Investigating short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields on reproductive capacity of invertebrates in the field situation

Organisms are exposed to electromagnetic fields from the introduction of wireless networks that send information all over the world. In this study we examined the impact of exposure to the fields from mobile phone base stations (GSM 900?MHz) on the reproductive capacity of small, virgin, invertebrates. A field experiment was performed exposing four different invertebrate species at different distances from a radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) transmitter for a 48-h period. The control groups were isolated from EMF exposure by use of Faraday cages. The response variables as measured in the laboratory were fecundity and number of offspring. Results showed that distance was not an adequate proxy to explain dose-response regressions. No significant impact of the exposure matrices, measures of central tendency and temporal variability of EMF, on reproductive endpoints was found. Finding no impact on reproductive capacity does not fully exclude the existence of EMF impact, since mechanistically models hypothesizing non-thermal-induced biological effects from RF exposure are still to be developed. The exposure to RF EMF is ubiquitous and is still increasing rapidly over large areas. We plea for more attention toward the possible impacts of EMF on biodiversity.     

Reactive oxygen species elevation and recovery in Drosophila bodies and ovaries following short-term and long-term exposure to DECT base EMF

The objective of this study was to approach the basic mechanism(s) underlying reported ovarian apoptotic cell death and fecundity decrease induced by nonionizing radiation (NIR) in Drosophila melanogaster. ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) levels were measured in the bodies and the ovaries of (sexually mature) 4-day-old flies, following exposure for 0.5, 1, 6, 24 and 96?h to a wireless DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) base radiation (1.88–1.90?GHz). Electrical field intensity was 2.7?V/m, measured within the fly vials and calculated SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value?=?0.009?W/Kg. Male and female bodies showed twofold increase in ROS levels (p?p?p?p?相似文献   

Effect of GSM 900-MHz Mobile Phone Radiation on the Reproductive Capacity of Drosophila melanogaster

Pulsed radio frequency, (RF), electromagnetic radiation from common GSM mobile phones, (Global System for Mobile Telecommunications) with a carrier frequency at 900 MHz, “modulated” by human voice, (speaking emission) decreases the reproductive capacity of the insect Drosophila melanogaster by 50%–60%, whereas the corresponding “nonmodulated” field (nonspeaking emission) decreases the reproductive capacity by 15%–20%. The insects were exposed to the near field of the mobile phone antenna for 6 min per day during the first 2–5 days of their adult lives. The GSM field is found to affect both females and males. Our results suggest that this field-radiation decreases the rate of cellular processes during gonad development in insects.     

Long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from mobile phone on testicular tissue and epididymal semen quality

The purpose of this study is to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long term 900?MHz mobile phone exposure on reproductive organs of male rats. The study was carried out on 14 adult Wistar Albino rats by dividing them randomly into two groups (n: 7) as sham group and exposure group. Rats were exposed to 900?MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from a GSM signal generator. Point, 1?g and 10?g specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of testis and prostate were found as 0.0623?W/kg, 0.0445?W/kg and 0.0373?W/kg, respectively. The rats in the exposure group were subject to RF radiation 3?h per day (7?d a week) for one year. For the sham group, the same procedure was applied, except the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, epididymal sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, abnormal sperm rate, all-genital organs weights and testis histopathology were evaluated. Any differences were not observed in sperm motility and concentration (p?>?0.05). However, the morphologically normal spermatozoa rates were found higher in the exposure group (p?p?p?相似文献   

Survey of electromagnetic field exposure in bedrooms of residences in lower Austria

Previous investigations of exposure to electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields (EMF) in households were either about electricity supply EMFs or radio frequency EMFs (RF‐EMFs). We report results from spot measurements at the bedside that comprise electrostatic fields, extremely low‐frequency electric fields (ELF‐EFs), extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MFs), and RF‐EMFs. Measurements were taken in 226 households throughout Lower Austria. In addition, effects of simple reduction measures (e.g., removal of clock radios or increasing their distance from the bed, turning off Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) telephone base stations) were assessed. All measurements were well below International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guideline levels. Average night‐time ELF‐MFs (long‐term measurement from 10 pm to 6 am, geometric mean over households) above 100 nT were obtained in 2.3%, and RF‐EMFs above 1000 µW/m² in 7.1% of households. Highest ELF‐EFs were primarily due to lamps beside the bed (max = 166 V/m), and highest ELF‐MFs because of transformers of devices (max = 1030 nT) or high current of power lines (max = 380 nT). The highest values of RF‐EMFs were caused by DECT telephone base stations (max = 28979 µW/m²) and mobile phone base stations (max = 4872 µW/m²). Simple reduction measures resulted in an average decrease of 23 nT for ELF‐MFs, 23 V/m for ELF‐EFs, and 246 µW/m² for RF‐EMFs. A small but statistically significant correlation between ELF‐MF exposure and overall RF‐EMF levels of R = 0.16 (P = 0.008) was computed that was independent of type (flat, single family) and location (urban, rural) of houses. Bioelectromagnetics 31:200–208, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effect of 900 MHz radio frequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the brain

Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.     

Effect of 900 MHz Radio Frequency Radiation on Beta Amyloid Protein,Protein Carbonyl,and Malondialdehyde in the Brain

Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001).

In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.     

Effects of weak mobile phone - electromagnetic fields (GSM, UMTS) on well-being and resting EEG

Modern mobile phones emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) ranging from 900 to 2000 MHz which are suggested to have an influence on well-being, attention and neurological parameters in mobile phone users. To date most studies have investigated Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-EMF and only very few studies were concerned with Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)-EMF. Consequently, we tested the effects of both types of EMF, 1950 MHz UMTS (SAR 0.1 and 1 W/kg) and pulsed 900 MHz GSM (1 W/kg), on well-being and vigilance-controlled resting electroencephalogram (eyes closed) in 15 healthy, right-handed subjects. A double-blind, randomised, crossover application of the test procedure was used. Neither the UMTS- nor the GSM-EMF produced any significant changes in the measured parameters compared to sham exposure. The results do not give any evidence for a deleterious effect of the EMF on normal healthy mobile phone users.     

Measurements of skin surface temperature during mobile phone use

We measured maximum temperature rises on the side of the face after 6 min of continuous mobile phone operation using two models of AMPS analog phones operating in the 835 MHz band and three early model GSM digital phones operating in the 900 MHz band. For the GSM phones the highest recorded temperature rise difference was 2.3 degrees C and for the AMPS phones it was 4.5 degrees C, both at locations on the cheek. The higher differential temperature rise between AMPS and GSM may reflect the higher maximum average operating power of AMPS (600 mW) versus GSM900 (250 mW). Additionally, we compared temperature changes at a consistent location on the cheek for an AMPS phone that was inoperative (-0.7 degrees C), transmitting at full power (+2.6 degrees C) and in stand-by mode (+2.0 degrees C). Our results suggest that direct RF heating of the skin only contributes a small part of the temperature rise and that most is due to heat conduction from the handset.     

Perception of the electromagnetic field emitted by a mobile phone

Electromagnetic sensibility refers to the ability to perceive the electromagnetic field (EMF) without necessarily developing health symptoms attributed to EMF exposure. A large sample of young healthy adults (n = 84) performed two forced‐choice tasks on the perception of the GSM mobile phone EMF (902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz), “Was the field on?” and “Did the field change?” (3 conditions × 100 trials for each task, n = 600 trials in total). A monetary prize was announced for good performance (correct response rate ≥75%, n = 600 trials). The performance was no better than expected by chance, and thus none of the participants won the prize. Two participants showed extraordinary performance in one of the task conditions (“Was the field on?”, n = 100 trials), with correct response rates of 97% (P = 1.28 × 10^?25) and 94% (P = 9.40 × 10^?22), but they failed to replicate the result in the retest of six blocks of the same condition 1 month later. Six participants had reported being able to perceive the mobile phone EMF in the preliminary inquiry, but they performed no better than the others. This study provides empirical evidence against the existence of electromagnetic sensibility to the mobile phone EMF, demonstrating the necessity for replication in EMF studies. Bioelectromagnetics 29:154–159, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Residential characteristics and radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures from bedroom measurements in Germany

The objectives of this study were to assess total exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in bedrooms and the contribution of different radioservices (FM radio, analogue TV and DVB-T, TETRA, GSM900 downlink, GSM1800 downlink, UMTS downlink, DECT, and wireless LAN and blue tooth) to the total exposure. Additional aims were to describe the proportion of measuring values above the detection limit of the dosimeters and to characterize the differences in exposure patterns associated with self-reported residential characteristics. Exposure to RF sources in bedrooms was measured using Antennessa^? EME Spy 120 dosimeters in 1,348 households in Germany; 280 measures were available for each frequency band per household. Mean electrical field strengths and power flux densities were calculated. Power flux densities allow the calculation of proportions of different radioservices on total exposure. Exposure was often below the detection limit (electrical field strength: 0.05 V/m) of the dosimeter. Total exposure varied, depending on residential characteristics (urban vs. rural areas and floor of a building the measurement took place). Major sources of exposure were cordless phones (DECT standard) and wireless LAN/blue tooth contributing about 82% of total exposure (20.5 μW/m²). Exposure to RF-EMF is ubiquitous, but exposure levels are—if at all measurable—very low and far below the ICNIRP’s exposure reference levels.     

The effects of prenatal exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field on the 21-day-old male rat heart

Abstract

The growing spread of mobile phone use is raising concerns about the effect on human health of the electromagnetic field (EMF) these devices emit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on rat pup heart tissue of prenatal exposure to a 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF. For this purpose, pregnant rats were divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental group rats were exposed to a 900?MHz EMF (1?h/d) on days 13–21 of pregnancy. Measurements were performed with rats inside the exposure box in order to determine the distribution of EMF intensity. Our measurements showed that pregnant experimental group rats were exposed to a mean electrical field intensity of 13.77?V/m inside the box (0.50?W/m²). This study continued with male rat pups obtained from both groups. Pups were sacrificed on postnatal day 21, and the heart tissues were extracted. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase values were significantly higher in the experimental group rats, while glutathione values were lower. Light microscopy revealed irregularities in heart muscle fibers and apoptotic changes in the experimental group. Electron microscopy revealed crista loss and swelling in the mitochondria, degeneration in myofibrils and structural impairments in Z bands. Our study results suggest that exposure to EMF in the prenatal period causes oxidative stress and histopathological changes in male rat pup heart tissue.     

Effects of weak mobile phone - electromagnetic fields (GSM, UMTS) on event related potentials and cognitive functions

Modern mobile phones emit electromagnetic fields (EMF) ranging from 900 to 2000 MHz which are suggested to have an influence on well-being, attention and neurological parameters in mobile phone users. Until now most studies have investigated Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-EMF and only very few studies have focused on Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)-EMF. Therefore, we tested the effects of both types of unilaterally presented EMF, 1950 UMTS (0.1 and 1 W/kg) and pulsed 900 MHz GSM (1 W/kg), on visually evoked occipital P100, the P300 of a continuous performance test, auditory evoked central N100 and the P300 during an oddball task as well as on the respective behavioral parameters, reaction time and false reactions, in 15 healthy, right handed subjects. A double-blind, randomized, crossover application of the test procedure was used. Neither the UMTS- nor the GSM-EMF produced any significant changes in the measured parameters compared to sham exposure. The results do not give any evidence for a deleterious effect of the EMF on normal healthy mobile phone users.     

Mobile communication and health of population: estimation of danger, social and ethical problems

Population lives under new electromagnetic conditions: constant round-the-clock compulsory chronic exposure of all groups of population to modulated wide spectrum of EMF RF during the work of base stations of mobile communication; daily and lifelong (from childhood) exposure of the brain to EMF RF of the mobile phone. Effects of exposure to EMF RF of low levels are presented. Results of research into chronic EMF RF exposure are absent. International recommendations and domestic guidelines do not take into account the changing conditions of EMF RF influence on the population: the brain has become a critical body, and children have been included in the risk group. Population actively continues to use mobile communication. In this situation estimation of the risks from mobile communication has become a social and ethical problem.     

Volume-averaged SAR in adult and child head models when using mobile phones: a computational study with detailed CAD-based models of commercial mobile phones

Previous studies comparing SAR difference in the head of children and adults used highly simplified generic models or half-wave dipole antennas. The objective of this study was to investigate the SAR difference in the head of children and adults using realistic EMF sources based on CAD models of commercial mobile phones. Four MRI-based head phantoms were used in the study. CAD models of Nokia 8310 and 6630 mobile phones were used as exposure sources. Commercially available FDTD software was used for the SAR calculations. SAR values were simulated at frequencies 900 MHz and 1747 MHz for Nokia 8310, and 900 MHz, 1747 MHz and 1950 MHz for Nokia 6630. The main finding of this study was that the SAR distribution/variation in the head models highly depends on the structure of the antenna and phone model, which suggests that the type of the exposure source is the main parameter in EMF exposure studies to be focused on. Although the previous findings regarding significant role of the anatomy of the head, phone position, frequency, local tissue inhomogeneity and tissue composition specifically in the exposed area on SAR difference were confirmed, the SAR values and SAR distributions caused by generic source models cannot be extrapolated to the real device exposures. The general conclusion is that from a volume averaged SAR point of view, no systematic differences between child and adult heads were found.     

Using the nonlinear control of anaesthesia-induced hypersensitivity of EEG at burst suppression level to test the effects of radiofrequency radiation on brain function

Background  

In this study, investigating the effects of mobile phone radiation on test animals, eleven pigs were anaesthetised to the level where burst-suppression pattern appears in the electroencephalogram (EEG). At this level of anaesthesia both human subjects and animals show high sensitivity to external stimuli which produce EEG bursts during suppression. The burst-suppression phenomenon represents a nonlinear control system, where low-amplitude EEG abruptly switches to very high amplitude bursts. This switching can be triggered by very minor stimuli and the phenomenon has been described as hypersensitivity. To test if also radio frequency (RF) stimulation can trigger this nonlinear control, the animals were exposed to pulse modulated signal of a GSM mobile phone at 890 MHz. In the first phase of the experiment electromagnetic field (EMF) stimulation was randomly switched on and off and the relation between EEG bursts and EMF stimulation onsets and endpoints were studied. In the second phase a continuous RF stimulation at 31 W/kg was applied for 10 minutes. The ECG, the EEG, and the subcutaneous temperature were recorded.     

Apoptosis and Autophagy Function Cooperatively for the Efficacious Execution of Programmed Nurse Cell Death During Drosophila virilis Oogenesis

Programmed cell death consists of two major types, apoptotic and autophagic, both of which are mainly defined by morphological criteria. Our findings indicate that both types of programmed cell death occur in the ovarian nurse cells during middle and late oogenesis of Drosophila virilis. During mid-oogenesis, the spontaneously degenerated egg chambers exhibit typical characteristics of apoptotic cell death. Their nurse cells contain condensed chromatin and fragmented DNA, whereas active caspase assays and immunostaining procedures demonstrate the presence of highly activated caspases. Distinct features of autophagic cell death are also observed during D. virilis mid-oogenesis, as shown by monodansylcadaverine staining and ultrastructural examination performed by transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, atretic egg chambers exhibit an accumulation of lysosomal proteases. At the late stages of D. virilis oogenesis, apoptosis and autophagy coexist, manifesting cell death features that are similar to the ones described above, being also escorted by the involvement of an altered cytochrome c conformational display. We propose that apoptosis and autophagy operate synergistically during D. virilis oogenesis for a more efficient elimination of the degenerated nurse cells.

Addendum to:

Mechanisms of Programmed Cell Death During Oogenesis in Drosophila virilis

A.D. Velentzas, I.P. Nezis, D.J. Stravopodis, I.S. Papassideri and L.H. Margaritis

Cell Tissue Res 2006; doi: 10.1007/s00441-006-0298-x     

No effects of mobile phone electromagnetic field on auditory brainstem response

The present study investigated the possible effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by an ordinary GSM mobile phone (902.4 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz) on brainstem auditory processing. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded in 17 healthy young adults, without a mobile phone at baseline, and then with a mobile phone on the ear under EMF‐off and EMF‐on conditions. The amplitudes, latencies, and interwave intervals of the main ABR components (waves I, III, V) were compared among the three conditions. ABR waveforms showed no significant differences due to exposure, suggesting that short‐term exposure to mobile phone EMF did not affect the transmission of sensory stimuli from the cochlea up to the midbrain along the auditory nerve and brainstem auditory pathways. Bioelectromagnetics 31:48–55, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.