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Exposure Limits: The underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children
Abstract
The existing cell phone certification process uses a plastic model of the head called the Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM), representing the top 10% of U.S. military recruits in 1989 and greatly underestimating the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for typical mobile phone users, especially children. A superior computer simulation certification process has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) but is not employed to certify cell phones. In the United States, the FCC determines maximum allowed exposures. Many countries, especially European Union members, use the "guidelines" of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), a non governmental agency. Radiofrequency (RF) exposure to a head smaller than SAM will absorb a relatively higher SAR. Also, SAM uses a fluid having the average electrical properties of the head that cannot indicate differential absorption of specific brain tissue, nor absorption in children or smaller adults. The SAR for a 10-year old is up to 153% higher than the SAR for the SAM model. When electrical properties are considered, a child's head's absorption can be over two times greater, and absorption of the skull's bone marrow can be ten times greater than adults. Therefore, a new certification process is needed that incorporates different modes of use, head sizes, and tissue properties. Anatomically based models should be employed in revising safety standards for these ubiquitous modern devices and standards should be set by accountable, independent groups.
Supplementary resource (1)
... Its potential risks include but is not limited to mental diseases [8], tissue impairment [9] and brain tumor [10]. In addition, there has been solid evidence that pregnant women and children are even more vulnerable to high electromagnetic radiation exposure [11], [12]. We note that particularly the radiation levels created by wireless power can he quite high, due to the strength of the electromagnetic fields created. ...
... The existence of at most one charger per node in a feasible assignment of LRDC is guaranteed by constraint (11). Constraint (12) guarantees that when a node v can be reached by u, then all nodes closer to u can also be reached by u. Finally, constraint (13) guarantees that the radiation threshold is not violated and also suggests that there is no reason why a charger should be able to reach nodes that are further than i (u) nrg . ...
... In our experimental evaluation, we solve IP-LRDC by first making a linear relaxation and then rounding the solution so that the constraints (11), (12) and (13). It is easy to see that the objective function value that we get is a lower bound on the optimal solution of the LREC problem. ...
We study the problem of efficiently charging a set of rechargeable nodes using a set of wireless chargers, under safety constraints on the electromagnetic radiation incurred. In particular, we define a new charging model that greatly differs from existing models in that it takes into account real technology restrictions of the chargers and nodes of the network, mainly regarding energy limitations. Our model also introduces non-linear constraints (in the time domain), that radically change the nature of the computational problems we consider. In this charging model, we present and study the Low Radiation Efficient Charging Problem (LREC), in which we wish to optimize the amount of "useful" energy transferred from chargers to nodes (under constraints on the maximum level of imposed radiation). We present several fundamental properties of this problem and provide indications of its hardness. Finally, we propose an iterative local improvement heuristic for LREC, which runs in polynomial time and we evaluate its performance via simulation. Our algorithm decouples the computation of the objective function from the computation of the maximum radiation and also does not depend on the exact formula used for the computation of the electromagnetic radiation in each point of the network, achieving good trade-offs between charging efficiency and radiation control; it also exhibits good energy balance properties. We provide extensive simulation results supporting our claims and theoretical results.
... Gandhi, et al., (2012) [31]. ...
... The risk is reported to be highest in population of <20 years [30]. Children and adolescents are more exposed to RF radiations of wireless phone due to smaller heads, higher conductivity, and thinner skulls than the adults [31]. These factors contribute in the higher absorption of RF radiation through children's brains [31]. ...
... Children and adolescents are more exposed to RF radiations of wireless phone due to smaller heads, higher conductivity, and thinner skulls than the adults [31]. These factors contribute in the higher absorption of RF radiation through children's brains [31]. Smartphone also cause the sleep disturbance due to the RF radiations [32]. ...
COVID-19 has caused obstacles in continuing normal life almost everywhere in the world by causing the implementation of social distancing and eventually imposing the lockdown. This has become the reason for the increase in technology usage in daily life for professional work as well as for entertainment purposes. There has been an increased prevalence of technology usage in adolescents and children during lockdown leaving its impact on their lives either in a positive or negative aspect. The overall documented percentage increase of technology usage in children was about 15%, of which smartphone usage has 61.7% of prevalence. Disturbance in brain functioning is suggested to be originated by compromise of neuroplasticity of the nerves. The radiofrequency (RF) radiations emitting from the smartphone are of doubtful concern as a brain tumor risk factor in children. The increased usage can have effects on brain functioning that will compromise sleep and cognitive abilities and develop risk for certain mental illnesses including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Despite being a threat for developing mental illness, video games are proven to reduce depression and anxiety, and increase creativity, skills, and cognition in children. The increased usage of technology can have a positive and negative impact on the mental development of adolescents and children depending on the trends in the usage. However, parents should be monitoring their children’s mental health and behavior in these difficult times of pandemic.
... Dimbylow et al. (новорожденный женского пола) [9], R.P. Findlay et al. (ребенок 10 лет) [10]. Метод конечных разностей активно применялся в циклах работ O.P. Gandhi et al. [11][12][13][14] и J. Keshvari et al. (модели 3 и 7 лет) [15,16], исследованиях J. Wiart (модели 5 и 8 лет) [17,18], а также в работе M.S. Morelli et al. (ребенок мужского и женского пола) [19] для оценки поглощения радиочастотной (РЧ) энергии с частотой 28 ГГц в отношении использования смартфонов / планшетов. Существуют и новые подходы к моделированию: матрицы распределения [20], запатентованные в 2017 г. 1 ; моделирование Монте-Карло при анализе неопределенности использования мобильного телефона [21]; интегрированная радиочастотная модель, основанная на объемах мозга, полученных при ска-нировании магнитно-резонансной томографии [22], через расчеты дозового моделирования [23][24][25], а также модель приповерхностной ткани, освещенной плоской волной, для оценки воздействия миллиметрового диапазона (технология 5G) [26]. ...
... № темы: 0084-2019-004).Конфликт интересов. Авторы сообщают об отсутствии конфликта интересов.Список литературы13. Exposure limits: the underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children / O.P.Gandhi, L.L. Morgan, A.A. de Salles, Y.-Y. Han, R.B. Herberman, D.L. Davis // Electromagn. ...
It is quite relevant to investigate possible outcomes of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) since contemporary children and adolescents have become active users of the most advanced technologies. They are especially susceptible to electromagnetic factors; therefore, it is necessary to have a proper insight into outcomes of such exposures for the body. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the main targets under exposure to RF EMF. In most cases, users hold mobile phones close to their heads thereby directly exposing their brains to RF EMF. As the analysis of literature data has shown, there are few studies in this area; however, proposed options for assessing the impact of RF EMF on children and adolescents are very diverse. This part of the review focuses on various types of modeling. These are not only phantom, voxel models or the finite difference method but also new approaches such as distribution matrices, Monte Carlo simulations and an integrated radio frequency model based on the results of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and other methods. The review provides the results obtained by investigating encephalography under exposure to RF EMF created by mobile communication devices. They are rather contradictory; however, changes in the bioelectrical activity of the brain are detected in most cases, in particular, a decrease in the alpha rhyme. Since the characteristics of sensorimotor reactions quite clearly reflect the power relations in the cerebral cortex, we analyzed changes in the parameters of simple auditory-motor and visual-motor reactions in children and adolescents who were mobile communication users. In addition, the review covers the results of changes in working capacity, fatigue, the duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a given rhythm.
... Dimbylow et al. (новорожденный женского пола) [9], R.P. Findlay et al. (ребенок 10 лет) [10]. Метод конечных разностей активно применялся в циклах работ O.P. Gandhi et al. [11][12][13][14] и J. Keshvari et al. (модели 3 и 7 лет) [15,16], исследованиях J. Wiart (модели 5 и 8 лет) [17,18], а также в работе M.S. Morelli et al. (ребенок мужского и женского пола) [19] для оценки поглощения радиочастотной (РЧ) энергии с частотой 28 ГГц в отношении использования смартфонов / планшетов. Существуют и новые подходы к моделированию: матрицы распределения [20], запатентованные в 2017 г. 1 ; моделирование Монте-Карло при анализе неопределенности использования мобильного телефона [21]; интегрированная радиочастотная модель, основанная на объемах мозга, полученных при ска-нировании магнитно-резонансной томографии [22], через расчеты дозового моделирования [23][24][25], а также модель приповерхностной ткани, освещенной плоской волной, для оценки воздействия миллиметрового диапазона (технология 5G) [26]. ...
... № темы: 0084-2019-004).Конфликт интересов. Авторы сообщают об отсутствии конфликта интересов.Список литературы13. Exposure limits: the underestimation of absorbed cell phone radiation, especially in children / O.P.Gandhi, L.L. Morgan, A.A. de Salles, Y.-Y. Han, R.B. Herberman, D.L. Davis // Electromagn. ...
It is quite relevant to investigate possible outcomes of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) since contemporary children and adolescents have become active users of the most advanced technologies. They are especially susceptible to electromagnetic factors; therefore, it is necessary to have a proper insight into outcomes of such exposures for the body. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the main targets under exposure to RF EMF. In most cases, users hold mobile phones close to their heads thereby directly exposing their brains to RF EMF. As the analysis of literature data has shown, there are few studies in this area; however, proposed options for assessing the impact of RF EMF on children and adolescents are very diverse. This part of the review focuses on various types of modeling. These are not only phantom, voxel models or the finite difference method but also new approaches such as distribution matrices, Monte Carlo simulations and an integrated radio frequency model based on the results of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and other methods. The review provides the results obtained by investigating encephalography under exposure to RF EMF created by mobile communication devices. They are rather contradictory; however, changes in the bioelectrical activity of the brain are detected in most cases, in particular, a decrease in the alpha rhyme. Since the characteristics of sensorimotor reactions quite clearly reflect the power relations in the cerebral cortex, we analyzed changes in the parameters of simple auditory-motor and visual-motor reactions in children and adolescents who were mobile communication users. In addition, the review covers the results of changes in working capacity, fatigue, the duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a given rhythm.
... MPs are complex electronic devices that receive and transmit EMR at the frequency range of radio frequencies [31]. EMR transfers energy on materials, causing both thermal and biological effects on unicellular and multicellular living organisms [30,32,33]. The heat generated by MP use and their placement in pockets contribute to the generation of the conditions for incubation, favoring the survival of microorganisms on their surface for a long time [29,34]. ...
... The SAR is usually measured at the head and trunk level [30,33]. In the USA, Canada (FCC/ISED standard), and India, the maximum allowed level is an SAR of 1.6 W/kg, while in the EU (IEEE/IEC standard) the limit is 2.0 W/kg (European head SAR) [30,32,33,35]. ...
We quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated the bacterial contamination of mobile phones (MPs) in relation to users’ demographics, habits, and device characteristics by administering questionnaires to 83 healthcare university students and sampling their MPs by following a cross-sectional design. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) at 22 °C (HPC 22 °C) and 37 °C (HPC 37 °C), Enterococci, Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococci were evaluated. Higher bacterial loads were detected for HPC 37 °C and Staphylococci (416 and 442 CFU/dm2, respectively), followed by HPC 22 °C, Enterococci, and Gram-negative bacteria; the vast majority of samples were positive for HPC 37 °C, HPC 22 °C, and Staphylococci (98%), while Enterococci (66%) and Gram-negative bacteria (17%) were detected less frequently. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.262, p < 0.02) was found between the European head specific absorption rate (SAR) and both HPC 37 °C and Staphylococci; Enterococci showed a strong, significant correlation with HPC 37 °C, HPC 22 °C, and Gram-negative bacteria (r = 0.633, 0.684, 0.884) and a moderate significant correlation with Staphylococci (r = 0.390). Significant differences were found between HPC 22 °C and the type of internship attendance, with higher loads for Medicine. Students with a daily internship attendance had higher HPC 22 °C levels than those attending <6 days/week. Our study showed that bacteria can survive on surfaces for long periods, depending on the user’s habits and the device’s characteristics.
... This leads to altered posture of the spine, which in turn affects the surrounding muscles and ligaments, leading to weakness of the deep muscles of the spine and structural changes in the ligaments, putting more pressure on the erector spinae muscles to maintain stability of the spine and counteract those changes, leading to more strain and eventually fatigue, and the end results are pain and instability of the spine, putting it at risk of degenerative changes and disk herniation in the future [3,4,[15][16][17][18][20][21][22][23][24][25]36,37,39,[50][51][52][53][54][55]. The electromagnetic effect, obesity resulting from a sedentary lifestyle, and the added load of a backpack on children are other factors that also play a role in the worsening of the musculoskeletal symptoms [1,26,49,55,56]. ...
... Electromagnetic radiation has been associated with multiple psychological, musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders in children. This is a very important factor to consider, especially in children, because compared to adults, the absorption of electromagnetic fields in children is greater than two-fold in the head and greater than ten-fold in the bone marrow of the skull, which makes them more susceptible to its harmful effect [1,26,48]. ...
Technology is an essential part of our lives. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to leave the house without a cell phone. Despite the wide range of benefits of cell phones and handheld electronic devices, this evolution of technology has not come without a price. The pandemic of cell phone use among children and young adolescents has led to the emergence of a set of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms that have not been seen before in this age group. These symptoms can range from neck and shoulder discomfort to pain, peripheral neurological symptoms of the upper extremity, and long-term complications such as disk prolapse and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. This clinical presentation is known as “text neck syndrome.” In addition to MSK symptoms, text neck syndrome could also include eye and ear symptoms, psychological problems, peripheral neurological symptoms, and poor academic performance. Multiple mechanisms have been discussed by which cell phone use causes MSK symptoms. Maladaptive postures, a decrease in physical activity leading to obesity, and the direct effect of electromagnetic radiation are some of the mechanisms by which long-term use of cell phones leads to the clinical presentation of text neck syndrome and its long-term consequences. The purpose of this article is to review the literature, discuss the epidemiology of cell phone use and MSK symptoms associated with its use in children and adolescents, describe its clinical presentation, explain the pathophysiology behind it, and provide preventative guidelines that can be used by this age group to allow for the continued use of these electronics without harmful effects on their posture and long-term health.
... Differences between children and adults regarding the absorption of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields when mobile phones are operated close to the head have been demonstrated and widely documented [132][133][134][135][136][137]. The main factors accounting for these dissimilar absorption rates include differences in anatomy, tissue dielectric properties, and physiology. ...
... Since EMF penetration into human tissues can be in the order of a few centimeters, depending on the wavelength, the inner tissues in the brain clearly will receive a significantly higher dose in the smaller heads of children compared to adults, despite the total absorption and the peak spatial SAR (psSAR) calculated across the whole head varying by smaller amounts [132,133,138]. Fernández et al. [136] estimated that the cell phone radiation psSAR in the hippocampus was 30-fold higher in children compared to adults, while the psSAR in the eyes was 5-fold higher in children; these differences were due largely to closer proximity to the cell phone antennas. ...
In the late-1990s, the FCC and ICNIRP adopted radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure limits to protect the public and workers from adverse effects of RFR. These limits were based on results from behavioral studies conducted in the 1980s involving 40–60-minute exposures in 5 monkeys and 8 rats, and then applying arbitrary safety factors to an apparent threshold specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg. The limits were also based on two major assumptions: any biological effects were due to excessive tissue heating and no effects would occur below the putative threshold SAR, as well as twelve assumptions that were not specified by either the FCC or ICNIRP. In this paper, we show how the past 25 years of extensive research on RFR demonstrates that the assumptions underlying the FCC’s and ICNIRP’s exposure limits are invalid and continue to present a public health harm. Adverse effects observed at exposures below the assumed threshold SAR include non-thermal induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, cardiomyopathy, carcinogenicity, sperm damage, and neurological effects, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Also, multiple human studies have found statistically significant associations between RFR exposure and increased brain and thyroid cancer risk. Yet, in 2020, and in light of the body of evidence reviewed in this article, the FCC and ICNIRP reaffirmed the same limits that were established in the 1990s. Consequently, these exposure limits, which are based on false suppositions, do not adequately protect workers, children, hypersensitive individuals, and the general population from short-term or long-term RFR exposures. Thus, urgently needed are health protective exposure limits for humans and the environment. These limits must be based on scientific evidence rather than on erroneous assumptions, especially given the increasing worldwide exposures of people and the environment to RFR, including novel forms of radiation from 5G telecommunications for which there are no adequate health effects studies.
... The authors disregarded what is known about absorbed cell phone radiation in children, e.g., [35][36][37]. [38][39][40][41][42] analyses of wireless phone use variables were also conducted according to the anatomical location of the tumour: temporal lobe, frontal or parietal lobes, cerebellum, and others (occipital and middle brain structures)." ...
... There may also be different sensitivity to RF radiation in different structures of the brain tissue, a fact disregarded in MOBI-Kids. The exposure to the child's brain is substantially higher, up to 2-3 times greater than in adults [36,37]. The brain of a human is a highly complicated biological system, and the influence on different parts of the brain and skull from RF radiation and EMF in children is unknown. ...
The MOBI-Kids case-control study on wireless phone use and brain tumor risk in childhood and adolescence included the age group 10–24 years diagnosed between 2010 and 2015. Overall no increased risk was found although for brain tumors in the temporal region an increased risk was found in the age groups 10–14 and 20–24 years. Most odds ratios (ORs) in MOBI-Kids were <1.0, some statistically significant, suggestive of a preventive effect from RF radiation; however, this is in contrast to current knowledge about radiofrequency (RF) carcinogenesis. The MOBI-Kids results are not biologically plausible and indicate that the study was flawed due to methodological problems. For example, not all brain tumor cases were included since central localization was excluded. Instead, all brain tumor cases should have been included regardless of histopathology and anatomical localization. Only surgical controls with appendicitis were used instead of population-based controls from the same geographical area as for the cases. In fact, increased incidence of appendicitis has been postulated to be associated with RF radiation which makes selection of control group in MOBI-Kids questionable. Start of wireless phone use up to 10 years before diagnosis was in some analyses included in the unexposed group. Thus, any important results demonstrating late carcinogenesis, a promoter effect, have been omitted from analysis and may underestimate true risks. Linear trend was in some analyses statistically significant in the calculation of RF-specific energy and extremely low frequency (ELF)-induced current in the center of gravity of the tumor. Additional case-case analysis should have been performed. The data from this study should be reanalyzed using unconditional regression analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors to increase statistical power. Then all responding cases and controls could be included in the analyses. In sum, we believe the results as reported in this paper seem uninterpretable and should be dismissed.
... It was proposed that brain plasticity, as well as cortex thickness, changed during the life span (Oberman and Pascual-Leone 2013). In addition, according to Gandhi et al. (2012) children have thinner skull and brain tissue with higher conductivity and higher radiofrequency absorption (Gandhi et al. 2012); however, superior neural plasticity of younger people compared with older individuals (Noack et al. 2009) may compensate for the brain effectiveness of mobile phone's EMF in the younger group. These differences may influence the brain's response to the EMFs emitted by mobile phones. ...
... It was proposed that brain plasticity, as well as cortex thickness, changed during the life span (Oberman and Pascual-Leone 2013). In addition, according to Gandhi et al. (2012) children have thinner skull and brain tissue with higher conductivity and higher radiofrequency absorption (Gandhi et al. 2012); however, superior neural plasticity of younger people compared with older individuals (Noack et al. 2009) may compensate for the brain effectiveness of mobile phone's EMF in the younger group. These differences may influence the brain's response to the EMFs emitted by mobile phones. ...
Purpose
The effects of electromagnetic fields of mobile phones on headaches have attracted researchers during the last decades. However, contradictory results have been reported so far.
Methods
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, major databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched using suitable search terms and PRISMA guidelines to retrieve eligible studies for the effect of mobile phone use on headache. After the abstract and full-text screening, 33 studies were retrieved and the effect size in terms of odds ratio (OR) was extracted. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistic and Q test, while publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger’s and Begg’s tests.
Results
Among 33 eligible studies, 30 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. When considering all studies, the pooled effect size of OR = 1.30(95% CI 1.21–1.39) was obtained, while the heterogeneity between studies was significant. Subgroup analyses by considering the age of participants and EMF exposure duration were performed to find the source of heterogeneity. The odds ratios when the age of participants was the variable were 1.33 (95% CI 1.14–1.53) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.20–1.37), for ages > 18 and age ≤ 18 years, respectively. When EMF exposure duration was considered, subgroup analysis obtained the pooled effect size of OR = 1.41(95% CI 1.22–1.61) and 1.23(95% CI 1.12–1.34), for EMF exposure duration > 100 and ≤ 100 minutes per week, respectively. The pooled effect sizes emphasized the effect of mobile phone use on headaches for all ages and exposure durations.
Conclusion
Results revealed that age and exposure duration (mainly call duration), both were the source of heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, results showed that increasing call duration and mobile phone use in older individuals increased the risk of headache.
... Mobile phone use among children has become a major determinant of RF-EMF exposure [5,6]. Previous studies demonstrated that the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 5-year-old children is twice that of 20-year-old adults [7]. Therefore, RF-EMF exposure may have a greater impact on children during the developmental stages of the CNS. ...
The widespread use of wireless communication devices has necessitated unavoidable exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). In particular, increasing RF-EMF exposure among children is primarily driven by mobile phone use. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of 1850 MHz RF-EMF exposure at a specific absorption rate of 4.0 W/kg on cortical neurons in mice at postnatal day 28. The results indicated a significant reduction in the number of mushroom-shaped dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex after daily exposure for 4 weeks. Additionally, prolonged RF-EMF exposure over 9 days led to a gradual decrease in postsynaptic density 95 puncta and inhibited neurite outgrowth in developing cortical neurons. Moreover, the expression levels of genes associated with synapse formation, such as synaptic cell adhesion molecules and cyclin-dependent kinase 5, were reduced in the cerebral cortexes of RF-EMF-exposed mice. Behavioral assessments using the Morris water maze revealed altered spatial learning and memory after the 4-week exposure period. These findings underscore the potential of RF-EMF exposure during childhood to disrupt synaptic function in the cerebral cortex, thereby affecting the developmental stages of the nervous system and potentially influencing later cognitive function.
... The size, shape, and anatomical structure of a human model and its electrical properties vary significantly between individuals [14][15][16][17][18][19]. These variations are important, particularly currents, electromagnetic fields, power absorption, etc. in the near field zone [14,[20][21][22]. ...
Bioelectromagnetic dosimetry is used to determine the electromagnetic fields in a biological body (human, animal, or experimental phantom) from devices that are far from the body (plane-wave exposures), near the body (near-field exposures), or inside the body (implantable medical devices). From simplified models (spheres, cylinders, layered planes) representing the human body, advances in commercially available radiofrequency devices (cell phones, in particular) and the availability of ever more computing power have led to the development of detailed simulations based on anatomical millimeter-resolution models. Dosimetry adds to our overall understanding of how electromagnetic fields interact with the body and how to design devices that take advantage of these interactions. Opportunities for progress in dosimetry will follow new device designs and applications, integrating advanced multiphysics simulations for design and optimization with rapid prototyping and test equipment.
... Moreover, it shows the inadequacy of SAR as a meter for EMF bioactivity. While the power density (or radiation intensity) is independent of thermal or non-thermal effects, the SAR is applicable only to thermal effects, which in this case are totally insignificant (Gandhi et al. 2012;Panagopoulos et al. 2013Panagopoulos et al. , 2022a. ...
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.
... 6 In 1960 the task was delegated to the American Standards Association, who began the Radiation Hazards Standards Project, with the participation of the pre cursor of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). 7 This proj ect spearheaded by leaders of the military and industry led to the development of the ANSI C95.11966 standard. This thermal threshold for ambient and skin surface exposure informed subsequent IEEE standard setting until 1982, when it was redefined using the specific absorption rate (SAR) approach, 8 which estimates the absorption of microwave radiofrequency energy and resultant tis sue heating in the human body. ...
Recent decades have seen a huge rise in human exposure to microwave wireless radiation due to the widespread use of mobile and wireless services that enable smartphones and watches, tablets, laptops and digital devices in the home and workplace. The health and safety standards to protect humans from exposure to harmful levels of microwave radiation can be traced to the 1950s. However, research now demonstrates the existence of many adverse health effects, including cancers and neurological disorders, at levels of everyday use by children and adults. We argue that it is long past the time for governments to apply the Precautionary Principle to protect children and adults, especially pregnant women, and to ensure safer levels of exposure for all.
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Sources of wireless radiation include cell phones, Wi-Fi, "smart" devices and appliances, cell towers, 4G and 5G. Health effects of cell phones have been studied for decades and hundreds of scientists caution that safety is not assured due to the accumulated scientific evidence.
... Furthermore, IEEE revised ANSI in 1991. In 1997, the U.S. published a regulation on cell phone radiation, and in 1998, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP, 1998) was provided (Gandhi et al., 2012). ...
Carbon fabric-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have replaced most aluminum and ferrous alloys in aerospace construction owing to their attractive high strength-to-weight ratio. CFRPs used in aircraft should have electromagnetic shielding ability in addition to structural properties. Hence, the study of Electromagnetic (EM) wave shielding by hybrid CFRPs is an important topic of research. In this article, we summarize research advancements for enhancing the EM wave shielding of CFRP composites in the X-band frequency range. This study focuses on the manufacturing and performance of carbon-fabric-based composites with metals, metal oxides, and carbon-based fillers. The factors influencing the EM wave shielding ability of the CFRP composites are also discussed. The EM wave shielding of Carbon fibers (CF) was remarkably improved by coating, electroless plating, and synthesizing nanoparticles on the carbon fiber surface. It was found that the carbonious fillers and metal nanofillers such as Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), and Silver (Ag)-loaded multilayer CFRP composites showed better absorption modes of EM wave shielding with good structural properties. Owing to the Ag nanowire coating on the CFs, the shielding effectiveness was drastically improved. However, in addition to the type of filler, the structural properties are also influenced by the manufacturing method and type of composite. In the case of laminated composites, the absorption-laminated EM shielding is influenced by the architecture of the plys and the type and number of interplay in the composite construction. In addition, the techniques adopted for the synthesis of nanoparticles and dispersion in composites for effective EM shielding are challenging tasks.
... These electronic components generally work at high frequencies up to GHz [2]. Radiation exposure is one of the effects of mobile communication devices that users need to be aware of [3]. Radiation is the emission of energy through a material or space through heat, particles, or electromagnetic waves/light (photons) from a radiation sources [4]. ...
Activated carbon is believed to reduce radiation from cell-phone because it has large pores. This study aims to synthesize a silica-carbon composite as a mobile phone casing using activated carbon from bamboo, coconut shells, and coal combined with silicone rubber. The addition of activated carbon is carried out in the range of 10 - 30 g. Activated carbon mixed with silicone rubber and stirred for 3 minutes at 150 rpm. Based on Digital Electromagnetic Radiation, the highest addition of activated carbon (30g) provides a high radiation reduction but has a small tensile strength and a large elongation value. SEM images show that the distribution of activated carbon 10 - 15 g is more homogeneous on the mobile phone casing.
... These electronic components generally work at high frequencies up to GHz [2]. Radiation exposure is one of the effects of mobile communication devices that users need to be aware of [3]. Radiation is the emission of energy through a material or space through heat, particles, or electromagnetic waves/light (photons) from a radiation sources [4]. ...
Activated carbon is believed to reduce radiation from cell-phone because it has large pores. This study aims to synthesize a silica-carbon composite as a mobile phone casing using activated carbon from bamboo, coconut shells, and coal combined with silicone rubber. The addition of activated carbon is carried out in the range of 10 - 30 g. Activated carbon mixed with silicone rubber and stirred for 3 minutes at 150 rpm. Based on Digital Electromagnetic Radiation, the highest addition of activated carbon (30g) provides a high radiation reduction but has a small tensile strength and a large elongation value. SEM images show that the distribution of activated carbon 10 - 15 g is more homogeneous on the mobile phone casing.
... Additionally, when taking into account electrical properties, the absorption rate of a child's head can be over two times greater than an adult's, and the absorption rate of the skull's bone marrow can be ten times greater. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new certification process that considers different modes of use, head sizes, and tissue properties [35]. Current data on the effect of EMFs on cognitive functions in children are both very limited and controversial. ...
This comprehensive review delves into the potential health risks and cognitive implications of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMF) exposure in children and adolescents, particularly from mobile phone usage. The studies assessed reveal varying outcomes, with some highlighting potential cognitive and behavioral impacts, while others remain inconclusive. Notably, while some evidence points toward the detrimental effects of RF-EMF exposure on young individuals, there is a lack of consensus across studies. As mobile technology continues to permeate daily life and even educational settings, understanding the ramifications of prolonged exposure becomes crucial. Given these findings, the necessity for public awareness and precautionary measures is underscored, especially for vulnerable young populations.
... This is in stark contrast with current exposures, where the radiation to human tissue starts before conception (affecting genes in sperm and egg cells) and continues every day until death. Additionally, the greater penetration of radiation into children's brains is not considered in this testing [53]. ICNIRP guidelines thus do not address real world scenarios experienced each day by the general public. ...
In 2017 an article was published on the unwillingness of the WHO to acknowledge the health effects associated with the use of wireless phones. It was thus stated that the WHO is ‘A Hard Nut to Crack’. Since then, there has been no progress, and history seems to be repeating in that the European Union (EU) is following in the blind man’s footsteps created by the WHO. Despite increasing evidence of serious negative effects from radiofrequency radiation on human health and the environment, the EU has not acknowledged that there are any risks. Since September 2017, seven appeals by scientists and medical doctors have been sent to the EU requesting a halt to the roll-out of the fifth generation of wireless communication (5G). The millimeter waves (MMW) and complex waveforms of 5G contribute massively harmful additions to existing planetary electromagnetic pollution. Fundamental rights and EU primary law make it mandatory for the EU to protect the population, especially children, from all kinds of harmful health effects of wireless technology. However, several experts associated with the WHO and the EU have conflicts of interest due to their ties to industry. The subsequent prioritizing of economic interests is resulting in human and planetary health being compromised. Experts must make an unbiased evaluation with no conflicts of interest. The seven appeals to the EU have included requests for immediate protective action, which have been ignored. On the issue of wireless radiation and the health of citizens, the EU seems to be another hard nut to crack.
... That the brains of vulnerable young children are more exposed to cell phone RFR compared to adults [63][64][65][66] and that children will likely use cell phones over their entire lifetime is a major concern. Moreover, the uncertainty in our basic understanding of cancer latencies [67] must be considered when comparing cell phone use with cancer trends. ...
In the 1990s, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) restricted its risk assessment for human exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in seven ways: (1) Inappropriate focus on heat, ignoring sub-thermal effects. (2) Reliance on exposure experiments performed over very short times. (3) Overlooking time/amplitude characteristics of RFR signals. (4) Ignoring carcinogenicity, hypersensitivity, and other health conditions connected with RFR. (5) Measuring cellphone Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) at arbitrary distances from the head. (6) Averaging SAR doses at volumetric/mass scales irrelevant to health. (7) Using unrealistic simulations for cell phone SAR estimations. Low-cost software and hardware modifications are proposed here for cellular phone RFR exposure mitigation: (1) inhibiting RFR emissions in contact with the body, (2) use of antenna patterns reducing the Percent of Power absorbed in the Head (PPHead) and body and increasing the Percent of Power Radiated for communications (PPR), and (3) automated protocol-based reductions of the number of RFR emissions, their duration, or integrated dose. These inexpensive measures do not fundamentally alter cell phone functions or communications quality. A health threat is scientifically documented at many levels and acknowledged by industries. Yet mitigation of RFR exposures to users does not appear as a priority with most cell phone manufacturers.
... This is because the transmit power of cellular phones is significantly higher than that of wireless systems such as wireless local area networks and personal area networks. Unlike these two types of wireless networks, mobile phones are used at a much shorter distance from the human brain and emit radiation throughout the phone call (Gandhi et al., 2012). ...
The devices that people use every day, such as mobile phones and wireless networks, emit electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range. The widespread use of these devices, as well as the change in people's social behavior, have dramatically increased their exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Due to the rapid increase of young people users, public health officials and the scientific community are showing particular interest in the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health. Many researchers express strong concerns about the effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, as it can have a serious impact on physical, cognitive, and social health. This study focused on self-reported health problems after excessive talking time on mobile phones of 619 (n=619) University students of both genders, in the age group of 18-24 years were randomly selected. The data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire. Headache was found to be the most frequently reported symptom (69%) followed by pressure in the head (38.8%). In most self-reported health problems no correlation was found between the genders. Female students tend to talk more on their mobile phones, and it was found that this extensive use was associated with the declaration of more self-reported health problems. The results of this study do not leave us any room for complacency, especially when we talk about health issues, and continuous research is needed to protect people's health. In addition, modern education should provide the necessary knowledge to students, but also take care of the development of the critical thinking of future citizens, so that they can make the most appropriate decisions for their health.
... In our technology-driven world, the human brain is constantly being subjected to everyday radiofrequency signals that cause structural and functional damage; e.g., to the hippocampus (26), the blood-brain barrier (27), mitochondrial energy metabolism (28) and neurotransmitters (29), which lead to negative consequences such as reduced spatial memory, unexplained headaches, reduced sleep performance, and neurological, cognitive and emotional disorders (29-32). Children's brains are especially vulnerable to damage and dysfunction because their skulls are thinner, and their brains absorb more radiation (33,34). Children are now being exposed to radiofrequency from before conception. ...
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.
... Because conductivity, permittivity, and density are assumed to be constant within each voxel, this method, like the frst one, is a simplifcation. This explains why earlier SAR estimates used in the currently accepted criteria for whole body average SAR (ICNIRP 1998;2020) are questioned by more recent and more accurate FDTD calculations (Wang et al. 2006;Flyckt et al. 2007;Gandhi et al. 2012). ...
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.
... Η ηλεκτρομαγνητική ακτινοβολία που προέρχεται από τεχνητές πήγες όπως είναι τα ασύρματα δίκτυα και τα κινητά τηλεφώνα, έχει μπει στην καθημερινότητα των σύγχρονων ανθρώπων. Η εκπαίδευση θα πρέπει να τους παρέχει τις απαραίτητες γνώσεις και να φροντίζει για την ανάπτυξη της κριτικής τους σκέψης, ώστε να είναι σε θέση να αποφασίζουν για την ασφάλεια τους, μιας και πολλοί ερευνητές εκφράζουν έντονες ανησυχίες, για τις επιπτώσεις που μπορεί να έχει στους ζωντανούς οργανισμούς η εκτεταμένη έκθεση στην ηλεκτρομαγνητική ακτινοβολία (Agarwal, Desai, Ruffoli, & Carpi, 2008• Baste, Riise, & Moen, 2008• Caraglia, et al., 2005• Dasdag, et al., 2012• Gandhi, et al., 2012• Sarimov, Malmgren, Markova, Persson, & Belyaev, 2004• Yan, Agresti, Zhang, Yan, & Matloub, 2009• Zhang, Xu, Chiang, Lu, & Zeng, 2006. ...
The issue of gender differentiation has occupied the researchers and led them to carry out studies covering many areas of interest. However, there are still many issues that have not been thoroughly explored in the field of Sciences. Surveys have focused mainly on differences in students’ knowledge in physics concepts such as force and electricity. Surveys related to electromagnetic radiation issues are relatively few. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender impact of University students on the concepts of electromagnetic radiation, coming from mobile phones and wireless networks. The survey involved 619 students from the University of Ioannina, 198 of whom were men and 421 were women. Data collection was conducted with the use of a questionnaire. The results of the study showed that there is a significant difference between perceptions and knowledge of both sexes in the issue of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones and wireless networks.
... 22 Greater Impact on Children These waves may affect young people more than adults, causing the skulls to become small and weak, resulting in their brains being more exposed to electromagnetic radiation. 6,29 A recent study showed that using wireless waves before 20 years of age increases the risk of developing brain tumors compared to older age groups. 30 Another study showed that the hippocampus and hypothalamus of the child's brain absorb shortwaves 1.6 to 3.1 times more than those of adults, which is 2.5 times beyond the threshold of adult human brain. ...
WiFi is one of the new technologies that has gained an important place in human life today. However, over the recent years, scientists have consistently warned about the adverse effects of this technology on guts and other parts of the human body and called for stricter rules for its use. The present article, using the achievements of biotechnology and declarations of medical experts, attempts to examine the jurisprudential aspects of the use of WiFi in places with a dense population such as residential complexes, schools, and offices, which could harm oneself and many others. The purpose of this study is to encourage communities to use healthy, low-risk, and favorite WiFi. This article examines the problem using a descriptive-analytical method. First, the damages raised for WiFi are stated and then its jurisprudential aspects are examined based on religious and rational arguments. The jurisprudential aspects of the issue have been examined separately under the two assumptions of the certainty of the threats mentioned for WiFi and their probability. Based on our results, in case of certainty of the harms mentioned for WiFi, based on jurisprudential evidence, it can be considered as an Islamic legal Fatwa, hence it is haram to use it in some cases. If these harms are conjectural, the intellect will apply the ruling of impermissibility. However, the mentioned disadvantages and threats are attributed to the continuous and long-term use of this technology. Therefore, considering the benefits of using WiFi on the one hand and its disadvantages, on the other hand, the managed and controlled use of this technology could be permitted.
... The penetration rate of EM waves in the skull of a 5-year-old child, a youth, and an adult is about 75%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. 86 Systematical studies reported that the brain's blood barrier disturbance is connected to DNA damage and could promote the autism spectrum situation upon exposure to EM waves. Also, the reproduction and fertility flaws could be associated with exposure to EM waves due to the increase in autism spectrum situations. ...
The digitalization of human life, as a result of the rapid development of telecommunication systems, has skyrocketed electromagnetic (EM) pollution with a deteriorating effect on the function of electronic devices and the health of living creatures. Accordingly, long-term exposure to EM waves disturbs the body’s metabolism through irreversible changes, leading to serious cell damage or even cancer. Consequently, protecting vulnerable groups from hazardous EM sources has become an essential fundamental matter. This comprehensive review investigated the interactive mechanism of EM waves with biological systems and proposed reliable approaches for safeguarding vulnerable biological systems using various nanostructural designs. Fibrous materials and their various configurations are also introduced as versatile wearable safeguarding shields to protect vulnerable entities from incident EM waves. Furthermore, the fibrous materials are presented as promising candidates for shielding EM waves by absorption mechanisms, thereby mitigating the undesirable secondary reflections, a common shortfall for most EM wave shields.
... According to Hardell and Carlberg (2015), when equated with adults, adolescents typically are more open-minded, socially preoccupied, less agreeable, and less conscientious. They are also characteristically more impetuous and less proficient in constraining behavior (Gandhi et al., 2012). Furthermore, risk-taking and sensation-seeking are often documented in adolescents (Hardell and Carlberg, 2015) as a result of their wellbeing and life gratification being derived from other peers (Hardell, 2018). ...
Background
The use of smartphones and other technologies has been increasing in digitods aged 14–18 years old. To further explain this relationship and explore the gap in research, this paper will appraise the available evidence regarding the relationship digital technology use and psychological/emotional outcomes and report on the strength of the associations observed between these variables.
Methodology
To select relevant studies, five separate computerized searches of online and electronic databases were performed. These included PubMed (MEDLINE, National Library of Medicine), ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science to attain literature from January 2017 to April 2022. The author independently reviewed studies for eligibility as per the inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted the data according to a priori defined criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for healthcare studies and Cochrane Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tool.
Results
Seven studies were included in this review. A positive relationship was found between excessive digital technology usage and negative psychological and emotional outcomes in digitods aged 14–18 (p ≤ 0.005). A statistically significant difference was found between girls and boys, with girls experiencing more negative outcomes than boys.
Conclusions
As the evidence in this review is distinctive, it is imperative that further research be conducted to investigate any synergistic relationships among these variables on a larger scale in order to better advise public health initiatives to specifically target heightened digital technology usage in adolescents.
... High resolution computerized models, based on real human imaging data, suggest that higher conductivity and permittivity in children's brain tissues, together with their thinner skulls and smaller heads, lead to higher Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) when compared to adults (Davis et. al, 2013), (Gandhi et al., 2012). Effects on other body organs (for ex. ...
Children and adolescents increasingly use mobile phones worldwide. The Report Information and Communications for Development 2012 shows that between 2000 and 2012 the world-wide use of mobile phones has grown from 1 to about 6 billion, resulting in a mobile revolution that is changing our lifestyles. After less than forty years, mobile phones, initially complex, heavy and expensive have become light, handy, economic, visually attractive and multifunctional. These technological and aesthetic improvements allowed high usability for all, especially for children. The physical, cognitive and social ergonomic characteristics of mobile phones for younger users need to be considered in order to ensure their wellbeing: physical ergonomics implies for example the prevention of awkward postures, musculoskeletal disorders, eye sight and hearing overload, electromagnetic fields exposure; cognitive ergonomics includes the prevention of dual tasks (such as texting while driving/walking), over connection, addiction and abuse; social ergonomics might prevent cyberbullism, sex messaging, self and other aggressive and violent behavior. As an example of precaution, this paper discusses how different countries have started education campaigns for the safe use of mobile phones among children, by minimizing radiofrequency exposures, according to international recommendations and the precautionary principles.
... So far personal use of wireless phones, mobile and cordless phones (DECT), have yielded highest RF radiation exposure especially to children and to the brain (Gandhi et al., 2012). However, ambient exposure is of increasing concern and may now be of the same magnitude as for increasing cancer incidence in animal studies. ...
In urban environment there is a constant increase of public exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations. With the placement of mobile phone base station antennas radiofrequency hotspots emerge. This study investigates an area at Skeppsbron street in Stockholm, Sweden with an aggregation of base station antennas placed at low level close to pedestrians' heads. Detailed spatial distribution measurements were performed with 1) a radiofrequency broadband analyzer and 2) a portable exposimeter. The results display a greatly uneven distribution of the radiofrequency field with hotspots. The highest spatial average across all quadrat cells was 12.1 V m⁻¹ (388 mW m⁻²), whereas the maximum recorded reading from the entire area was 31.6 V m⁻¹ (2648 mW m⁻²). Exposimeter measurements show that the majority of exposure is due to mobile phone downlink bands. Most dominant are 2600 and 2100 MHz bands used by 4G and 3G mobile phone services, respectively. The average radiofrequency radiation values from the earlier studies show that the level of ambient RF radiation exposure in Stockholm is increasing. This study concluded that mobile phone base station antennas at Skeppsbron, Stockholm are examples of poor radiofrequency infrastructure design which brings upon highly elevated exposure levels to popular seaside promenade and a busy traffic street.
... In subsequent in vivo studies, it has been shown that long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation increases the risk of brain tumors [43,44]. Children and adolescents may be more sensitive to RF radiation than adults [45]. There is evidence that RF radiation causes cancer development by mechanisms such as generating reactive oxygen species, inducing an inflammatory response, and inhibiting DNA repair and creating chromosome aberrations [46][47][48]. ...
Our knowledge about the etiology of cancer is increasing. Many studies show that non-intrinsic factors such as environment or lifestyle are the main risk factors for the occurrence of cancer. On the other hand, there are studies showing that the main risk factors in the occurrence of cancer are caused by DNA replication errors (known as the intrinsic factors). This view limits highly the possibility of protection from cancer. However, the findings obtained from the literature show that non-intrinsic factors contribute substantially to cancer risk and that cancer should be considered as a preventable disease. This review is aimed to examine the factors known as non-intrinsic cancer risk factors in the light of recent research.Key Words: cancer, non-intrinsic risk factors, cancer prevention.
... We are much more aware of effects that occur rapidly than those that take months or years before they become readily apparent. Most arguments that have been made that microwave frequency EMFs may be much more damaging to young children have centered on the much smaller skulls and skull thickness in young children, increasing the exposure of their brains to EMFs (Gandhi and Kang, 2001;Gandhi et al., 2012). However there are other arguments to be made. ...
2012-2018 - Peer Reviewed Published Research Studies On Wi-Fi And 2.4 GHz Wireless Frequencies
... The effect of exposure to RF-EMF on adult human health is associated with disturbances in sleep pattern, fertility, memory and learning, body weight, core temperature, metabolic effects, etc. but remains widely debated due to lack of established causal relationships [de Jenlis et al. 2020;Singh et al. 2020;Kim et al. 2019;Taberski et al. 2014;Achermann et al. 2013;Chou, 2003]. It is further hypothesized that children have small heads and thin skull bone; their brain tissue has higher conductivity, show greater absorption of RF energy per unit of time [Gandhi et al. 2012], and given their longer lifetimes ahead, are at a higher risk than adults to the ill effects of RF from mobile phone [Hardell 2018]. ...
The present-day children-adolescents ubiquitously use the mobile phones and unrestrictedly consume fructose-laden diet. Unfortunately, a rise in the incidence of insulin resistance and fatty liver syndrome in young adults has also been recorded. To delineate a possible correlate, the effect of exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) from the mobile phone and unrestricted fructose intake during pre-, peri-, and post-pubertal stages of development on orexigenic and anorexigenic signals arising from the hypothalamus and liver of rats is investigated here. The study design included four arms, i.e., “Normal”, “Exposure Only (ExpO)”, “Fructose Only (FruO)”, and “Exposure with Fructose (EF)”, wherein weaned rats received either “normal chow and drinking water” or “normal chow and fructose (15%) drinking solution” in presence and absence of EMF exposure (2 h/day) for 8 weeks. The results indicate that the total calories consumed by the EF were higher by early adulthood than normal, possibly under the influence of the raised levels of the orexigenic hormone, i.e., ghrelin, and it reflected as raised rate of weight gain. At early adulthood, the EF recorded mitigated response and sensitivity of insulin. Despite EF being a “fed-state”, both centrally and peripherally, the glycolysis was restrained, but the gluconeogenesis was raised. Additionally, the altered lipid profile and the glycogen levels indicate that the EF developed fatty liver. The energy homeostasis of the EF was compromised as evidenced by (a) reduced expression of the glucosensors-GLUT2 and glucokinase in the hypothalamus and liver and (b) reduced expression of the cellular energy regulator—AMPK, orexigenic peptide–NPY, and anorexigenic peptide-POMC in the hypothalamus. Taken together, the present study evidences that the exposure to EMFfrom the mobile phone and unrestricted fructose intake during childhood-adolescence impairs the central and peripheral pathways that mediate the glucosensing, glucoregulation, feeding, and satiety behavior by early adulthood.
... Thus, there are more central and brain stem tumors, facts not considered by Aydin et al. [93] In children the distribution of RF radiation differs from adults with larger part of the brain more exposed due to e.g. smaller head and thinner bone [105]. Thus, the laterality analysis should be interpreted with caution. ...
This chapter introduces what EMFs are, how people are exposed, science documenting health effects of exposure, U.S. and international policy on protection from EMFs and nursing implications for clinical practice and
advocacy in concert with Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments' principles.
The utilization of digital technology has grown rapidly in the past three decades. With this rapid increase, cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation; that is why electromagnetic field (EMF) has become a substantial new pollution source in modern civilization, mainly having adverse effects on the brain. While such a topic attracted many researchers’ scopes, there are still minimal discoveries made regarding chronic exposure to EMF. The extensive use of cell phones may affect children's cognition even indirectly if parents and guardians used their phones repeatedly near them. This study aims to investigate possible lipoic acid (LA) effects on cognitive functions and hippocampal structure in young male rats exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from multiple cell phones. Forty young male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups: control, multiple cell phones-exposed and lipoic acid-treated rats. By the end of the experimental period, the Morris water maze was used as a cognitive test. The rats were sacrificed for the collection of serum and hippocampal tissue. These serum samples were then utilized for assessment of Liver function tests. The level ofglutamate, acetylcholine (Ach) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was estimated, in addition to evaluating the expression of autophagy-related protein-7 (Atg7) and Sirt1 genes. The left hippocampal specimens were used for histopathological studies. Results showed that multiple cell phone-exposed rats exhibited shorter latency time to reach the platform by the fifth day of training; additionally, there was a reduction in consolidation of spatial long-term memory. Correspondingly, there was an elevation of hippocampal Ach, glutamate, and MDA levels; accompanied by up-regulation of hippocampal Sirt1 and Atg7 gene expression. Compared to the EMF-exposed group, LA administration improved both learning and memory, this was proved by the significant decline in hippocampal MDA and Ach levels, the higher hippocampal glutamate, the downregulated hippocampal Sirt1 gene expression and the upregulated Atg7 gene expression. In conclusion, EMF exposure could enhance learning ability; however, it interfered with long-term memory consolidation shown by higher hippocampal Ach levels. Lipoic acid treatment improved both learning and memory by enhancing autophagy and hippocampal glutamate level and by the reduced Ach levels and Sirt1 gene expression.
Živimo u vremenu kada ‘ekrani’ osvajaju najmlađe svojom praktičnošću, neposrednošću i zaigranošću. Tehnološki napredak donosio velike koristi za čovječanstvo ali postoje i određeni rizici i negativne posljedice. Iako empirijski nalazi o ovom fenomenu nisu jednoznačni niti konačni, mnoga istraživanja pokazuju da izloženost prevelikim dnevnim dozama elektromagnetnim/rediofrekvencijskim zračenjima i nepravilna upotreba ekrana za posljedicu ima negativan utjecaj na cjeloviti razvoj djeteta. Jedna od posljedica je i poremećaj komunikacije. Postojanjem zrna sumnje postoj i neodgodiva potreba za oprezom, u protivnom se može lako dogodi da u život, pravilan tjelesni i mentalni razvoj djece uvedemo Trojanskog konja. Ovaj rad se bazira na pretpostavci da djeca zbog kombiniranog djelovanja dugotrajne izloženosti elektromagnetnim/ radiofrekvencijskim zračenjima i ekranizaciji za posljedicu imaju poremećaj komunikacije. U radu su korištene metode analize, komparacije, klasifikacije i dokazivanja dijela empirijskih nalaza o ovom konstruktu.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected people's quality of life. Unfortunately, the epidemic continues in various variants and it remains unclear how long it will continue. Children staying at home in the COVID-19 quarantine spent hours in front of the screen with online education. In addition, since they could not go out, they spent their free time in front of the screen using social media, playing computer games or watching movies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of low-level electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that children are exposed to at home during the COVID-19 quarantine. Method: The research method is literature review. Results: Studies have shown that, during the quarantine period, children's use of telecommunication devices such as televisions, tablets, smartphones and computers greatly increases. It was determined that the range of radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi, power lines, visible light and Bluetooth increased in the home environment. The electric and magnetic fields emitted from these devices contain EMR and can seriously harm the health of children, who are structurally more sensitive than adults. Conclusion: There are growing concerns that children staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic will face health hazards in the future as they are more exposed to EMR.
Children today are conceived and live in a sea of wireless radiation that did not exist when their parents were born. The launch of the digital age continues to transform the capacity to respond to emergencies and extend global communications. At the same time that this increasingly ubiquitous technology continues to alter the nature of commerce, medicine, transport and modern life overall, its varied and changing forms have not been evaluated for their biological or environmental impacts. Standards for evaluating radiation from numerous wireless devices were first set in 1996 to avoid heating tissue and remain unchanged since then in the U.S. and many other nations. A wide range of evidence indicates that there are numerous non-thermal effects from wireless radiation on reproduction, development, and chronic illness. Many widely used devices such as phones and tablets function as two-way microwave radios, sending and receiving various frequencies of information-carrying microwave radiation on multiple simultaneously operating antennas. Expert groups advising governments on this matter do not agree on the best approaches to be taken. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limited screen time for children under the age of two, but more than half of all toddlers regularly have contact with screens, often without parental engagement. Young children of parents who frequently use devices as a form of childcare can experience delays in speech acquisition and bonding, while older children report feelings of disappointment due to 'technoference'-parental distraction due to technology. Children who begin using devices early in life can become socially, psychologically and physically addicted to the technology and experience withdrawal upon cessation. We review relevant experimental, epidemiological and clinical evidence on biological and other impacts of currently used wireless technology, including advice to include key questions at pediatric wellness checkups from infancy to young adulthood. We conclude that consistent with advice in pediatric radiology, an approach that recommends that microwave radiation exposures be As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) seems sensible and prudent, and that an independently-funded training, research and monitoring program should be carried out on the long term physical and psychological impacts of rapidly changing technological milieu, including ways to mitigate impacts through modifications in hardware and software. Current knowledge of electrohypersensitivity indicates the importance of reducing wireless exposures especially in schools and health care settings.
COVID-19 has triggered barriers in persevering with ordinary existence nearly anywhere with inside the global with the aid of using inflicting the implementation of social distancing and sooner or later enforcing the lockdown. This has emerged as the purpose for the boom in generation utilization in every day existence for expert paintings in addition to for leisure purposes. There has been an accelerated incidence of generation utilization in youth and kids for the duration of lockdown leaving its effect on their lives both in a advantageous or bad aspect. The usual documented percent boom of generation utilization in kids became approximately 15%, of which telephone utilization has 61.7% of incidence. Disturbance in mind functioning is usually recommended to be originated with the aid of using compromise of neuroplasticity of the nerves. The radiofrequency (RF) radiations emitting from the telephone are of dubious situation as a mind tumour threat element in kids. The accelerated utilization will have consequences on mind functioning to be able to compromise sleep and cognitive skills and expand threat for sure intellectual ailments including, however now no longer restrained to, melancholy, anxiety, Alzheimer`s disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Despite being a hazard for growing intellectual illness, video games are demonstrated to lessen melancholy and anxiety, and boom creativity, skills, and cognition in kids. The accelerated utilization of generation will have a advantageous and bad effect at the intellectual improvement of youth and kids relying at the traits with inside the utilization. However, dad and mom must be tracking their kids’ intellectual fitness and conduct in those tough instances of pandemic.
Research related to misconceptions about electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and wireless networks is relatively scarce, even though computers, cell phones, and wireless networks are some of the sources of electromagnetic radiation that humans use every day. The aim of this study was to investigate University students' perceptions about the electromagnetic radiation coming from mobile phones and wireless networks, as well as to examine the effect related to the existing curricula of the university departments in which they study. 619 students from six different university departments participated in the study. The data was collected using a closed questionnaire. The conclusion of the research was that students have particularly insufficient knowledge in matters related to electromagnetic radiation, and the university department they attend has a significant influence on the formation of their perceptions.
This study evaluates the variance of specific absorption rate (SAR) due to expected variance in the dielectric properties of tissues in a 3D anatomical human head model exposed to a half-wave dipole antenna at 835 and 1900 MHz. Stochastic finite difference time domain (S-FDTD) is applied to calculate variations in the local SAR, and the 1- and 10-gram averaged SAR values. These are also compared at 835 MHz to variations found from Monte Carlo FDTD. It is found that for both frequencies dielectric property variance results in a variance of peak 1- or 10-gram SAR of approximately 30% to 55% of the mean SAR, depending on the frequency. These results show that to reach 95% confidence with the calculated SAR values for evaluating exposure guidelines, statistical variations in tissue electrical properties must be taken into account.
Background
For more than 20 years, the potential health risks of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure from mobile communication devices on children and adolescents have been examined because they are considered sensitive population groups; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure poses any particular risk to them.
Objectives
The aim of this review was to systematically analyze and evaluate the physiological and health-related effects of RF EMF exposures from wireless communication devices (mobile phones, cordless phones, Bluetooth, etc.) on children and adolescents.
Methods
This review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methodological limitations in individual studies were assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) Risk-of-Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies.
Results
A total of 42 epidemiological and 11 experimental studies were eligible for this review. Most of the studies displayed several methodological weaknesses that limited the internal validity of the results. Due to a lack of consistency regarding the outcomes as well as the lack of scientific rigor in most reviewed studies, the body of evidence for the effects of RF EMF of mobile communication devices on subjective symptoms, cognition, and behavior in children and adolescents was low to inadequate. Evidence from the studies investigating early childhood development, brain activity, cancer, and physiological parameters was considered inadequate for drawing conclusions about possible effects.
Discussion
Overall, the body of evidence allows no final conclusion on the question whether exposure to RF EMF from mobile communication devices poses a particular risk to children and adolescents. There has been rapid development in technologies generating RF EMF, which are extensively used by children and adolescents. Therefore, we strongly recommend high-quality systematic research on children and adolescents, since they are generally considered as sensitive age groups.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity is categorised as a multisymptomatic 'el-allergy' in the Nordic classification of 2000 (R.68.8). Its symptoms are 'certainly real' and it can be a 'disabling condition' (W.H.O., 2005). It was first recorded in the mid 20th century as an occupational illness, but it has now spread into the general population through environmental exposure from increasing levels of electromagnetic fields and radiation.
This Summary covers current research on this syndrome, covering EM Sensitivity and EM Hypersensitivity. It includes tables of symptoms, EMF sources and exposure guidelines, along with references to scientific studies.
This New Edition adds updates, international doctors' protocols, aspects of quantum biology, evidence for sensitivity in animals and plants, case studies, disability issues and human rights.
Objectives: In the present study, we investigated Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in pregnant (Group 1); non-pregnat adult female rabbits (Group 2) and infant rabbits (Group 3). We assessed Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission amplitudes in both stimulus levels of F2/F1=1.22 and 1.14; and analyzed the amplitude differences in different groups. Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand White rabbits were included into the study. They were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 9 each 13-month-old, adult, pregnant female rabbits. Group 2 consisted of 9 each 13-month-old, adult, non-pregnant female rabbits. Group 3 consisted of 18 each one-month-old, infant rabbits (Nine of them, male; and nine of them, female). In all groups, cochlear functions were assessed by Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions at 1.0-8.0 kHz. Stimulus parameters were used as F2/F1=1.22 in the first recording; and 1.14, in the second recording for each of the ears. Results: In all groups (1 to 3), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission amplitudes were found as higher with F2/F1:1.22 measurements than F2/F1:1.14 measurements. In F2/F1:1.22; and F2/F1:1.14 measurements seperately; at each Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission frequencies (1.0-8.0 kHz), the difference between Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission amplitudes of Group1-3 were analyzed by "Kruskal Wallis Variance Analysis": The statistically significant difference were present at frequencies of 1.5-2.0 kHz and 8.0 kHz for F2/F1:1.22 measurements; and 1.0-2.0 kHz and 4.0-8.0 kHz for F2/F1:1.14 measurements. In F2/F1:1.22 measurements, at 1.5 kHz, the mean value of Group 1 (Pregnant rabbits) was significantly higher than that of Group 3 (Infant rabbits). In F2/F1:1.14 measurements, at 1.0, 4.0 and 8.0 khz, the mean values of Group 1 (Pregnant rabbits) was significantly higher than those of Group 3 (Infant rabbits); and at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz, the mean values of Group 2 (Non-pregnant rabbits) were significantly higher than those of Group 3 (Infant rabbits) Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that, in pregnant rabbits, higher corticosteroid levels may cause higher DPOAE amplitudes than infant rabbits by F2/F1:1.14 measurements. In all rabbits and especially in infant rabbits, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions could be taken by F2/F1:1.22 measurements with higher amplitudes. The importance of our study is, when Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission measurement is planned, measurements should be done using F2/F1: 1.22 to get healthy and accurate results in experimental studies. In measurements made by F2/F1: 1.14, amplitudes can be observed as lower than F2/F1: 1.22 measurements. This decline is evident especially in infant rabbit groups. Water containing medium in the middle ear of infant rabbits may cause the reduce in Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission amplitudes than adult rabbits at both F2/F1:1.22 and 1.14 measurements.
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.
The purpose of this study was to reveal the apoptotic cell formation, using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods, in non-pregnant and pregnant New Zealand White rabbits, and in offspring of the pregnant group exposed to GSM modulated signal in 1,800 MHz frequency. Apoptotic cells were detected in the brain, eyes, kidneys, liver, lung, heart, and spleen by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) staining. Histopathological changes were observed in the examined organs. TUNEL positivity was seen in the brain (group VI) and eyes (groups IV and VI). In groups I, II, Ill, and V. the positivity was lesser than 5% and was not taken into account.
OBJECTIVES: There is concern regarding the possible health effects of cellular telephone use. We examined whether the source of funding of studies of the effects of low-level radiofrequency radiation is associated with the results of studies. We conducted a systematic review of studies of controlled exposure to radiofrequency radiation with health-related outcomes (electroencephalogram, cognitive or cardiovascular function, hormone levels, symptoms, and subjective well-being). DATA SOURCES: We searched EMBASE, Medline, and a specialist database in February 2005 and scrutinized reference lists from relevant publications. DATA EXTRACTION: Data on the source of funding, study design, methodologic quality, and other study characteristics were extracted. The primary outcome was the reporting of at least one statistically significant association between the exposure and a health-related outcome. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 59 studies, 12 (20%) were funded exclusively by the telecommunications industry, 11 (19%) were funded by public agencies or charities, 14 (24%) had mixed funding (including industry), and in 22 (37%) the source of funding was not reported. Studies funded exclusively by industry reported the largest number of outcomes, but were least likely to report a statistically significant result: The odds ratio was 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.78), compared with studies funded by public agencies or charities. This finding was not materially altered in analyses adjusted for the number of outcomes reported, study quality, and other factors. CONCLUSIONS: The interpretation of results from studies of health effects of radiofrequency radiation should take sponsorship into account.
We studied the association between use of mobile and cordless phones and malignant brain tumours. Pooled analysis was performed of two case-control studies on patients with malignant brain tumours diagnosed during 1997-2003 and matched controls alive at the time of study inclusion and one case-control study on deceased patients and controls diagnosed during the same time period. Cases and controls or relatives to deceased subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Replies were obtained for 1,251 (85%) cases and 2,438 (84%) controls. The risk increased with latency period and cumulative use in hours for both mobile and cordless phones. Highest risk was found for the most common type of glioma, astrocytoma, yielding in the >10 year latency group for mobile phone use odds ratio (OR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9-3.7 and cordless phone use OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2-2.9. In a separate analysis, these phone types were independent risk factors for glioma. The risk for astrocytoma was highest in the group with first use of a wireless phone before the age of 20; mobile phone use OR = 4.9, 95% CI = 2.2-11, cordless phone use OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.7-8.7. In conclusion, an increased risk was found for glioma and use of mobile or cordless phone. The risk increased with latency time and cumulative use in hours and was highest in subjects with first use before the age of 20.
Mobile phone use is now ubiquitous, and scientific reviews have recommended research into its relation to leukaemia risk, but no large studies have been conducted.
In a case-control study in South East England to investigate the relation of acute and non-lymphocytic leukaemia risk to mobile phone use, 806 cases with leukaemia incident 2003-2009 at ages 18-59 years (50% of those identified as eligible) and 585 non-blood relatives as controls (provided by 392 cases) were interviewed about mobile phone use and other potentially aetiological variables.
No association was found between regular mobile phone use and risk of leukaemia (odds ratio (OR)=1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76, 1.46). Analyses of risk in relation to years since first use, lifetime years of use, cumulative number of calls and cumulative hours of use produced no significantly raised risks, and there was no evidence of any trends. A non-significantly raised risk was found in people who first used a phone 15 or more years ago (OR=1.87, 95% CI=0.96, 3.63). Separate analyses of analogue and digital phone use and leukaemia subtype produced similar results to those overall.
This study suggests that use of mobile phones does not increase leukaemia risk, although the possibility of an effect after long-term use, while biologically unlikely, remains open.
The peak spatial specific absorption rate (SAR) assessed with the standardized specific anthropometric mannequin head phantom has been shown to yield a conservative exposure estimate for both adults and children using mobile phones. There are, however, questions remaining concerning the impact of age-dependent dielectric tissue properties and age-dependent proportions of the skull, face and ear on the global and local absorption, in particular in the brain tissues. In this study, we compare the absorption in various parts of the cortex for different magnetic resonance imaging-based head phantoms of adults and children exposed to different models of mobile phones. The results show that the locally induced fields in children can be significantly higher (>3 dB) in subregions of the brain (cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus) and the eye due to the closer proximity of the phone to these tissues. The increase is even larger for bone marrow (>10 dB) as a result of its significantly high conductivity. Tissues such as the pineal gland show no increase since their distances to the phone are not a function of age. This study, however, confirms previous findings saying that there are no age-dependent changes of the peak spatial SAR when averaged over the entire head.
Case-control studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between mobile phone use and tumor risk. We investigated these associations using a meta-analysis.
We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library in August 2008. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles based on predetermined selection criteria.
Of 465 articles meeting our initial criteria, 23 case-control studies, which involved 37,916 participants (12,344 patient cases and 25,572 controls), were included in the final analyses. Compared with never or rarely having used a mobile phone, the odds ratio for overall use was 0.98 for malignant and benign tumors (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.07) in a random-effects meta-analysis of all 23 studies. However, a significant positive association (harmful effect) was observed in a random-effects meta-analysis of eight studies using blinding, whereas a significant negative association (protective effect) was observed in a fixed-effects meta-analysis of 15 studies not using blinding. Mobile phone use of 10 years or longer was associated with a risk of tumors in 13 studies reporting this association (odds ratio = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.34). Further, these findings were also observed in the subgroup analyses by methodologic quality of study. Blinding and methodologic quality of study were strongly associated with the research group.
The current study found that there is possible evidence linking mobile phone use to an increased risk of tumors from a meta-analysis of low-biased case-control studies. Prospective cohort studies providing a higher level of evidence are needed.
The exposure of male mice to radiofrequency radiations from mobile phone (GSM) base stations at a workplace complex and residential quarters caused 39.78 and 46.03%, respectively, in sperm head abnormalities compared to 2.13% in control group. Statistical analysis of sperm head abnormality score showed that there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in occurrence of sperm head abnormalities in test animals. The major abnormalities observed were knobbed hook, pin-head and banana-shaped sperm head. The occurrence of the sperm head abnormalities was also found to be dose dependent. The implications of the observed increase occurrence of sperm head abnormalities on the reproductive health of humans living in close proximity to GSM base stations were discussed.
The Hardell-group conducted during 1997-2003 two case control studies on brain tumours including assessment of use of mobile phones and cordless phones. The questionnaire was answered by 905 (90%) cases with malignant brain tumours, 1,254 (88%) cases with benign tumours and 2,162 (89%) population-based controls. Cases were reported from the Swedish Cancer Registries. Anatomical area in the brain for the tumour was assessed and related to side of the head used for both types of wireless phones. In the current analysis we defined ipsilateral use (same side as the tumour) as >or=50% of the use and contralateral use (opposite side) as <50% of the calling time. We report now further results for use of mobile and cordless phones. Regarding astrocytoma we found highest risk for ipsilateral mobile phone use in the >10 year latency group, OR=3.3, 95% CI=2.0-5.4 and for cordless phone use OR=5.0, 95% CI=2.3-11. In total, the risk was highest for cases with first use <20 years age, for mobile phone OR=5.2, 95% CI=2.2-12 and for cordless phone OR=4.4, 95% CI=1.9-10. For acoustic neuroma, the highest OR was found for ipsilateral use and >10 year latency, for mobile phone OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.4-6.2 and cordless phone OR=2.3, 95% CI=0.6-8.8. Overall highest OR for mobile phone use was found in subjects with first use at age <20 years, OR=5.0, 95% CI 1.5-16 whereas no association was found for cordless phone in that group, but based on only one exposed case. The annual age-adjusted incidence of astrocytoma for the age group >19 years increased significantly by +2.16%, 95% CI +0.25 to +4.10 during 2000-2007 in Sweden in spite of seemingly underreporting of cases to the Swedish Cancer Registry. A decreasing incidence was found for acoustic neuroma during the same period. However, the medical diagnosis and treatment of this tumour type has changed during recent years and underreporting from a single center would have a large impact for such a rare tumour.
The debate regarding the health effects of low-intensity electromagnetic radiation from sources such as power lines, base stations, and cell phones has recently been reignited. In the present review, the authors attempt to address the following question: is there epidemiologic evidence for an association between long-term cell phone usage and the risk of developing a brain tumor? Included with this meta-analysis of the long-term epidemiologic data are a brief overview of cell phone technology and discussion of laboratory data, biological mechanisms, and brain tumor incidence.
In order to be included in the present meta-analysis, studies were required to have met all of the following criteria: (i) publication in a peer-reviewed journal; (ii) inclusion of participants using cell phones for > or = 10 years (ie, minimum 10-year "latency"); and (iii) incorporation of a "laterality" analysis of long-term users (ie, analysis of the side of the brain tumor relative to the side of the head preferred for cell phone usage). This is a meta-analysis incorporating all 11 long-term epidemiologic studies in this field.
The results indicate that using a cell phone for > or = 10 years approximately doubles the risk of being diagnosed with a brain tumor on the same ("ipsilateral") side of the head as that preferred for cell phone use. The data achieve statistical significance for glioma and acoustic neuroma but not for meningioma.
The authors conclude that there is adequate epidemiologic evidence to suggest a link between prolonged cell phone usage and the development of an ipsilateral brain tumor.
At certain frequencies, when the human head becomes a resonant structure, the power absorbed by the head and neck, when the body is exposed to a vertically polarized plane wave propagating from front to back, becomes significantly larger than would ordinarily be expected from its shadow cross section. This has possible implications in the study of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields. Additionally the frequencies at which these resonances occur are not readily predicted by simple approximations of the head in isolation. In order to determine these resonant conditions an anatomically based model of the whole human body has been used, with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm to accurately determine field propagation, specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions and power absorption in both the whole body and the head region (head and neck). This paper shows that resonant frequencies can be determined using two methods. The first is by use of the accurate anatomically based model (with heterogeneous tissue properties) and secondly using a model built from parallelepiped sections (for the torso and legs), an ellipsoid for the head and a cylinder for the neck. This approximation to the human body is built from homogeneous tissue the equivalent of two-thirds the conductivity and dielectric constant of that of muscle. An IBM SP-2 supercomputer together with a parallel FDTD code has been used to accommodate the large problem size. We find resonant frequencies for the head and neck at 207 MHz and 193 MHz for the isolated and grounded conditions, with absorption cross sections that are respectively 3.27 and 2.62 times the shadow cross section.
This paper compares the maximum allowable powers of some typical cellular telephones at 835 and 1900 MHz for compliance with the limits of specific absorption rates (SAR) given in ANSI/IEEE, ICNIRP and the proposed modification of ANSI/IEEE safety guidelines. It is shown that the present ANSI/IEEE guideline is the most conservative with the ICNIRP guidelines allowing a maximum radiated powerthat is 2.5-3 times higher, and the proposed IEEE modification of treating pinna as an extremity tissue the least conservative allowing even higher radiated powers by up to 50%. The paper also expands the previously reported study of energy deposition in models of adults versus children to two different and distinct anatomically-based models of the adult head, namely the Utah model and the 'Visible Man' model, each of which is increased or reduced by the voxel size to obtain additional head models larger or smaller in all dimensions by 11.1% or -9.1%, respectively. The peak 1 g body-tissue SAR calculated using the widely accepted FDTD method for smaller models is up to 56% higher at 1900 MHz and up to 20% higher at 835 MHz compared to the larger models, with the average models giving intermediate SARs. Also given in the paper is a comparison of the peak 1 g and 10 g SARs for two different anatomically-based models with 6 mm thick smooth plastic ear models used for SAR compliance testing. The SARs obtained with the insulating plastic ear models are up to two or more times smaller than realistic anatomic models. We propose a 2 mm thin shell phantom with lossy ear that should give SARs within +/- 15% of those of anatomic models.
Increasingly, mobile telephones are becoming pocket-sized and are being left in the shirt pocket with a connection to the ear for hands-free operation. We have considered an anatomic model of the chest and a planar phantom recommended by US FCC to compare the peak 1 and 10 g SARs for four typical cellular telephones, two each at 835 and 1900 MHz. An agreement within +/- 10% is obtained between calculated and experimental 1 and 10 g SARs for various separations (2-8 mm) from the planar phantom used to represent different thicknesses of the clothing both for the antenna away from or turned back towards the body. Because of the closer placement of the antennas relative to the body, the peak 1 and 10 g SARs are considerably higher (by a factor of 2-7) for pocket-mounted telephones as compared to the SARs obtained using a 6 mm thick plastic ear head model--a procedure presently accepted both in the US and Europe. This implies that a telephone tested for SAR compliance against the model of the head may be severely out of compliance if it were placed in the shirt pocket.
The possible risks of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields for the human body is a growing concern for our society. We have previously shown that weak pulsed microwaves give rise to a significant leakage of albumin through the blood-brain barrier. In this study we investigated whether a pathologic leakage across the blood-brain barrier might be combined with damage to the neurons. Three groups each of eight rats were exposed for 2 hr to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile phone electromagnetic fields of different strengths. We found highly significant (p< 0.002) evidence for neuronal damage in the cortex, hippocampus, and basal ganglia in the brains of exposed rats.
In this paper, the specific absorption rate (SAR) in scaled human head models is analysed to study possible differences between SAR in the heads of adults and children and for assessment of compliance with the international safety guidelines, while using a mobile phone. The finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) has been used for calculating SAR values for models of both children and adults, at 900 and 1800 MHz. Maximum 1 g averaged SAR (SAR1 g) and maximum 10 g averaged SAR (SAR10 g) have been calculated in adults and scaled head models for comparison and assessment of compliance with ANSI/IEEE and European guidelines. Results show that peak SAR1 g and peak SAR10 g all trend downwards with decreasing head size but as head size decreases, the percentage of energy absorbed in the brain increases. So, higher SAR in children's brains can be expected depending on whether the thickness of their skulls and surrounding tissues actually depends on age. The SAR in eyes of different sizes, as a critical organ, has also been studied and very similar distributions for the full size and the scaled models have been obtained. Standard limits can only be exceeded in the unpractical situation where the antenna is located at a very short distance in front of the eye.
We reviewed articles using computational RF dosimetry to compare the Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) to anatomically correct models of the human head. Published conclusions based on such comparisons have varied widely. We looked for reasons that might cause apparently similar comparisons to produce dissimilar results. We also looked at the information needed to adequately compare the results of computational RF dosimetry studies. We concluded studies were not comparable because of differences in definitions, models, and methodology. Therefore we propose a protocol, developed by an IEEE standards group, as an initial step in alleviating this problem. The protocol calls for a benchmark validation study comparing the SAM phantom to two anatomically correct models of the human head. It also establishes common definitions and reporting requirements that will increase the comparability of all computational RF dosimetry studies of the human head.
This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemented with questions concerning cell phone use habits, including possession, daily standby position and daily transmission times. Semen analyses were performed by conventional methods. Statistics were calculated with SPSS statistical software. A total of 371 were included in the study. The duration of possession and the daily transmission time correlated negatively with the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (r = -0.12 and r = -0.19, respectively), and positively with the proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (r = 0.12 and r = 0.28, respectively). The low and high transmitter groups also differed in the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (48.7% vs. 40.6%). The prolonged use of cell phones may have negative effects on the sperm motility characteristics.
To study the use of cellular and cordless telephones and the risk for malignant brain tumours.
Two case-control studies on malignant brain tumours diagnosed during 1997-2003 included answers from 905 (90%) cases and 2,162 (89%) controls aged 20-80 years. We present pooled analysis of the results in the two studies.
Cumulative lifetime use for >2,000 h yielded for analogue cellular phones odds ratio (OR)=5.9, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.5-14, digital cellular phones OR=3.7, 95% CI=1.7-7.7, and for cordless phones OR=2.3, 95% CI=1.5-3.6. Ipsilateral exposure increased the risk for malignant brain tumours; analogue OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.5-2.9, digital OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.4-2.4, and cordless OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.3-2.2. For high-grade astrocytoma using >10 year latency period analogue phones yielded OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.8-4.2, digital phones OR=3.8, 95% CI=1.8-8.1, and cordless phones OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.3-3.9. In the multivariate analysis all phone types increased the risk. Regarding digital phones OR=3.7, 95% CI=1.5-9.1 and cordless phones OR=2.1, 95% CI=0.97-4.6 were calculated for malignant brain tumours for subjects with first use use <20 years of age, higher than in older persons.
Increased risk was obtained for both cellular and cordless phones, highest in the group with >10 years latency period.
Handheld mobile phones were introduced in Denmark and Sweden during the late 1980s. This makes the Danish and Swedish populations
suitable for a study aimed at testing the hypothesis that long-term mobile phone use increases the risk of parotid gland tumors.
In this population-based case-control study, the authors identified all cases aged 20–69 years diagnosed with parotid gland
tumor during 2000–2002 in Denmark and certain parts of Sweden. Controls were randomly selected from the study population base.
Detailed information about mobile phone use was collected from 60 cases of malignant parotid gland tumors (85% response rate),
112 benign pleomorphic adenomas (88% response rate), and 681 controls (70% response rate). For regular mobile phone use, regardless
of duration, the risk estimates for malignant and benign tumors were 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.4, 1.3) and 0.9 (95%
confidence interval: 0.5, 1.5), respectively. Similar results were found for more than 10 years' duration of mobile phone
use. The risk estimate did not increase, regardless of type of phone and amount of use. The authors conclude that the data
do not support the hypothesis that mobile phone use is related to an increased risk of parotid gland tumors.
There is concern regarding the possible health effects of cellular telephone use. We examined whether the source of funding of studies of the effects of low-level radiofrequency radiation is associated with the results of studies. We conducted a systematic review of studies of controlled exposure to radiofrequency radiation with health-related outcomes (electroencephalogram, cognitive or cardiovascular function, hormone levels, symptoms, and subjective well-being).
We searched EMBASE, Medline, and a specialist database in February 2005 and scrutinized reference lists from relevant publications.
Data on the source of funding, study design, methodologic quality, and other study characteristics were extracted. The primary outcome was the reporting of at least one statistically significant association between the exposure and a health-related outcome. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models.
Of 59 studies, 12 (20%) were funded exclusively by the telecommunications industry, 11 (19%) were funded by public agencies or charities, 14 (24%) had mixed funding (including industry), and in 22 (37%) the source of funding was not reported. Studies funded exclusively by industry reported the largest number of outcomes, but were least likely to report a statistically significant result: The odds ratio was 0.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.78), compared with studies funded by public agencies or charities. This finding was not materially altered in analyses adjusted for the number of outcomes reported, study quality, and other factors.
The interpretation of results from studies of health effects of radiofrequency radiation should take sponsorship into account.
The objective of this nationwide study was to assess the association between cellular phone use and development of parotid
gland tumors (PGTs). The methods were based on the international INTERPHONE study that aimed to evaluate possible adverse
effects of cellular phone use. The study included 402 benign and 58 malignant incident cases of PGTs diagnosed in Israel at
age 18 years or more, in 2001–2003, and 1,266 population individually matched controls. For the entire group, no increased
risk of PGTs was observed for ever having been a regular cellular phone user (odds ratio = 0.87; p = 0.3) or for any other measure of exposure investigated. However, analysis restricted to regular users or to conditions
that may yield higher levels of exposure (e.g., heavy use in rural areas) showed consistently elevated risks. For ipsilateral
use, the odds ratios in the highest category of cumulative number of calls and call time without use of hands-free devices
were 1.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.11, 2.24) and 1.49 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 2.13), respectively. The risk for
contralateral use was not significantly different from 1. A positive dose-response trend was found for these measurements.
Based on the largest number of benign PGT patients reported to date, our results suggest an association between cellular phone
use and PGTs.
We evaluated long-term use of mobile phones and the risk for brain tumours in case-control studies published so far on this issue. We identified ten studies on glioma and meta-analysis yielded OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8-1.1. Latency period of > or =10-years gave OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.8-1.9 based on six studies, for ipsilateral use (same side as tumour) OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2-3.4 (four studies), but contralateral use did not increase the risk significantly, OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.6-2.0. Meta-analysis of nine studies on acoustic neuroma gave OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.7-1.1 increasing to OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.6-2.8 using > or =10-years latency period (four studies). Ipsilateral use gave OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1-5.3 and contra-lateral OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.7-2.2 in the > or =10-years latency period group (three studies). Seven studies gave results for meningioma yielding overall OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7-0.99. Using > or =10-years latency period OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.9-1.8 was calculated (four studies) increasing to OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 0.99-3.1 for ipsilateral use and OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.3-3.1 for contralateral use (two studies). We conclude that this meta-analysis gave a consistent pattern of an association between mobile phone use and ipsilateral glioma and acoustic neuroma using > or =10-years latency period.
A 2-mm-thick plastic shell with 5-10-mm-thick tapered plastic spacer in the shape of a "pinna"-specific anthropomorphic mannequin (SAM) head model is being used for determination of the specific absorption rate (SAR) of cellular telephones for compliance testing against IEEE and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Safety Guidelines used in the U.S. and Europe, respectively. We have used three-dimensional computer-aided design files of the SAM Model with 1-mm resolution to calculate peak 1- and 10-g SAR for "cheek" and "15°-tilted" positions of some typical telephones for comparison with those for three anatomic models of the head to show that the SAR obtained for SAM is up to two or more times smaller than for anatomic models. This is due to the shift of the high SAR locations to a low radiated fields region away from the antenna, particularly at 835 MHz, and a substantial physical separation from the absorptive phantom at 1900 MHz. Due to the use of lossless plastic for the "pinna," another handicap of the SAM model is the total lack of knowledge of 1- or 10-g SAR in the pinna tissues required by all safety guidelines (current or proposed). To remedy this situation, we propose a modified SAM with a lossy "pinna," for which 1- and 10-g SARs are relatively close to those for anatomic models, provided we use a fluid of higher conductivity than that currently used for compliance testing at 835 MHz. Lastly, we compare the implications of the current IEEE and ICNIRP guidelines and the newly proposed IEEE guidelines with a relaxed limit of 4.0 W/kg for any 10-g of tissue of the pinna for maximum allowable powers for cellular telephones at 835 and 1900 MHz to show that the newly proposed relaxed IEEE limits will allow radiated powers that may be 8-16 times those permitted by the current IEEE Standard and up to two times higher than those permitted under ICNIRP guidelines used in over 30 countries.
The authors have used the finite-difference time-domain method and
a new millimeter-resolution anatomically based model of the human to
study electromagnetic energy coupled to the head due to mobile
telephones at 835 and 1900 MHz. Assuming reduced dimensions
characteristic of today's mobile telephones, the authors have obtained
SAR distributions for two different lengths of monopole antennas of
lengths λ/4 and 3λ/8 for a model of the adult male and
reduced-scale models of 10- and 5-year-old children and find that peak
one-voxel and 1-g SARs are larger for the smaller models of children,
particularly at 835 MHz. Also, a larger in-depth penetration of absorbed
energy for these smaller models is obtained. The authors have also
studied the effect of using the widely disparate tissue properties
reported in the literature and of using homogeneous instead of the
anatomically realistic heterogeneous models on the SAR distributions.
Homogeneous models are shown to grossly overestimate both the peak
1-voxel and 1-g SARs. Last, the authors show that it is possible to use
truncated one-half or one-third models of the human head with negligible
errors in the calculated SAR distributions. This simplification will
allow considerable savings in computer memory and computation
times
Methods An interview-based case-control study with 2708 glioma and 2409 meningioma cases and matched controls was conducted in 13 countries using a common protocol. Results A reduced odds ratio (OR) related to ever having been a regular mobile phone user was seen for glioma [OR 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.94] and meningioma (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.68-0.91), possibly reflecting participation bias or other methodological limitations. No elevated OR was observed >= 10 years after first phone use (glioma: OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.76-1.26; meningioma: OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.61-1.14). ORs were = 1640 h, the OR was 1.40 (95% CI 1.03-1.89) for glioma, and 1.15 (95% CI 0.81-1.62) for meningioma; but there are implausible values of reported use in this group. ORs for glioma tended to be greater in the temporal lobe than in other lobes of the brain, but the CIs around the lobe-specific estimates were wide. ORs for glioma tended to be greater in subjects who reported usual phone use on the same side of the head as their tumour than on the opposite side. Conclusions Overall, no increase in risk of glioma or meningioma was observed with use of mobile phones. There were suggestions of an increased risk of glioma at the highest exposure levels, but biases and error prevent a causal interpretation. The possible effects of long-term heavy use of mobile phones require further investigation.
Background The rapid increase in mobile telephone use has generated concern about possible health risks related to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from this technology.
Methods An interview-based case–control study with 2708 glioma and 2409 meningioma cases and matched controls was conducted in 13 countries using a common protocol.
Results A reduced odds ratio (OR) related to ever having been a regular mobile phone user was seen for glioma [OR 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–0.94] and meningioma (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.68–0.91), possibly reflecting participation bias or other methodological limitations. No elevated OR was observed ≥10 years after first phone use (glioma: OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.76–1.26; meningioma: OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.61–1.14). ORs were <1.0 for all deciles of lifetime number of phone calls and nine deciles of cumulative call time. In the 10th decile of recalled cumulative call time, ≥1640 h, the OR was 1.40 (95% CI 1.03–1.89) for glioma, and 1.15 (95% CI 0.81–1.62) for meningioma; but there are implausible values of reported use in this group. ORs for glioma tended to be greater in the temporal lobe than in other lobes of the brain, but the CIs around the lobe-specific estimates were wide. ORs for glioma tended to be greater in subjects who reported usual phone use on the same side of the head as their tumour than on the opposite side.
Conclusions Overall, no increase in risk of glioma or meningioma was observed with use of mobile phones. There were suggestions of an increased risk of glioma at the highest exposure levels, but biases and error prevent a causal interpretation. The possible effects of long-term heavy use of mobile phones require further investigation.
Results of the 1987-1988 anthropometric survey of Army personnel are presented in this report in the form of summary statistics, percentile data and frequency distribution. These anthropometric data are presented for a subset of personnel (1774 men and 2208 women) sampled to match the proportions of age categories and racial/ethnic groups found in the active duty Army of June 1988. Dimensions given in this report include 132 standard measurements made in the course of the survey, 60 derived dimensions calculated largely by adding and subtracting standard measurement data, and 48 head and face dimensions reported in traditional linear terms but collected by means of an automated headboard designed to obtain three-dimensional data. Measurement descriptions. Descriptions of the procedures and techniques used in this survey are also provided. These include explanations of the complex sampling plan, computer editing procedures, and strategies for minimizing observer error. Tabular material in appendices are designed to help users understand various practical applications of the dimensional data, and to identify comparable data obtained in previous anthropometric surveys.
REFLEX, a project funded by the EU under the 5th Framework Programme (QLK4-CT-1999-01574), was carried out by 12 research
groups from 7 European countries1 from the year 2000 to 2004. The goal of the project was to search for biological effects
of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in in vitro cell systems which may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such
as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The data obtained showed that extremely low frequency EMF (ELF-EMF) had genotoxic
effects on primary cell cultures of human fibroblasts and on other cell lines. ELF-EMF generated DNA strand breaks at a significant
level at a flux density as low as 35 μT. There was a strong positive correlation between both the intensity and duration of
exposure and the increase in single and double DNA strand breaks and micronuclei frequencies. Chromosomal aberrations were
also observed after ELF-EMF exposure of human fibroblasts. Surprisingly, genotoxic effects were only observed when cells were
exposed intermittently to ELF-EMF, but not when exposed continuously. Responsiveness of fibroblasts to ELF-EMF increased with
the age of the donor and in the presence of specific genetic repair defects. The effect also differed among the other types
of cells examined. In particular, lymphocytes and myelocytes from adult donors were not responsive. With respect to radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), data showed that RF-EMF produced genotoxic effects in fibroblasts, HL-60 cells and granulosa
cells of rats, but not in human lymphocytes.
In October, 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) completed a review of the more than 100 agents classified as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1).
These assessments will be published in six parts as Volume 100 of the IARC Monographs (Volumes 100A–F). The IARC Monographs Programme has now resumed its regular schedule and in February, 2011, 18 scientists from eight countries met to assess the carcinogenicity of 18 chemicals present in industrial and consumer products or food—as natural constituents, contaminants, or fla vourings—or occurring as water chlorination by products (table). Some of these agents are discussed in more detail below. These assessments will be published as Volume 101 of the IARC Monographs.
In this corrigendum, the authors would like to report typographic errors in figures 3 and 4 and to suggest a brief amendment to section 3.1 to avoid further misunderstandings.
? Figures 3 and 4: the y-axis tick should read 0.1 instead of 1 in both figure 3 (top) and figure 4 (top). In figure 3 (top), the title should be changed to 'SARwb' instead of 'SARwb,max'.
? Section 3.1. Numerical uncertainty: the following note should be added at the end of the paragraph or as a footnote: 'In order to obtain a worst-case estimate of the numerical uncertainty (table 4), all components were considered as correlated'.
The authors would like to express their sincere apologies for the errors in the manuscript.
Microwaves were for the first time produced by humans in 1886 when radio waves were broadcasted and received. Until then microwaves had only existed as a part of the cosmic background radiation since the birth of universe. By the following utilization of microwaves in telegraph communication, radars, television and above all, in the modern mobile phone technology, mankind is today exposed to microwaves at a level up to 10(20) times the original background radiation since the birth of universe. Our group has earlier shown that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones alters the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in albumin extravasation immediately and 14 days after 2h of exposure. In the background section of this report, we present a thorough review of the literature on the demonstrated effects (or lack of effects) of microwave exposure upon the BBB. Furthermore, we have continued our own studies by investigating the effects of GSM mobile phone radiation upon the blood-brain barrier permeability of rats 7 days after one occasion of 2h of exposure. Forty-eight rats were exposed in TEM-cells for 2h at non-thermal specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0mW/kg, 0.12mW/kg, 1.2mW/kg, 12mW/kg and 120mW/kg. Albumin extravasation over the BBB, neuronal albumin uptake and neuronal damage were assessed. Albumin extravasation was enhanced in the mobile phone exposed rats as compared to sham controls after this 7-day recovery period (Fisher's exact probability test, p=0.04 and Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.012), at the SAR-value of 12mW/kg (Mann-Whitney, p=0.007) and with a trend of increased albumin extravasation also at the SAR-values of 0.12mW/kg and 120mW/kg. There was a low, but significant correlation between the exposure level (SAR-value) and occurrence of focal albumin extravasation (r(s)=0.33; p=0.04). The present findings are in agreement with our earlier studies where we have seen increased BBB permeability immediately and 14 days after exposure. We here discuss the present findings as well as the previous results of altered BBB permeability from our and other laboratories.
A case-control study of adult-onset leukemia was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand to explore the contribution of cellular telephone use and other factors to the etiology of the disease; 180 cases (87 acute myeloblastic leukemia, 40 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 44 chronic myelogenous leukemia, eight chronic lymphocytic leukemia, one unclassified acute leukemia) were compared with 756 age- and sex-matched hospital controls. Data were obtained by interview; odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. There was no clear association with cellular telephone phone use, but durations were relatively short (median 24-26 months), and there was a suggestion that risk may be increased for those with certain usage practices (ORs, 1.8-3.0 with lower confidence intervals >1.0) and those who used GSM service (OR, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.0). Myeloid leukemia (acute and chronic combined) was associated with benzene (OR, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-11), a nonspecific group of other solvents (2.3; 1.1-4.9), occupational pesticides that were mostly unspecified (3.8; 2.1-7.1), and working with or near powerlines (4.3; 1.3-15). No associations were found for diagnostic X-rays, cigarette smoking, or other occupational exposures.
There is concern regarding the possible health effects of cellular telephone use. We conducted a systematic review of studies of controlled exposure to radiofrequency radiation with health-related outcomes (electroencephalogram, cognitive or cardiovascular function, hormone levels, symptoms, and subjective well-being). We searched Embase, Medline, and a specialist database in February 2005 and scrutinized reference lists from relevant publications. Data on the source of funding, study design, methodologic quality, and other study characteristics were extracted. The primary outcome was the reporting of at least one statistically significant association between the exposure and a health-related outcome. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Of 59 studies, 12 (20%) were funded exclusively by the telecommunications industry, 11 (19%) were funded by public agencies or charities, 14 (24%) had mixed funding (including industry), and in 22 (37%) the source of funding was not reported. Studies funded exclusively by industry reported the largest number of outcomes, but were least likely to report a statistically significant result. The interpretation of results from studies of health effects of radiofrequency radiation should take sponsorship into account.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) inhibit the formation and differentiation of neural stem cells during embryonic development. In this study, the effects of prenatal exposure to EMF on the number of granule cells in the dentate gyrus of 4-week-old rats were investigated. This experiment used a control (Cont) group and an EMF exposed (EMF) group (three pregnant rats each group). The EMF group consisted of six offspring (n=6) of pregnant rats that were exposed to an EMF of up to 900 megahertz (MHz) for 60 min/day between the first and last days of gestation. The control group consisted of five offspring (n=5) of pregnant rats that were not treated at all. The offspring were sacrificed when they were 4 weeks old. The numbers of granule cells in the dentate gyrus were analyzed using the optical fractionator technique. The results showed that prenatal EMF exposure caused a decrease in the number of granule cells in the dentate gyrus of the rats (P<0.01). This suggests that prenatal exposure to a 900 MHz EMF affects the development of the dentate gyrus granule cells in the rat hippocampus. Cell loss might be caused by an inhibition of granule cell neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
The dielectric properties of ten rat tissues at six different ages were measured at 37 degrees C in the frequency range of 130 MHz to 10 GHz using an open-ended coaxial probe and a computer controlled network analyser. The results show a general decrease of the dielectric properties with age. The trend is more apparent for brain, skull and skin tissues and less noticeable for abdominal tissues. The variation in the dielectric properties with age is due to the changes in the water content and the organic composition of tissues. The percentage decrease in the dielectric properties of certain tissues in the 30 to 70 day old rats at cellular phone frequencies have been tabulated. These data provide an important input in the provision of rigorous dosimetry in lifetime-exposure animal experiments. The results provide some insight into possible differences in the assessment of exposure for children and adults.
Concern has arisen over human exposures to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RFEMR), including a recent report indicating that regular mobile phone use can negatively impact upon human semen quality. These effects would be particularly serious if the biological effects of RFEMR included the induction of DNA damage in male germ cells. In this study, mice were exposed to 900 MHz RFEMR at a specific absorption rate of approximately 90 mW/kg inside a waveguide for 7 days at 12 h per day. Following exposure, DNA damage to caudal epididymal spermatozoa was assessed by quantitative PCR (QPCR) as well as alkaline and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The treated mice were overtly normal and all assessment criteria, including sperm number, morphology and vitality were not significantly affected. Gel electrophoresis revealed no gross evidence of increased single- or double-DNA strand breakage in spermatozoa taken from treated animals. However, a detailed analysis of DNA integrity using QPCR revealed statistically significant damage to both the mitochondrial genome (p < 0.05) and the nuclear beta-globin locus (p < 0.01). This study suggests that while RFEMR does not have a dramatic impact on male germ cell development, a significant genotoxic effect on epididymal spermatozoa is evident and deserves further investigation.
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) produced by mobile phones in the head of adults and children is simulated using an algorithm based on the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. Realistic models of the child and adult head are used. The electromagnetic parameters are fitted to these models. Comparison also are made with the SAR calculated in the children model when using adult human electromagnetic parameters values. Microstrip (or patch) antennas and quarter wavelength monopole antennas are used in the simulations. The frequencies used to feed the antennas are 1850 MHz and 850 MHz. The SAR results are compared with the available international recommendations. It is shown that under similar conditions, the 1g-SAR calculated for children is higher than that for the adults. When using the 10-year old child model, SAR values higher than 60% than those for adults are obtained.
To investigate the effect of cell phone use on various markers of semen quality.
Observational study.
Infertility clinic.
Three hundred sixty-one men undergoing infertility evaluation were divided into four groups according to their active cell phone use: group A: no use; group B: <2 h/day; group C: 2-4 h/day; and group D: >4 h/day.
None.
Sperm parameters (volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology).
The comparisons of mean sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology among four different cell phone user groups were statistically significant. Mean sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology were significantly different in cell phone user groups within two sperm count groups. The laboratory values of the above four sperm parameters decreased in all four cell phone user groups as the duration of daily exposure to cell phones increased.
Use of cell phones decrease the semen quality in men by decreasing the sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology. The decrease in sperm parameters was dependent on the duration of daily exposure to cell phones and independent of the initial semen quality.
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) was recently introduced as the third generation mobile communication standard in Europe. This was done without any information on biological effects and genotoxic properties of these particular high-frequency electromagnetic fields. This is discomforting, because genotoxic effects of the second generation standard Global System for Mobile Communication have been reported after exposure of human cells in vitro.
Human cultured fibroblasts of three different donors and three different short-term human lymphocyte cultures were exposed to 1,950 MHz UMTS below the specific absorption rate (SAR) safety limit of 2 W/kg. The alkaline comet assay and the micronucleus assay were used to ascertain dose and time-dependent genotoxic effects. Five hundred cells per slide were visually evaluated in the comet assay and comet tail factor (CTF) was calculated. In the micronucleus assay 1,000 binucleated cells were evaluated per assay. The origin of the micronuclei was determined by fluorescence labeled anticentromere antibodies. All evaluations were performed under blinded conditions.
UMTS exposure increased the CTF and induced centromere-negative micronuclei (MN) in human cultured fibroblasts in a dose and time-dependent way. Incubation for 24 h at a SAR of 0.05 W/kg generated a statistically significant rise in both CTF and MN (P = 0.02). At a SAR of 0.1 W/kg the CTF was significantly increased after 8 h of incubation (P = 0.02), the number of MN after 12 h (P = 0.02). No UMTS effect was obtained with lymphocytes, either unstimulated or stimulated with Phytohemagglutinin.
UMTS exposure may cause genetic alterations in some but not in all human cells in vitro.
This paper analyzes the radio frequencies (RF) exposure in the head tissues of children using a cellular handset or RF sources (a dipole and a generic handset) at 900, 1800, 2100 and 2400 MHz. Based on magnetic resonance imaging, child head models have been developed. The maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) over 10 g in the head has been analyzed in seven child and six adult heterogeneous head models. The influence of the variability in the same age class is carried out using models based on a morphing technique. The SAR over 1 g in specific tissues has also been assessed in the different types of child and adult head models. Comparisons are performed but nevertheless need to be confirmed since they have been derived from data sets of limited size. The simulations that have been performed show that the differences between the maximum SAR over 10 g estimated in the head models of the adults and the ones of the children are small compared to the standard deviations. But they indicate that the maximum SAR in 1 g of peripheral brain tissues of the child models aged between 5 and 8 years is about two times higher than in adult models. This difference is not observed for the child models of children above 8 years old: the maximum SAR in 1 g of peripheral brain tissues is about the same as the one in adult models. Such differences can be explained by the lower thicknesses of pinna, skin and skull of the younger child models.
The controversy on the dosimetry in children's heads for mobile telephones is still inconsistent. Gandhi's group [1996, 2002] reported a considerable increase of the spatial peak specific absorption rate (SAR) in children's heads, while Kuster's group [1998] claimed that there was not a significant difference in the SAR between children and adults. In this paper, based on Japanese children's statistical data on external shapes of heads, we developed two kinds of children's models from a Japanese adult head model. Using the children's head models, we calculated the local peak SAR under the same conditions as those previously employed by Gandhi's and Kuster's groups. Compared to the local peak SAR in the adult head model, we found a considerable increase in the children's heads when we fixed the output power of the monopole-type antenna, but no significant differences when we fixed the effective current of the dipole-type antenna. This finding suggests that the contradictory conclusions drawn by the above two groups may be due to the different conditions in their numerical peak SAR calculations.
A parallel-plate waveguide is used to determine wide-band RF (285 to 4000 MHz) absorption characteristics of 96- to 390-g rats and biological-phantom prolate spheroidal bodies. The results compare well to those of free space irradiation. At resonance, for E along the long dimension (a) power deposition of 9 times higher then that for H||a orientation is observed.
American National Standards Institute Safety Levels with respectto Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields,300kHz to 100GHz Report ANSIC95-1982
- Newyork
ANSI (1982). American National Standards Institute. Safety Levels with respectto Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields,300kHz to 100GHz Report ANSIC95-1982,(NewYork: The IEEE Inc)