No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
Comparing DNA Damage Induced by Mobile Telephony and Other Types of Man-Made Electromagnetic Fields
... Both RF (actually WC) and pure ELF EMFs have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) (IARC 2002(IARC , 2013Baan et al. 2011). Based on more recent scientific evidence after the 2011 IARC classification for RF EMFs, several studies have suggested that RF (actually WC) EMFs should be re-evaluated and classified as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) or carcinogenic (Group 1) to humans (Yakymenko et al. 2011(Yakymenko et al. , 2016(Yakymenko et al. , 2018Hardell et al. 2013;Carlberg and Hardell 2017;Hardell 2017Hardell , 2019Miller et al. 2018Miller et al. , 2019Panagopoulos 2019aPanagopoulos , 2019bPanagopoulos , 2020Hardell and Carlberg 2020;Hardell and Nyberg 2020;Panagopoulos et al. 2022b;Tsibulin 2022a, 2022b). Moreover, it is shown that the majority of studies performed with simulated WC EMFs with fixed parameters emitted by generators (following IARC's recommendations) grossly underestimate the biological activity of real-life highly variable WC EMF exposures by commercially available devices and antennas (Panagopoulos et al. 2015aLeach et al. 2018;Panagopoulos 2019aPanagopoulos , 2019bPanagopoulos , 2020Kostoff et al. 2020;McCredden et al. 2022McCredden et al. , 2023. ...
... Based on more recent scientific evidence after the 2011 IARC classification for RF EMFs, several studies have suggested that RF (actually WC) EMFs should be re-evaluated and classified as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) or carcinogenic (Group 1) to humans (Yakymenko et al. 2011(Yakymenko et al. , 2016(Yakymenko et al. , 2018Hardell et al. 2013;Carlberg and Hardell 2017;Hardell 2017Hardell , 2019Miller et al. 2018Miller et al. , 2019Panagopoulos 2019aPanagopoulos , 2019bPanagopoulos , 2020Hardell and Carlberg 2020;Hardell and Nyberg 2020;Panagopoulos et al. 2022b;Tsibulin 2022a, 2022b). Moreover, it is shown that the majority of studies performed with simulated WC EMFs with fixed parameters emitted by generators (following IARC's recommendations) grossly underestimate the biological activity of real-life highly variable WC EMF exposures by commercially available devices and antennas (Panagopoulos et al. 2015aLeach et al. 2018;Panagopoulos 2019aPanagopoulos , 2019bPanagopoulos , 2020Kostoff et al. 2020;McCredden et al. 2022McCredden et al. , 2023. ...
... This involves, apart from the already existing carrier frequencies, even higher ones (up to 100 GHz), additional ELF pulsations called synchronization signal blocks (SSB), multi-stream transmissions called "multiple input multiple output" (MIMO), antenna arrays for directional beams of potentially increased intensity, and a much denser network of base antennas of potentially increased power in order to compensate for the energy scattering loss due to the higher carrier frequencies (Sesia et al. 2011;Dahlman et al. 2018;Hardell and Carlberg 2020;Hardell and Nyberg 2020;Kostoff et al. 2020;Panagopoulos et al. 2022a;Betta et al. 2023). Many experts on the biological/ health effects of EMFs have expressed strong objections to 5G roll out with concerns of highly increased health risk based on the aforementioned differences from previous MT/WC systems (McClelland and Jaboin 2018;Miller et al. 2018Miller et al. , 2019Panagopoulos 2019aPanagopoulos , 2019bPanagopoulos , 2020Panagopoulos , 2023Hardell and Carlberg 2020;Hardell and Nyberg 2020;Kostoff et al. 2020;Balmori 2022;Jagetia 2022;McCredden et al. 2022McCredden et al. , 2023Miller 2022;Tsibulin 2022a, 2022b). Those scientists have asked for a moratorium in 5G roll out and urgent application of the Precautionary Principe (Read and O'Riordan 2017). ...
I previously reported chromosomal damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) induced by: a) mobile telephony (MT) electromagnetic fields (EMFs)/electromagnetic radiation (EMR), b) a high caffeine dose, and c) the combination of the two stressors. HPBLs from the same subjects exposed to gamma radiation at doses 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 Gy, displayed more aberrations than those exposed to MT EMFs or the high caffeine dose in a dose-dependent manner. When the cells exposed to these gamma radiation doses were pre-exposed to a single 15-min MT EMF exposure, the number of aberrations increased significantly more than the sum number of aberrations induced by the individual stressors in all subjects. Thus, MT EMF exposure at a power density ~136 times below the latest International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) exposure limit, apart from the fact that it is genotoxic by itself, significantly enhanced the genotoxic action of gamma radiation. Since gamma radiation at similar doses is applied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, people should be aware of the increased risk during treatment periods. Comparison of the genotoxic action between MT EMF and gamma radiation shows that the ICNIRP limits are, at least, ~4.5×10 4 times less stringent than the limits for gamma radiation.
... In this review, we analyze the scientific data on specific biological effects of man-made non-thermal exposures to ELF, and to WC EMFs/EMR also called here modulated microwaves (MMWs) which always include ELFs in the form of modulation/pulsations/variability (Hyland 2000;2008;Panagopoulos 2019). Modern WC EMFs/EMR are always emitted in the form of pulsations (digital signals). ...
... Both modulation and pulsing frequencies are in most cases ELF. Moreover, there is random variability in the final signal, mainly in the -Low Frequency (ULF) band due to the varying information transmitted by the signal, the varying number of subscribers using the network each moment, and the varying physical parameters of signal transmission, such as position, air conductivity, etc. (Panagopoulos 2019). This is why both ELF and RF/WC EMF studies are examined. ...
... More specifically, in this review, we examine epidemiological and experimental studies that deal with potential carcinogenicity of longterm non-thermal man-made EMF exposure from purely ELF or RF/WC systems. By non-thermal EMF exposure, we are referring to usual everyday exposures that do not induce any significant heating in the exposed living tissues (Goodman et al. 1995).Certainly, we are not able to cover all aspects of the problem and, therefore, for additional analysis, we recommend additional reviews Breckenkamp et al. 2003;Hardell et al. 2009;Khurana et al. 2009;Kundi 2009;Leszczynski and Xu 2010;Miller et al. 2019;Morgan 2009;Yakymenko and Sidorik 2010;Yakymenko et al. 2011;Panagopoulos 2019). 9.1.2 ...
... A growing number of experimental and epidemiological studies connect man-made electromagnetic feld (EMF) and corresponding electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposures with a plethora of biological and health effects, including oxidative stress (OS), genetic damage, infertility, electrohypersensitivity (EHS), and cancer. The number of peer-reviewed published studies showing such effects has increased tremendously in recent years, and this scientifc evidence is indisputable (see reviews Phillips et al. 2009;Yakymenko et al. 2011;La Vignera et al. 2012;Cucurachi et al. 2013;Manna and Ghosh 2016;Leach et al. 2018;Miller et al. 2018;2019;Panagopoulos 2019;Lai 2021). Most studies concern effects induced by man-made EMFs of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) (3-3000 Hz), such as those from electric power transmission lines (50-60 Hz) and EMFs/ EMR emitted by devices and antennas of wireless communications (WC). ...
... A growing number of experimental and epidemiological studies connect man-made electromagnetic feld (EMF) and corresponding electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposures with a plethora of biological and health effects, including oxidative stress (OS), genetic damage, infertility, electrohypersensitivity (EHS), and cancer. The number of peer-reviewed published studies showing such effects has increased tremendously in recent years, and this scientifc evidence is indisputable (see reviews Phillips et al. 2009;Yakymenko et al. 2011;La Vignera et al. 2012;Cucurachi et al. 2013;Manna and Ghosh 2016;Leach et al. 2018;Miller et al. 2018;2019;Panagopoulos 2019;Lai 2021). Most studies concern effects induced by man-made EMFs of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) (3-3000 Hz), such as those from electric power transmission lines (50-60 Hz) and EMFs/ EMR emitted by devices and antennas of wireless communications (WC). ...
... Most studies concern effects induced by man-made EMFs of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) (3-3000 Hz), such as those from electric power transmission lines (50-60 Hz) and EMFs/ EMR emitted by devices and antennas of wireless communications (WC). WC EMFs always employ Radio Frequency (RF) (300 kHz-300 GHz) and more specifcally microwave (300 MHz-300 GHz) 1997; Huber et al. 2002;Betti et al. 2004;Santini et al. 2005;Höytö et al. 2008;Phillips et al. 2009;Franzellitti et al. 2010;Campisi et al. 2010;Mohammed et al. 2013;Pall 2018;Panagopoulos 2019). These fndings are in direct agreement with the mechanism that will be described in this chapter. ...
Exposure of living organisms to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) causes a variety of adverse biological and health effects including oxidative stress (OS), genetic damage, cell death, and cancer, as is today documented by a great number of indisputable scientific studies. How does this happen? Key signaling molecules in all cells are the mobile ions, the concentrations of which control all cellular functions. The mobile ions move in and out of the cells through ion channels. A most important class of ion channels are the voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) which open or close by polarized forces on the electric charges of their voltage-sensors generated by changes ≥ 30 mV in the membrane voltage. Polarization, coherence, and existence of Extremely Low Frequencies (ELFs) are common features of all man-made EMFs. Polarized and coherent oscillating EMFs force mobile ions to oscillate in parallel and in phase with them. This coordinated oscillation generates electrical forces on neighboring charges. The forces increase with increasing EMF intensity and decreasing EMF frequency. The oscillating ions close to the voltage-sensors of VGICs generate similar forces on them as those generated by 30 mV changes in the membrane voltage, causing irregular opening and closing of the VGICs. Continuance of such a dysfunction disrupts intra-cellular ionic concentrations, which determine the cell's electrochemical balance and homeostasis. Impairment of this balance triggers overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells which create OS and can damage DNA and other critical biomolecules. Since no convincing corresponding non-thermal mechanism exists for Radio Frequency (RF) EMFs, and because all RF EMFs employed in wireless communications (WC) and other applications are necessarily combined with ELF pulsation, modulation, and random variability, it seems that all non-thermal biological effects of man-made EMFs attributed, until now, to RF EMFs are actually due to their ELF components and can be explained by this mechanism.
... Apart from the feld characteristics, the exposure duration is an additional important parameter for the induced effects (Panagopoulos 2011;2019a). ...
... This is called "multiplexing". The variable pulsations in combination with the modulation and other factors create an additional variability of the fnal signal, which is usually in the Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) (0-3 Hz) band (Alonso and Finn 1967;Alexopoulos 1973;Jackson 1975;Schwartz 1990;Holma and Toskala 2004;Panagopoulos 2011;2013;2019a;Pirard and Vatovez). ...
... The intensity, frequency, and shape of these ELF/ULF components are not invariable/predictable as in non-information-carrying RF emissions (e.g., from radars or MW ovens) but unpredictably varying each moment (Pedersen 1997;Hyland 2000;Zwamborn et al. 2003;Holma and Toskala 2004;Curwen and Whalley 2008;Pirard and Vatovez). This high complexity and variability of the WC EMFs makes them signifcantly more bioactive than other types of man-made EMFs, as living organisms cannot adapt to unpredictably varying stressors (Panagopoulos 2019a). ...
All types of man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and corresponding non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) produced by electric/electronic circuits and antennas – in contrast to natural EMFs/EMR – are totally polarized and coherent. Polarized/coherent EMFs/waves can produce constructive interference and amplify their intensities at certain locations. Moreover, they induce parallel/coherent forced oscillations of charged/polar molecules – especially mobile ions – in living cells/tissues, which can trigger biological effects. The most bioactive man-made EMFs are those employed in wireless communications (WC). They are usually referred to simply as Radio Frequency (RF) or Microwave (MW) EMFs/EMR because they emit carrier signals in the RF/MW band. Yet, WC EMFs contain emissions in the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), Ultra Low Frequency (ULF), and Very Low Frequency (VLF) bands as well in the form of modulation, pulsing, and variability. This complexity and variability of WC EMFs, combined with polarization, is what makes them even more bioactive. Man-made EMFs (including WC) at environmentally existing intensities do not induce significant heating in living tissues. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) was introduced by health agencies as the principal metric for the bioactivity of RF/microwave EMFs. Estimation of SAR from tissue conductivity is inaccurate, and estimation from tissue specific heat is possible only for thermal effects. Thus, SAR is of little relevance, and EMF exposures should better be defined by their incident radiation/field intensity at the included frequency bands, exposure duration, and other field parameters. The present chapter also explains that man-made EMFs/EMR, in contrast to light and ionizing electromagnetic emissions, do not consist of photons but of continuous “classical” waves and, thus, do not obey Planck's formula connecting photon energy (ϵ) with frequency (ν), ϵ = h ν. Apart from polarization, man-made EMFs differ from natural EMFs in frequency bands and emission sources. Basic concepts of interaction with living tissue are discussed.
... An imbalance of ROS leads to Oxidative Stress (OS) and has been linked to inflammatory diseases in general and cancer in particular (Panieri and Santoro, 2016;Yang and Lian, 2020). RFR has also been shown to cause the perturbation of Voltage Gated Calcium Channels (VGCC) (Brieger et al., 2012;Pall, 2013Pall, , 2022Panagopoulos, 2019;Panagopoulos et al., 2021;Ullrich and Apell, 2021) and to promote the activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity (Friedman et al., 2007). VGCC are a class of membrane protein structures responsible for the transport of Ca 2+ ions across the cellular membranes for electrical signaling and the initiation of many different cellular events (Catterall, 2011). ...
... It is unfortunate that their modulation frequency (not the carrier frequency) is in the widely employed region of 100 s Hz -1 kHz (3G/4G MT, DECT, 5G ("Chapter 2: Radio Transmission -5G Mobile Networks: A Systems Approach Version 1.1-dev documentation," n.d.)), close to the characteristic time of the VGCC (Panagopoulos et al., 2021). The same is true for other membrane ion gates (Panagopoulos, 2019). Fig. 1, reproduced and adapted from ref. (Panagopoulos et al., 2021), graphically represents the limits of the bioactivity herein described. ...
In an effort to clarify the nature of causal evidence regarding the potential impacts of RFR on biological systems, this paper relies on a well-established framework for considering causation expanded from that of Bradford Hill, that combines experimental and epidemiological evidence on carcinogenesis of RFR. The Precautionary Principle, while not perfect, has been the effective lodestone for establishing public policy to guard the safety of the general public from potentially harmful materials, practices or technologies. Yet, when considering the exposure of the public to anthropogenic electromagnetic fields, especially those arising from mobile communications and their infrastructure, it seems to be ignored. The current exposure standards recommended by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) consider only thermal effects (tissue heating) as potentially harmful. However, there is mounting evidence of non-thermal effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in biological systems and human populations. We review the latest literature on in vitro and in vivo studies, on clinical studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity, as well as the epidemiological evidence for cancer due to the action of mobile based radiation exposure. We question whether the current regulatory atmosphere truly serves the public good when considered in terms of the Precautionary Principle and the principles for deducing causation established by Bradford Hill. We conclude that there is substantial scientific evidence that RFR causes cancer, endocrinological, neurological and other adverse health effects. In light of this evidence the primary mission of public bodies, such as the FCC to protect public health has not been fulfilled. Rather, we find that industry convenience is being prioritized and thereby subjecting the public to avoidable risks.
... In vitro studies have been demonstrated with an increment in aberration frequency in human white blood cells after exposure at 954 MHz frequency to the blood sample for 2 h, SAR-1.5 W/Kg and even under RFRexposure of 167 MHz frequency [100,103]. Microwave or '3G' mobile telephony-radiation has also been reported to induce DNA damage and significant chromatid aberrations such as breaks (secondarily terminal deletions) and gaps (achromatic lesions) up to 275% in human cells, as compared to sham control [104,105]. Another study with 900 and 1800 MHz GSM-such as RF-EMF exposure-showed a significant direct genotoxic effect on human FCs (fetal cell) with increasing exposure time (3, 6 and 12 h), leading to cause delayed chromosomal condensation and significant rise in CAs [106]. ...
... Only a few are dedicated to germ cells or the reproductive system to understand the mechanism of RFR. So far, many in vitro studies investigated with no direct genotoxic effect after acute or chronic exposure to RF-radiation [75][76][77][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113]. To explore further, in vivo findings related to RFR studies on animal models are concluded under the following section of this review: ...
During modern era, mobile phones, televisions, microwaves, radio, and wireless devices, etc., have become an integral part of our daily lifestyle. All these technologies employ radiofrequency (RF) waves and everyone is exposed to them, since they are widespread in the environment. The increasing risk of male infertility is a growing concern to the human population. Excessive and long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation may cause genetic health effects on the male reproductive system which could be a primitive factor to induce cancer risk. With respect to the concerned aspect, many possible RFR induced genotoxic studies have been reported; however, reports are very contradictory and showed the possible effect on humans and animals. Thus, the present review is focusing on the genomic impact of the radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) underlying the male infertility issue. In this review, both in vitro and in vivo studies have been incorporated explaining the role of RFR on the male reproductive system. It includes RFR induced-DNA damage, micronuclei formation, chromosomal aberrations, SCE generation, etc. In addition, attention has also been paid to the ROS generation after radiofrequency radiation exposure showing a rise in oxidative stress, base adduct formation, sperm head DNA damage, or cross-linking problems between DNA & protein.
... The EMFs/EMR emitted by WC devices/antennas necessarily combine Radio Frequency (RF) (300 kHz-300 GHz) carrier waves, which are modulated by ELF signals containing the transmitted information, and pulsed by ELF pulsations for multiplexing purposes (simultaneous connection of increasing number of users). Therefore, WC EMFs/EMR are a combination of ELF and RF signals (Pedersen 1997;Hyland 2000;Panagopoulos 2019). The part of the RF band with the highest frequencies (300 MHz-300 GHz) is also called microwaves (MWs). ...
... In addition, convincing studies on the hazardous effects of WC EMFs in human germ cells have been published De Iuliis et al. 2009). Most importantly, genetic damage in animal/human cells induced by WC EMFs has been repeatedly and reliably documented by several research groups (Lai and Singh 1996;1997;Diem et al. 2005;Burlaka et al. 2013;Panagopoulos 2019;Yakymenko et al. 2018). ...
... Invariable static fields such as the very strong cell membrane field or the geomagnetic and the geoelectric field (GEF) do not normally cause VGIC gating and subsequent initiation of biological/health effects. Those fields only induce biological/health effects during 20-30% changes in their intensities taking place physiologically during membrane depolarizations, or during magnetic storms respectively 6,7,82 . In the case of an oscillating/varying magnetic force, Eq. 5 describes a forced-oscillation of the ion (IFO). ...
We describe a biophysical mechanism for animal magnetoreception, orientation and navigation in the geomagnetic field (GMF), based on the ion forced oscillation (IFO) mechanism in animal cell membrane voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) (IFO-VGIC mechanism). We review previously suggested hypotheses. We describe the structure and function of VGICs and argue that they are the most sensitive electromagnetic sensors in all animals. We consider the magnetic force exerted by the GMF on a mobile ion within a VGIC of an animal with periodic velocity variation. We apply this force in the IFO equation resulting in solution connecting the GMF intensity with the velocity variation rate. We show that animals with periodic velocity variations, receive oscillating forces on their mobile ions within VGICs, which are forced to oscillate exerting forces on the voltage sensors of the channels, similar or greater to the forces from membrane voltage changes that normally induce gating. Thus, the GMF in combination with the varying animal velocity can gate VGICs and alter cell homeostasis in a degree depending, for a given velocity and velocity variation rate, on GMF intensity (unique in each latitude) and the angle between velocity and GMF axis, which determine animal position and orientation.
... Altered membrane permeability can disrupt ion exchange and other critical cell functions, which could trigger downstream biological effects. Research on this topic is ongoing, but current data are inconclusive (Panagopoulos, 2019). Cellular Stress Responses: Some research has indicated that RF radiation can activate cellular stress pathways, such as the heat shock protein (HSP) response. ...
The proliferation of cellular communication towers, driven by the rapid advancement of wireless technologies like 4G and 5G, has raised significant public health concerns regarding the potential effects of long-term exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This review explores the implications of RF radiation emitted by these towers, which is classified as non-ionizing and typically associated with thermal effects, albeit at levels considered safe by major health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Key topics addressed include the mechanisms of RF radiation interaction with biological systems, public concerns about health effects including cancer risks, neurological impacts, reproductive health, and the controversial condition known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). While numerous studies suggest that RF exposure does not lead to significant adverse health outcomes at permissible levels, evidence regarding potential non-thermal effects, such as oxidative stress and changes in cell signaling, remains inconclusive. The review emphasizes the need for further research into the long-term effects of RF radiation, particularly with the expansion of 5G technology, and considers the regulatory frameworks established to ensure public safety. The conclusion highlights a cautious approach, advocating for ongoing scientific inquiry and the application of the precautionary principle, especially concerning vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
... Furthermore, it has been well established that sleep in a sleep laboratory is distorted, especially over a single night (29). It is also suggested that studies focus on real world settings rather than simulated electromagnetic fields as real-life signals are highly variable with unpredictable changes in intensity and waveforms which renders them more biologically active (30). To date, no study has examined the impact of repeated exposure to 2.45 GHz radiation on sleep in real-world situations, despite this type of radiation becoming ubiquitous in modern households. ...
The most common source of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) exposures during sleep includes digital devices, yet there are no studies investigating the impact of multi-night exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted from a baby monitor on sleep under real-world conditions in healthy adults. Given the rise in the number of people reporting to be sensitive to manmade electromagnetic fields, the ubiquitous use of Wi-Fi enabled digital devices and the lack of real-world data, we investigated the effect of 2.45 GHz radiofrequency exposure during sleep on subjective sleep quality, and objective sleep measures, heart rate variability and actigraphy in healthy adults. This pilot study was a 4-week randomised, double-blind, crossover trial of 12 healthy adults. After a one-week run-in period, participants were randomised to exposure from either an active or inactive (sham) baby monitor for 7 nights and then crossed over to the alternate intervention after a one-week washout period. Subjective and objective assessments of sleep included the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS-20), electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy and heart rate variability (HRV) derived from electrocardiogram. Sleep quality was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) and clinically meaningful during RF-EMF exposure compared to sham-exposure as indicated by the PIRS-20 scores. Furthermore, at higher frequencies (gamma, beta and theta bands), EEG power density significantly increased during the Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences in HRV or actigraphy were detected. Our findings suggest that exposure to a 2.45 GHz radiofrequency device (baby monitor) may impact sleep in some people under real-world conditions however further large-scale real-world investigations with specified dosimetry are required to confirm these findings.
... The epidemiological studies were complemented by in-vivo and in-vitro studies that explored the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (Phillips et al. 2009). Among the biological effects elicited by RF-EMR exposure, the onset of oxidative stress, cell death, reproductive decline and even cancer induction were shown in most of the studies conducted on both mammalian and non-mammalian species (Panagopoulos 2019;Piccinetti et al. 2018). Nevertheless, some studies reported no effects or minimal effects in organisms exposed to RF-EMR (Dasgupta et al. 2020). ...
Biological effects of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) in the range of 900-1800 MHz emerging from the mobile phone were investigated and were found to influence the locomotor pattern when exposure was initiated from 1 hour post fertilization (hpf) in zebrafish embryos (ZE), Danio rerio. Mobile phones and other wireless devices offer tremendous advantages. However, on the flipside they are leading to an increased electromagnetic energy in the environment, an excess of which could be termed as electromagnetic pollution. Herein, we tried to understand the effects of RF-EMR emerging from the mobile phone, on the development and behavior of ZE, exposed to RF-EMR (specific absorption rate of 1.13 W/kg and 1800 MHz frequency) 1 hr daily, for 5 days. To understand if there could be any developmental stage-specific vulnerability to RF-EMR, the exposure was initiated at three different time points: 1hpf, 6hpf and 24hpf of ZE development. Observations revealed no significant changes in the survival rate, morphology, oxidative stress or cortisol levels. However, statistically significant variations were observed in the batch where exposure started at 1hpf, with respect to locomotion patterns (distance travelled: 659.1 ± 173.1 mm Vs 963.5 ± 200.4 mm), which could be correlated to anxiety-like behavior; along with a corresponding increase in yolk consumption (yolk sac area: 0.251 ± 0.019 mm2 Vs 0.225 ± 0.018 mm2). Therefore, we conclude that RF-EMR exposure influences the organism maximally during the earliest stage of development, and we also believe that an increase in the time of exposure (corresponding to the patterns of current usage of mobile phones) might reveal added afflictions.
... Numerous studies have been performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms which lead to neoplastic transformation of cells by HF-EMF (Al-Serori et al., 2019;Panagopoulos et al., 2021;Yang et al., 2012). One of the modes of action which was frequently studied in vivo and in vitro is damage of the genetic material (Jagetia, 2022;Panagopoulos, 2019), which is a hallmark of human cancer (Cairns, 1975). ...
Several human studies indicate that mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields may cause cancer in humans but the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently not known. Studies concerning chromosomal damage (which is causally related to cancer induction) are controversial and those addressing this issue in mobile phone users are based on the use of questionnaires to assess the exposure. We realized the first human intervention trial in which chromosomal damage and acute toxic effects were studied under controlled conditions. The participants were exposed via headsets at one randomly assigned side of the head to low and high doses of a UMTS signal (n = 20, to 0.1 W/kg and n = 21 to 1.6 W/kg Specific Absorption Rate) for 2 h on 5 consecutive days. Before and three weeks after the exposure, buccal cells were collected from both cheeks and micronuclei (MN, which are formed as a consequence of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations) and other nuclear anomalies reflecting mitotic disturbance and acute cytotoxic effects were scored. We found no evidence for induction of MN and of nuclear buds which are caused by gene amplifications, but a significant increase of binucleated cells which are formed as a consequence of disturbed cell divisions, and of karyolitic cells, which are indicative for cell death. No such effects were seen in cells from the less exposed side. Our findings indicate that mobile phone specific high frequency electromagnetic fields do not cause acute chromosomal damage in oral mucosa cells under the present experimental conditions. However, we found clear evidence for disturbance of the cell cycle and cyto-toxicity. These effects may play a causal role in the induction of adverse long term health effects in humans.
... Moreover, PEMF stimulation must overcome a significant hurdle to wide clinical application, and that is the absence of standardized clinical practice guidelines, since the optimal clinical PEMF stimulation parameters for each disorder are still not set [14,15]. An additional factor that should not be overlooked is the possible health risks linked to the exposure to PEMF in routine clinical settings for both healthcare providers and patients [16,17]. ...
... With the current knowledge and given the radiation levels in the environment, the reference to thermal effects does not make sense and is certainly outdated. However, most studies addressing the effects on animals and plants have documented non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on animals and plants (Hyland 2000;Blank and Goodman 2009;Balmori 2009;Rafati et al. 2015;Yakymenko et al. 2016;Waldmann-Selsam et al. 2016;Halgamuge 2017;Panagopoulos 2019;Kostoff et al. 2020;Levitt et al. 2021a, b;Panagopoulos et al. 2021;Balmori 2023), but apparently the authors are unaware of these results. ...
The paper published by Nath et al. (Urban Ecosystems 25:1279–1295, 2022) analyzes the influence of different ecological factors and covariates on House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) abundance but criticizes previous research without explaining in depth the scientific reasons for it and reaches conclusions not supported by the authors’ own data nor by existing knowledge and scientific evidence. They state that studies on the impacts of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on birds outside laboratory conditions carried out in the past did not consider other ecological factors that could also influence the life history needs of the species. However, precisely the opposite is true; the studies carried out so far, taking into account most of the possible factors to consider, including urbanization, have not been able to solve the enigma of the House Sparrow decline in many of the world's cities. Thus, it is necessary to propose new possible causes not considered so far. Among the few that remain to be tested is the electromagnetic radiation hypothesis, which was proposed by two independent research teams in two different countries. This paper is a reply of the work developed by Nath et al. (Urban Ecosystems 25:1279–1295, 2022) that highlight their inconclusive results and methodological flaws due to the correlation observed between radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and urbanization, complement their results showing negative correlations when testing House Sparrow abundance with electromagnetic radiation levels correcting for the percentage of builtup, and clarify some statements and misconceptions (importance of non-thermal effects).
... There is ample evidence of potential non-thermal health effects caused by RFR, both in adult and newborn animals after in utero exposure (Belpomme et al., 2018;Doyon and Johansson, 2017;Hässig et al., 2009;Kostoff and Lau, 2017;Kumar et al., 2009;Miller et al., 2019;Panagopoulos, 2019). Some observed laboratory-made chambers that are difficult to replicate. ...
Telecommunications industries are rapidly deploying the fifth generation (5G) spectrum and there is public concern about the safety and health impacts of this type of Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR), in part because of the lack of comparable scientific evidence. In this study we have used a validated commercially available setting producing a uniform field to expose zebrafish embryos (ZFe) to unmodulated 700 and 3500 MHz frequencies. We have combined a battery of toxicity, developmental and behavioral assays to further explore potential RFR effects. Our neurobehavioral profiles include a tail coiling assay, a light/dark activity assay, two thigmotaxis anxiety assays (auditory and visual stimuli), and a startle response - habituation assay in response to auditory stimuli. ZFe were exposed for 1 and 4 h during the blastula period of development and endpoints evaluated up to 120 h post fertilization (hpf). Our results show no effects on mortality, hatching or body length. However, we have demonstrated specific organ morphological effects, and behavioral effects in activity, anxiety-like behavior, and habituation that lasted in larvae exposed during the early embryonic period. A decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was also observed and could explain some of the observed behavioral alterations. Interestingly, effects were more pronounced in ZFe exposed to the 700 MHz frequency, and especially for the 4 h exposure period. In addition, we have demonstrated that our exposure setup is robust, flexible with regard to frequency and power testing, and highly comparable. Future work will include exposure of ZFe to 5G modulated signals for different time periods to better understand the potential health effects of novel 5G RFR.
... We noted differences in the levels of neuropeptide mRNAs in the ticks' synganglion after exposure to electromagnetic radiation with different intensities. Previous studies on drosophila and honeybees have reported different effects of radiofrequency radiation on the organism depending on the radiation parameters used as well [44,[46][47][48]. Modulation, pulsed fields, intensity, and specific absorption rate have been cited as factors that enhance the biological effects of exposure [49]. ...
Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation is an important environmental factor affecting the functionality of biological systems. Sensitivity to various frequencies of electromagnetic radiation has been detected in ixodid ticks in the past. However, the physiological aspects of radiation effects have not yet been studied in ticks. In the presented experiment, 360 Ixodes ricinus ticks, 180 males and 180 females, were divided into 16 irradiated and 8 control groups. The irradiated groups were exposed to two different intensities of electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of 900 MHz at different lengths of exposure time. RT-PCR was utilized to determine the changes in mRNA levels in tick synganglia after irradiation. Four randomly selected neuropeptide genes were tested-allatotropin (at), FGLa-related allatostatins (fgla/ast), kinin, and arginine-vasopressin-like peptide (avpl). A significant decrease in transcript levels in all female groups exposed to higher intensity radiofrequency radiation for 1 to 3 h was found. After one hour of radiofrequency exposure, a significant downregulation in allatotropin expression in males was detected. A consistent downreg-ulation of the at gene was detected in males irradiated with at a higher intensity. Unfortunately, the specific functions of the studied neuropeptides in ticks are not known yet, so a more comprehensive study is necessary to describe the effects of EMF on observed neuropeptides. This study represents the first report on the effects of the abiotic environment on tick neurophysiology.
... The time people are exposed to electromagnetic radiation is increasing, and further research may reveal the possible negative effects of cell phones and base stations [14]. It is emphasized that exposure to electromagnetic fields originating from MP for 6 minutes per day is more dangerous than other electromagnetic sources [15]. Researchers investigating the effects of static and electromagnetic fields on in vitro human serum paraoxonase-1 activity indicated that PON1 activity could be affected by pharmacological, environmental, and lifestyle factors as well as various agents such as age and gender, and PON1 activity increased with increasing magnetic field intensity [16]. ...
Aim: The development of technology increases the rate of everyone having a smartphone. Therefore, the possible biological effects of these devices are of concern. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of 2100 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on rat liver tissue and serum paraoxonase 1 level. Materials and Methods: Within the scope of the study, a 2100 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation model was created. In our study, we used Sprague Dawley male rats. Two groups were made as sham-control and exposure group (5 h a day for 2 weeks). Liver tissue and serum paraoxonase were studied. Results: The paraoxonase 1 value of the exposure group was higher than the sham control group, and did not have statistically important difference in the comparison of exposure and sham control groups (p>0.05). Did not have important difference in histopathological parameters of rat liver tissue (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although it seems that radiofrequency radiation does not cause liver damage, more detailed studies with short- and long-term exposure are needed.
... (2) Los CEM naturales son no polarizados. Los resultantes de los diferentes procesos en la industria eléctrica son polarizados, lo que puede explicar que sean más bioactivos e incrementar, la probabilidad de la iniciación de efectos biológicos o de consecuencias adversas para la salud, (3) como perturbaciones a nivel de la membrana celular, alteraciones en el funcionamiento la glándula pineal, en la secreción de la hormona la melatonina, en el sistema endocrino, en el transporte de iones intercelular, como los de calcio, alteraciones de los ritmos circadianos del sueño y la vigilia. (4) http://revistaamc.sld.cu/ ...
Introducción:
La generación de energía eléctrica constituye uno de los indicadores más importantes de desarrollo de una nación. En ese proceso se generan campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia extremadamente baja, que pudieran afectar el corazón.
Objetivo:
Identificar la asociación entre el riesgo cardiovascular y la exposición a los campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia extremadamente baja.
Métodos:
Se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo en el Área de Salud 27 de Noviembre, del municipio Marianao de la provincia La Habana, en el año 2018. La muestra estuvo constituida por 152 individuos. Se les determinó el riesgo cardiovascular, según las tablas predictivas de Gaziano sin laboratorio. Se realizaron mediciones de las densidades de flujo magnético en sus viviendas. Se valoró si estas, se asociaron a la intensidad de generación de electricidad de la vecina central termoeléctrica y con el riesgo cardiovascular global de los residentes. Se utilizó correlación no paramétrica de Spearman.
Resultados:
El 31,6 % de la población estudiada fue evaluada con el riesgo cardiovascular alto y muy alto en su conjunto. 120 individuos estuvieron expuestos en sus viviendas a densidades del flujo magnético entre 0 y 0,9 µT. Existió una correlación estadística significativa, entre la intensidad de la corriente generada por la industria y las densidades de flujo magnético en las habitaciones usadas para dormir.
Conclusiones:
No se observó asociación entre el riesgo cardiovascular y las densidades de flujo magnético medidas en las viviendas. La exposición a los campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia extremadamente baja no constituyó un factor de riesgo cardiovascular para la población estudiada.
... There is ample evidence of potential non-thermal health effects caused by RFR, both in adult and newborn animals after in utero exposure (Belpomme et al., 2018;Doyon and Johansson, 2017;Hässig et al., 2009;Kostoff and Lau, 2017;Kumar et al., 2009;Miller et al., 2019;Panagopoulos, 2019). Some observed laboratory-made chambers that are difficult to replicate. ...
... A study published in 2020 exposed zebrafish embryos to RFR 3.5 GHz to 22 μW/ m 2 (at the water surface) with SAR calculated to very high 8.27 W/kg, for 42 hours [16]. However the exposure lacks the characteristics of real mobile phone technology radiation exposure, such as modulation and pulsation that have been reported to be crucial [17]. According to the authors there were no significant impacts on mortality, morphology or photomotor responses, but they observed a "modest depression of sensorimotor function" which may lead to later life effects as "adult neuropsychiatric outcomes, like those detected in previous RFR [Radiofrequency Radiation] studies". ...
... The results showed that the effects were dependent on the type of cells and the choice of endpoint. However, conflicting results have been observed more than once in the same cell types in the same assay [11,12]. ...
This paper explores the possibility of using the impedance measurement method used to monitor morphological changes in culture cells for use in cultures in the presence of an electromagnetic field generated by a mobile phone. For this purpose, we used Electric Cell–Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), which is a real-time, label-free, impedance-based method to study cell behaviors in tissue culture. As part of the work, a device enabling the connection in a climatic chamber was prepared without the need to interfere with environmental conditions, and a test culture of mouse fibroblasts was performed. The device based on the Arduino UNO programmable platform worked like a mobile phone. During cell proliferation, it was connected to the device three times and a change in electrical parameters in the measuring system was observed. During the phone call, there was a clear change in the values of the measured parameters. However, analysis of the obtained results indicated that there was little or no effect of the presence of the electromagnetic field on the cell culture, while the observed changes in the values of impedance, resistance, and capacitance are most likely due to the separation of positive and negative medium ions in the electromagnetic field. The application of the presented method seems possible; however, in order to eliminate the separation of ions, a different type of antenna should be designed to emit a homogeneous field to the entire well.
... The quality of the experimental design was then determined based on whether the experiment used real-world signals instead of simulated signals. This selection criterion was deemed important (i) because the investigation focused on real-world exposures, and (2) because previous studies have noted that real-world signals (e.g., from mobile phones) are more likely to produce experimental biological interference effects than simulated laboratory signals that using synthesized, regular patterns (16). Even though simulated signals may be easier to control in experimental settings, they do not allow the experimenter to explore the essential factors that seem to cause stronger biological effects. ...
Electromagnetic signals from everyday wireless technologies are an ever-present environmental stressor, affecting biological systems. In this article, we substantiate this statement based on the weight of evidence from papers collated within the ORSAA database (ODEB), focusing on the biological and health effects of electromagnetic fields and radiation. More specifically, the experiments investigating exposures from real-world devices and the epidemiology studies examining the effects of living near mobile phone base stations were extracted from ODEB and the number of papers showing effects was compared with the number showing no effects. The results showed that two-thirds of the experimental and epidemiological papers found significant biological effects. The breadth of biological and health categories where effects have been found was subsequently explored, revealing hundreds of papers showing fundamental biological processes that are impacted, such as protein damage, biochemical changes and oxidative stress. This understanding is targeted toward health professionals and policy makers who have not been exposed to this issue during training. To inform this readership, some of the major biological effect categories and plausible mechanisms of action from the reviewed literature are described. Also presented are a set of best practice guidelines for treating patients affected by electromagnetic exposures and for using technology safely in health care settings. In conclusion, there is an extensive evidence base revealing that significant stress to human biological systems is being imposed by exposure to everyday wireless communication devices and supporting infrastructure. This evidence is compelling enough to warrant an update in medical education and practice.
... However, the ICNIRP calculations ignore this directive. They only use average values for heating of tissue, and simplistic modelling that does not include the effect of several important physical characteristics of telecommunication signals such as low frequency modulations, pulsing, polarisation [77] and the constant variability in intensity that occurs with real world signals used in many laboratory experiments [78]. These complexities, together with the aggregation of different signals [7, p. 11] from ongoing intermittent spikes of energy, which can be hundreds of thousands times higher than mean values [79, p. 458] causing harm to biological tissues irrespective of the average absorbed energy. ...
The fifth generation of radiofrequency communication , 5G, is currently being rolled out worldwide. Since September 2017, the EU 5G Appeal has been sent six times to the EU, requesting a moratorium on the rollout of 5G. This article reviews the 5G Appeal and the EU's subsequent replies, including the extensive cover letter sent to the EU in September 2021, requesting stricter guidelines for exposures to radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The Appeal notes the EU's internal conflict between its approach to a wireless technology-led future, and the need to protect the health and safety of its citizens. It critiques the reliance of the EU on the current guidelines given by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), that consider only heating and no other health relevant biological effects from RFR. To counteract the ICNIRP position, the 2021 cover letter briefly presented recent research from the EU's own expert groups, from a large collection of European and other international studies, and from previous reviews of the effects of RFR on humans and the environment. The 5G Appeal asserts that the majority of scientific evidence points to biological effects , many with the potential for harm, occurring below the ICNIRP public limits. Evidence to establish this position is drawn from studies showing changes to neurotransmit-ters and receptors, damage to cells, proteins, DNA, sperm, the immune system, and human health, including cancer. The 2021 Appeal goes on to warn that 5G signals are likely to additionally alter the behaviour of oxygen and water molecules at the quantum level, unfold proteins, damage skin, and cause harm to insects, birds, frogs, plants and animals. Altogether, this evidence establishes a high priority for the European Union towards (i) replacing the current flawed guidelines with protective thresholds, and (ii) placing a moratorium on 5G deployment so as to (iii) allow industry-independent scientists the time needed to propose new health-protective guidelines. This 2021 Ap-peal's relevance becomes even more pressing in the context of the EU plans to roll out the sixth generation of wireless technologies, 6G, further adding to the known risks of RFR technology for humans and the environment. This all leads to an important question: Do EU decision makers have the right to ignore EU´s own directives by prioritising economic gain over human and environmental health?
... We used a bioassay which permits the evaluation of the effect of oxidative stress resulting from the radiation of an actively transmitting mobile phone by evaluating the regeneration process of connective tissue fibroblasts. The experimental setup was adapted to a realistic situation which has been shown to be more meaningful than a controlled situation at laboratory conditions using "test" generators with invariant parameters such as intensity, frequency etc. [14]. ...
Background: Mobile phones are high performance devices that consume a lot of energy and also generate heat in form of microwaves. This heat is mainly created by the high frequency electromagnetic fields that transmit voice or data in mobile communications. Moreover, mobile phones also possess non-thermal radiation which has been shown to induce oxidative stress and molecular and cellular damage. Material and methods: In this study not only the dynamic process of cellular damage following oxidative stress from the radiation of an actively transmitting mobile phone was investigated, but also a device named Qi-Shield, which claims to protect from the adverse effects of a mobile phone & WLAN radiation at realistic conditions. The regeneration process of cultured connective tissue cells (cell line L-929) which results in the closure of an artificial cell-free area by cell proliferation and migration, was used for continuous video micrography evaluation for more than 60 hours. Three different experimental approaches were conducted: (1) Regeneration of untreated control cells; (2) Regeneration of unprotected cells after 4 hours of mobile phone radiation; (3) Regeneration of Qi-Shield protected cells after 4 hours of mobile phone radiation. For definite time points during the regeneration process the residual cell-free area was examined by a specialized software with artificial intelligence. Four independent experiments over a period of four weeks were conducted. Results and conclusions: A quite consistent cell reaction for the three different experimental approaches was observed in all experiments. The unexposed control cells showed a nearly linear reduction of the cell-free area with a time point of closure at 50 hours. The unprotected cells after mobile phone exposure also showed a roughly linear reduction of the cell-free area, but its magnitude was significantly lower and did not result in any closure of the cell-free area. The cells protected by Qi-Shield behaved very close to the unexposed cells, although a closure of the cell-free area within 60 hours of regeneration was only observed in two of four experiments. When calculating a relation between the values at 50 hours of regeneration by setting the value for the reduction of unexposed control cells as 100 %, a reduction value of 22 % was obtained for the unprotected cells, but 82.7 % for the Qi-Shield protected cells. Therefore, Qi-Shield was able to protect cells from the adverse effects of mobile phone & WLAN radiation by more than 82 %. The results clearly demonstrate the different dynamic reactions of connective tissue cells after mobile phone radiation and the successful use of Qi-Shield to reduce adverse cellular effects. Keywords: Mobile phone radiation; Oxidative stress; Fibroblast; L-929; Cell regeneration; Cell culture
... There is an expected possibility of health hazards from long term exposures at levels too low to produce measurable heating. Such levels of energy levels have been reported to have biological effects but not health hazards [22,23]. ...
Mobile information access and communication has become an important segment of modern life. At the same time, people wellbeing is taken into consideration for the safe use of technology. As per Bio-Initiative Report, the existing standards are to be relooked for proper healthy environment. Different countries are adopting different criteria for the limit of the radiation power density within the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection limits. For the purpose, administrators and regulators in Sultanate of Oman are taking utmost care according to the guidelines setup by International and National agencies. With the focus to have awareness about the technical requirements to protect the health of the people, especially (kids, pregnant women and patients), the study was done to measure the power density radiated by mobile towers near schools and health centers within Suhar using the “Spectran” handheld analyzer for GSM 900 MHz range with maximum distance 250 meters within the study area. It was found that the measured power density decreases as the distance of point of measurement is increased. On all the measurement points the power density was well below the recommended range from ICNIRP infers the safe use the communication devices under the present conditions.
... In this review, many of the studies on RFR effects were analyzed with respect to different frequency, modulation, and exposure duration. As it is mentioned in this report, there is differentiation on the effects of continuous wave and modulated wave of RFR since modulation of carrier waves (in all its forms) often involves extremely low frequency (ELF) components, especially in today's broadband applications (Panagopoulos 2019;Panagopoulos et al. 2021). This data may be another answer for the question of whether there is any difference in the effects of different signal modulations for 2.5 GHz on Caco-2 colon cancer cells. ...
In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effect of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on apoptotic and antiapoptotic factors under different exposure conditions in human colonic adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). We analyzed the effects of 2.5 GHz continuous wave and 3 GPP modulated radiofrequency radiation exposure (15 min on, 15 min off) for 1 h and (1 h on, 1 h off) for 3 hours on Caco-2 cell lines. The cell viability of Caco-2 cells was determined by XTT method. Then, the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the effects on apoptosis staining with AnnexinV-FITC and PI. Protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 and Survivin were subsequently analyzed by using flow cytometric methods. Bax, Caspase 8, and Survivin protein levels were also analyzed by western blot. The cell viability rates were not significantly different after 2.5 GHz of RFR exposure for 1 h, but RFR exposure for 3 h at 2.5 GHz frequencies caused a decrease on cell viability of Caco-2 cells. RFR exposure for 1 and 3 hours at 2.5 GHz frequencies resulted in an apoptotic response. Protein analyses of Bcl-2, Bax, Survivin, Caspase-3, and Caspase-8 showed that RFR led to increase the levels of proapoptotic Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase 8 in Caco-2 cells under different exposure conditions. However, 3-h exposure caused a decrease in antiapoptotic survivin levels. The results of our study indicate that RFR exposure affects the cell death mechanism due to apoptotic pathway.
... The upcoming 5G mobile network might have adverse systemic outcomes due to the synergistic effects of other toxic stimuli [27]. The accumulative outcomes are directly linked to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, leading to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and reproductive declines [28]. ...
Background:
Electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation has both thermal and non-thermal outcomes on biological systems, such as humans, animals, and bacteria.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation, emitted by Wi-Fi routers, on bacterial strains and the modification of their susceptibility to modern antibiotics.
Material and methods:
In this case-control paired study, four bacteria were selected, and one colony from each bacterial strain was exposed to Wi-Fi radiation forming the exposure group. Another set of colonies was not exposed to Wi-Fi radiation, forming the control group. Eight different antibiotic disks were set on the bacterial plates, and the inhibition zone was measured every 3 h for each colony.
Results:
Electromagnetic radiation affects bacterial colonies and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Analysis revealed statistically significant differences, correlated with the bacterial strain, the antibiotic agent, and the time of the exposure, in the inhibition zones, mostly after 6 and 24 h (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion:
A correlation was observed between antibiotic susceptibility and non-ionizing radiofrequency exposure. Studying the effects of radiofrequency radiation on prokaryotic organisms could clarify more complicated cell structures and organisms, such as eukaryotic. Further experiments, in vitro and in vivo, could provide more information about these outcomes and cause experts to discuss the current guidelines of exposure limits.
... In a smart home or smart commercial building, the amount of exposure from EMR will be higher due to two plausible reasons, one, a multitude of smart or IoT devices will be connected, filling up the indoor space with excessive radiation (Atlam, Walters, and Wills, 2018) and, second, due to the high range of frequencies used for 5G (Russell 2018), that include millimeter frequency. Scientists and researchers believe both of these EMR sources cause health problems like dizziness, nausea (Al-Khlaiwi and Meo, 2004), gene (Chen et al., 2008) and DNA alteration (Panagopoulos, 2019), immunity issues (Gridley et al., 2006) besides cancer and brain tumor (Pakhomov et al., 1997;Hardell, 2017;Prasad et al., 2017). The World Health organization (WHO) declared that EMR produced from radiofrequency sources caused an increased risk occurrence of glioma (a type of brain tumor) and classified it as group 2B (probable carcinogenic) (IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks toWorld Health Organizationand International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2002). ...
The global Covid-19 pandemic caused a rapid transitioning to remote work settings, one likely to linger post-pandemic, resulting on people spending more time at home for work or study. The globalpandemic defined a new normal that is expected to be digital and heavily relying on technology. Smart buildings which are envisioned to be the next paradigm shift in the built environment are also foreseen as a response solution to aid in situations like pandemic. However, such a move yields benefits as well as risks, prompting wide debates on the priority to safeguard building occupants health, safety and well-being. Researchers, designers and engineers are seeking solutions to incorporate or modify design features in the indoor environment that prioritize the dwellers’ health and wellness. Though benefits of smart and IoT devices aid in monitoring health and wellness, radiation from these wireless devices may cause harm to human health, especially those with weaker health, as indicated by several research findings. Some of the negative impacts from wireless radiation include cell damage, cancer, tumor, change in hormonal levels, and neurological damage. Thus, this study seeks to determine the difference in radiation level inside a wired, hybrid and a wireless smart home through Computer Simulation Technology (CST) simulation. Such a quantification can help designers develop strategies to design smart buildings that cause low radiation for its occupants. Antenna field source was imported to CST to create the wireless and hybrid design scenario. The measurement for wired and hybrid were evaluated keeping the wired design as baseline. The results revealed that wireless produced 26.55% more radiation than wired scenario at 2.45 GHz, taken as baseline measurement. Further, the total Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) and radiation patterns are dependent on several factors like proximity of IoT and smart devices to building walls and interior furnishings, frequency of operation. In order to create a safer indoor environment, this study recommends the use of both wired and hybrid design in lieu of totally wireless smart buildings.
Background
Scientific literature, with no conflicts of interest, shows that even below the limits defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, microwaves from telecommunication technologies cause numerous health effects: neurological, oxidative stress, carcinogenicity, deoxyribonucleic acid and immune system damage, electro-hypersensitivity. The majority of these biological effects of non-thermal microwave radiation have been known since the 1970s.
Methods
Detailed scientific, political, and military documents were analyzed. Most of the scientific literature comes from PubMed. The other articles (except for a few) come from impacted journals . The rare scientific documents that were not peer reviewed were produced by recognized scientists in their fields. The rest of the documentation comes from official sources: political (e.g., European Union and World Health Organization), military (e.g., US Air Force and NATO), patents, and national newspapers.
Results
(1) Since their emergence, the authorities have deployed and encouraged the use of wireless technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, WiFi, WiMAX, DECT, Bluetooth, cell phone towers/masts/base stations, small cells, etc.) in full awareness of their harmful effects on health. (2) Consequences of microwave radiation from communication networks are comparable to the effects of low-power directed-energy microwave weapons, whose objectives include behavioral modification through neurological (brain) targeting. Above 20 gigahertz, 5G behaves like an unconventional chemical weapon. (3) Biomedical engineering (via graphene-based nanomaterials) will enable brain-computer connections, linked wirelessly to the Internet of Everything through 5G and 6G networks (2030) and artificial intelligence, gradually leading to human-machine fusion (cyborg) before the 2050s.
Conclusion
Despite reports and statements from the authorities presenting the constant deployment of new wireless communication technologies, as well as medical research into nanomaterials, as society’s ideal future, in-depth research into these scientific fields shows, above all, an objective linked to the current cognitive war. It could be hypothesized that, in the future, this aim will correspond to the control of humanity by machines.
The purpose of this work is to monitor the state of bee health through morphoclinical and laboratory examination of bees on samples of live bees and honeycombs with brood for the prevention and control of diseases in bees in order to include them in a study on the impact of the non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations on bees. Samples were collected during the active season 2023, and morpho-clinically and laboratory examined according to OIE regulations from 9 private apiaries (PH, AG, TR, CL, VN, IS, DB, VL and IF) from which we collected 18 samples. The laboratory results revealed the existence of some diseases in 6 apiaries (66.67%), as follows: a unique evolution (suspected foulbrood disease in one apiary) (11.11%), five apiaries with mixed conditions (55,56%) (varroosis, nosemosis, chalkbrood, and suspected poisoning), and three apiaries were diagnosed as clinically healthy (33.33%). Studying the influence of nonionizing radiation on bees has wider implications for ecology and the environment, as bees play a crucial role in pollination and maintaining ecosystems. The interaction between bees and electromagnetic radiation is a complex and multifactorial issue that may explain the diversity of conclusions in the available studies. Therefore, studies are needed in Romania to better understand the connection between non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and the decline of bee populations (Collony Colapse Disorder).
The human race has acquired the peak of sensation today in augmenting development in the technological domain. With gratitude to state-of-the-art technology, humans are now enjoying heavenly delights, and 5G technology with high-wave transmission capability can be considered a universally acknowledged example. However, the radiation from 5G technology, which employs high-frequency waves, puts humankind at unimaginable health risks, which weakens us to further radiation. Seemingly invisible high-power radiations function like dormant volcanoes in the human body. The extremes of radiation in 5G technology have become so widespread that the miscellaneous physical problems provoked by radiation can easily be termed manufactured disorders that humans progressively construct. In addition to causing chronic diseases, this radiation plays a distinct role in suppressing the regular immune system of the human body. This chapter tries to clarify and shed light on the dangers of radiation arriving from 5G technology-supported devices and various types of incurable diseases of the human body.
The global burden of cancer incidence, deaths and economic costs is steadily increasing since several decades. Despite a massive allocation of research funds since the 1970s, no significant (in terms of years) improvements of survival times have been achieved for most cancer types. In this article, I argue that the failure to effectively prevent and treat cancer is partly owing to the gene-centric paradigm of the somatic mutation theory of carcinogenesis. I outline and provide evidence for a new transdisciplinary evolutionary theory of carcinogenesis according to which cancer is a phylogenetic reversal towards unicellular lifeforms triggered by the breakdown of essential cooperative interactions on important levels of human organization. These levels include the genetic, cellular, tissue and psychosocial-spiritual level of human existence. The new theory considers the emergence of eukaryotes and metazoans and e of particular importance e human evolution and in this way explains why cooperation on these different levels is so essential to maintain holistic health. It is argued that the interaction between human's slow natural evolution and the fast cultural evolution, especially during the current Anthropocene epoch, plays an important role in making individuals susceptible towards carcinogenesis. The implications of this insight and the theory of cancer as a phylogenetic reversal are discussed with respect to prevention and treatment, and concrete practical examples are provided. It is concluded that individuals could substantially reduce their risk of cancer by respecting certain biopsychosocial-spiritual lifestyle factors which are justified by human evolution.
An Introduction to Non-Ionizing Radiation provides a comprehensive understanding of non-ionizing radiation (NIR), exploring its uses and potential risks. The information is presented in a simple and concise way to facilitate easy understanding of relevant concepts and applications. Chapters provide a summary and include relevant equations that explain NIR physics. Other features of the book include colorful illustrations and detailed reference lists. With a focus on safety and protection, the book also explains how to mitigate the adverse effects of non-ionizing radiation with the help of ANSI guidelines and regulations.
An Introduction to Non-Ionizing Radiation comprises twelve chapters, each explaining various aspects of non-ionizing radiation, including:
Fundamental concepts of non-ionizing radiation including types and sources
Interaction with matter
Electromagnetic fields
The electromagnetic wave spectrum (UV, visible light, IR waves, microwaves and radio waves) Lasers
Acoustic waves and ultrasound
Regulations for non-ionizing radiation.
Risk management of non-ionizing radiation
The book is intended as a primer on non-ionizing radiation for a broad range of scholars and professionals in physics, engineering and clinical medicine.
The subway attendant is exposed to the radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic exposure of leaky coaxial cable (LCX) which was employed for the subway wireless communication system on the subway platform. To effectively evaluate the safety of subway attendant in this electromagnetic environment, the LCX and human model have been numerically designed. The induced electric field (E-field) and specific absorption rate (SAR) in the human body were obtained by the finite element software HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator). Results show that the maximum E-field value in the human tissues at 0.9, 1.8 and 2.4 GHz are 1.7850 × 10−2 V/m, 3.9995 × 10−2 V/m and 8.6827 × 10−2 V/m, respectively, and the maximum SAR value in the human tissues are 1.3017 × 10−7 W/kg, 1.3267 × 10−6 W/kg and 3.6487 × 10−6 W/kg, respectively. It can be found that the induced E-field and SAR in the human tissues increases with frequency. Simulation results at three frequencies were compared with the occupational electromagnetic exposure limits by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Results were well below the ICNIRP limits, which indicate that the health risk of the subway attendant exposed to RF electromagnetic on the subway platform is very low.
To gain a deeper understanding of the hotly contested topic of the non-thermal biological effects of microwaves, new metrics and methodologies need to be adopted. The direction proposed in the current work, which includes peak exposure analysis and not just time-averaged analysis, aligns well with this objective. The proposed methodology is not intended to facilitate a comparison of the general characteristics between 4G and 5G mobile communication signals. Instead, its purpose is to provide a means for analyzing specific real-life exposure conditions that may vary based on multiple parameters. A differentiation based on amplitude-time features of the 4G versus 5G signals is followed, with the aim of describing the peculiarities of a user’s exposure when he runs four types of mobile applications on his mobile phone on either of the two mobile networks. To achieve the goals, we used signal and spectrum analyzers with adequate real-time analysis bandwidths and statistical descriptions provided by the amplitude probability density (APD) function, the complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF), channel power measurements, and recorded spectrogram databases. We compared the exposimetric descriptors of emissions specific to file download, file upload, Internet video streaming, and video call usage in both 4G and 5G networks based on the specific modulation and coding schemes. The highest and lowest electric field strengths measured in the air at a 10 cm distance from the phone during emissions are indicated. The power distribution functions with the highest prevalence are highlighted and commented on. Afterwards, the capability of a convolutional neural network that belongs to the family of single-shot detectors is proven to recognize and classify the emissions with a very high degree of accuracy, enabling traceability of the dynamics of human exposure.
As biomolecules vibrate and rotate in the terahertz band, the biological effects of terahertz electromagnetic fields have drawn considerable attention from the physiological and medical communities. Ion channels are the basis of biological electrical signals, so studying the effect of terahertz electromagnetic fields on ion channels is significant. In this paper, the effect of a terahertz electromagnetic field with three different frequencies, 6, 15, and 25 THz, on the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that an electromagnetic field with a 15 THz frequency can significantly enhance the permeability of the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel, which is 1.7 times higher than without an applied electric field. By analyzing the behavior of water molecules, it is found that the electromagnetic field with the 15 THz frequency shortens the duration of frozen and relaxation processes when potassium ions pass through the channel, increases the proportion of the direct knock-on mode, and, thus, enhances the permeability of the Kv1.2 potassium ion channel.
Increasing evidence suggests that the exogenous electromagnetic field may be involved in many biological processes of great importance for therapeutic interventions. It is known that variable electromagnetic fields are a non-invasive, safe and effective therapeutic tool without obvious side effects. Numerous studies have shown that variable electromagnetic fields can become an independent or additional method of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system. However, several questions remain unresolved. Prior to their widespread clinical application, further research is needed based on well-designed, high-quality studies to standardize treatment parameters and develop an optimal protocol for healthcare decision making. In this review, we aimed to provide up-to-date data on the mechanism of action, clinical application, and controversy regarding variable electromagnetic fields in the physiotherapy of musculoskeletal disorders.
There is enough evidence to indicate we may be damaging non-human species at ecosystem and biosphere levels across all taxa from rising background levels of anthropogenic non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 0 Hz to 300 GHz. The focus of this Perspective paper is on the unique physiology of non-human species, their extraordinary sensitivity to both natural and anthropogenic EMF, and the likelihood that artificial EMF in the static, extremely low frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) ranges of the non-ionizing electromagnetic spectrum are capable at very low intensities of adversely affecting both fauna and flora in all species studied. Any existing exposure standards are for humans only; wildlife is unprotected, including within the safety margins of existing guidelines, which are inappropriate for trans-species sensitivities and different non-human physiology. Mechanistic, genotoxic, and potential ecosystem effects are discussed.
W niniejszej publikacji autorzy dokonują refleksji nad sprawnością programowania i realizacji polityki bezpieczeństwa i przyszłości cywilizacyjnej państwa przez rządzące elity. Poczynione uwagi skłaniają do zadania pytania o to, czy sprawy szeroko rozumianego bezpieczeństwa powinny być wyłączną domeną elit władzy? Jeśli tak, to jakie są przesłanki do uznania dyktatu elit za zagrożenie dla wolności osobistych i realnego bezpieczeństwa społeczeństwa oraz jednostki? Czy jest nadużyciem władzy prowadzenie polityki w sprawach bezpieczeństwa w sposób anonimowy, bez rzetelnej konsultacji społecznej lub z jej całkowitym pominięciem, bez opinii środowisk akademickich, eksperckich i politycznie opozycyjnych? Czy postępujące w taki sposób elity polityczne reprezentują interes publiczny, czy raczej własny, doraźny i niejasny dla społeczeństwa, które za sprawą narzędzi propagandy będących w rękach władających czyni je niezdolnymi do właściwej oceny sytuacji? W dobie dynamicznego rozwoju technologii oraz instrumentów wywierania wpływu na procesy poznawcze człowieka i procesy produkcji informacji na użytek inżynierii społecznej problem ten jawi się jako szczególnie ważny. Wreszcie, czy w tym kontekście słuszny jest pogląd, że panujące przekonanie o konieczności przypisania spraw bezpieczeństwa elitom, powinien zostać zastąpiony nowym paradygmatem myślenia o bezpieczeństwie jako wspólnej idei, wyrażającej się we współdziałaniu wszystkich zainteresowanych bezpieczną egzystencją?
The worldwide incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) exceeds half a million cases annually, and up to half of the patients with HNC present with advanced disease. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for many HNCs, although radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy might contribute to individual patient’s treatment plan. Irrespective of which modality is chosen, disease prognosis remains suboptimal, especially for higher staging tumors. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has recently demonstrated a substantial anti-tumor effect. After a thorough literature search, we provide a comprehensive review depicting the oncological potential of CAP in HNC treatment. We discovered that CAP applies to almost all categories of HNC, including upper aerodigestive tract cancers, head and neck glandular cancers and skin cancers. In addition, CAP is truly versatile, as it can be applied not only directly for superficial or luminal tumors but also indirectly for deep solid organ tumors. Most importantly, CAP can work collaboratively with existing clinical oncotherapies with synergistic effect. After our attempts to elaborate the conceivable molecular mechanism of CAP’s anti-neoplastic effect for HNC, we provide a brief synopsis of recent clinical and preclinical trials emphasizing CAP’s applicability in head and neck oncology. In conclusion, we have enunciated our vision of plasma oncology using CAP for near future HNC treatment.
Much of the controversy over the cause of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) lies in the absence of recognized clinical and biological criteria for a widely accepted diagnosis. However, there are presently sufficient data for EHS to be acknowledged as a distinctly well-defined and objectively characterized neurologic pathological disorder. Because we have shown that 1) EHS is frequently associated with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in EHS patients, and 2) that both individualized disorders share a common pathophysiological mechanism for symptom occurrence; it appears that EHS and MCS can be identified as a unique neurologic syndrome, regardless its causal origin. In this overview we distinguish the etiology of EHS itself from the environmental causes that trigger pathophysiological changes and clinical symptoms after EHS has occurred. Contrary to present scientifically unfounded claims, we indubitably refute the hypothesis of a nocebo effect to explain the genesis of EHS and its presentation. We as well refute the erroneous concept that EHS could be reduced to a vague and unproven “functional impairment”. To the contrary, we show here there are objective pathophysiological changes and health effects induced by electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in EHS patients and most of all in healthy subjects, meaning that excessive non-thermal anthropogenic EMFs are strongly noxious for health. In this overview and medical assessment we focus on the effects of extremely low frequencies, wireless communications radiofrequencies and microwaves EMF. We discuss how to better define and characterize EHS. Taken into consideration the WHO proposed causality criteria, we show that EHS is in fact causally associated with increased exposure to man-made EMF, and in some cases to marketed environmental chemicals. We therefore appeal to all governments and international health institutions, particularly the WHO, to urgently consider the growing EHS-associated pandemic plague, and to acknowledge EHS as a new real EMF causally-related pathology.
The use of wireless communication technology in mobile phones has revolutionized modern telecommunication and mobile phones have become so popular that their number exceeds the global population. Electromagnetic field radiations (EMR) are an integral part of wireless technology, which are emitted by mobile phones, mobile towers, electric power stations, transmission lines, radars, microwave ovens, television sets, refrigerators, diagnostic/therapeutic and other electronic devices. The manmade EMR sources have added to the existing burden of natural EMR human exposure arising from the Sun, cosmos, atmospheric discharges, and thunderstorms. EMR including radiofrequency waves (RF) and extremely low frequency radiation (ELF) has generated great interest as their human exposure causes headache, fatigue, tinnitus, concentration problems, depression, memory loss, skin irritation, sleep disorders, nausea, cardiovascular effects, chest pain, immunity and hormonal disorders as the short-term effects and cancer as the late effect. The review has been written by collecting the information using various search engines including google scholar, PubMed SciFinder, Science direct, EMF-portal, saferemr, and other websites on the internet and its main focus is on the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of EMR in humans and mammals. Numerous investigations revealed that exposure in the range of 0–300 GHz EMR is harmless as this did not increase micronuclei and chromosome aberrations. On the contrary, several other studies have demonstrated that exposure to EMR increases the frequency of micronuclei, chromosome aberrations, DNA adducts, DNA single and double strand breaks at the molecular level in vitro and in vivo. The EMR exposure induces reactive oxygen species and changes the fidelity of genes involved in signal transduction, cytoskeleton formation, and cellular metabolism.
In this paper, we review the literature on three important exposure metrics that are inadequately represented in most major radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure guidelines today: intensity, exposure duration, and signal modulation. Exposure intensity produces unpredictable effects as demonstrated by nonlinear effects. This is most likely caused by the biological system's ability to adjust and compensate but could lead to eventual biomic breakdown after prolonged exposure. A review of 112 low-intensity studies reveals that biological effects of RFR could occur at a median specific absorption rate of 0.0165 W/kg. Intensity and exposure duration interact since the dose of energy absorbed is the product of intensity and time. The result is that RFR behaves like a biological "stressor" capable of affecting numerous living systems. In addition to intensity and duration, man-made RFR is generally modulated to allow information to be encrypted. The effects of modulation on biological functions are not well understood. Four types of modulation outcomes are discussed. In addition, it is invalid to make direct comparisons between thermal energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. Research data indicate that electromagnetic energy is more biologically potent in causing effects than thermal changes. The two likely functionthrough different mechanisms. As such, any current RFR exposure guidelines based on acute continuous-wave exposure are inadequate for health protection.
Objective(s): Nowadays, the electromagnetic field-emitting devices have been used in our daily routine lives. Controversial reports exist concerning the effects of mobile radiofrequency (RF) on different parts of body, especially stress hormones. The main goal of the present work was to study the long-term effects of mobile RF900 MHz exposure with special focus on the adrenal gland pathophysiology and function.
Material and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to Mobile RF 6 hours daily for 4-8 weeks. Intact and switched-off exposed animals were considered as control. Plasma ACTH and cortisol level was measured by ElISA method. At the end of the experiment, a histological study was done on adrenal gland and brain tissue by hematoxilin and eosin staining. The thickness of fasciculate layer of adrenal gland, its cell number and perimeter were measured by Fiji software.
Results: An enhanced plasma ACTH and cortisol level was found after prolonged exposure to mobile RF. The fasciculata layer of adrenal cortex eventually thickened following mobile RF radiation. While the number of cells in ZF remained constant, the cell size and perimeter increased during EMF exposure. Finally, we found that vacuolization in brain tissue and the number and size of vacuoles considerably increased during two months of RF exposure.
Conclusion: Cell phone RF exposure induced significant hormonal and structural changes in adrenal gland and brain tissue. Therefore, the public should be aware and limit their exposure as much as possible.
Background: Mobile phones may have harmful
health effects and clinical examinations report ambiguous
results of exposure concerning neurophysiological and
cardiovascular actions. Materials and Methods: This study
investigated heart rate asymmetry (HRA) and heart rate
variability (HRV) parameters with 1:2 and 1:1 metronomepaced
inspiration/expiration ratios during short-term
1,800MHz GSM cellular phone exposure in 20 healthy
volunteers. Results: Significant HRA changes by Porta and
Guzik indices were not found on exposure compared to sham
exposure. Time-domain HRV parameters on exposure showed
significant differences at 1:1 paced, but not at 1:2 paced
breathing compared to sham exposure. A mild post-exposure
effect was observed regarding root mean square of
successive RR-differences. Conclusion: The findings reflect
persisting acute effects of GSM handset emission on the
autonomic nervous system. Exploring its influences on health
status and survival needs further studies. Symmetrical
breathing can be used as a sensitizing factor in other
HRV/HRA analysis studies.
Background
Analyzing the possible negative effects of using cell phones on the users’ health is an important and vital affair due to rapid growth and extensive use of these devices on human communications and interactions. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing the distance of cell phones to brain tissue on the temperature of the central and gray matters of brain due to the heat generated by radio frequency waves.
Methods
This study was an experimental study. A cow's brain tissue was analyzed in a compartment with three thicknesses of 2, 12, and 22 mm, in the distances of 4 mm and 4 cm from a cell phone for 15 min. Lutron thermometer was used to measure the tissue temperature, and the data analysis were done by Lutron and MATLAB software packages.
Results
The tissue temperature was increased while confronting with a cell phone in distances of 4 mm and 4 cm in all the three thicknesses of 2, 12, and 22 mm. The tissue temperature was higher after removing the confrontation at 4 mm distance as compared to the distance of 4 cm.
Conclusions
During confrontation and after that with the cell phone, reducing the distance of brain tissue and the cell phone increased the tissue temperature intensely. In fact, by increasing the cell phone distance from brain tissue, the thermal effect of radiofrequency waves was reduced.
The use of mobile phones is increasing, and the main health concern is the possible deleterious effects of
radiation on brain functioning. The present study aimed to examine the effects of exposure to a global
system for mobile communication (GSM) with mobile phones on inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory performance as well as the involvement of endogenous opioids and nitric oxide (NO) in this task. Male
Wistar rats, 10–12 weeks old, were used. The results showed that four weeks of mobile phone exposure
impaired IA memory performance in rats. The results also revealed that post-training, but not pretraining, as well as pre-test intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of naloxone (0.4, 4 and 40 ng/rat),
dose-dependently recovered the impairment of IA memory performance induced by GSM radiation.
Additionally, the impairment of IA memory performance was completely recovered in the exposed
animals with post-training treatment of naloxone (40 ng/rat) plus pre-test i.c.v. injections of L-arginine
(100 and 200 nmol/rat). However, pre-test i.c.v. injections of L-NAME (10 and 20 nmol/rat), impaired
IA memory performance in the animals receiving post-training naloxone (40 ng/rat). In the animals
receiving post-training naloxone treatment, the impairment of IA memory performance due to pre-test
i.c.v. injections of L-NAME was recovered by the pre-test co-administration of L-arginine. It was concluded that the recovery from impairment of IA memory in GSM-exposed animals with post-training
naloxone treatment was the result of blockade of the opioidergic system in early memory consolidation
as well as activation of the nitrergic system in the retrieval phase of memory.
A total of 32 electrohypersensitivity (EHS) self‑reporting patients were serially included in the present prospective study for oxidative stress and antioxidative stress response assessment. All thiobarbituric acid‑reactive substances (TBARs) were measured in the plasma, particularly malondialdehyde (MDA) for lipid peroxidation; additional measurements included total thiol group molecules, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) for oxidative stress assessment and nitrotyrosine, a marker of peroxynitrite‑induced oxidative/nitrosative stress. In addition, the activity of Cu‑Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was measured in red blood cells (RBCs) and glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in RBCs and plasma. Depending of the biomarker considered, 30‑50% of EHS self‑reporting patients presented statistically significantly increased TBARs, MDA, GSSG and NTT mean plasmatic level values in comparison with normal values obtained in healthy controls (P<0.0001). By contrast, there were no plasmatic level values above the upper normal limits for GSH, GSH/GSSG ratio, total glutathione (GluT) and GSH/GluT ratio, and values for these GSH‑associated biomarkers were statistically significantly decreased in 20‑40% of the patients (P<0.0001). Furthermore, in RBCs, mean SOD1 and GPx activities were observed to be statistically significantly increased in ~60% and 19% (P<0.0001) of the patients, respectively, while increased GR activity in RBCs was observed in only 6% of the patients. The present study reports for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that overall ~80% of EHS self‑reporting patients present with one, two or three detectable oxidative stress biomarkers in their peripheral blood, meaning that these patients‑as is the case for cancer, Alzheimer's disease or other pathological conditions‑present with a true objective new pathological disorder.
Background
Today, using cellular phone and its harmful effects in human life is growing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the global system for mobile communication (GSM) 900 MHz cellular phone radiofrequency waves on growth, morphology, and proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells and Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF-7) cells within the specific distance and intensity.
Methods
MCF-7 and human adipose-derived stem cells (HADSCs) were exposed to GSM cellular phones 900 MHz frequency with intensity of 354.6 μW/cm² during different exposure times 6, 21, 51, and 101 min/day with an interval of 10 min for each subsequent radiation exposure for 3 and 5 days at 10 and 20 cm distances from antenna. 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and trypan blue test were used to determine the growth of cells and cell viability, respectively. Statistical analyses were carried out using three-way ANOVA. Differences were significant when P < 0.05.
Results
The proliferation rates of both MCF-7 and HADSCs cells in all exposure groups were significantly lower than controls (P < 0.05). There was a significant effect on the percentage of cell survival with increase the period of time from 3 to 5 days for MCF-7 (P < 0.01) and HADSCs (P = 0.02), respectively. Variations in distance had no significant effect on the percentage of cell survival (P = 0.35) on MCF-7 (P = 0.02) and HADSCs (P = 0.09) cells, respectively.
Conclusions
The results showed that radiation of GSM 900 MHz cellular phone may be reduced cell viability and proliferation rates of both cells. It is recommended to reduce exposure time, increase distance from antenna, and reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations to prevent its biological and harmful effects. Further studies with other intensities and frequencies on different cells are recommended.
Background
The widespread use of wireless devices during the last decades is raising concerns about adverse health effects of the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF‐EMR) emitted from these devices. Recent research is focusing on unraveling the underlying mechanisms of RF‐EMR and potential cellular targets. The “omics” high‐throughput approaches are powerful tools to investigate the global effects of RF‐EMR on cellular physiology.
Methods
In this work, C57BL/6 adult male mice were whole‐body exposed (nExp = 8) for 2 hr to GSM 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation at an average electric field intensity range of 4.3–17.5 V/m or sham‐exposed (nSE = 8), and the RF‐EMR effects on the hippocampal lipidome and transcriptome profiles were assessed 6 hr later.
Results
The data analysis of the phospholipid fatty acid residues revealed that the levels of four fatty acids [16:0, 16:1 (6c + 7c), 18:1 9c, eicosapentaenoic acid omega‐3 (EPA, 20:5 ω3)] and the two fatty acid sums of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (SFA and MUFA) were significantly altered (p < 0.05) in the exposed group. The observed changes indicate a membrane remodeling response of the tissue phospholipids after nonionizing radiation exposure, reducing SFA and EPA, while increasing MUFA residues. The microarray data analysis demonstrated that the expression of 178 genes changed significantly (p < 0.05) between the two groups, revealing an impact on genes involved in critical biological processes, such as cell cycle, DNA replication and repair, cell death, cell signaling, nervous system development and function, immune system response, lipid metabolism, and carcinogenesis.
Conclusions
This study provides preliminary evidence that mobile phone radiation induces hippocampal lipidome and transcriptome changes that may explain the brain proteome changes and memory deficits previously shown by our group.
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.
Introduction:
The increasing scientific evidence of various health hazards on exposure of Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR) emitted from both the cell phones and base stations have caused significant media attention and public discussion in recent years. The mechanism of interaction of RF fields with developing tissues of children and fetuses may be different from that of adults due to their smaller physical size and variation in tissue electromagnetic properties. The present study may provide an insight into the basic mechanisms by which RF fields interact with developing tissues in an embryo.
Aim:
To evaluate the possible tissue and DNA damage in developing liver of chick embryo following chronic exposure to Ultra-High Frequency/Radiofrequency Radiation (UHF/RFR) emitted from 2G and 3G cell phone.
Materials and methods:
Fertilized chick embryos were incubated in four groups. Group A-experimental group exposed to 2G radiation (60 eggs), Group B- experimental group exposed to 3G radiation (60 eggs), Group C- sham exposed control group (60 eggs) and Group D- control group (48 eggs). On completion of scheduled duration, the embryos were collected and processed for routine histological studies to check structural changes in liver. The nuclear diameter and karyorrhexis changes of hepatocytes were analysed using oculometer and square reticule respectively. The liver procured from one batch of eggs from all the four groups was subjected to alkaline comet assay technique to assess DNA damage. The results were compared using one-way ANOVA test.
Results:
In our study, the exposure of developing chick embryos to 2G and 3G cell phone radiations caused structural changes in liver in the form of dilated sinusoidal spaces with haemorrhage, increased vacuolations in cytoplasm, increased nuclear diameter and karyorrhexis and significantly increased DNA damage.
Conclusion:
The chronic exposure of chick embryo liver to RFR emitted from 2G and 3G cell phone resulted in various structural changes and DNA damage. The changes were more pronounced in 3G experimental group. Based on these findings it is necessary to create awareness among public about the possible ill effects of RFR exposure from cell phone.
Background: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by mobile phones during communication have harmful effects on different organs.
Objectives: It was aimed to investigate the effects of an EMF created by a mobile phone on serum iron level, ferritin, unsaturated iron binding capacity and total iron binding capacity within a rat experiment model.
Methods: A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into the control, sham, mobile phone speech (2h/day) and stand by (12 h/day) groups. The speech and stand by groups were subjected to the EMF for a total of 10 weeks.
Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the serum iron and ferritin values of the rats in the speech and stand by groups than the control and sham groups (p>0.05). The unsaturated iron binding capacity and total iron capacity values of the rats in the speech and stand by groups were significantly lower in comparison to the control group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: It was found that exposure to EMF created by mobile phones affected unsaturated iron binding capacity and total iron binding capacity negatively.
Keywords: cellular phone, electromagnetic fields, ferritin, serum iron
The use of digital technology has grown rapidly during the last couple of decades. During use, mobile phones and cordless phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation. No previous generation has been exposed during childhood and adolescence to this kind of radiation. The brain is the main target organ for RF emissions from the handheld wireless phone. An evaluation of the scientific evidence on the brain tumor risk was made in May 2011 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at World Health Organization. The scientific panel reached the conclusion that RF radiation from devices that emit nonionizing RF radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz-300 GHz is a Group 2B, that is, a "possible" human carcinogen. With respect to health implications of digital (wireless) technologies, it is of importance that neurological diseases, physiological addiction, cognition, sleep, and behavioral problems are considered in addition to cancer. Well-being needs to be carefully evaluated as an effect of changed behavior in children and adolescents through their interactions with modern digital technologies.
Objective. Bradford Hill’s viewpoints from 1965 on association or causation were used on glioma risk and use of mobile or cordless phones. Methods. All nine viewpoints were evaluated based on epidemiology and laboratory studies. Results. Strength: meta-analysis of case-control studies gave odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–2.76 with highest cumulative exposure. Consistency: the risk increased with latency, meta-analysis gave in the 10+ years’ latency group OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.20–2.19. Specificity: increased risk for glioma was in the temporal lobe. Using meningioma cases as comparison group still increased the risk. Temporality: highest risk was in the 20+ years’ latency group, OR = 2.01, 95% CI =1.41–2.88, for wireless phones. Biological gradient: cumulative use of wireless phones increased the risk. Plausibility: animal studies showed an increased incidence of glioma and malignant schwannoma in rats exposed to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. There is increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from RF radiation. Coherence: there is a change in the natural history of glioma and increasing incidence. Experiment: antioxidants reduced ROS production from RF radiation. Analogy: there is an increased risk in subjects exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Conclusion. RF radiation should be regarded as a human carcinogen causing glioma.
Exposure of Drosophila melanogaster young adult insects to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)/Radiation (EMR) emitted by an active GSM (Global System for Mobile telecommunications) mobile phone handset during a usual “talk” operation for a few minutes daily for 2–5 days, revealed an impressive decrease (up to 57%) in reproductive capacity (fecundity) (Panagopoulos et al. 2004). That effect directed us to focus our next studies on the effects of this type of EMF/EMR on the DNA and proteins of the insect’s reproductive cells (gametes). More specifically, we focused on the effects on the female ovarian cells. We used the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay, to detect fragmented DNA in the ovarian cells. Moreover, we used the Rhodamine-conjugated Phalloidin staining assay, to detect possible damage in the actin cytoskeleton of the ovarian cells. We found a high degree of DNA fragmentation in the nuclei of ovarian cells of the exposed insects (up to +55% compared to the sham-exposed insects) (Panagopoulos et al. 2007a). The DNA fragmentation was highly dependent on the intensity of radiation (distance from the handset) and was found to be maximum for intensities higher than 250 μW/cm2 (in close proximity with the handset) and within a “window” around 10 μW/cm2 (at 20–30 cm distance from the handset) (Panagopoulos et al. 2010). The DNA fragmentation in the nuclei of the exposed ovarian cells was found to be accompanied by actin cytoskeleton damage (Chavdoula et al. 2010). These effects caused a destruction of a significant percentage of egg chambers in the ovaries of the exposed females (Panagopoulos 2012a). New data (Panagopoulos et al. 2015a, b) suggest that the continuous and unpredictable variability of the mobile telephony signals, in combination with the fact that they are totally polarized (just like every type of man-made EMF), and the inclusion of Extremely Low Frequencies (ELF) - due to pulsing and modulation of the microwave carrier - in all modern mobile telecommunication microwave signals, constitute the main reasons for their intense bioactivity. A significant opposition is found between the results of experimental studies employing real exposures of biological samples from commercially available mobile phones, and the results of studies employing simulated exposures from generators or “test” phones as suggested by health authorities (Health Protection Agency 2012; IARC 2013). While experimental studies employing simulated EMF-emissions present a strong inconsistency among their results with nearly 50% of them reporting no effects, studies employing real-life emissions demonstrate an almost 100% consistency in showing adverse effects (Panagopoulos et al. 2015a). Finally, in the present chapter we show why polarized (man-made) EMFs are significantly more bioactive than natural (unpolarized) ones, and we describe the “Ion Forced-Oscillation Mechanism” for the action of polarized EMFs on biological systems.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between mobile phone use and glioma risk through pooling the published data.
Methods: By searching Medline, EMBSE, and CNKI databases, we screened the open published case–control or cohort studies about mobile phone use and glioma risk by systematic searching strategy. The pooled odds of mobile use in glioma patients versus healthy controls were calculated by meta-analysis method. The statistical analysis was done by Stata12.0 software (http://www.stata.com).
Results: After searching the Medline, EMBSE, and CNKI databases, we ultimately included 11 studies range from 2001 to 2008. For ≥1 year group, the data were pooled by random effects model. The combined data showed that there was no association between mobile phone use and glioma odds ratio (OR) =1.08 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–1.25,P > 0.05). However, a significant association was found between mobile phone use more than 5 years and glioma risk OR = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.09–1.62, P < 0.05). The publication bias of this study was evaluated by funnel plot and line regression test. The funnel plot and line regression test (t = 0.25,P = 0.81) did not indicate any publication bias.
Conclusion: Long-term mobile phone use may increase the risk of developing glioma according to this meta-analysis.
In this study, we investigated the transcriptional response to 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and 2.0 GHz radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure by Illumina sequencing technology using budding yeast as the model organism. The transcription levels of 28 genes were upregulated and those of four genes were downregulated under ELF-EMF exposure, while the transcription levels of 29 genes were upregulated and those of 24 genes were downregulated under RF-EMF exposure. After validation by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), a concordant direction of change both in differential gene expression (DGE) and RT-qPCR was demonstrated for nine genes under ELF-EMF exposure and for 10 genes under RF-EMF exposure. The RT-qPCR results revealed that ELF-EMF and RF-EMF exposure can upregulate the expression of genes involved in glucose transportation and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, but not the glycolysis pathway. Energy metabolism is closely related with the cell response to environmental stress including EMF exposure. Our findings may throw light on the mechanism underlying the biological effects of EMF.
Introduction: Micronucleus (MN) is considered to be a reliable
marker for genotoxic damage and it determines the presence
and the extent of the chromosomal damage. The MN is formed
due to DNA damage or chromosomal disarrangements. The MN
has a close association with cancer incidences. In the new era,
mobile phones are constantly gaining popularity specifically
in the young generation, but this device uses radiofrequency
radiation that may have a possible carcinogenic effect. The
available reports related to the carcinogenic effect of mobile
radiation on oral mucosa are contradictory.
Aim: To explore the effects of mobile phone radiation on the MN
frequency in oral mucosal cells.
Materials and Methods: The subjects were divided into two
major groups: low mobile phone users and high mobile phone
users. Subjects who used their mobile phone since less than
five years and less than three hours a week comprised of the
first group and those who used their mobile since more than five
years and more than 10 hours a week comprised of the second
group. Net surfing and text messaging was not considered in
this study. Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected from
both the groups and the cells were stained with DNA-specific
stain acridine orange. Thousand exfoliated buccal mucosal cells
were screened and the cells which were positive for micronuclei
were counted. The micronucleus frequency was represented as
mean±SD, and unpaired Student t-test was used for intergroup
comparisons.
Results: The number of micronucleated cells/ 1000 exfoliated
buccal mucosal cells was found to be significantly increased in
high mobile phone users group than the low mobile phone users
group. The use of mobile phone with the associated complaint
of warmth around the ear showed a maximum increase in
the number of micronucleated cells /1000 exfoliated buccal
mucosal cells.
Conclusion: Mobile phone radiation even in the permissible
range when used for longer duration causes significant
genotoxicity. The genotoxicity can be avoided to some extent
by the regular use of headphones.
Purpose To study the effect of pulsed electric field – applied in corona discharge photography – on Drosophila melanogaster reproduction, possible induction of DNA fragmentation, and morphological alterations in the gonads.
Materials and methods Animals were exposed to different field intensities (100, 200, 300, and 400 kV/m) during the first 2–5 days of their adult lives, and the effect on reproductive capacity was assessed. DNA fragmentation during early- and mid-oogenesis was investigated by application of the TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay. Sections of follicles after fixation and embedding in resins were observed for possible morphological/developmental abnormalities.
Results The field increased reproduction by up to 30% by increasing reproductive capacity in both sexes. The effect increased with increasing field intensities. The rate of increase diminished at the strongest intensities. Slight induction of DNA fragmentation was observed exclusively in the nurse (predominantly) and follicle cells, and exclusively at the two most sensitive developmental stages, i.e., germarium and predominantly stage 7–8. Sections of follicles from exposed females at stages of early and mid-oogennesis other than germarium and stages 7–8 did not reveal abnormalities.
Conclusions (1) The specific type of electric field may represent a mild stress factor, inducing DNA fragmentation and cell death in a small percentage of gametes, triggering the reaction of the animal’s reproductive system to increase the rate of gametogenesis in order to compensate the loss of a small number of gametes. (2) The nurse cells are the most sensitive from all three types of egg chamber cells. (3) The mid-oogenesis checkpoint (stage 7–8) is more sensitive to this field than the early oogenesis one (germarium) in contrast to microwave exposure. (4) Possible therapeutic applications, or applications in increasing fertility, should be investigated.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.
In the present study we analyze the role of polarization in the biological activity of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)/Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR). All types of man-made EMFs/EMR - in contrast to natural EMFs/EMR - are polarized. Polarized EMFs/EMR can have increased biological activity, due to: 1) Ability to produce constructive interference effects and amplify their intensities at many locations. 2) Ability to force all charged/polar molecules and especially free ions within and around all living cells to oscillate on parallel planes and in phase with the applied polarized field. Such ionic forced-oscillations exert additive electrostatic forces on the sensors of cell membrane electro-sensitive ion channels, resulting in their irregular gating and consequent disruption of the cell's electrochemical balance. These features render man-made EMFs/EMR more bioactive than natural non-ionizing EMFs/EMR. This explains the increasing number of biological effects discovered during the past few decades to be induced by man-made EMFs, in contrast to natural EMFs in the terrestrial environment which have always been present throughout evolution, although human exposure to the latter ones is normally of significantly higher intensities/energy and longer durations. Thus, polarization seems to be a trigger that significantly increases the probability for the initiation of biological/health effects.
We examined whether exposures to mobile phone radiation in biological/clinical experiments should be performed with real-life Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) emitted by commercially available mobile phone handsets, instead of simulated EMFs emitted by generators or test phones. Real mobile phone emissions are constantly and unpredictably varying and thus are very different from simulated emissions which employ fixed parameters and no variability. This variability is an important parameter that makes real emissions more bioactive. Living organisms seem to have decreased defense against environmental stressors of high variability. While experimental studies employing simulated EMF-emissions present a strong inconsistency among their results with less than 50% of them reporting effects, studies employing real mobile phone exposures demonstrate an almost 100% consistency in showing adverse effects. This consistency is in agreement with studies showing association with brain tumors, symptoms of unwellness, and declines in animal populations. Average dosimetry in studies with real emissions can be reliable with increased number of field measurements, and variation in experimental outcomes due to exposure variability becomes less significant with increased number of experimental replications. We conclude that, in order for experimental findings to reflect reality, it is crucially important that exposures be performed by commercially available mobile phone handsets.
Mathematical models can be useful tools in exploring population disease trends over time and can be used to gain insight into the fundamental mechanisms of cancer development. In this paper, we provide a systematic comparison between the exact and the approximate solutions for estimating the length of time between the biological initiation of cancer and diagnosis through the development of a Weibull-like survival model. A total of 1,608,484 malignant primary cancers were used in the analysis using cancer incidence data obtained from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. We find that the approximate solution provides a reliable comparison of the latency periods for different types of cancer and has no significant effect on the estimation accuracy, which differs from the exact solution by 0% to 11.3%. Thirty-five of the 44 cancers in this analysis were found to progress silently for 10 years or longer prior to detection representing 89% of the patients in this analysis. The results of this analysis differentiate cancer types that progress undetected over a period of years to identify new opportunities for early detection which increases the likelihood of successful treatment and alleviates the ever-growing cancer burden.
Introduction
The impact of electromagnetic fields on health is of increasing scientific interest. The aim of this study was to examine how the Drosophila melanogaster animal model is affected when exposed to portable or mobile phone fields.
Methods/Results
Two experiments have been designed and performed in the same laboratory conditions. Insect cultures were exposed to the near field of a 2G mobile phone (the GSM 2G networks support and complement in parallel the 3G wide band or in other words the transmission of information via voice signals is served by the 2G technology in both mobile phones generations) and a 1880 MHz cordless phone both digitally modulated by human voice. Comparison with advanced statistics of the egg laying of the second generation exposed and non-exposed cultures showed limited statistical significance for the cordless phone exposed culture and statistical significance for the 900 MHz exposed insects. We calculated by physics, simulated and illustrated in three dimensional figures the calculated near fields of radiation inside the experimenting vials and their difference. Comparison of the power of the two fields showed that the difference between them becomes null when the experimental cylinder radius and the height of the antenna increase.
Conclusions/Significance
Our results suggest a possible radiofrequency sensitivity difference in insects which may be due to the distance from the antenna or to unexplored intimate factors. Comparing the near fields of the two frequencies bands, we see similar not identical geometry in length and height from the antenna and that lower frequencies tend to drive to increased radiofrequency effects.
Previous studies have shown a consistent association between long-term use of mobile and cordless phones and glioma and acoustic neuroma, but not for meningioma. When used these phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and the brain is the main target organ for the handheld phone. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified in May, 2011 RF-EMF as a group 2B, i.e. a 'possible' human carcinogen. The aim of this study was to further explore the relationship between especially long-term (>10 years) use of wireless phones and the development of malignant brain tumours. We conducted a new case-control study of brain tumour cases of both genders aged 18-75 years and diagnosed during 2007-2009. One population-based control matched on gender and age (within 5 years) was used to each case. Here, we report on malignant cases including all available controls. Exposures on e.g. use of mobile phones and cordless phones were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, gender, year of diagnosis and socio-economic index using the whole control sample. Of the cases with a malignant brain tumour, 87% (n=593) participated, and 85% (n=1,368) of controls in the whole study answered the questionnaire. The odds ratio (OR) for mobile phone use of the analogue type was 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04‑3.3, increasing with >25 years of latency (time since first exposure) to an OR=3.3, 95% CI=1.6-6.9. Digital 2G mobile phone use rendered an OR=1.6, 95% CI=0.996-2.7, increasing with latency >15-20 years to an OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.2-3.6. The results for cordless phone use were OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.9, and, for latency of 15-20 years, the OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.2-3.8. Few participants had used a cordless phone for >20-25 years. Digital type of wireless phones (2G and 3G mobile phones, cordless phones) gave increased risk with latency >1-5 years, then a lower risk in the following latency groups, but again increasing risk with latency >15-20 years. Ipsilateral use resulted in a higher risk than contralateral mobile and cordless phone use. Higher ORs were calculated for tumours in the temporal and overlapping lobes. Using the meningioma cases in the same study as reference entity gave somewhat higher ORs indicating that the results were unlikely to be explained by recall or observational bias. This study confirmed previous results of an association between mobile and cordless phone use and malignant brain tumours. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that RF-EMFs play a role both in the initiation and promotion stages of carcinogenesis.
We previously conducted a case-control study of acoustic neuroma. Subjects of both genders aged 20-80 years, diagnosed during 1997-2003 in parts of Sweden, were included, and the results were published. We have since made a further study for the time period 2007-2009 including both men and women aged 18-75 years selected from throughout the country. These new results for acoustic neuroma have not been published to date. Similar methods were used for both study periods. In each, one population-based control, matched on gender and age (within five years), was identified from the Swedish Population Registry. Exposures were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire supplemented by a phone interview. Since the number of acoustic neuroma cases in the new study was low we now present pooled results from both study periods based on 316 participating cases and 3,530 controls. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, gender, year of diagnosis and socio-economic index (SEI). Use of mobile phones of the analogue type gave odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0-4.3, increasing with >20 years latency (time since first exposure) to OR = 7.7, 95% CI = 2.8-21. Digital 2G mobile phone use gave OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1, increasing with latency >15 years to an OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.8-4.2. The results for cordless phone use were OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1, and, for latency of >20 years, OR = 6.5, 95% CI = 1.7-26. Digital type wireless phones (2G and 3G mobile phones and cordless phones) gave OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.0 increasing to OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 2.0-32 with latency >20 years. For total wireless phone use, the highest risk was calculated for the longest latency time >20 years: OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 2.2-9.0. Several of the calculations in the long latency category were based on low numbers of exposed cases. Ipsilateral use resulted in a higher risk than contralateral for both mobile and cordless phones. OR increased per 100 h cumulative use and per year of latency for mobile phones and cordless phones, though the increase was not statistically significant for cordless phones. The percentage tumour volume increased per year of latency and per 100 h of cumulative use, statistically significant for analogue phones. This study confirmed previous results demonstrating an association between mobile and cordless phone use and acoustic neuroma.
The direct targets of extremely low and microwave frequency range electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in producing non-thermal effects have not been clearly established. However, studies in the literature, reviewed here, provide substantial support for such direct targets. Twenty-three studies have shown that voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) produce these and other EMF effects, such that the L-type or other VGCC blockers block or greatly lower diverse EMF effects. Furthermore, the voltage-gated properties of these channels may provide biophysically plausible mechanisms for EMF biological effects. Downstream responses of such EMF exposures may be mediated through Ca(2+) /calmodulin stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Potentially, physiological/therapeutic responses may be largely as a result of nitric oxide-cGMP-protein kinase G pathway stimulation. A well-studied example of such an apparent therapeutic response, EMF stimulation of bone growth, appears to work along this pathway. However, pathophysiological responses to EMFs may be as a result of nitric oxide-peroxynitrite-oxidative stress pathway of action. A single such well-documented example, EMF induction of DNA single-strand breaks in cells, as measured by alkaline comet assays, is reviewed here. Such single-strand breaks are known to be produced through the action of this pathway. Data on the mechanism of EMF induction of such breaks are limited; what data are available support this proposed mechanism. Other Ca(2+) -mediated regulatory changes, independent of nitric oxide, may also have roles. This article reviews, then, a substantially supported set of targets, VGCCs, whose stimulation produces non-thermal EMF responses by humans/higher animals with downstream effects involving Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide increases, which may explain therapeutic and pathophysiological effects.
In the present experiments, the effect of 50-Hz alternating magnetic field on Drosophila melanogaster reproduction was studied. Newly eclosed insects were separated into identical groups of ten males and ten females and exposed to three different intensities of the ELF magnetic field (1, 11, and 21 G) continuously during the first 5 days of their adult lives. The reproductive capacity was assessed by the number of F1 pupae according to a well-defined protocol of ours. The magnetic field was found to decrease reproduction by up to 4.3 %. The effect increased with increasing field intensities. The decline in reproductive capacity was found to be due to severe DNA damage (DNA fragmentation) and consequent cell death induction in the reproductive cells as determined by the TUNEL assay applied during early and mid-oogenesis (from germarium to stage 10) where physiological apoptosis does not occur. The increase in DNA damage was more significant than the corresponding decrease in reproductive capacity (up to ~7.5 %). The TUNEL-positive signal denoting DNA fragmentation was observed exclusively at the two most sensitive developmental stages of oogenesis: the early and mid-oogenesis checkpoints (i.e. region 2a/2b of the germarium and stages 7-8 just before the onset of vitellogenesis)-in contrast to exposure to microwave radiation of earlier work of ours in which the DNA fragmentation was induced at all developmental stages of early and mid-oogenesis. Moreover, the TUNEL-positive signal was observed in all three types of egg chamber cells, mainly in the nurse and follicle cells and also in the oocyte, in agreement with the microwave exposure of our earlier works. According to previous reports, cell death induction in the oocyte was observed only in the case of microwave exposure and not after exposure to other stress factors as toxic chemicals or food deprivation. Now it is also observed for the first time after ELF magnetic field exposure. Finally, in contrast to microwave exposure of previous experiments of ours in which the germarium checkpoint was found to be more sensitive than stage 7-8, in the magnetic field exposure of the present experiments the mid-oogenesis checkpoint was found to be more sensitive than the germarium.
The aim of our study is to evaluate the possible biological effects of whole-body 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure on liver oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation levels in nonpregnant, pregnant New Zealand White rabbits, and in their newly borns. Eighteen nonpregnant and pregnant rabbits were used and randomly divided into four groups which were composed of nine rabbits: (i) Group I (nonpregnant control), (ii) Group II (nonpregnant-RF exposed), (iii) Group III (pregnant control), (iv) Group IV (pregnant-RF exposed). Newborns of the pregnant rabbits were also divided into two groups: (v) Group V (newborns of Group III) and (vi) Group VI (newborns of Group III). 1800 MHz GSM-like RF radiation whole-body exposure (15 min/day for a week) was applied to Group II and Group IV. No significant differences were found in liver 8 OHdG/10(6) dG levels of exposure groups (Group II and Group IV) compared to controls (Group I and Group III). However, in Group II and Group IV malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferrous oxidation in xylenol orange (FOX) levels were increased compared to Group I (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney). No significant differences were found in liver tissue of 8 OHdG/10(6) dG and MDA levels between Group VI and Group V (P > 0.05, Mann-Whitney) while liver FOX levels were found significantly increased in Group VI with respect to Group V (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney). Consequently, the whole-body 1800 MHz GSM-like RF radiation exposure may lead to oxidative destruction as being indicators of subsequent reactions that occur to form oxygen toxicity in tissues.
Mobile phones can be found almost everywhere across the globe, upholding a direct point-to-point connection between the device and the broadcast tower. The emission of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) puts the surrounding environment inevitably into contact with this radiation. We have therefore exposed honey bee queen larvae to the radiation of a common mobile phone device (GSM band at 900 MHz) during all stages of their pre-adult development including pupation. After 14 days of exposure, hatching of adult queens was assessed and mating success after further 11 days, respectively. Moreover, full colonies were established of five of the untreated and four of the treated queens to contrast population dynamics. We found that mobile phone radiation had significantly reduced the hatching ratio but not the mating success. If treated queens had successfully mated, colony development was not adversely affected. We provide evidence that mobile phone radiation may alter pupal development, once succeeded this point, no further impairment has manifested in adulthood. Our results are discussed against the background of long-lasting consequences for colony performance and the possible implication on periodic colony losses.
Background: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by mobile phones during communication have harmful effects on different organs.
Objectives: To explore the effects of exposure to EMF of mobile phones for different durations on hematological parameters and serum hepcidin in male albino rats.
Methods: Three groups of eight rats: Sham group: rats were exposed to a mobile phone while it was switched off, Experimental group I: rats were exposed to microwave radiation from a mobile phone at 9 am for 30 min. Experimental group II: rats were exposed to microwave radiations from a mobile phone at 9 am for an hour. In all groups, the exposure was conducted daily for a total period of 5 months, followed by estimation of serum hepcidin, total leukocyte count (TLC), interleukin 6 (IL6), serum iron, serum ferritin, plasma hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol levels.
Results: In Experimental group II, there was a significant increase in serum hepcidin, TLC, IL6 and serum ferritin; however, serum iron, TIBC, UIBC, 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, plasma Hb, Hct, MCV and MCH were significantly lower in comparison to sham-exposed group. In Experimental group I, there was a significant increase in serum hepcidin, IL6 and TLC, along with non-significant changes in the remaining studied parameters in comparison to the sham-exposed group. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to EMF from mobile phones increases hepcidin level with subsequent impairment of iron parameters, in addition to negatively affecting both UIBC and TIBC.
The purpose of this study is to investigate foetal impact of radiofrequencies (RFs) emitted from mobile phones in postnatal cord blood. The study carried on 149 pregnant women divided into four groups such as nonusers of mobile phone (n: 37; control group), 2-15 min/d (n: 39; group 1), 15-60 min/d (n: 37; group 2) and participants using mobile phone for more than 60 min/d (n: 36; group 3). Cord blood of the infants was taken in all groups for biochemical analyses immediately after birth. The results of the study showed that the biggest foetal impact was observed in the third study group which was pregnant exposed RFRs (RF radiation) more than 1 h/d (1 hour per day). AST (aspartat aminotransferaz), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CK (creatine kinase), CK-MB (creatine kinase-miyocardial band), CRP (c-reactive protein), PCT (procalcitonin), TnT (troponin T), uric acid and lactate levels of third group were found higher than the other groups (p < 0.001). However, Mean platelet volume values of third group were found lower than the other groups (p < 0.001). Finally, this is the first human study which was performed on pregnant and infants because there is no previous work in this area. However, the results of this study revealed that long-term RFR exposure of pregnant may result in some biochemical changes in the infants. Therefore, our suggestion to pregnant is to avoid from RFR exposure emitted from mobile phones at least during pregnancy.
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.
Background:
In 2011, IARC classified radiofrequency radiation (RFR) as possible human carcinogen (Group 2B). According to IARC, animals studies, as well as epidemiological ones, showed limited evidence of carcinogenicity. In 2016, the NTP published the first results of its long-term bioassays on near field RFR, reporting increased incidence of malignant glial tumors of the brain and heart Schwannoma in rats exposed to GSM - and CDMA - modulated cell phone RFR. The tumors observed in the NTP study are of the type similar to the ones observed in some epidemiological studies of cell phone users.
Objectives:
The Ramazzini Institute (RI) performed a life-span carcinogenic study on Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate the carcinogenic effects of RFR in the situation of far field, reproducing the environmental exposure to RFR generated by 1.8 GHz GSM antenna of the radio base stations of mobile phone. This is the largest long-term study ever performed in rats on the health effects of RFR, including 2448 animals. In this article, we reported the final results regarding brain and heart tumors.
Methods:
Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed from prenatal life until natural death to a 1.8 GHz GSM far field of 0, 5, 25, 50 V/m with a whole-body exposure for 19 h/day.
Results:
A statistically significant increase in the incidence of heart Schwannomas was observed in treated male rats at the highest dose (50 V/m). Furthermore, an increase in the incidence of heart Schwann cells hyperplasia was observed in treated male and female rats at the highest dose (50 V/m), although this was not statistically significant. An increase in the incidence of malignant glial tumors was observed in treated female rats at the highest dose (50 V/m), although not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
The RI findings on far field exposure to RFR are consistent with and reinforce the results of the NTP study on near field exposure, as both reported an increase in the incidence of tumors of the brain and heart in RFR-exposed Sprague-Dawley rats. These tumors are of the same histotype of those observed in some epidemiological studies on cell phone users. These experimental studies provide sufficient evidence to call for the re-evaluation of IARC conclusions regarding the carcinogenic potential of RFR in humans.
Introduction:
Concerns about the possible adverse health effects of mobile phones (MP) have increased along with the expansion of their use. A number of research papers have tried to address this issue. Although many investigations concluded that MP use does have negative consequences, in terms of cognitive function of the human brain, the results so far have been divisive. A number of studies reported impairment of cognitive function after exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic field (MP EMF), while others observed no effect or improved performance. The variance in the results may be attributed to methodological issues. The present article focuses on possible effects of MP use on cognitive function and more specifically on working memory processes. An emphasis is placed in the lack of a validated tool, a cognitive task, that can produce MP EMF effects on human cognition in a repeatable fashion.
Methods:
Sixty four (64) healthy participants as well as 20 with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) were the experimental group, while 36 healthy individuals were the control group. A computerized list of 10 words was presented and the participants were asked to reproduce it. The words were presented very briefly in order to increase the difficulty and hence the sensitivity of the task. Three measurements were taken for the experimental group: a) before using the MP, b) immediately after using the MP for a duration of 5 minutes, c) 5 minutes after the second measurement with no usage of the MP in between. Three measurements of the memory task were also taken for the control group in the same time intervals with no usage of a MP. The effect of age and gender in the performance of the task was taken into account.
Results:
Healthy participants of the experimental group performed worst in the memory task after using the MP. While the third measurement (5 minutes after the 2nd measurement) was better than the second (after using the MP), but worse than the first (before using the MP). In contrast for the control group the second measurement was better than the first and the third even better than both previous ones. All differences were statistically significant. The reduction of the performance in the task after using the MP was even higher for the age group of 60-80 years old in comparison with younger age groups, as well as for the individuals with MCI in comparison to healthy participants. Age was significantly negative correlated with performance in the task, while gender showed no significant correlation.
Conclusion:
MP use has a significant negative impact on working memory performance of human participants. The effect is apparent even for a 5 minute use of the MP. Working memory deficits are greater not only for the 60 years old and above participants but also for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment. These results are in agreement with previous studies on animals as well as humans on the effects of MP use on the brain. It is argued that low sensitivity of some of the cognitive tasks used until now and the lack of a validated tool in the form of a cognitive task may account for some of the variability in the literature so far. It is suggested that the experimental paradigm that was used in this study for an increased sensitivity measurement of cognitive function and working memory processes in particular may be used for the display of the effects of MP use on cognitive function and for the development of other tasks sensitive to it. Overall, it is concluded that the development of certain restrictions on MP use is necessary for the protection of the brain health of the users.
Objectives:
To determine the effects of Egb761 on testicular tissues and semen parameters in rats exposed to cellphone waves.
Background:
EGb761 has antioxidant properties as a free-radical scavenger. Cellphone electromagnetic radiation (EMR) induces oxidative stress in cells.
Methods:
Twenty-one Wistar albino male adult rats were divided into three groups (control, experimental, treatment), including seven rats in each. The experimental and treatment groups were exposed to cellphone EMR (0.96 W/kg) for six weeks (4 hrs/day). Egb761 (100 mg/kg/day) was also added to the treatment. Testes, epididymal semen and blood plasma were used for analysis.
Results:
Exposure to cellular phone radiation resulted in a significant impairment in testicular morphometry and histological structure, reduction of total and motile sperm numbers and plasma testosterone level. Egb761 administration improved testicular damage and led to a marked increase in plasma testosterone levels and total and motile sperm numbers.
Conclusion:
Male reproductive system is susceptible to cellphone radiation. Cellphone waves induce toxic effects in testicular tissues, impair spermatogenesis and cause an imbalance in testosterone hormone levels. Egb761 ameliorated these toxic effects by reversing testicular tissue damage, restoring normal spermatogenesis and hormone levels. This suggests that Egb761 is a potential therapeutic agent against EMR-induced male reproductive toxicity (Tab. 3, Fig. 6, Ref. 45).
Background:
The objective of this study was to evaluate if there is a combined effect of varicocele and cell phone storage in trousers pockets on semen and hormonal parameters.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 468 men attending an infertility clinic from 1993-2007 was performed. Varicoceles were determined by clinical examination and patients were questioned on cell phone usage and storage fashion. Semen samples were analyzed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 1999. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were assessed.
Results:
There was a significant effect of cell phone storage in trousers pockets and varicocele in multivariate analysis (both p < 0.001). Varicocele showed an effect on sperm concentration (p = 0.003), LH (p = 0.014) and testosterone (p = 0.003). Compared to grade 1, grade 2 varicoceles showed a difference in sperm concentration (p = 0.004). Regarding testosterone differences were shown for grade 3 versus grade 1 (p = 0.002) and grade 3 compared to grade 2 (p = 0.003). Cell phone storage in trousers pockets showed an influence on the percentage of normal sperm morphology and LH (both p < 0.001). Varicocele and cell phone storage in trousers pockets did not show a combined effect (p = 0.76).
Conclusions:
This analysis showed an inverse relation between sperm concentration and degree of varicocele, with lower concentrations in higher grade varicoceles. Testosterone was significantly higher in higher grade varicoceles, which could reflect a compensatory mechanism to the impaired testicular function. Cell phone storage in trousers pockets showed an effect on LH and sperm morphology. A combined effect of varicocele and cell phone storage in trousers pockets was not detected.
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are classified as “possibly carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Some publications have reported associations between EMF exposure and DNA damage, but many other studies contradict such findings. Cytomorphological changes, such as micronuclei (MN), indicative of genomic damage, are biomarkers of genotoxicity. To test whether mobile phone-associated EMF exposure affects the MN frequency in exfoliated buccal cells, we obtained cells smears from the left and right inner cheeks of healthy mobile phone users, aged 18–30 (n = 86), who also completed a characterization survey. MN frequencies were tested for potential confounding factors and for duration phone use and preferential side of mobile phone use.
Present study investigated the long-term effects of mobile phone (1800 MHz) radiation in stand-by, dialing and receiving modes on the female reproductive function (ovarian and uterine histo-architecture, and steroidogenesis) and stress responses (oxidative and nitrosative stress). We observed that mobile phone radiation induces significant elevation in ROS, NO, lipid peroxidation, total carbonyl content and serum corticosterone coupled with significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes in hypothalamus, ovary and uterus of mice. Compared to control group, exposed mice exhibited reduced number of developing and mature follicles as well as corpus lutea. Significantly decreased serum levels of pituitary gonadotrophins (LH, FSH), sex steroids (E2 and P4) and expression of SF-1, StAR, P-450scc, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, cytochrome P-450 aromatase, ER-α and ER-β were observed in all the exposed groups of mice, compared to control. These findings suggest that mobile phone radiation induces oxidative and nitrosative stress, which affects the reproductive performance of female mice.
We undertook a re-analysis of the Canadian data from the thirteen-country INTERPHONE case-control study (2001-2004), which evaluated the association between mobile phone use and risk of brain, acoustic neuroma, and parotid gland tumors. The main publication of the multinational INTERPHONE study concluded that "biases and errors prevent a causal interpretation". We applied a probabilistic multiple-bias model to address possible biases simultaneously, using validation data from billing records and non-participant questionnaires as information on recall error and selective participation. Our modelling sought to adjust for these sources of uncertainty and to facilitate interpretation. For glioma, the odds ratio comparing highest quartile of use (over 558 lifetime hours) to non-regular users was 2.0 (95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.4). The odds ratio was 2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.3, 4.1) when adjusted for selection and recall biases. There was little evidence of an increase in the risk of meningioma, acoustic neuroma, or parotid gland tumors in relation to mobile phone use. Adjustments for selection and recall biases did not materially affect interpretation in our Canadian results.
The effects of nonionizing electromagnetic radiations on biological system is a vexed issue. Despite the fact that a large number of publications have appeared on the subject, the issue is far from settled. In the present work the data showing a distinct possibility in the mechanism of EMF
biointeraction leading to DNA
strand break is presented. This may have effects on physiology of humans, besides causing genetic damage. A confirmation to this lies in adopting safety criteria by various countries including India. However a quantitative picture still remains to be drawn. In support of this experimental data are summarized to take a holistic view.
Ketamine-anesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed individually to far-field 2.8 GHz continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (2 l.is, 500 pps) radio-frequency radiation (RFR) at average power densities of 30, 45, and 60 mWIcmz [specific absorption rates (SAR) of 8.4, 12.6, and 16.8 W Ikg, respectively] and to pulsed RFR at 75 mWIcrte (SAR = 21 WI kg). Intermittent exposures were conducted to repeatedly increase colonic temperature from 38.5 to 39.5°C. Colonic, tympanic, and subcutaneous temperatures, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, and arterial blood pressure were continuously monitored and recorded.
The time required to effect a 1°C colonic temperature increase varied inversely with the average power density used during exposure; however, the rate of cooling was independent of the heating rate. During pulsed irradiation, heart rate increased significantly at average power densities above 30 mW ; heart rate increase during CW exposure was not significant. Heart rate returned to baseline when exposure was discontinued. Blood pressure and respiratory rate did not significantly change durirg irradiation.
Pulsed RFR exposure caused a significantly greater increase in subcutaneous and tympanic temperatures than did CW exposure; however, no significant difference was noted between the effects of CW or pulsedRFR upon the rats’ colonic temperature responses (hewing and cooling time), heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
The use of mobile phone related technologies will continue to increase in the foreseeable future worldwide. This has drawn attention to the probable interaction of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation with different biological targets. Studies have been conducted on various organisms to evaluate the alleged ill-effect on health. We have therefore attempted to review those work limited to in vitro cultured cells where irradiation conditions were well controlled. Different investigators have studied varied endpoints like DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, cellular morphology and viability to weigh the genotoxic effect of such radiation by utilizing different frequencies and dose rates under various irradiation conditions that include continuous or pulsed exposures and also amplitude- or frequency-modulated waves. Cells adapt to change in their intra and extracellular environment from different chemical and physical stimuli through organized alterations in gene or protein expression that result in the induction of stress responses. Many studies have focused on such effects for risk estimations. Though the effects of microwave radiation on cells are often not pronounced, some investigators have therefore combined radiofrequency radiation with other physical or chemical agents to observe whether the effects of such agents were augmented or not. Such reports in cultured cellular systems have also included in this review. The findings from different workers have revealed that, effects were dependent on cell type and the endpoint selection. However, contradictory findings were also observed in same cell types with same assay, in such cases the specific absorption rate (SAR) values were significant.
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have been considered to be possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, their genotoxic effects remain controversial. To make experiments controllable and results comparable, we standardized exposure conditions and explored the potential genotoxicity of 50 Hz ELF-EMF and 1800 MHz RF-EMF. A mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cell line was intermittently (5 min on and 10 min off) exposed to 50 Hz ELF-EMF at an intensity of 1, 2 or 3 mT or to RF-EMF in GSM-Talk mode at the specific absorption rates (SAR) of 1, 2 or 4 W/kg. After exposure for 24 h, we found that neither ELF-EMF nor RF-EMF affected cell viability using Cell Counting Kit-8. Through the use of an alkaline comet assay and immunofluorescence against γ-H2AX foci, we found that ELF-EMF exposure resulted in a significant increase of DNA strand breaks at 3 mT, whereas RF-EMF exposure had insufficient energy to induce such effects. Using a formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG)-modified alkaline comet assay, we observed that RF-EMF exposure significantly induced oxidative DNA base damage at a SAR value of 4 W/kg, whereas ELF-EMF exposure did not. Our results suggest that both ELF-EMF and RF-EMF under the same experimental conditions may produce genotoxicity at relative high intensities, but they create different patterns of DNA damage. Therefore, the potential mechanisms underlying the genotoxicity of different frequency electromagnetic fields may be different.
Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a key role in developmental biology and in maintenance of the steady state in continuously renewing tissues. Currently, its existence is inferred mainly from gel electrophoresis of a pooled DNA extract as PCD was shown to be associated with DNA fragmentation. Based on this observation, we describe here the development of a method for the in situ visualization of PCD at the single-cell level, while preserving tissue architecture. Conventional histological sections, pretreated with protease, were nick end labeled with biotinylated poly dU, introduced by terminal deoxy-transferase, and then stained using avidin-conjugated peroxidase. The reaction is specific, only nuclei located at positions where PCD is expected are stained. The initial screening includes: small and large intestine, epidermis, lymphoid tissues, ovary, and other organs. A detailed analysis revealed that the process is initiated at the nuclear periphery, it is relatively short (1-3 h from initiation to cell elimination) and that PCD appears in tissues in clusters. The extent of tissue-PCD revealed by this method is considerably greater than apoptosis detected by nuclear morphology, and thus opens the way for a variety of studies.
This large cross-sectional, multi-center study evaluated the association of body composition measurements by a novel dual frequency bio-impedance device (BIA-ACC) with chronic stress/inflammation biomarkers and presence of Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS).
Participants were adult Caucasians of both sexes and included 10416 lean subjects with no MUS (Group A), 58710 lean subjects with MUS (Group B) and 30445 overweight/obese subjects with no MUS and excessive Fat Mass (FM) (Group C).
Total body extracellular water (ECW) was lower, while intracellular water (ICW) was greater in Group A than both other groups (p<0.01). Group A had significantly lower FM and higher skeletal mass (SK) and phase angle (PA) than Group B and lower circulating high sensitivity (hs)CRP levels than both other groups. hsCRP was higher in Group C than Group A (p<0.01). Salivary cortisol in Group A was higher in the morning and lower in the evening than both other groups (p<0.001), indicating circadian rhythm obliteration or reversal. ECW correlated positively with hsCRP and 8pm cortisol, but negatively with 8am cortisol and PA, while PA correlated positively with 8am and negatively with 8pm cortisol, 8 am hsCRP and 8 am and 8 pm salivary cortisol correlated to presence of MUS and BIA-ACC measurements, including ECW, ICW, FM, SK and PA.
MUS is an index of chronic stress and inflammation and BIA-ACC may provide a useful, bloodless and rapid tool in the clinical setting, distinguishing patients with chronic stress/inflammation from healthy subjects and monitoring their response to treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
WCDMA in Third Generation Systems Air Interfaces and Spectrum Allocations for Third Generation Systems Schedule for Third Generation Systems Differences between WCDMA and Second Generation Air Interfaces Core Networks and Services References
Purpose:
To evaluate whether exposure to mobile phone radiation (MPR) can induce DNA damage in male germ cells.
Materials and methods:
A mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cell line was exposed to a commercial mobile phone handset once every 20 min in standby, listen, dialed or dialing modes for 24 h. DNA damage was determined using an alkaline comet assay.
Results:
The levels of DNA damage were significantly increased following exposure to MPR in the listen, dialed and dialing modes. Moreover, there were significantly higher increases in the dialed and dialing modes than in the listen mode. Interestingly, these results were consistent with the radiation intensities of these modes. However, the DNA damage effects of MPR in the dialing mode were efficiently attenuated by melatonin pretreatment.
Conclusions:
These results regarding mode-dependent DNA damage have important implications for the safety of inappropriate mobile phone use by males of reproductive age and also suggest a simple preventive measure: Keeping mobile phones as far away from our body as possible, not only during conversations but during 'dialed' and 'dialing' operation modes. Since the 'dialed' mode is actually part of the standby mode, mobile phones should be kept at a safe distance from our body even during standby operation. Furthermore, the protective role of melatonin suggests that it may be a promising pharmacological candidate for preventing mobile phone use-related reproductive impairments.