Recent Research on Wireless Radiation and Electromagnetic Fields
The U.S. National Toxicology Program published the final reports for its $30 million study of the long-term effects of cell phone radiation on rats and mice. The NTP found “clear evidence” of increased cancer risk in male rats from low level (i.e., nonthermal) exposures (c.f., heart schwannoma) and “some evidence” for increased risk of glioma.
More information: https://www.saferemr.com/2018/11/NTP-final-reports31.html
THE EMF CALL: Scientists and NGO’s call for better protection from Exposure to radiation from Wireless Technology
Press-Release Nov 1, 2018
157 scientists and medical doctors together with 86 non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) from all over the world are calling for more protective limits for exposure to radiofrequency radiation from wireless technologies. In a joint statement, THE EMF CALL, they conclude that the ICNIRP guidelines are unscientific and do not protect against harmful health effects including cancer.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) issued draft Guidelines on 11th July 2018 for limiting exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) (100 kHz to 300 GHz). The guidelines are inadequate to protect humans and the environment, as they only protect against acute thermal effects from very short and intense exposure. They do not protect against cancer, reproductive harm, or effects on the nervous system, although the preponderance of the peer-reviewed research has found adverse effects from chronic exposure at intensities below the ICNIRP limits.
In May, 2011, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), concluded that radiofrequency radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz–300 GHz is a “possible” human carcinogen (Group 2B). However, the ICNIRP ignores this as well as the increasing evidence in recent years for carcinogenicity.
– The evidence for harm from both 50/60 Hz EMFs and radiofrequency exposures is strong in both human and animal studies. There are associations between increasing exposure not only with cancer, but also with adverse reproductive outcomes in both males and females, adverse effects on cognitive function and behavior and increased risk of development of the syndrome of electro-hypersensitivity. We must find ways of reducing human exposure in order to reduce the incidence of human disease.
Dr. Lennart Hardell, Swedish oncologist with long-term research in this area says:
– The roll-out of 5G, the fifth generation of telecommunication technology will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency radiation. Thus, in addition to the urgent need for new guidelines on current exposure a moratorium on the roll-out of 5G should be implemented.
– The body of scientific evidence for detrimental health effects from EMF exposure is overwhelming. There is now even no need to call the precautionary principle into play to take action. It is the duty of scientists to inform the public and the duty of the public to force governments to apply new truly protective EMF exposure guidelines as well as to educate the society how to reduce EMF exposures.
Swedish Radiation Protection Foundation
More Information:
Luo J, Deziel NC, Huang H, Chen Y, Ni X, Ma S, Udelsman R, Zhang Y. Cell phone use and risk of thyroid cancer: a population-based case-control study in Connecticut. Annals of Epidemiology, Published online Oct 29, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.10.004.
Abstract
Temporal & spatial patterns of Glioblastoma Multiforme & other brain cancer subtypes in relation to mobile phones using synthetic counterfactuals
de Vocht F. Analyses of temporal and spatial patterns of Glioblastoma Multiforme and other brain cancers subtypes in relation to mobile phones using synthetic counterfactuals. Environmental Research. Available online 17 October 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.10.011.
Highlights
• English 1985–2005 brain cancer subtype rates were compared to counterfactual trends
• Excess GBM increases were found in the frontal and temporal lobes, and cerebellum
• Mobile phone use was unlikely to have been an important putative factor
• No evidence of an effect of mobile phone use on acoustic neuroma and meningioma
Abstract
This study assesses whether temporal trends in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in different brain regions, and of different malignant and benign (including acoustic neuroma and meningioma) subtypes in the temporal lobe, could be associated with mobile phone use.
Annual 1985–2005 incidence of brain cancer subtypes for England were linked to population-level covariates. Bayesian structural timeseries were used to create 2006–2014 counterfactual trends, and differences with measured newly diagnosed cases were interpreted as causal effects.
Increases in excess of the counterfactuals for GBM were found in the temporal (+38% [95% Credible Interval -7%,78%]) and frontal (+36% [-8%,77%]) lobes, which were in agreement with hypothesised temporal and spatial mechanisms of mobile phone usage, and cerebellum (+59% [-0%,120%]). However, effects were primarily present in older age groups, with largest effects in 75+ and 85+ groups, indicating mobile phone use is unlikely to have been an important putative factor. There was no evidence of an effect of mobile phone use on incidence of acoustic neuroma and meningioma.
Although 1985–2014 trends in GBM in the temporal and frontal lobes, and probably cerebellum, seem consistent with mobile phone use as an important putative factor, age-group specific analyses indicate that it is unlikely that this correlation is causal.
Excerpts
Assessment of specific cancer subtypes in the temporal lobe indicated that the excess incidence was mainly found for GBM, with similar trends observed in the frontal lobe and cerebellum…. The increased rates of specific brain cancer subtypes in excess of the counterfactuals correspond to the spatial and temporal patterns that would be expected if exposure to RF from mobile phones were an important putative factor (Cardis et al., 2008, Morgan et al., 2016) … However, age group-specific analyses indicate that the excess relative impacts increased with age over 65 years and were primarily found in the very old (75/85+ years of age) for whom it is unlikely that mobile phone use had been an important causal factor. In addition, excess numbers of newly diagnosed cases were also observed in the young (<24 years of age) for whom mobile phone use is also an unlikely causal factor….
The assumption that a 10-year lag was the most plausible period between first exposure and when increased risk could be observed in registry data was based on the previous analyses (De Vocht (2016)). Although sensitivity analysis using a 15-year lag showed no evidence of excesses relative to counterfactuals, this may still have been too short….
This study, in agreement with other data from the UK and elsewhere, shows that the incidence of glioblastoma multiforme (astrocytoma grade IV) has increased significantly since the 1980s, especially in the frontal and temporal lobes and cerebellum. However, it further provides evidence that the trend of increasing numbers of newly diagnosed cases of glioblastoma multiforme in the temporal lobe (but likely in the frontal lobe and cerebellum as well) since the mid-1980s, although seemingly consistent with the hypothesis of exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones being an important putative factor, should to a large extent (if not exclusively) be attributed to another factor or factors; of which improvements in diagnostic techniques, especially in the elderly, seems the most plausible. Although these analyses indicate that it is unlikely that exposure to RF from mobile phones is an important putative factor, they also cannot exclude it as a contributing factor completely. It is therefore important to keep monitoring incidence trend data.
My comment: The study found that the two age groups most vulnerable to carcinogenic effects from cell phone use — young and elderly adults — showed increased incidence over time in brain cancer in two lobes of the brain that receive the greatest dose of microwave radiation from a cell phone used near the head. The author rejects the explanation that cell phone use caused the increased cancer risk but accepts the possibility that cell phone radiation may be a contributing factor.
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RF EMF, screen time, and emotional and behavioral problems in 5-year-old children
Guxens M, Vermeulen R, Steenkamer I, Beekhuizen J, Vrijkotte TGM, Kromhout H, Huss A. Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, screen time, and emotional and behavioural problems in 5-year-old children.Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2018 Oct 9. pii: S1438-4639(18)30502-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.09.006.
• RF-EMF from different sources and screen time assessed in 5-year-old children.
• Teachers and mothers independently reported child emotional and behavioural problems.
• No associations with mobile/cordless phone calls which lead to peak RF-EMF to the head.
• Associations with exposures contributing very little to RF-EMF when maternal-reported.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the exposure of young children to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and potentially associated health effects. We assessed the relationship of RF-EMF exposure from different sources and screen time exposure with emotional and behavioural problems in 5-year-old children.
METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 3102 children aged 5 years from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study, in the Netherlands. Residential RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations was estimated with a 3D geospatial radio wave propagation model. Residential presence of RF-EMF indoor sources (cordless phone base stations and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)), children’s mobile phone and cordless phone calls and screen time exposure (computer/video game and television watching) was reported by the mother. Teachers (n = 2617) and mothers (n = 3019) independently reported child emotional and behavioural problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
RESULTS: No associations were found between mobile phone and cordless phone calls and emotional and behavioural problems. Children exposed to higher RF-EMF levels from mobile phone base stations showed higher odds of maternal-reported emotional symptoms (OR 1.82, 95%CI 1.07 to 3.09). Children with cordless phone at home had lower odds of teacher-reported problematic prosocial behaviour (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.48 to 0.97) and of maternal-reported peer relationship problems (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.96). Children who watched television ≥1.5 h/day had higher odds of maternal-reported hyperactivity/inattention (OR 3.13, 95%CI 1.43 to 6.82).
CONCLUSION: Mobile phone and cordless phone calls, which lead to peak RF-EMF exposures to the head, were not associated with any emotional and behavioural problems in 5-year-old children. Environmental RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations and from indoor sources and television watching, which both contribute very little to RF-EMF exposure, were associated with specific emotional and behavioural problems but mainly when reported by the mothers. We cannot, however, discard residual confounding or reverse causality. Further longitudinal research in particular as children will increase the use of telecommunication devices with the age may help to better understand the exact contribution of the different RF-EMF exposure sources if any. Moreover, a thorough control for confounding is essential for a correct interpretation of the studies on screen time and emotional and behavioural problems.
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Expert Views on Their Role as Policy Advisor: Pilot Study for the Cases of Electromagnetic Fields, Particulate Matter, and Antimicrobial Resistance
Spruijt P, Knol AB, Petersen AC, Lebret E. Expert Views on Their Role as Policy Advisor: Pilot Study for the Cases of Electromagnetic Fields, Particulate Matter, and Antimicrobial Resistance. Risk Anal. 2018 Oct 31. doi: 10.1111/risa.13224.
Abstract
This perspective presents empirical data to demonstrate the existence of different expert views on scientific policy advice on complex environmental health issues. These views are partly research-field specific. According to scientific literature, experts differ in the way they provide policy advice on complex issues such as electromagnetic fields (EMF), particulate matter (PM), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Where some experts feel their primary task is to carry out fundamental research, others actively engage in the policy dialogue. Although the literature provides ideas about expert roles, there exists little empirical underpinning. Our aim is to gather empirical evidence about expert roles. The results of an international study indicated that experts on EMF, PM, and AMR differ in the way they view their role in the policy dialogue. For example, experts differed in their views on the need for precaution and their motivation to initiate stakeholder cooperation. Besides, most experts thought that their views on the risks of EMF/PM/AMR did not differ from those of colleagues. Great dissensus was found in views on the best ways of managing risks and uncertainties. In conclusion, the theoretical ideal-typical roles from the literature can be identified to a certain extent.
Review of quality of publications & meta-analysis of genetic damage in mammalian cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields
Vijayalaxmi, Prihoda TJ. Comprehensive review of quality of publications and meta-analysis of genetic damage in mammalian cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields. Radiat Res. 2018 Oct 19. doi: 10.1667/RR15117.1.
Abstract
There have been numerous published studies reporting on the extent of genetic damage observed in animal and human cells exposed in vitro and in vivo to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields (RF, electromagnetic waves that carry energy as they propagate in air and dense media). Overall, the data are inconsistent; while some studies have suggested significantly increased damage in cells exposed to RF energy compared to unexposed and/or sham-exposed control cells, others have not. Several variables in exposure conditions used in the experiments might have contributed to the controversy.
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Understanding physical mechanism of low-level microwave radiation effect
Hinrikus H, Bachmann M, Lass J. Understanding physical mechanism of low-level microwave radiation effect. Int J Radiat Biol. 2018 Oct;94(10):877-882. doi: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1478158.
Abstract
PURPOSE:This topic review aims to explain the mechanism of low-level microwave (MW) radiation effect based on published research results. The review presents the analysis of theoretical and experimental results comprising underlying physics and derived biological-physiological consequences supported by experimental data.
CONCLUSIONS: The rotation of dipolar molecules causes polarization of dielectric medium and restructuring of hydrogen bonds between these molecules. The weakened hydrogen bonds decrease viscosity and enhance diffusion at constant temperature. All steps of proposed model have no critical frequency restrictions at MW frequencies and have been confirmed by electromagnetic field (EMF) theory and/or published experimental results. The synchronous cumulative impact of coherent MW electric field makes possible the field-induced effect despite the field strengths are much weaker than intermolecular fields. The rotation of dipolar molecules results in restructuring hydrogen bonds between the molecules despite the energy of MW radiation is much less than the energy of bonding. The cumulative impact of coherent MW field in a medium has been convincingly confirmed by the measurable dielectric permittivity of the medium. The described mechanism of MW field-induced effect confirms that the nature of the effect differs from the thermal effect and that the exposure by MW radiation can create the specific consequences in biology and materials not characteristic for conventional heating.
Evaluation of IEEE802.15.4g for Environmental Observations
Muñoz J, Chang T, Vilajosana X, Watteyne T. Evaluation of IEEE802.15.4g for Environmental Observations. Sensors (Basel). 2018 Oct 15;18(10). pii: E3468. doi: 10.3390/s18103468.
Abstract
IEEE802.15.4g is a low-power wireless standard initially designed for Smart Utility Networks, i.e., for connecting smart meters. IEEE802.15.4g operates at sub-GHz frequencies to offer 2⁻3× longer communication range compared to its 2.4 GHz counterpart. Although the standard offers 3 PHYs (Frequncy Shift Keying, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing and Offset-Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) with numerous configurations, 2-FSK at 50 kbps is the mandatory and most prevalent radio setting used. This article looks at whether IEEE802.15.4g can be used to provide connectivity for outdoor deployments. We conduct range measurements using the totality of the standard (all modulations with all further parametrization) in the 863⁻870 MHz band, within four scenarios which we believe cover most low-power wireless outdoor applications: line of sight, smart agriculture, urban canyon, and smart metering. We show that there are radio settings that outperform the “2-FSK at 50 kbps” base setting in terms of range, throughput and reliability. Results show that highly reliable communications with data rates up to 800 kbps can be achieved in urban environments at 540 m between nodes, and the longest useful radio link is obtained at 779 m. We discuss how IEEE802.15.4g can be used for outdoor operation, and reduce the number of repeater nodes that need to be placed compared to a 2.4 GHz solution.
Effect of low-level 1800 MHz RF radiation on the rat sciatic nerve and the protective role of paricalcitol
Comelekoglu U, Aktas S, Demirbag B, Karagul MI, Yalin S, Yildirim M, Akar A, Korunur Engiz B, Sogut F, Ozbay E. Effect of low-level 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation on the rat sciatic nerve and the protective role of paricalcitol. Bioelectromagnetics. 2018 Oct 16. doi: 10.1002/bem.22149.
Abstract
The nervous system is an important target of radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure since it is the excitable component that is potentially able to interact with electromagnetic fields. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 1,800 MHz RF radiation and the protective role of paricalcitol on the rat sciatic nerve. Rats were divided into four groups as control, paricalcitol, RF, and RF + paricalcitol. In RF groups, the rats were exposed to 1,800 MHz RF for 1 h per day for 4 weeks. Control and paricalcitol rats were kept under the same conditions without RF application. In paricalcitol groups, the rats were given 0.2 μg/kg/day paricalcitol, three times per week for 4 weeks. Amplitude and latency of nerve compound action potentials, catalase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and ultrastructural changes of sciatic nerve were evaluated. In the RF group, a significant reduction in amplitude, prolongation in latency, an increase in the MDA level, and an increase in catalase activity and degeneration in the myelinated nerve fibers were observed. The electrophysiological and histological findings were consistent with neuropathy, and the neuropathic changes were partially ameliorated with paricalcitol administration.
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Effects of mobile phone EMF exposure on serum hepcidin and iron status in male albino rats
El-Maleky NF, Ebrahim RH. Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field from mobile phone on serum hepcidin and iron status in male albino rats. Electromagn Biol Med. 2018 Nov 2:1-8. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2018.1531423.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by mobile phones during communication have harmful effects on different organs.
OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of exposure to EMF of mobile phones for different durations on hematological parameters and serum hepcidin in male albino rats.
METHODS: Three groups of eight rats: Sham group: rats were exposed to a mobile phone while it was switched off, Experimental group I: rats were exposed to microwave radiation from a mobile phone at 9 am for 30 min. Experimental group II: rats were exposed to microwave radiations from a mobile phone at 9 am for an hour. In all groups, the exposure was conducted daily for a total period of 5 months, followed by estimation of serum hepcidin, total leukocyte count (TLC), interleukin 6 (IL6), serum iron, serum ferritin, plasma hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol levels.
RESULTS: In Experimental group II, there was a significant increase in serum hepcidin, TLC, IL6 and serum ferritin; however, serum iron, TIBC, UIBC, 1.25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, plasma Hb, Hct, MCV and MCH were significantly lower in comparison to sham-exposed group. In Experimental group I, there was a significant increase in serum hepcidin, IL6 and TLC, along with non-significant changes in the remaining studied parameters in comparison to the sham-exposed group.
CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to EMF from mobile phones increases hepcidin level with subsequent impairment of iron parameters, in addition to negatively affecting both UIBC and TIBC.
Mahmoudi, G, Nikzad, S, Mehrpouyan, M, Moslehi, M, Baradaran-Ghahfarokhi, M, Dashty, A. Effects of mobile phone prolonged radiation on kidney cells; an in-vitro study. J Renal Injury Prevention. 7(3):175-179.DOI: 10.15171/jrip.2018.42. Published Sep, 2018.
Introduction: Mobile phones have been shown to have hazardous effects on the human renal system, reproduction and development, central nervous system and immune function.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the mobile phone prolonged radiofrequency (RF) radiation could affect healthy kidney cells in an in-vitro study.
Materials and Methods: Human kidney healthy cells in three groups were placed into three batches. The first and second groups (exposed groups) were exposed to a mobile phone simulator for 1 and 2 h/d, respectively. The irradiation was performed for 8 consecutive days. For the third group (control group), no radiationwas applied to the samples and they completed the assay cycle under identical conditions. Cells’ survival was evaluated using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Statistical significance of the differences between control and exposed groups were assessed using the repeated measure ANOVA method (P < 0.05).
Results: Results showed that radiation exposure from mobile phones simulator decreased the kidney cell survival in the exposed groups (up to 40%). ANOVA test revealed that a significant decrease in cell survival in the exposed group compared to the control group (P = 0.014). No significant differences between the irradiated groups were found (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Mobile phone exposure affects kidney cells survival during an in vitro condition. To study the effects of mobile phoneradiation on kidney, further in vivo studies on mammalians are needed.
http://www.journalrip.com/PDF/jrip-7-175.pdf?t=636760355158054455
Dealing with crosstalk in electromagnetic field measurements of portable devices
Eeftens M, Struchen B, Roser K, Zahner M, Fröhlich J, Röösli M. Dealing with crosstalk in electromagnetic field measurements of portable devices. Bioelectromagnetics. 18 October 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.22142
Abstract
Portable devices measuring radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) are affected by crosstalk: signals originating in one frequency band that are unintentionally registered in another. If this is not corrected, total exposure to RF‐EMF is biased, particularly affecting closely spaced frequency bands such as GSM 1800 downlink (1,805–1,880 MHz), DECT (1,880–1,900 MHz), and UMTS uplink (1,920–1,980 MHz). This study presents an approach to detect and correct crosstalk in RF‐EMF measurements, taking into account the real‐life setting in which crosstalk is intermittently present, depending on the exact frequency of the signal. Personal measurements from 115 volunteers from Zurich canton, Switzerland were analyzed. Crosstalk‐affected observations were identified by correlation analysis, and replaced by the median value of the unaffected observations, measured during the same activity. DECT is frequently a victim of crosstalk, and an average of 43% of observations was corrected, resulting in an average exposure reduction of 38%. GSM 1800 downlink and UMTS uplink were less often corrected (6.9% and 8.9%), resulting in minor reductions in exposure (7.1% and 0.92%). The contribution of DECT to total RF‐EMF exposure is typically already low (3.2%), but is further reduced after correction (3.0%). Crosstalk corrections reduced the total exposure by 1.0% on average. Some individuals had a larger reduction of up to 16%. The code developed to make the corrections is provided for free as an R function which is easily applied to any time series of EMF measurements.
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Chronic effect of pulsed 1800 MHz EMR on amino acid neurotransmitters in 3 different areas of juvenile and young adult rat brain
Ahmed NA, Radwan NM, Aboul Ezz HS, Khadrawy YA, Salama NA. The chronic effect of pulsed 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation on amino acid neurotransmitters in three different areas of juvenile and young adult rat brain. Toxicol Ind Health. 2018 Oct 21:748233718798975. doi: 10.1177/0748233718798975.
Abstract
The extensive use of mobile phones worldwide has raised increasing concerns about the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the brain due to the proximity of the mobile phone to the head and the appearance of several adverse neurological effects after mobile phone use. It has been hypothesized that the EMR-induced neurological effects may be mediated by amino acid neurotransmitters. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of EMR (frequency 1800 MHz, specific absorption rate 0.843 W/kg, power density 0.02 mW/cm2, modulated at 217 Hz) on the concentrations of amino acid neurotransmitters (glutamic acid, aspartic acid, gamma aminobutyric acid, glycine, taurine, and the amide glutamine) in the hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus of juvenile and young adult rats. The juvenile and young adult animals were each divided into two groups: control rats and rats exposed to EMR 1 h daily for 1, 2, and 4 months. A subgroup of rats were exposed daily to EMR for 4 months and then left without exposure for 1 month to study the recovery from EMR exposure. Amino acid neurotransmitters were measured in the hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus using high-performance liquid chromatography. Exposure to EMR induced significant changes in amino acid neurotransmitters in the studied brain areas of juvenile and young adult rats, being more prominent in juvenile animals. It could be concluded that the alterations in amino acid neurotransmitters induced by EMR exposure of juvenile and young adult rats may underlie many of the neurological effects reported after EMR exposure including cognitive and memory impairment and sleep disorders. Some of these effects may persist for some time after stopping exposure.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30345898
Evidence of oxidative stress after continuous exposure to Wi-Fi radiation in rat modelKamali K, Taravati A, Sayyadi S, Gharib FZ, Maftoon H. Evidence of oxidative stress after continuous exposure to Wi-Fi radiation in rat model. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2018 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-018-3482-0.AbstractExposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is rapidly increasing in everyday environment, consequently conferring potential health effects. Oxidative stress is emerging as a mechanism implicated in pathophysiology and progression of various diseases. To our knowledge, no report has been made on the status of antioxidant redox systems after continuous exposure to radiofrequency radiation emitted from a Wi-Fi access point in animal model so far. Therefore, we aimed to continuously subject rats in the experimental group to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from a commercially available Wi-Fi device. Male Wister rats were exposed to 2.45 GHz RF radiation emitted from a Wi-Fi for 24 h/day for 10 consecutive weeks. In order to assess the change in antioxidant redox system of plasma after continuous exposure to a Wi-Fi device, the total antioxidant capacity of plasma, level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), and activity of different enzymatic antioxidants, e.g., superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], and glutathione S-transferase [GST], were measured. In the Wi-Fi exposed group, a significant decrease was detected in total antioxidant capacity of plasma and the activities of several antioxidant enzymes, including CAT, GSH-Px, and SOD (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the GST activity was significantly increased in this group (P < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found in GSH and TBARS levels following exposure to RF radiation. According to the results, oxidative defense system in rats exposed to Wi-Fi signal was significantly affected compared to the control group. Further studies are needed to better understand the possible biological mechanisms of EMR emitted from Wi-Fi device and relevant outcomes.
According to the results of the current research, long-term exposure to EMR emitted from wireless devices had adverse effects on the antioxidant potential of blood. Therefore, to protect individuals from harmful effects of Wi-Fi signals, it is advised to limit the use of such devices for household and occupational activities, if possible. This study may stimulate future helpful research in the development of new protective or therapeutic approaches. In addition, it is recommended that the target tissues of EMR emitted from wireless devices and the level of other mediators be investigated to understand the exact molecular mechanism and site of action upon continuous exposure to such radiations.
Calabrò E. Introduction to the Special Issue “Electromagnetic Waves Pollution.” Sustainability 2018, 10(9), 3326; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10093326. Published: Sep 18, 2018. (This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromagnetic Waves Pollution)Abstract
Modern technology has largely developed using energy forms of which the most relevant is surely electricity. Electric power stations generate alternate current at frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz, transmitted across high voltage transmission lines that are often located too near to buildings where humans live or work. In addition, home devices that work using alternate current expose humans to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, trams, electric trains, and some industrial processes generate static magnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields produce non-ionizing radiation, which gives rise to the so-called electromagnetic waves pollution, also named electrosmog. A large scientific production study showed harmful effects of exposure to EMFs. In view of these results, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection published international guidelines in order to recommend exposure limits to EMFs for occupational exposure and for general public exposure. The aim of this thematic issue is to give a further contribution to highlight the problem of electromagnetic waves pollution and to investigate the effects of exposure to EMFs on biological systems even below the EMF limits recommended by ICNIRP.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the studies reported in this thematic issue give further proof of significant effects in cellular functions induced by exposure to intensity levels of ELF-EMFs to which humans are generally exposed. Since it cannot be ruled out that such measured alterations can induce the onset of diseases in humans, it would be advisable to design shielding protection against exposure to EMFs or to plan electromagnetic systems and devices working at frequencies far from natural resonant frequencies of biological systems. These frequencies would be discovered in future research.
Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/10/9/3326/htm
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Occupational Exposures: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses
Gunnarsson LG, Bodin L. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Occupational Exposures: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Oct 26;15(11). pii: E2371. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15112371.
Abstract
Objectives: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies fulfilling good scientific epidemiological standards for use in meta-analyses of occupational risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The role of melatonin in preventing ovarian tissue damage in rats exposed to magnetic fieldsKüçük Z, Erkayıran U, Çaydere M, Kayaalp D, Karca Altıncaba D. The role of melatonin in preventing ovarian tissue damage in rats exposed to magnetic fields. Turk J Med Sci. 2018 Oct 31;48(5):1073-1079. doi: 10.3906/sag-1707-98.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We observed the efficacy of melatonin in preventing ovarian tissue damage in rats exposed to magnetic fields.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four treatment groups: Group 1, control group (n = 10); Group 2, melatonin administration only (n = 10); Group 3, magnetic field exposure only (n = 10); Group 4, magnetic field exposure with melatonin administration (n = 10). The magnetic field was applied at a dose of 20 μT for 30 min/day for 10 days. Melatonin was orally administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg. We evaluated follicle count, degree of fibrosis, amount of adhesion, amount of apoptosis, ovarian dimensions, and follicular degeneration by dissecting the ovaries of the rats on day 11, and differences among the groups were evaluated.
RESULTS: Group 3 had an increased amount of follicle degeneration, more fibrosis, and more adhesion than Group 4, but these findings were not statistically significant. The apoptosis scores in Groups 1 and 2 were significantly lower than in the other groups. Ovarian dimensions were significantly decreased in Group 3. Follicular degeneration was significantly increased in Group 3.
CONCLUSION: Exogenously administered melatonin, if used at much higher doses orally, may be a noncytotoxic, antiapoptotic agent and may also have a protective effect on ovarian tissue damage that radiation can cause at the level of fine structure
Abstract
The study aimed to determine effect of extremely low frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) exposure on serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as signature cytokines of Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, respectively. Retinoid-related orphan receptor γT and transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression levels as lineage defining of Th17 and Treg cells were also assessed in the spleen and thymus. Eighty male rats were separated into 4 exposed groups (1, 100, 500, and 2,000 μT magnetic flux intensities) and a control. All rats were immunized by human serum albumin after 1 month of the exposure and the experiment was continued in the same manner for 1 month more. The results demonstrated that the weight of thymuses was significantly declined at intensity of 2,000 μT. At the preimmunization phase, the serum levels of IL-17 and TGF-β were significantly decreased at intensities of 1 and 100 μT. The expression of Foxp3 was also downregulated at intensities of 1 and 100 μT. In conclusion, low intensities of ELF-EMF may reduce the serum levels of IL-17 and TGF-β and downregulate the expression of Foxp3 in spleen.
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Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety
Website: https://www.saferemr.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaferEMR
Twitter: @berkeleyprc
Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D.
Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
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