Santini et al., 2002) and three investigated cancer (Wolf and Wolf, 2004;Havas, 2017;Levitt and Lai, 2010), 80% reported increased prevalence of adverse neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living at distances < 500 m from base stations (Navarro et al., 2003). ...
The use of cellular phones is now ubiquitous through most of the adult global population and is increasingly common among even young children in many countries (e.g. Finland, where the market for smart phones is nearly saturated). The basic operation of cellular phone networks demands widespread human exposure to radio-frequency radiation (RFR) with cellular phone base stations providing cellular coverage in most areas. As the data needs of the population increase from the major shift in the source of Internet use from personal computers to smart phones, this coverage is widely predicted to increase. Thus, both the density of base stations and their power output is expected to increase the global human RFR exposure. Although direct causation of negative human health effects from RFR from cellular phone base stations has not been finalized, there is already enough medical and scientific evidence to warrant long-term liability concerns for companies deploying cellular phone towers. In order to protect cell phone tower firms from the ramifications of the failed paths of other industries that have caused unintended human harm (e.g. tobacco) this Current Issue summarizes the peer-reviewed literature on the effects of RFR from cellular phone base stations. Specifically the impacts of siting base stations are closely examined and recommendations are made for companies that deploy them to minimize their potential future liability.
... Adverse effects have been seen on neurotransmitters in the brain (21), on hormones like cortisol, ACTH and from the thyroid, decreased levels of testosterone in men and prolactin in young women and also increase in salivary cortisol (22,23). Other studies have shown lowered antioxidant levels and induced DNA damage in blood lymphocytes (10,24) as well as health complaints. Symptoms like sleep disturbances, headache, fatigue, dizziness, cardiovascular symptoms depression and difficulties with memory and concentration have been reported from people living near mobile phone base stations (25,26). ...
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the frequency range of 30-300 GHz has, since 2011, been classified as a 'possible' human carcinogen by Group 2B, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO. This was based on a number of human epidemiology studies on increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma. Based on further human epidemiology studies and animal studies, the evidence on RF radiation carcinogenesis has increased since 2011. In previous measurement studies, it has been indicated that high environmental RF radiation levels are present in certain areas of Stockholm Sweden, including in one apartment. Field spatial distribution measurements were performed in the previously measured apartment in Stockholm, which exhibited high RF radiation from nearby base stations. Based on the RF broadband analyzer spot measurements, the maximum indoor E-field topped at 3 V m-1 in the bedroom at the 7th floor. The maximum outdoor exposure level of 6 V m-1 was encountered at the 8th floor balcony, located at the same elevation and only 6.16 m away from the base station antennas. For comparison, a measurement was made in a low exposure apartment in Stockholm. Here, the maximum indoor field 0.52 V m-1 was measured at the corner window, with direct line of sight to the neighboring house with mobile phone base station antennas. The maximum outdoor field of 0.75 V m-1 was measured at the balcony facing the same next-door building with mobile phone base station antennas. The minimum field of 0.10 V m-1 was registered on the apartment area closest to the center of the building, demonstrating the shielding effects of the indoor walls. Good mobile phone reception was achieved in both apartments. Therefore, installation of base stations to risky places cannot be justified using the good reception requirement argument.
... Contradictory results have been reported in studies on genetic damage in different tissues of short-and longterm exposure to RFR emitted by mobile phones. It has been reported that in some in-vivo and in-vitro studies with different RFR frequency, RF exposure is reported to induce DNA strand breaks (Cam and Seyhan, 2012;Deshmukh et al., 2015;Gandhi et al., 2015;Garaj-Vrhovac et al., 2011;Lai and Singh, 2004;Paulraj and Behari, 2006;Yao et al., 2008), while others reported no significant effects on DNA damage and genotoxicity (Falzone et al., 2010;Luukkonen et al., 2010;Su et al., 2017Su et al., , 2018. ...
Ubiquitous and ever increasing use of mobile phones led to the growing concern about the effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by cell phones on biological systems. The aim of this study is to explore whether long-term RFR exposure at different frequencies affects DNA damage and oxidant-antioxidant parameters in the blood and brain tissue of rats. 28 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 7). They were identified as Group 1: sham-control, Group 2: 900 MHz, Group 3: 1800 MHz, and Group 4: 2100 MHz. Experimental groups of rats were exposed to RFR 2 h/day for 6 months. The sham-control group of rats was subjected to the same experimental condition but generator was turned off. Specific absorption rates (SARs) at brain with 1 g average were calculated as 0.0845 W/kg, 0.04563 W/kg, and 0.03957, at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz, respectively. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) analyses were conducted in the brain tissue samples. Results of the study showed that DNA damage and oxidative stress indicators were found higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the sham-control group. In conclusion, 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz RFR emitted from mobile phones may cause oxidative damage, induce increase in lipid peroxidation, and increase oxidative DNA damage formation in the frontal lobe of the rat brain tissues. Furthermore, 2100-MHz RFR may cause formation of DNA single-strand breaks.
... Genetic damage using comet assay in blood leucocytes was used in 63 persons residing within 300 m from a base station and 28 healthy controls (30). DNA migration length, genetic damage frequency and damage index were statistically significantly elevated in the sample group compared to the controls. ...
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz to 300 GHz was evaluated in 2011 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO to be a 'possible human carcinogen' Group 2B. The conclusion was based on human epidemiological studies on an increased risk of glioma and acoustic neuroma. In previous measurement studies, we found high environmental RF radiation levels at certain public places and also in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden. One such place was the Järntorget square in the Stockholm Old Town. The EME Spy exposimeter was used for these studies. We have now conducted a field spatial distribution measurement with a radiofrequency broadband analyser. The maximum E-field topped at 11.6 V/m at the centre of the square, where the antenna was focused. Järntorget's mean value was 5.2 V/m, median 5.0 V/m, range 1.2-11.6 V/m. Of interest is that this level can be compared to a lifespan carcinogenicity study on rats exposed to 1.8 GHz GSM environmental radiation performed at the Ramazzini Institute (RI) in Italy. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of malignant schwannoma in the heart was found in male rats at the highest dose, 50 V/m. In treated female rats at the highest dose, the incidence of malignant glial tumours was increased, although this was not statistically significant. On the whole, the findings of this study showed that RF radiation levels at one square, Järntorget, in Sweden, were only one order of magnitude lower than those showing an increased incidence of tumours in the RI animal study. An increased cancer risk cannot be excluded for those working in the proximity of Järntorget for longer time periods.
... Genetic damage using comet assay in blood leucocytes was used in 63 persons residing within 300 m from a base station and 28 healthy controls (30). DNA migration length, genetic damage frequency and damage index were statistically significantly elevated in the sample group compared to the controls. ...
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz to 300 GHz was evaluated in 2011 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO to be a 'possible human carcinogen' Group 2B. The conclusion was based on human epidemiological studies on an increased risk of glioma and acoustic neuroma. In previous measurement studies, we found high environmental RF radiation levels at certain public places and also in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden. One such place was the Järntorget square in the Stockholm Old Town. The EME Spy exposimeter was used for these studies. We have now conducted a field spatial distribution measurement with a radiofrequency broadband analyser. The maximum E-field topped at 11.6 V/m at the centre of the square, where the antenna was focused. Järntorget's mean value was 5.2 V/m, median 5.0 V/m, range 1.2-11.6 V/m. Of interest is that this level can be compared to a lifespan carcinogenicity study on rats exposed to 1.8 GHz GSM environmental radiation performed at the Ramazzini Institute (RI) in Italy. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of malignant schwannoma in the heart was found in male rats at the highest dose, 50 V/m. In treated female rats at the highest dose, the incidence of malignant glial tumours was increased, although this was not statistically significant. On the whole, the findings of this study showed that RF radiation levels at one square, Järntorget, in Sweden, were only one order of magnitude lower than those showing an increased incidence of tumours in the RI animal study. An increased cancer risk cannot be excluded for those working in the proximity of Järntorget for longer time periods.
... Many scientists across the globe studied the harmful effects of mobile radiations on human health and living beings [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Conspicuous researches are being carried out on the health issues of inhabitants living near mobile base stations. ...
The effect of mobile tower radiation on child health in an ecologically sensitive area of Western Ghats in Idukki, Kerala is studied. In this paper, we have attempted to discover whether any relation exists between the RF exposure and the health of children under 15 years old. At some point of path of this work, twenty common diseases were considered. From our analysis, it has been discovered that five of them are very much related to RF exposure. Furthermore, the age group between ten to fifteen years is more vulnerable to mobile tower radiation, and boys are observed to be more affected than girls. In the region under study, exposure levels were well below the ICNIRP recommendations and the current Indian standards. However, still it is inadequate to safeguard children. So it is recommended to modify the current Indian standard of RF exposure. Copyright © 2018 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved.
... Prolactin in young women and testosterone in men also decreased during the study time of up to six years (17). Two different studies from India showed that persons who lived near mobile phone base stations had higher frequency of micronuclei, lowered antioxidant levels and induced DNA damage in their blood lymphocytes (18,19). Also lowered levels of stimulated salivary secretion and more health complaints have been seen (15) and an increase of salivary cortisol after exposure to RF radiation from mobile phone base stations has been reported (20). ...
We measured the radiofrequency (RF) radiation at central parts in Stockholm, Sweden in March and April 2017. The same measurement round tour was used each time. We used EME Spy 200 for the measurements as in our previous studies in Stockholm. The results were based on 11,482 entries, corresponding to more than 12 h measurements. The total mean level was 5,494 µW/m² (median 3,346; range 36.6-205,155). The major contributions were down links from LTE 800 (4G), GSM + UMTS 900 (3G), GSM 1800 (2G), UMTS 2100 (3G) and LTE 2600 (4G). Regarding different places, the highest RF radiation was measured at the Hay Market with a mean level of 10,728 µW/m² (median 8,578; range 335-68,815). This is a square used for shopping, and both retailers and visitors may spend considerable time at this place. Also, the Sergel Plaza had high radiation with a mean of 7,768 µW/m². All measurements exceeded the target level of 30-60 µW/m² based on non-thermal (no heating) effects, according to the BioInitiative Report. Based on short-term thermal effects, The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection established guideline 2 of 10 W/m² (2,000,000-10,000,000 µW/m²) depending on frequency in 1998, and has not changed it despite solid evidence of non-thermal biological effects at substantially lower exposure levels. These environmental RF radiation levels are expected to increase with the introduction of 5G for wireless communication.
... Zotti-Martelli et al. [5] also showed an increase in micronuclei in human cells exposed to a frequency of 1800 MHz. Gandhi et al. [6] revealed the genetic damage in individuals residing in the vicinity of a mobile phone base station. ...
The widespread use of mobile phones over the past decade has raised considerable concern public about possible biological effects of electromagnetic field emitted from cell phones and their consequences on human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether chronic whole-body exposure to non-thermal radiofrequency (RF) radiation from cellular phones could induce cytogenetic effects on peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats exposed to radiofrequency radiation. Twelve (23) Wistar rats were used for the study and randomly divided into 4 groups according to time of exposure, animals in treatment were exposed respectively for: oh (control), 1h, 2 and 3h daily 7 days a week for up 15 weeks to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation at an average special absorption rate (SAR) of 0.873-0.352 W/kg, all rats were visually checked daily and were weighed weekly. After the period of exposure, blood samples were collected from all groups and peripheral blood cultures were performed using standard laboratory methods for the extent of genotoxicity, assessed by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. The results indicated that significant increase of micronucleated (MN) cells in the lymphocytes among the study groups in a time-dependent manner compared with the control. The proliferation index (PI), is significantly decreased in all exposed groups in a time-dependent manner compared with the control, however body weight gain was insignificantly changed in all groups exposed comparing to unexposed rats. This study shows that the chronic exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation from cell phones may induce cytogenetic effects in rat lymphocytes, and this effect is more remarkable for long exposure time.
... .data from studies of genes, proteins and changes in cellular signalling show weak evidence of effects from RF radiation, but did not provide mechanistic information relevant to carcinogenesis in humans.'' (1), a recent analysis of DNA damage using the Comet Assay among 63 residents within a 300-meter radius of a mobile phone base station, compared to 28 subjects, whose exposure was reportedly significantly lower, suggested an increase among residents near the mobile phone base station, and daily usage of mobile phones, particularly among females (25). On the other hand, a published analysis of risk perception associated with mobile phone base stations and other sources of electromagnetic fields, performed in Switzerland, indicated that people who reported living in proximity to a mobile phone base station did not suffer from ill health more frequently than people who did not report a nearby mobile phone base station (26). ...
We investigated the association between environmental exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and risk of lymphoma subtypes in a case-control study comprised of 322 patients and 444 individuals serving as controls in Sardinia, Italy in 1998-2004. Questionnaire information included the self-reported distance of the three longest held residential addresses from fixed radio-television transmitters and mobile phone base stations. We georeferenced the residential addresses of all study subjects and obtained the spatial coordinates of mobile phone base stations. For each address within a 500-meter radius from a mobile phone base station, we estimated the RF-EMF intensity using predictions from spatial models, and we performed RF-EMF measurements at the door in the subset of the longest held addresses within a 250-meter radius. We calculated risk of lymphoma and its major subtypes associated with the RF-EMF exposure metrics with unconditional logistic regression, adjusting by age, gender and years of education. In the analysis of self-reported data, risk associated with residence in proximity (within 50 meters) to fixed radio-television transmitters was likewise elevated for lymphoma overall [odds ratio = 2.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.5-4.6], and for the major lymphoma subtypes. With reference to mobile phone base stations, we did not observe an association with either the self-reported, or the geocoded distance from mobile phone base stations. RF-EMF measurements did not vary by case-control status. By comparing the self-reports to the geocoded data, we discovered that the cases tended to underestimate the distance from mobile phone base stations differentially from the controls ( P = 0.073). The interpretation of our findings is compromised by the limited study size, particularly in the analysis of the individual lymphoma subtypes, and the unavailability of the spatial coordinates of radio-television transmitters. Nonetheless, our results do not support the hypothesis of a link between environmental exposure to RF-EMF from mobile phone base stations and risk of lymphoma subtypes.
... Many scientists across the globe studied the harmful effects of mobile radiations on human health and living beings [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Conspicuous researches are being carried out on the health issues of inhabitants living near mobile base stations. ...
In this paper, the RF radiation power density near the cell towers in the residential areas of high ranges in Idukki district of Kerala has been measured. In addition, the study also explored if any relation exists between RF exposure and human health. During the course of this work, intensities of time varying electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields have been measured and the areas have been categorised based on the distance from the nearest cell tower. Power levels are measured inside and outside the buildings for getting an inference on how the roof and wall materials block the RF radiations. A survey is conducted using personal interview method for identifying the health complaints of inhabitants. Statistical tests are carried out to find the relation between human health issues and RF exposure. Out of thirty two diseases analysed, only four were found to be directly related to radiation exposure. The study proposes a new Indian standard for RF exposure.
... Several studies have implicated GSM towers and cell phones in several adverse health effects. Although the World Health Organization and other governmental agencies (local, national or regional), arguably under pressure from entities with strong commercial interests in GSM technology, often insist that the evidences for several of these adverse effects have not been convincingly demonstrated beyond reasonable doubts, yet the fact that many of the results were obtained in well-conducted, flawless scientific investigations is not in doubt (Karger, 2005;Levitt and Lai, 2010;Yakymenko et al., 2011;Eskander et al., 2012;Sivani and Sudarsanam, 2012;Gandhi et al., 2014;Gulati et al., 2015;Meo et al., 2015;Yakymenko et al., 2015;Black et al., 2016;etc.). The non-confirmation of such results in other settings can therefore not invalidate them; especially as it is virtually impossible to perfectly replicate epidemiological research with the several possible confounding variables, known and unknown, that are usually involved. ...
In this study, all levels of microwave radiation around the 32 Global System for Mobile (GSM) masts/towers in operation at different locations in Ile-Ife city as at July 2012 were assessed. Using an electrosmogmeter, the instantaneous electric field E, average maximum of electric field E , instantaneous power density (d), and max,av average maximum power density d , of microwave radiation were measured around these masts. Three max,av hundred and three (303) sampling points were chosen, with a minimum of eight measuring points (with their Global Positional System-GPS coordinates recorded) around each of the masts. Contour maps of the magnitude of these variables at Ile-Ife were thereafter produced using ARCGIS 10.1 software. Furthermore, the same four radiation parameters were measured in some popular brands of cell phones under various operating and signal receptivity conditions. The results showed that in Ile-Ife, E ranged from 57-480 max,av 2 mV/m, E ranged from 85-566 mV/m, d ranged from 25-448 mW/m , and d ranged from 527-2,106 max,av 2 mW/m. The lowest value was at Adegoke area with E ranging from 9-281 mV/m, E ranging from 85-max,av 2 2 285mV/m, d ranging from 0.1-217 mW/m , and d ranging from 0.2-225 mW/m. At the OAU Teaching max,av 2 Hospital, E ranged from 145-708 mV/m, E from 173-798 mV/m, d from 65-1,361 mW/m and d max,av max,av 2 from 96-1,811 mW/m. For the cell phones, E ranged from 0.9-199 mV/m, E ranged from 5,700-max,av 2 2 20,000 mV/m, d ranged from 0.1-81 mW/m and d ranged from 86-989 mW/m. Phone brand, signal max,av strength, and phone activity (standby, connecting, receiving, calling, or texting) significantly affected the radiation outputs from the cell phones. Though radiation output values obtained in this survey were in compliance with guideline values set by the ICNIRP, which is the standard adopted by the Federal Ministry of 2 Environment for Nigeria, they exceed, at several locations, the precautionary limits of 1,000 mW/m suggested in the more realistic and widely acclaimed Bioinitiative Report.
... RFR may change the fidelity of DNA as the increased incidence of cancer has been reported among those residing near mobile phone base stations (Abdel-Rassonl et al., 2007;Bortkiewicz et al., 2004;Cherry, 2000;Eger et al., 2004;Hardell et al., 1999;Hutter et al., 2006;Wolf and Wolf, 2004). RFR emitted from mobile base stations is also reported to increase the DNA strand breaks in lymphocytes of mobile phone users and individuals residing in the vicinity of a mobile base station/s (Gandhi and Anita, 2005;Gandhi et al., 2014). Exposure of human fibroblasts and rat granulosa cells to RFR (1800 MHz, SAR 1.2 or 2 W/kg) has been reported to induce DNA single-and double-strands breaks (Diem et al., 2005). ...
Radiofrequency radiations (RFRs) emitted by mobile phone base stations have raised concerns on its adverse impact on humans residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations. Therefore, the present study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of RFR on the DNA damage and antioxidant status in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) of individuals residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations and comparing it with healthy controls. The study groups matched for various demographic data including age, gender, dietary pattern, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, duration of mobile phone use and average daily mobile phone use. The RF power density of the exposed individuals was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) when compared to the control group. The HPBLs were cultured and the DNA damage was assessed by cytokinesis blocked micronucleus (MN) assay in the binucleate lymphocytes. The analyses of data from the exposed group (n = 40), residing within a perimeter of 80 m of mobile base stations, showed significantly (p < 0.0001) higher frequency of micronuclei when compared to the control group, residing 300 m away from the mobile base station/s. The analysis of various antioxidants in the plasma of exposed individuals revealed a significant attrition in glutathione (GSH) concentration (p < 0.01), activities of catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001) and rise in lipid peroxidation (LOO) when compared to controls. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed a significant association among reduced GSH concentration (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.001) and SOD (p < 0.001) activities and elevated MN frequency (p < 0.001) and LOO (p < 0.001) with increasing RF power density.
... A slight mutation in genes responsible for cell division may cause germination inhibition. The possible reason behind decline in germination, growth and survival are generally metabolic disorders of which cytokinine breakdown or lack of synthesis is most common (Gandhi et al., 2014;Gustavino et al., 2014). ...
... The epidemiological evidence of health impacts from base station exposure has been reviewed [2], while a recent cross-sectional case control study has analysed possible genetic damage in individuals residing in the vicinity of base stations [3]. ...
Theoretical, software-computed and experimental evaluations of the exposure levels to electromagnetic fields generated by GSM 900, GSM 1800 and 3G base stations in urban areas, including determination of the minimum safe distances for population and occupational exposure, are presented. Using the software package SPECTRAemc with the P.1546 propagation wave model and a topographic digital map, the electromagnetic field levels were assessed considering the height of the receiving antenna to be at the height of human. At a few locations in the direction of maximum radiation intensity, in situ measurements of the electric field strength were performed. The base station power densities measured at a few exposure sites were in the range of 0.11 (µW/cm 2) to 6.73 (µW/cm 2). The results of Kosovo experimental survey are compared with surveys done in 21 countries in five continents. The power density values obtained in Kosovo are higher, but many times below the safety standard limits.
... Over the past decade, the health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phone base stations have been investigated in humans [1][2][3][4][5][6] or animals [7]. However, due to existence of numerous confounding factors, the findings are still controversial. ...
In spite of the large number of studies conducted so far, there is still substantial scientific uncertainty about the health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phone base stations and the findings are controversial. While some scientists have reported that the incidence of most of the self-reported symptoms in the people living in the vicinity of mobile base stations was related to RF-EMF exposure levels, other researchers who reviewed the recent literature have concluded that there is no sufficient data to draw strong conclusions regarding these common long-term low-level exposures. We have previously criticized the validity of the studies reporting a significant relationship between the incidence of most of the symptoms and exposure levels. This study aimed at developing simple methods for quantification of the data in studies on the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields of mobile base stations to prevent different interpretations of the findings. We have previously conducted a cross-sectional study on people living in 10 different districts of Shiraz city. Based on how frequent the symptoms were (always/usually/ occasionally/never), a score was determined for each self-reported symptom and the total score for each individual was calculated. In the next stage, instead of reporting the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the occurrence of each symptom, the impact of exposures on the human health were assessed by evaluation of the total scores. We found that exposure to RF-EMF emitted by mobile base stations significantly affected the residents' health. Furthermore, the distance between the mobile phone base stations and the homes had a significant effect on the residents' health. The frequency of self reported symptoms of myalgia, palpitation, early fatigue, nervousness and low back pain decreased with increasing the distance from mobile phone base stations. Altogether, these findings indicate that developing simple methods for quantification of the data can help scientist-113-better evaluate the controversial issue of the health effects of exposure to RF-EMF of mobile base stations.
... In light of this, lowering the output powers of base station antennas could be necessary to maintain personal exposure levels far below safety standards. The results of the power density (mW/m 2 ) exposure level measurements obtained via various methodologies for different countries are published in [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Most of these studies are focused on the base-station exposure levels. ...
The aim of this study is to examine the electromagnetic field (ranging from 80 MHz to 6 GHz) exposure level at different locations over time in Prishtina, Kosovo, and develop possible worst-case exposure scenarios. We performed personal exposure measurement for persons working in the offices of some companies which are characterized by extensive use of wireless technologies. The measurements were recorded during working hours, after working hours and during the weekends. The results showed that the total mean power density value of the working day was 0.524 mW/m2. During the weekend, for the same exposure hours as working day, the mean power density value was 0.828 mW/m2. The total mean power density value has been just 0.676 mW/m2. Due to the usage of the DECT system, the total mean power density value of the work day was approximately 37% less when compared to the weekend. Based on the results obtained from our measurement campaign, we may conclude that the mean values of the power density for office environments in Kosovo are comparable with those of several European countries.
... A slight mutation in genes responsible for cell division may cause germination inhibition. The possible reason behind decline in germination, growth and survival are Effects of radiofrequency radiations on chickpea root tip cells 5 generally metabolic disorders of which cytokinine breakdown or lack of synthesis is most common (Gandhi et al., 2014;Gustavino et al., 2014). ...
Present study was under taken to predict the possible DNA damages (Genotoxicity) and carcinogenicity caused by Radio frequency radiations (R.F.) to living tissue. Dry seeds of Chickpea were treated with GSM cell phone (900 MHz) and laptop (3.31 GHz) as R.F. source for 24 and 48 hours. Untreated seeds were used as (0 hours) negative control and Gamma rays (250 Grey) as positive control. Plant chromosomal aberration assay was used as genotoxicity marker. All the treatment of R.F. inhibits seed germination percentage. 48 hours laptop treatment has the most negative effect as compared to untreated control. A decrease was observed in Mitotic index (M.I) and increase in Abnormality index (A.I) with the increase in exposure duration and frequency in (Hz). Cell membrane damages were also observed only in 48 hour exposure of cell phone and laptop (R.F.). Maximum nuclear membrane damages and ghost cells were again recorded in 48 hour exposure of cell phone and laptop. The radiofrequency radiations (900 MHz and 3.31GHz) are only genotoxic as they induce micronuclei, Bi-nuclei, multi-nuclei and scattered nuclei but could be carcinogenic as 48 hour incubation of R.F. induced fragmentation and ghost cells. Therefore cell phones and laptop should not be used unnecessarily to avoid possible genotoxic and carcinogenic effects.
Introduction: A cellular base station is a sophisticated object, a source of radio and industrial frequency electromagnetic fields and of noise pollution. Cell sites generate a complex, time-varying, modulated multi-frequency signal of low intensity, yet having local gradients. The World Health Organization has introduced the notion of electromagnetic pollution of environment, the main source of which is a mobile phone base station. It is the fastest-growing anthropotechnogenic environmental impact since the 1950s. Objective: To analyze the impact of mobile phone base stations on the health of population using data of domestic and foreign literary sources. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted for the years 2008 to 2022 on human health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from cellular base stations using the relevant keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health, CyberLeninka, RSCI, and other databases. The initial sample included 50 articles, of which 15 were excluded after primary screening. Experimental studies on animals were not eligible for inclusion. Results: The review of 35 full-text publications on the topic revealed a sufficient amount of evidence of adverse health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, including the radio frequency sickness, cancer, changes in biochemical parameters, DNA damage, etc. Currently, there is an urgent need to resolve the problem of the so-called electrosmog. Conclusion: In order to prevent the diseases associated with the use of novel technologies, it is important to apply a preventive approach by limiting the exposure of groups at risk, such as children, adolescents, patients with chronic diseases etc., to sources of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.
Background:
With the rapid development of technologies related to the communications industry, human exposure to electromagnetic fields has increased during recent decades. The study aimed at investigating the effect of exposure to waves emitted from the base transceiver stations (BTS) on workers' health.
Methods:
240 workers (120 BTS maintenance workers (case group) and 120 office staff (control group)) participated in the study. In order to determine the general health conditions in two groups, along with electromagnetic waves exposure measurement, the general health questionnaire (GHQ) was completed and the data on blood parameters were assessed.
Results:
The mean age and job experience in the case and control groups were 34.1 ± 4.8 and 10.1 ± 6 years and 31.6 ± 5.5 and 8.8 ± 7 years, respectively. According to the GHQ results, only anxiety and insomnia subscales showed a significant difference between the two groups. The white blood cell and red blood cell counts in the case and control groups were 6715.6 ± 1591 and 7594 ± 2416, 5.3×106±4.6×105 and 5.05×106±5.39×105 per ml, respectively. Analysis of the results showed that the difference between the two groups was significant.
Conclusion:
The results revealed that blood parameters in the BTS operators showed more changes. Thus, it can be concluded that these health impacts result from occupational exposure to BTS waves.
Cell towers are considered a disamenity due to apprehensions about health issues and visual pollution. This study examines the impact of cell towers on house prices in Las Vegas (2014–2017) using three spatial hedonic regression models. The distance-based model shows that house prices appreciate by approximately 2.02 percent with a 1-km increase in distance from the tower. The inverse distance–based model is used to determine the nonlinear effect of distance from a tower on house prices. Finally, the impact of visibility on house prices is considered but is not statistically significant. A negative impact of tower height on house prices is also observed. Furthermore, it is identified that camouflaged tree towers have a relatively less negative impact on house prices compared to conventional cell towers.
This article assesses the RF EMF exposure to nearby mobile phone base stations inside an educational facility (indoor scenario, 900/1800/1900/2100 bands). Indirect characterisation is implemented experimentally, i.e. the received power levels are compared to each other, the main scope of this research being that of identifying whether distinct locations inside the chosen building would demonstrate different received power levels (hence different EMF exposure). Our experiments proved significant exposure to EGSM-900 of all locations under consideration and also a difference of several dB for a distance of about 3 meters between two close locations. A maximum instantaneous power of - 18.15 dBm has been measured and identified in a location that seems to be most exposed to base stations RF emissions. These experimental results illustrate the importance of conducting preliminary indoor EMF exposure tests before choosing the placement of mobile phone base station antenna as long as some spots have different EMF exposure compared with others from the same building.
Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species — including in aquatic environments — that rely on the Earth’s natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as ‘habitat’ so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced — a subject explored in Part 3.
This article proposesthat the Right to Life Principle, dened as “every person hasthe right to a natural birth and legitimate survival and development into adulthoodwithout environmental or othersystematic injury to theirwell-being,”may be violated byRFRemissionsfromcell phones,Wi-Fi,macro cell phone base stations (MCPBSs), 5G/4G small cell antennas (SCAs), etc. in excess of the standards set by the Building Biology Institute. BBI standardsset1000µW/m2as anextreme anomaly;theprecisedivisionpointofharm/noharmbelow1000µW/m2is unknown. I review literature describing (1) the Right to Life Principle, (2) the attributes of non-ionizing radiation, and (3) proven injury from cell phones, WiFi, MCPBSs, 5G/4G SCAs, etc. to living organisms with 20 categories of illnesses and 58 references. Non-ionizing radiation isshown to place a force eld on negatively charged particles including electrons, neurons, and DNA, and exciting/energizing electrons with shifts to outer orbits with energy emission when they return to ground orbit thereby destabilizing atoms, molecules, cells and organs in the process of orbital shifts. RFR induced illnesses include sperm damage, fetus injury, irreversibility infertility, emotional and hyperactive disorders, cancer, damage to DNA, the immune system, blood brain barrier, and stem cells, increasesin oxidative stress and free radicals, and harm to those living lessthan 500 metersfrom MCPBSs. My recommendationsto reduce injury from RFR are based upon review of the literature, experience in metering residential property and MCPBSsfor RFR, avoiding the use of RFR emitting devices and accessto line-of-sight antennas, and legislative proposalsto show the dangers of RFR devices and antennas by,for example,requiringnotice tobuyers andlessees ofresidentialpropertyof powerdensitieswithinhousingunits.
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a new and promising treatment strategy for cancer treatment. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) on the mechanisms of ECT (low voltage, high frequency) including cell permeability in vitro, and tumor hypoxia, immune system response in vivo, and on volume of tumors treated with ECT (70 V/cm, 5 kHz). The 4T1 cells were exposed to RF-EMFs at 17, 162, or 349 µW/cm² power densities, using GSM900 simulator, 10 min. The cells were then put in individual groups, comprising of no treatment, chemotherapy, electric pulses (EPs), or ECT. The cell viability was evaluated. The mice with 4T1 tumor cells were exposed to RF field 10 min/day until the tumor volume reached about 8 mm. Then, the mice tumors were treated with ECT. Tumor hypoxia and immune system response was analyzed through immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and ELISA technique, respectively. The volume of tumors was also calculated for 24 days following the treatment. The results showed that RF fields at 349 µW/cm² could increase tumor hypoxia induced by ECT and cause a significant increase of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in comparison with group ECT alone. However, 900 MHz radiations did not affect the volume of tumors treated to ECT (70 V/cm, 5 kHz) significantly. In this study, 900 MHz EMF could improve some biological pathways induced by ECT. Such a positive effect could utilize in some other treatments to increase efficacy, which should be investigated in further research.
Behavioral impairments are the most pragmatic outcome of long-term mobile uses but the underlying causes are still poorly understood. Therefore, the Aim of the present study to determine the possible mechanism of mobile induced behavioral alterations by observing redox status, cholinesterase activity, cellular, genotoxic damage and cognitive alterations in rat hippocampus. This study was carried out on 24 male Wistar rats, randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): group I consisted of sham-exposed (control) rats, group II-IV consisted of rats exposed to microwave radiation (900 MHz) at different time duration 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h respectively for 90 days. After 90 days of exposure, rats were assessing learning ability by using T-Maze. A significantly increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) with concomitantly depleted levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and redox enzymes (GSH, GPX, GR, GST, G-6PDH) indicated an exposure of mobile emitted EMR induced oxidative stress by the depleted redox status of brain cells. The depletion in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) level reveals altered neurotransmission in brain cells. Resultant cellular degeneration was also observed in the radiation-exposed hippocampus. Conclusively, the present study revealed that microwave radiation induces oxidative stress, depleted redox status, and causes DNA damage with the subsequent reduction in working memory in a time-dependent manner. This study provides insight over the associative reciprocity between redox status, cellular degeneration and reduced cholinergic activity, which presumably leads to the behavioral alterations following mobile emitted electromagnetic radiation.
Theoretical and experimental evaluation of people´s exposure to electromagnetic radiation due to base stations of mobile telephony located in the city of Soledad, Atlántico (Colombia) was carried out. This was done by calculating the radiation intensity of the antennas and the distance of the exposed person. Experimentally, power density measurements were done at 22 base stations using a broadband radio frequency measurement equipment. A limited set of measured power density values were compared and discussed with the calculated values. The results show that the power density values in each mobile telephone base station are well below the permissible limits to electromagnetic fields in the Colombian and international regulations, 4.5 W/m² and 9.0 W/m² for frequencies of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, respectively.
Theoretical and experimental evaluation of people´s exposure to electromagnetic radiation due to base stations of mobile telephony located in the city of Soledad, Atlántico (Colombia) was carried out. This was done by calculating the radiation intensity of the antennas and the distance of the exposed person. Experimentally, power density measurements were done at 22 base stations using a broadband radio frequency measurement equipment. A limited set of measured power density values were compared and discussed with the calculated values. The results show that the power density values in each mobile telephone base station are well below the permissible limits to electromagnetic fields in the Colombian and international regulations, 4.5 W/m2 and 9.0 W/m2 for frequencies of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, respectively.
This study aimed at developing simple methods for quantification of the data in studies on the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields of mobile base stations to prevent different interpretations of the findings. We have previously conducted a cross-sectional study on people living in 10 different districts of Shiraz city. Based on how frequent the symptoms were (always/usually/occasionally/never), a score was determined for each self-reported symptom and the total score for each individual was calculated. In the next stage, instead of reporting the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the occurrence of each symptom, the impact of exposures on the human health were assessed by evaluation of the total scores. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was used for assessing the factors with greatest correlation. We found that exposure to RF-EMF emitted by mobile base stations significantly affected the residents’ health. Furthermore, the distance between the mobile phone base stations and the homes had a significant effect on the residents’ health. The frequency of self-reported symptoms of myalgia, palpitation, early fatigue, nervousness and low back pain decreased with increasing the distance from mobile phone base stations.
cell answers to electromagnetic and magnetic fields are intensively investigated more than 50 years. In spite of huge amount of experimental data the general view on the problem depends of the personal point of view of investigator. Here we present main directions of investigation and most remarkable results of investigation of electromagnetic factors impact on cell in the last 5 years.
Higher eukaryotic organisms cannot live without oxygen; yet, paradoxically, oxygen can be harmful to them. The oxygen molecule is chemically relatively inert because it has two unpaired electrons located in different pi * anti-bonding orbitals. These two electrons have parallel spins, meaning they rotate in the same direction about their own axes. This is why the oxygen molecule is not very reactive. Activation of oxygen may occur by two different mechanisms; either through reduction via one electron at a time (monovalent reduction), or through the absorption of sufficient energy to reverse the spin of one of the unpaired electrons. This results in the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS). There are a number of ways in which the human body eliminates ROS in its physiological state. If ROS production exceeds the repair capacity, oxidative stress results and damages different molecules. There are many different methods by which oxidative stress can be measured. This manuscript focuses on one of the methods named cell gel electrophoresis, also known as "comet assay" which allows measurement of DNA breaks. If all factors known to cause DNA damage, other than oxidative stress are kept constant, the amount of DNA damage measured by comet assay is a good parameter of oxidative stress. The principle is simple and relies upon the fact that DNA molecules are negatively charged. An intact DNA molecule has such a large size that it does not migrate during electrophoresis. DNA breaks, however, if present result in smaller fragments which move in the electrical field towards the anode. Smaller fragments migrate faster. As the fragments have different sizes the final result of the electrophoresis is not a distinct line but rather a continuum with the shape of a comet. The system allows a quantification of the resulting "comet" and thus of the DNA breaks in the cell.
La radiación electromagnética de baja intensidad es una exposición secundaria al uso de aparatos electrónicos como los teléfonos celulares, debido al aumento de su uso y a la necesidad de más antenas para mejorar la cobertura, se han generado inquietudes alrededor del impacto, que para la salud tiene este aumento de antenas en las zonas urbanas. Hasta el momento no se ha demostrado algún efecto consistente y reproducible sobre la salud de este tipo de exposiciones. Son necesarios estudios longitudinales para concluir con mayor seguridad si este tipo de radiación tiene algún efecto en la salud de la población. Evidencia epidemiológica que ha sido revisada en el presente artículo muestran que los problemas metodológicos en la medición de la exposición y la correlación con los desenlaces son frecuentes. Así también algunos de estos estudios han evidenciado dificultades para demostrar asociaciones principalmente debido a sesgos de información y a la ausencia de mediciones directas de la exposición a campos electromagnéticos. Con el uso de teléfonos móviles las recomendaciones actuales sobre su uso están basadas en estudios observacionales, que encuentran relación con tumores cerebrales y neurinoma acústico, ubicados en el lado ipsilateral del uso del celular. La evidencia existente sobre las antenas no han permitido establecer consistentemente recomendaciones, y por el contrario al parecer en la medida que se aumenta el número de antenas por área se reduce la emisión que cada
Background. There are reports that intense prolonged occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation may increase risks for cancer. We previously have reported a sentinel cluster,of 7 workers with high exposures and short latent periods, and individual patients with brain cancer high occupational exposures and short latent periods. We present a sentinel case series (n=47, 40M, 7F) of cancer patients, referred to our medical unit with occupational exposures to non-ionizing radiation of all types.
Objectives. Our aims were to report the findings on tumour types,age of first diagnosis, and latency, to describe their exposures and to examine the hypothesis that latencies for all tumour types (solid tissue, hematolymphatic, testicular) were coherently related to high occupational exposures starting at young ages. Methods. We divided the patients into groups by latency. We categorized each patient’s exposures in regard to types of radiation, far or near field exposure and direct body contact. For some we had data on frequencies, for others we provided assessments. We also present the patient data categorized by age of diagnosis.We
used a case-case type comparison to examine latencies for tumour types [solid, hematolymphatic (HL), testicular].
Results. 15 patients developed cancer with latent periods of less than 5 years and 12 patients with latent periods between 5 and 10 years. The remaining 20 patients had longer latent periods between first occupational exposure to EMF and diagnosis of cancer. 6 patients (12.7%) had multiple tumours. 12 patients (25.5%) reported cancer cases in co-workers. In the <5 years latency group there were 8 hematolymphatic cancers, 3 testicular cancers and 6 solid tumours [head & neck (including brain) and GI tract]. In all
latency groups there were patients who were exposed to intense levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF), to several types of EMF, or to EMF in combination with ionizing radiation (IR) or other exposures, and patients who had direct body contact with the equipment, were in direct focus of high radiation, or worked in small, electronically dense environments. Case classification by age showed shorter latencies with younger ages, but this association is complicated by the fact that shorter latencies co-vary with younger ages especially for testicular tumours. But patients with testicular and hematolymphatic tumours had shorter latencies than those with solid tumours.
Conclusion. Man of the patients were young and had extremely short latent periods, especially for HL and testicular cancers. The fact that latent periods for testes were very short, HL longer and solid still longer suggests a coherent and biologically plausible pattern of latency in relation to the onset of exposure to EMF and other agents. The findings strengthen the hypothesis that these exposures may possibly be the major cause of many of these tumours. The findings state the case for (1) better modelling of exposure sources and penetration into the body and (2) preventive and protective measures based on control of exposure at source, barriers, and personal protection.
Eur. J. Oncol., 16(1),21-54,2011
Keywords: non ionizing radiation (NIR), electromagnetic fields (EMF), occupational exposures,
cancer, short latencies
A health survey was carried out in La Ñora, Murcia, Spain, in the vicinity of two GSM 900/1800 MHz cellular phone base stations. The E-field (~ 400 MHz - 3 GHz) measured in the bedroom was divided in tertiles (0.02 - 0.04 / 0.05 - 0.22 / 0.25 - 1.29 V/m). Spectrum analysis revealed the main contribution and variation for the E- field from the GSM base station. The adjusted (sex, age, distance) logistic regression model showed statistically significant positive exposure-response associations between the E-field and the following variables: fatigue, irritability, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeping disorder, depressive tendency, feeling of discomfort, difficulty in concentration, loss of memory, visual disorder, dizziness and cardiovascular problems. The inclusion of the distance, which might be a proxy for the sometimes raised "concerns explanation", did not alter the model substantially. These results support the first statistical analysis based on two groups (arithmetic mean 0,65 V/m versus 0,2 V/m) as well as the correlation coefficients between the E-field and the symptoms (Navarro et al, "The Microwave Syndrome: A preliminary Study in Spain", Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, Volume 22, Issue 2, (2003): 161 - 169). Based on the data of this study the advice would be to strive for levels not higher than 0.02 V/m for the sum total, which is equal to a power density of 0.0001 µW/cm² or 1 µW/m², which is the indoor exposure value for GSM base stations proposed on empirical evidence by the Public Health Office of the Government of Salzburg in 2002.
A field defect is a field of pre-malignant tissue in which a new cancer is likely to arise. Field defects often appear to be histologically normal under the microscope. Recent research indicates that cells within a field defect characteristically have an increased frequency of epigenetic alterations and these may be fundamentally important as underlying factors in progression to cancer. However, understanding of epigenetic field defects is at an early stage, and the work of Katsurano et al published this year, is a key contribution to this field. One question examined by Katsurano et al was how early could the formation of an epigenetic field defect be detected in a mouse colitis model of tumorigenesis. They highlighted a number of measurable epigenetic alterations, detected very early in normal appearing tissue undergoing histologically invisible tumorigenesis. They also documented the increasing presence of the epigenetic alterations at successive times during progression to cancer. In this commentary, we offer a perspective on the changes they observed within a broader sequence of epigenetic events that occur in progression to cancer. In particular, we highlight the likely central role of epigenetic deficiencies in DNA repair gene expression that arise during progression to cancer.
Purpose:
Our study was designed to assess the effects of low intensity radiation of a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) 900 MHz cellular phone on early embryogenesis in dependence on the duration of exposure.
Materials and methods:
Embryos of Japanese Quails were exposed in ovo to GSM 900 MHz cellular phone radiation during initial 38 h of brooding or alternatively during 158 h (120 h before brooding plus initial 38 h of brooding) discontinuously with 48 sec ON (average power density 0.25 μW/cm(2), specific absorption rate 3 μW/kg) followed by 12 sec OFF intervals. A number of differentiated somites were assessed microscopically. Possible DNA damage evoked by irradiation was assessed by an alkaline comet assay.
Results:
Exposure to radiation from a GSM 900 MHz cellular phone led to a significantly altered number of differentiated somites. In embryos irradiated during 38 h the number of differentiated somites increased (p < 0.001), while in embryos irradiated during 158 h this number decreased (p < 0.05). The lower duration of exposure led to a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in a level of DNA strand breaks in cells of 38-h embryos, while the higher duration of exposure resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase in DNA damage as compared to the control.
Conclusion:
Effects of GSM 900 MHz cellular phone radiation on early embryogenesis can be either stimulating or deleterious depending on the duration of exposure.
Increasing development of mobile communication infrastructure while enhancing availability of the technology raises concerns among the public, who see more cell towers erected each day, about possible health effects of electromagnetic radiations. Thereon, a survey of radio-frequency radiation from 60 GSM base stations was carried out in Tehran, Iran at several places mostly located in major medical and educational centres. Measurements were performed at 15 locations near each base station site, i.e. 900 locations in total. Since there are other RF radiation sources such as broadcasting services whose carrier frequencies are <3 GHz, the whole band of 27 MHz to 3 GHz has been assessed for hazardous exposures as well. The results were compared with the relevant guideline of International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection and that of Iran, confirming radiation exposure levels being satisfactorily below defined limits and non-detrimental.
A health survey was carried out in Murcia, Spain, in the vicinity of a Cellular Phone Base Station working in DCS‐1800 MHz. This survey contained health items related to “microwave sickness” or “RF syndrome.” The microwave power density was measured at the respondents' homes. Statistical analysis showed significant correlation between the declared severity of the symptoms and the measured power density. The separation of respondents into two different exposure groups also showed an increase of the declared severity in the group with the higher exposure.
Mobile telephones, sometimes called cellular (cell) phones or handies, are now an integral part of modern life. The mobile phone handsets are low-powered radiofrequency transmitters, emitting maximum powers in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 watts. Scientific concerns have increased sufficiently over the possible hazard to health from using cell phones. The reported adverse health effects include physiological, behavioural and cognitive changes as well as tumour formation and genetic damage. However findings are controversial and no consensus exists. Genotoxicity has been observed either in lower organisms or in vitro studies. The aim of the present study hence was to detect any cytogenetic damage in mobile phone users by analysing short term peripheral lymphocytes cultures for chromosomal aberrations and the buccal mucosal cells for micronuclei (aneugenicity and clastogenicity). The results revealed increased number of micronucleated buccal cells and cytological abnormalities in cultured lymphocytes indicating the genotoxic response from mobile phone use.
Objective:
To investigate effects on rat testes of radiofrequency radiation emitted from indoor Wi-Fi Internet access devices using 802.11.g wireless standards.
Methods:
Ten Wistar albino male rats were divided into experimental and control groups, with five rats per group. Standard wireless gateways communicating at 2.437 GHz were used as radiofrequency wave sources. The experimental group was exposed to radiofrequency energy for 24 h a day for 20 weeks. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the study. Intracardiac blood was sampled for serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels. Testes were removed and examined histologically and immunohistochemically. Testis tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde levels and prooxidant-antioxidant enzyme activities.
Results:
We observed significant increases in serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and 8-hydroxyguanosine staining in the testes of the experimental group indicating DNA damage due to exposure (p < 0.05). We also found decreased levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the experimental group, which may have been due to radiofrequency effects on enzyme activity (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
These findings raise questions about the safety of radiofrequency exposure from Wi-Fi Internet access devices for growing organisms of reproductive age, with a potential effect on both fertility and the integrity of germ cells.
Human lymphocytes were either exposed to X-irradiation (25 to 200 rads) or treated with H2O2 (9.1 to 291 μM) at 4 °C and the extent of DNA migration was measured using a single-cell microgel electrophoresis technique under alkaline conditions. Both agents induced a significant increase in DNA migration, beginning at the lowest dose evaluated. Migration patterns were relatively homogeneous among cells exposed to X-rays but heterogeneous among cells treated with H2O2. An analysis of repair kinetics following exposure to 200 rads X-rays was conducted with lymphocytes obtained from three individuals. The bulk of the DNA repair occurred within the first 15 min, while all of the repair was essentially complete by 120 min after exposure. However, some cells demonstrated no repair during this incubation period while other cells demonstrated DNA migration patterns indicative of more damage than that induced by the initial irradiation with X-rays. This technique appears to be sensitive and useful for detecting damage and repair in single cells.
To analyze the short-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure on genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of human hair root cells.
Hair samples were collected from eight healthy human subjects immediately before and after using a 900-MHz GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) mobile phone for 15 and 30 min. Single-strand DNA breaks of hair root cells from the samples were determined using the 'comet assay'.
The data showed that talking on a mobile phone for 15 or 30 min significantly increased (p < 0.05) single-strand DNA breaks in cells of hair roots close to the phone. Comparing the 15-min and 30-min data using the paired t-test also showed that significantly more damages resulted after 30 min than after 15 min of phone use.
A short-term exposure (15 and 30 min) to RFR (900-MHz) from a mobile phone caused a significant increase in DNA single-strand breaks in human hair root cells located around the ear which is used for the phone calls.
We examined the effect of exposure to mobile phone 1800 MHz radio frequency radiation (RFR) upon the urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), one major form of oxidative DNA damage, in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats were used in three independent experiments (RFR exposed and control, 12 rats, each). The animals were exposed to RFR for 2 h from Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) signal generator with whole-body-specific absorption rate of 1.0 W/kg. Urine samples were collected from the rat while housed in a metabolic cage during the exposure period over a 4-h period at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 h from the beginning of exposure. In the control group, the signal generator was left in the turn-off position. The creatinine-standardized concentrations of 8-oxodG were measured. With the exception of the urine collected in the last half an hour of exposure, significant elevations were noticed in the levels of 8-oxodG in urine samples from rats exposed to RFR when compared to control animals. Significant differences were seen overall across time points of urine collection with a maximum at 1 h after exposure, suggesting repair of the DNA lesions leading to 8-oxodG formation.
To evaluate the effects of laptop computers connected to local area networks wirelessly (Wi-Fi) on human spermatozoa.
Prospective in vitro study.
Center for reproductive medicine.
Semen samples from 29 healthy donors.
Motile sperm were selected by swim up. Each sperm suspension was divided into two aliquots. One sperm aliquot (experimental) from each patient was exposed to an internet-connected laptop by Wi-Fi for 4 hours, whereas the second aliquot (unexposed) was used as control, incubated under identical conditions without being exposed to the laptop.
Evaluation of sperm motility, viability, and DNA fragmentation.
Donor sperm samples, mostly normozoospermic, exposed ex vivo during 4 hours to a wireless internet-connected laptop showed a significant decrease in progressive sperm motility and an increase in sperm DNA fragmentation. Levels of dead sperm showed no significant differences between the two groups.
To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the direct impact of laptop use on human spermatozoa. Ex vivo exposure of human spermatozoa to a wireless internet-connected laptop decreased motility and induced DNA fragmentation by a nonthermal effect. We speculate that keeping a laptop connected wirelessly to the internet on the lap near the testes may result in decreased male fertility. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to prove this contention.
Detection of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage at the level of an individual eukaryotic cell warrants high significance in the fields of toxicology, pharmaceuticals, genotoxicity testing, environmental/ human bio-monitoring, diagnosis of genetic disorders etc. Single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or the comet assay is a versatile, sensitive yet simple and economical technique used to measure DNA damage and repair in individual cells. The comet assay helps to measure the single/ double-strand DNA breaks, alkali labile sites (apurinic/ apyrimidinic sites), DNA cross-links, base/ base-pair damages and apoptotic nuclei in the cells. In 1984, Ostling and Johnson demonstrated migration of DNA strands from nuclei which were exposed to an electric field under neutral conditions. Later, in 1988, Singh and his co-workers modified and optimized this procedure using alkaline conditions which substantially increased its specificity and reproducibility. Since then SCGE has gained huge popularity and evolved as a standard technique for evaluation of DNA damage/repair. There has been constant modification and innovations in the protocol which has led to an array of comet assay variants. A wide range of samples including peripheral blood, cultured cells, buccal mucosal cells, solid tumor, cancer cells, sperm, yeast cells, bacteria etc., can be subjected to SCGE which makes the assay more versatile. The most widely used method for assessment of DNA damage is the alkaline comet assay; hence this article describes the various steps involved in the alkaline comet assay using peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Lake Paranoá is a tropical reservoir for the City of Brasilia, which became eutrophic due to inadequate sewage treatment associated with intensive population growth. At present, two wastewater treatment plants are capable of processing up to 95% of the domestic sewage, thereby successfully reducing eutrophization. We evaluated both genotoxic and cytotoxic parameters in several fish species (Geophagus brasiliensis, Cichla temensis, Hoplias malabaricus, Astyanax bimaculatus lacustres, Oreochromis niloticus, Cyprinus carpio and Steindachnerina insculpita) by using the micronucleus (MN) test, the comet assay and nuclear abnormality assessment in peripheral erythrocytes. The highest frequencies of MN were found in Cichla temensis and Hoplias malabaricus, which were statistically significant when compared to the other species. However, Steindachnerina insculpita (a detritivorous and lake-floor feeder species) showed the highest index of DNA damage in the comet assay, followed by C. temensis (piscivorous). Nuclear abnormalities, such as binucleated, blebbed, lobed and notched cells, were used as evidence of cytotoxicity. Oreochromis niloticus followed by Hoplias malaricus, ominivorous/detritivotous and piscivorous species, respectively, presented the highest frequency of nuclear abnormalities, especially notched cells, while the herbivorous Astyanax bimaculatus lacustres showed the lowest frequency compared to the other species studied. Thus, for biomonitoring aquatic genotoxins under field conditions, the food web should also be considered.
Chromosomal translocations are one of the most common types of genetic rearrangements and are molecular signatures for many
types of cancers. They are considered as primary causes for cancers, especially lymphoma and leukemia. Although many translocations
have been reported in the last four decades, the mechanism by which chromosomes break during a translocation remains largely
unknown. In this review, we summarize recent advances made in understanding the molecular mechanism of chromosomal translocations.
The increase in numbers of mobile phone users was accompanied by some concern that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) might adversely affect acute health especially in children and adolescents. The authors investigated this potential association using personal dosimeters.
A 24-hour exposure profile of 1484 children and 1508 adolescents was generated in a population-based cross-sectional study in Germany between 2006 and 2008 (participation 52%). Personal interview data on socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported exposure and potential confounders were collected. Acute symptoms were assessed twice during the study day using a symptom diary.
Only few of the large number of investigated associations were found to be statistically significant. At noon, adolescents with a measured exposure in the highest quartile during morning hours reported a statistically significant higher intensity of headache (Odd Ratio: 1.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 2.19). At bedtime, adolescents with a measured exposure in the highest quartile during afternoon hours reported a statistically significant higher intensity of irritation in the evening (4th quartile 1.79; 1.23, 2.61), while children reported a statistically significant higher intensity of concentration problems (4th quartile 1.55; 1.02, 2.33).
We observed few statistically significant results which are not consistent over the two time points. Furthermore, when the 10% of the participants with the highest exposure are taken into consideration the significant results of the main analysis could not be confirmed. Based on the pattern of these results, we assume that the few observed significant associations are not causal but rather occurred by chance.
To investigate the risk of early childhood cancers associated with the mother's exposure to radiofrequency from and proximity to macrocell mobile phone base stations (masts) during pregnancy.
Case-control study.
Cancer registry and national birth register data in Great Britain.
1397 cases of cancer in children aged 0-4 from national cancer registry 1999-2001 and 5588 birth controls from national birth register, individually matched by sex and date of birth (four controls per case).
Incidence of cancers of the brain and central nervous system, leukaemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and all cancers combined, adjusted for small area measures of education level, socioeconomic deprivation, population density, and population mixing.
Mean distance of registered address at birth from a macrocell base station, based on a national database of 76,890 base station antennas in 1996-2001, was similar for cases and controls (1107 (SD 1131) m v 1073 (SD 1130) m, P=0.31), as was total power output of base stations within 700 m of the address (2.89 (SD 5.9) kW v 3.00 (SD 6.0) kW, P=0.54) and modelled power density (-30.3 (SD 21.7) dBm v -29.7 (SD 21.5) dBm, P=0.41). For modelled power density at the address at birth, compared with the lowest exposure category the adjusted odds ratios were 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.18) in the intermediate and 1.02 (0.88 to 1.20) in the highest exposure category for all cancers (P=0.79 for trend), 0.97 (0.69 to 1.37) and 0.76 (0.51 to 1.12), respectively, for brain and central nervous system cancers (P=0.33 for trend), and 1.16 (0.90 to 1.48) and 1.03 (0.79 to 1.34) for leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (P=0.51 for trend).
There is no association between risk of early childhood cancers and estimates of the mother's exposure to mobile phone base stations during pregnancy.
To investigate the effect of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation on rat brain of male wistar strain.
Male rats of wistar strain (35 days old with 130 +/- 10 g body weight) were selected for this study. Animals were divided into two groups: Sham exposed and experimental. Animals were exposed for 2 h a day for 35 days to 2.45 GHz frequency at 0.34 mW/cm(2) power density. The whole body specific absorption rate (SAR) was estimated to be 0.11 W/Kg. Exposure took place in a ventilated Plexiglas cage and kept in anechoic chamber in a far field configuration from the horn antenna. After the completion of exposure period, rats were sacrificed and the whole brain tissue was dissected and used for study of double strand DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) breaks by micro gel electrophoresis and the statistical analysis was carried out using comet assay (IV-2 version software). Thereafter, antioxidant enzymes and histone kinase estimation was also performed.
A significant increase was observed in comet head (P < 0.002), tail length (P < 0.0002) and in tail movement (P < 0.0001) in exposed brain cells. An analysis of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.005), and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.006) showed a decrease while an increase in catalase (P < 0.006) was observed. A significant decrease (P < 0.023) in histone kinase was also recorded in the exposed group as compared to the control (sham-exposed) ones. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was adopted for statistical analysis.
The study concludes that the chronic exposure to these radiations may cause significant damage to brain, which may be an indication of possible tumour promotion (Behari and Paulraj 2007).
BACKGROUND: The impact of microwave (MW)/radio frequency radiation (RFR) on important biological parameters is probably more than a simply thermal one. Exposure to radio frequency (RF) signals generated by the use of cellular telephones have increased dramatically and reported to affect physiological, neurological, cognitive and behavioural changes and to induce, initiate and promote carcinogenesis. Genotoxicity of RFR has also been reported in various test systems after in vitro and/or in vivo exposure but none in mobile phone users. AIMS: In the present study, DNA and chromosomal damage investigations were carried out on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals using mobile phones, being exposed to MW frequency ranging from 800 to 2000 MHz. METHODS: DNA damage was assessed using the single cell gel electrophoresis assay and aneugenic and clastogenic damage by the in vivo capillary blood micronucleus test (MNT) in a total of 24 mobile phone users. RESULTS: Mean comet tail length (26.76 ± 0.054 mm; 39.75% of cells damaged) in mobile phone users was highly significant from that in the control group. The in vivo capillary blood MNT also revealed highly significant (0.25) frequency of micronucleated (MNd) cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight a correlation between mobile phone use (exposure to RFR) and genetic damage and require interim public health actions in the wake of widespread use of mobile telephony.
The Hardell-group conducted during 1997-2003 two case control studies on brain tumours including assessment of use of mobile phones and cordless phones. The questionnaire was answered by 905 (90%) cases with malignant brain tumours, 1,254 (88%) cases with benign tumours and 2,162 (89%) population-based controls. Cases were reported from the Swedish Cancer Registries. Anatomical area in the brain for the tumour was assessed and related to side of the head used for both types of wireless phones. In the current analysis we defined ipsilateral use (same side as the tumour) as >or=50% of the use and contralateral use (opposite side) as <50% of the calling time. We report now further results for use of mobile and cordless phones. Regarding astrocytoma we found highest risk for ipsilateral mobile phone use in the >10 year latency group, OR=3.3, 95% CI=2.0-5.4 and for cordless phone use OR=5.0, 95% CI=2.3-11. In total, the risk was highest for cases with first use <20 years age, for mobile phone OR=5.2, 95% CI=2.2-12 and for cordless phone OR=4.4, 95% CI=1.9-10. For acoustic neuroma, the highest OR was found for ipsilateral use and >10 year latency, for mobile phone OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.4-6.2 and cordless phone OR=2.3, 95% CI=0.6-8.8. Overall highest OR for mobile phone use was found in subjects with first use at age <20 years, OR=5.0, 95% CI 1.5-16 whereas no association was found for cordless phone in that group, but based on only one exposed case. The annual age-adjusted incidence of astrocytoma for the age group >19 years increased significantly by +2.16%, 95% CI +0.25 to +4.10 during 2000-2007 in Sweden in spite of seemingly underreporting of cases to the Swedish Cancer Registry. A decreasing incidence was found for acoustic neuroma during the same period. However, the medical diagnosis and treatment of this tumour type has changed during recent years and underreporting from a single center would have a large impact for such a rare tumour.
The single-cell gel assay (comet assay) is a very useful microelectrophoretic technique for evaluation of DNA damage and repair in individual cells. Usually, the comets are visualized and evaluated with fluorescent DNA stains. This staining requires specific equipment (e.g., a high-quality fluorescence microscope), the slides must be analyzed immediately, and they cannot be stored for long periods of time. Here we describe, using human lymphocytes, some modifications of the silver staining for comets that significantly increase the sensitivity/reproducibility of the assay. This silver staining was compared with fluorescence staining and commercial silver stains. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:1183-1186, 2001)
Some recent epidemiologic studies suggest an association between lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers and residential exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz) generated by radio and television transmitters. Vatican Radio is a very powerful station located in a northern suburb of Rome, Italy. In the 10-km area around the station, with 49,656 residents (in 1991), leukemia mortality among adults (aged >14 years; 40 cases) in 1987-1998 and childhood leukemia incidence (eight cases) in 1987-1999 were evaluated. The risk of childhood leukemia was higher than expected for the distance up to 6 km from the radio station (standardized incidence rate = 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 4.1), and there was a significant decline in risk with increasing distance both for male mortality (p = 0.03) and for childhood leukemia (p = 0.036). The study has limitations because of the small number of cases and the lack of exposure data. Although the study adds evidence of an excess of leukemia in a population living near high-power radio transmitters, no causal implication can be drawn. There is still insufficient scientific knowledge, and new epidemiologic studies are needed to clarify a possible leukemogenic effect of residential exposure to radio frequency radiation.
Im Anschluss an die durch den rasanten Anstieg der drahtlosen Telefonie in den letzten Jahren be- dingte Zunahme der Zahl von Mobilfunksendeanlagen in oder in unmittelbarer Nähe von Wohn- gebieten erfolgte die Aufforderung des Präsidenten des Bundesamtes für Strahlenschutz, Wolfram König, an alle Ärzte, aktiv an der Abschätzung des Risikos durch Mobilfunkstrahlung mitzuarbei- ten. Das Ziel dieser Untersuchung war daher, zu prüfen, ob Anwohner in der Nähe von Mobilfunk- sendeanlagen einem erhöhten Risiko für Neuerkrankungen an bösartigen Tumoren ausgesetzt sind. Datengrundlage waren PC-gespeicherte und mit den Krankenkassen abgerechnete Patienten- unterlagen der Jahre 1994 bis 2004. In die ohne Fremdmittel erstellte Studie wurden Angaben von knapp 1.000 Patienten aus Naila (Oberfranken) unter Wahrung des Datenschutzes aufgenommen. Als Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass der Anteil von neu aufgetretenen Krebsfällen bei den Patienten, die während der letzten zehn Jahre in einem Abstand bis zu 400 Meter um die seit 1993 betriebene Mobilfunksendeanlage gewohnt hatten, gegenüber weiter entfernt lebenden Patienten signifi- kant höher war und die Patienten in durchschnittlich jüngerem Alter erkrankt waren. Für die Jahre 1999 bis 2004 - also nach fünf und mehr Jahren Betriebszeit des Senders - hatte sich das Malignomrisiko für die näher an der Sendestation lebende Bevölkerungsgruppe im Vergleich mit der Gruppe im Nailaer Außenbereich verdreifacht.
Non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation has been increasingly used in industry, commerce, medicine and especially in mobile phone technology and has become a matter of serious concern in present time.
The present study was designed to investigate the possible deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damaging effects of low-level microwave radiation in brain of Fischer rats.
Experiments were performed on male Fischer rats exposed to microwave radiation for 30 days at three different frequencies: 900, 1800 and 2450 MHz. Animals were divided into 4 groups: Group I (Sham exposed): Animals not exposed to microwave radiation but kept under same conditions as that of other groups, Group II: Animals exposed to microwave radiation at frequency 900 MHz at specific absorption rate (SAR) 5.953 × 10(-4) W/kg, Group III: Animals exposed to 1800 MHz at SAR 5.835 × 10(-4) W/kg and Group IV: Animals exposed to 2450 MHz at SAR 6.672 × 10(-4) W/kg. At the end of the exposure period animals were sacrificed immediately and DNA damage in brain tissue was assessed using alkaline comet assay.
In the present study, we demonstrated DNA damaging effects of low level microwave radiation in brain.
We concluded that low SAR microwave radiation exposure at these frequencies may induce DNA strand breaks in brain tissue.
The result of the study shows that the proportion of newly developing cancer cases was significantly higher among those patients who had lived during the past ten years at a distance of up to 400 metres from the cellular transmitter site, which has been in operation since 1993, compared to those patients living further away, and that the patients fell ill on average 8 years earlier. In the years 1999-2004, ie after five years' operation of the transmitting installation, the relative risk of getting cancer had trebled for the residents of the area in the proximity of the installation compared to the inhabitants of Naila outside the area.
Peripheral blood samples from four healthy volunteers were collected and aliquots were exposed in vitro for 2 h to either (i) modulated (wideband code division multiple access, WCDMA) or unmodulated continuous wave (CW) 2450 MHz radiofrequency (RF) fields at an average specific absorption rate of 10.9 W/kg or (ii) sham-exposed. Aliquots of the same samples that were exposed in vitro to an acute dose of 1.5 Gy ionizing gamma-radiation (GR) were used as positive controls. Half of the aliquots were treated with melatonin (Mel) to investigate if such treatment offers protection to the cells from the genetic damage, if any, induced by RF and GR. The cells in all samples were cultured for 72 h and the lymphocytes were examined to determine the extent of genetic damage assessed from the incidence of micronuclei (MN). The results indicated the following: (i) the incidence of MN was similar in incubator controls, and those exposed to RF/sham and Mel alone; (ii) there were no significant differences between WCDMA and CW RF exposures; (iii) positive control cells exposed to GR alone exhibited significantly increased MN; and (iv) Mel treatment had no effect on cells exposed to RF and sham, while such treatment significantly reduced the frequency of MN in GR-exposed cells. Bioelectromagnetics. 9999:1-7, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO evaluation of the carcinogenic effect of RF-EMF on humans took place during a 24-31 May 2011 meeting at Lyon in France. The Working Group consisted of 30 scientists and categorised the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phones, and from other devices that emit similar non-ionising electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), as Group 2B, i.e., a 'possible', human carcinogen. The decision on mobile phones was based mainly on the Hardell group of studies from Sweden and the IARC Interphone study. We give an overview of current epidemiological evidence for an increased risk for brain tumours including a meta-analysis of the Hardell group and Interphone results for mobile phone use. Results for cordless phones are lacking in Interphone. The meta-analysis gave for glioma in the most exposed part of the brain, the temporal lobe, odds ratio (OR)=1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-2.81 in the ≥10 years (>10 years in the Hardell group) latency group. Ipsilateral mobile phone use ≥1640h in total gave OR=2.29, 95% CI=1.56-3.37. The results for meningioma were OR=1.25, 95% CI=0.31-4.98 and OR=1.35, 95% CI=0.81-2.23, respectively. Regarding acoustic neuroma ipsilateral mobile phone use in the latency group ≥10 years gave OR=1.81, 95% CI=0.73-4.45. For ipsilateral cumulative use ≥1640h OR=2.55, 95% CI=1.50-4.40 was obtained. Also use of cordless phones increased the risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma in the Hardell group studies. Survival of patients with glioma was analysed in the Hardell group studies yielding in the >10 years latency period hazard ratio (HR)=1.2, 95% CI=1.002-1.5 for use of wireless phones. This increased HR was based on results for astrocytoma WHO grade IV (glioblastoma multiforme). Decreased HR was found for low-grade astrocytoma, WHO grades I-II, which might be caused by RF-EMF exposure leading to tumour-associated symptoms and earlier detection and surgery with better prognosis. Some studies show increasing incidence of brain tumours whereas other studies do not. It is concluded that one should be careful using incidence data to dismiss results in analytical epidemiology. The IARC carcinogenic classification does not seem to have had any significant impact on governments' perceptions of their responsibilities to protect public health from this widespread source of radiation.
The siting of cellular phone base stations and other cellular infrastructure such as roof-mounted antenna arrays, especially in residential neighborhoods, is a contentious subject in land-use regulation. Local resistance from nearby residents and landowners is often based on fears of adverse health effects despite reassurances from telecommunications service providers that international exposure standards will be followed. Both anecdotal reports and some epidemiology studies have found headaches, skin rashes, sleep disturbances, depression, decreased libido, increased rates of suicide, concentration problems, dizziness, memory changes, increased risk of cancer, tremors, and other neurophysiological effects in populations near base stations. The objective of this paper is to review the existing studies of people living or working near cellular infrastructure and other pertinent studies that could apply to long-term, low-level radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposures. While specific epidemiological research in this area is sparse and contradictory, and such exposures are difficult to quantify given the increasing background levels of RFR from myriad personal consumer products, some research does exist to warrant caution in infrastructure siting. Further epidemiology research that takes total ambient RFR exposures into consideration is warranted. Symptoms reported today may be classic microwave sickness, first described in 1978. Nonionizing electromagnetic fields are among the fastest growing forms of environmental pollution. Some extrapolations can be made from research other than epidemiology regarding biological effects from exposures at levels far below current exposure guidelines.
A survey study using questionnaire was conducted in 530 people (270 men, 260 women) living or not in vicinity of cellular phone base stations, on 18 Non Specific Health Symptoms. Comparisons of complaints frequencies (CHI-SQUARE test with Yates correction) in relation with distance from base station and sex, show significant (p<0.05) increase as compared to people living > 300 m or not exposed to base station, till 300 m for tiredness, 200 m for headache, sleep disturbance, discomfort, etc. 100 m for irritability, depression, loss of memory, dizziness, libido decrease, etc. Women significantly more often than men (p<0.05) complained of headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, depression, discomfort and visual perturbations. This first study on symptoms experienced by people living in vicinity of base stations shows that, in view of radioprotection, minimal distance of people from cellular phone base stations should not be < 300 m.
In the IMT-2000 system, in which the subscriber capacity is increased by using the same frequency repeatedly, it is known that the base station antenna becomes more effective if its beam width in the horizontal plane is narrower than the sector division angle. In order to narrow the beam width of the wireless zone antenna designed with the beam width in the horizontal plane identical to the sector division angle, the antenna elements must be replaced. Replacement of the antenna causes interruption of service and is economically unfavorable. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes an antenna configuration for reducing the beam width by placing metal conductors near the antenna which is used generally. An analysis using the method of moments is employed to find the relationship of the metal conductor to the beam width when metal conductors are placed close to the antenna in the base station. The effect of the metal conductor on the impedance is also explained by measurement. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(4): 20–31, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20178
Abstract Significant concern has been raised about possible health effects from exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, especially after the rapid introduction of mobile telecommunications systems. Parents are especially concerned with the possibility that children might develop cancer after exposure to the RF emissions from mobile telephone base stations erected in or near schools. The few epidemiologic studies that did report on cancer incidence in relation to RF radiation have generally presented negative or inconsistent results, and thus emphasize the need for more studies that should investigate cohorts with high RF exposure for changes in cancer incidence. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is an increased cancer incidence in populations, living in a small area, and exposed to RF radiation from a cell-phone transmitter station.
A survey study using a questionnaire was conducted on 530 people (270 men, 260 women) living or not in the vicinity of cellular phone base stations, on 18 Non Specific Health Symptoms. Comparisons of complaint frequencies (CHI-SQUARE test with Yates correction) in relation to the distance from base stations and sex show significant (p <0.05) increase as compared to people living > 300 m or not exposed to base stations, up through 300 m for tiredness, 200 m for headache, sleep disruption, discomfort, etc., 100 m for irritability, depression, loss of memory, dizziness, libido decrease, etc. Women significantly more often than men (p < 0.05) complained of headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, depression, discomfort and visual disruptions. This first study on symptoms experienced by people living in the vicinity of base stations shows that, in view of radioprotection, the of minimal distance of people from cellular phone base stations should not be < 300 m. © 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS base station / bioeffects / cellular phone 1. INTRODUCTION Chronic exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields or microwaves brings on bioeffects in man such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep and memory disruptions [1, 2]. These biological effects, associated with others (skin problems, nausea, irritability, etc.) constitute what is known in English as "Non Specific Health Symptoms" (NSHS) that characterize radiofrequency sickness. [3] Cellular mobile phone technology uses hyperfrequencies (frequencies of 900 or 1800 MHz) pulsed with extremely low frequencies (frequencies < 300 Hertz) [4]. Even though the biological effects resulting from mobile phone use are relatively well known and bring to mind those described in radiofrequency sickness [5, 6], to our knowledge no study exists on the health of people living in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations. We are reporting here the results pertaining to 530 people living in France, in the vicinity or not, of base stations, in relation to the distances from these stations and to the sex of the study participants.
The potential genotoxic effect of a time-varying magnetic field (MF) on human cells was investigated. Upon continuous exposure of human primary fibroblast and cervical cancer cells to a 60 Hz MF at 7 mT for 10-60 min, no significant change in cell viability was observed. However, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double-strand breaks (DSBs) were detected, and the DNA damage checkpoint pathway was activated in these cells without programmed cell death (called apoptosis). The exposure of human cells to a 60 Hz MF did not induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, suggesting that the observed DNA DSBs are not directly caused by ROS. We also compared the position and time dependency of DNA DSBs with numerical simulation of MFs. The Lorentz force and eddy currents in these experiments were numerically calculated to investigate the influence of each factor on DNA DSBs. The DNA DSBs mainly occurred at the central region, where the MF was strongest, after a 30-min exposure. After 90 min, however, the amount of DNA DSBs increased rapidly in the outer regions, where the eddy current and Lorentz force were strong.
The somatic mutation theory of aging posits that the accumulation of mutations in the genetic material of somatic cells as a function of time results in a decrease in cellular function. In particular, the accumulation of random mutations may inactivate genes that are important for the functioning of the somatic cells of various organ systems of the adult, result in a decrease in organ function. When the organ function decreases below a critical level, death occurs. A significant amount of research has shown that somatic mutations play an important role in aging and a number of age related pathologies. In this review, we explore evidence for increases in somatic nuclear mutation burden with age and the consequences for aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration. We then review evidence for increases in mitochondrial mutation burden and the consequences for dysfunction in the disease processes.
Pollution caused by the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of radio frequencies (RF) generated by the telecommunication system is one of the greatest environmental problems of the twentieth century. The purpose of this research was to verify the existence of a spatial correlation between base station (BS) clusters and cases of deaths by neoplasia in the Belo Horizonte municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, from 1996 to 2006 and to measure the human exposure levels to EMF where there is a major concentration of cellular telephone transmitter antennas. A descriptive spatial analysis of the BSs and the cases of death by neoplasia identified in the municipality was performed through an ecological-epidemiological approach, using georeferencing. The database employed in the survey was composed of three data banks: 1. death by neoplasia documented by the Health Municipal Department; 2. BSs documented in ANATEL ("Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações": 'Telecommunications National Agency'); and 3. census and demographic city population data obtained from official archives provided by IBGE ("Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística": 'Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics'). The results show that approximately 856 BSs were installed through December 2006. Most (39.60%) of the BSs were located in the "Centro-Sul" ('Central-Southern') region of the municipality. Between 1996 and 2006, 7191 deaths by neoplasia occurred and within an area of 500 m from the BS, the mortality rate was 34.76 per 10,000 inhabitants. Outside of this area, a decrease in the number of deaths by neoplasia occurred. The greatest accumulated incidence was 5.83 per 1000 in the Central-Southern region and the lowest incidence was 2.05 per 1000 in the Barreiro region. During the environmental monitoring, the largest accumulated electric field measured was 12.4 V/m and the smallest was 0.4 V/m. The largest density power was 40.78 μW/cm(2), and the smallest was 0.04 μW/cm(2).
Existence of low level electromagnetic fields in the environment has been known since antiquity and their biological implications are noted for several decades. As such dosimetry of such field parameters and their emissions from various sources of mass utilization has been a subject of constant concern. Recent advancement in mobile communications has also drawn attention to their biological effects. Hand held children and adults alike generally use mobile sources as cordless phones in various positions with respect to the body. Further, an increasing number of mobile communication base stations have led to wide ranging concern about possible health effects of radiofrequency emissions. There are two distinct possibilities by which health could be affected as a result of radio frequency field exposure. These are thermal effects caused by holding mobile phones close to the body and extended conversations over a long period of time. Secondly, there could be possibly non thermal effects from both phones and base stations whereby the affects could also be cumulative. Some people may be adversely affected by the environmental impact of mobile phone base stations situated near their homes, schools or any other place. In addition to mobile phones, appliances like microwave oven etc are also in increasing use. Apart from the controversy over the possible health effects due to the non-thermal effect of electromagnetic fields the electromagnetic interaction of portable radio waves with human head needs to be quantitatively evaluated. Relating to this is the criteria of safe exposure to the population at large. While a lot of efforts have gone into resolving the issue, a clear picture has yet to emerge. Recent advances and the problems relating to the safety criteria are discussed.
Due to increased usage of microwave radiation, there are concerns of its adverse effect in today's society. Keeping this in view, study was aimed at workers occupationally exposed to pulsed microwave radiation, originating from marine radars. Electromagnetic field strength was measured at assigned marine radar frequencies (3 GHz, 5.5 GHz and 9.4 GHz) and corresponding specific absorption rate values were determined. Parameters of the comet assay and micronucleus test were studied both in the exposed workers and in corresponding unexposed subjects. Differences between mean tail intensity (0.67 vs. 1.22) and moment (0.08 vs. 0.16) as comet assay parameters and micronucleus test parameters (micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds) were statistically significant between the two examined groups, suggesting that cytogenetic alterations occurred after microwave exposure. Concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde were measured spectrophotometrically and using high performance liquid chromatography. The glutathione concentration in exposed group was significantly lower than in controls (1.24 vs. 0.53) whereas the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly higher (1.74 vs. 3.17), indicating oxidative stress. Results suggests that pulsed microwaves from working environment can be the cause of genetic and cell alterations and that oxidative stress can be one of the possible mechanisms of DNA and cell damage.
