Radiofrequency exposure on fast patrol boats in the Royal Norwegian Navy—an approach to a dose assessment

Epidemiological studies related to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) have mainly used crude proxies for exposure, such as job titles, distance to, or use of different equipment emitting RF EMF. The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) has measured RF field emitted from high‐frequency antennas and radars on several spots where the crew would most likely be located aboard fast patrol boats (FPB). These boats are small, with short distance between the crew and the equipment emitting RF field. We have described the measured RF exposure aboard FPB and suggested different methods for calculations of total exposure and annual dose. Linear and spatial average in addition to percentage of ICNIRP and squared deviation of ICNIRP has been used. The methods will form the basis of a job exposure matrix where relative differences in exposure between groups of crew members can be used in further epidemiological studies of reproductive health. Bioelectromagnetics 31:350–360, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of global system for mobile communications 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on gene and protein expression in MCF-7 cells

Despite many studies over a decade, it still remains ambiguous as to the real biological effects induced by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) utilized in mobile telephony. Here we investigated global gene and protein responses to RF EMF simulating the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 1800 MHz signal in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 using genomic and proteomic approaches. GeneChip analysis identified a handful of consistent changed genes after exposure to RF EMF at specific absorption rates (SAR) of up to 3.5 W/kg for 24 h. However, these differentially transcribed genes could not be further confirmed by real-time RT-PCR assay. Meanwhile, systematic proteome analysis of the MCF-7 cells revealed that a few but different proteins were differentially expressed under continuous or intermittent RF EMF exposure at SAR of 3.5 W/kg for 24 h or less, implying that the observed effects might have occurred by chance. Overall, the present study does not provide convincing evidence that RF EMF exposure under current experimental conditions can produce distinct effects on gene and protein expression in the MCF-7 cells.     

An evaluation of exposure metrics in an epidemiologic study on radio and television broadcast transmitters and the risk of childhood leukemia

Electric field strength values calculated by wave propagation modeling were applied as an exposure metric in a case–control study conducted in Germany to investigate a possible association between radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) emitted from television and radio broadcast transmitters and the risk of childhood leukemia. To validate this approach it was examined at 850 measurement sites whether calculated RF‐EMF are an improvement to an exposure proxy based on distance from the place of residence to a transmitter. Further, the agreement between measured and calculated RF‐EMF was explored. For dichotomization at the 90% quantiles of the exposure distributions it was found that distance agreed less with measured RF‐EMF (Kappa coefficient: 0.55) than did calculated RF‐EMF (Kappa coefficient: 0.74). Distance was a good exposure proxy for a single transmitter only which uses the frequency bands of amplitude modulated radio, whereas it appeared to be of limited informative value in studies involving several transmitters, particularly if these are operating in different frequency bands. The analysis of the agreement between calculated RF‐EMF and measured RF‐EMF showed a sensitivity of 76.6% and a specificity of 97.4%, leading to an exposure misclassification that still allows one to detect a true odds ratio as low as 1.4 with a statistical power of >80% at a two‐sided significance level of 5% in a study with 2,000 cases and 6,000 controls. Thus, calculated RF‐EMF is confirmed to be an appropriate exposure metric in large‐scale epidemiological studies on broadcast transmitters. Bioelectromagnetics 30:81–91, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Microwave electromagnetic field regulates gene expression in T-lymphoblastoid leukemia CCRF-CEM cell line exposed to 900 MHz

Electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields are ubiquitous in our society, and concerns have been expressed regarding possible adverse effects of these exposures. Research on Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) magnetic fields has been performed for more than two decades, and the methodology and quality of studies have improved over time. Studies have consistently shown increased risk for childhood leukemia associated with ELF magnetic fields. There are still inadequate data for other outcomes. More recently, focus has shifted toward Radio Frequencies (RF) exposures from mobile telephony. There are no persuasive data suggesting a health risk, but this research field is still immature with regard to the quantity and quality of available data. This technology is constantly changing and there is a need for continued research on this issue. To investigate whether exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) could induce adverse health effects, we cultured acute T-lymphoblastoid leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) in the presence of 900?MHz MW-EMF generated by a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell at short and long exposure times. We evaluated the effect of high-frequency EMF on gene expression and we identified functional pathways influenced by 900?MHz MW-EMF exposure.     

Exposure classification of MRI workers in epidemiological studies

We estimate that there are about 100,000 workers from different disciplines, such as radiographers, nurses, anesthetists, technicians, engineers, etc., who can be exposed to substantial electromagnetic fields (compared to normal background levels) around magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. There is a need for well‐designed epidemiological studies of MRI workers but since the exposure from MRI equipment is a very complex mixture of static magnetic fields, switched gradient magnetic fields, and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF), it is necessary to discuss how to assess the exposure in epidemiological studies. As an alternative to the use of job title as a proxy of exposure, we propose an exposure categorization for the different professions working with MRI equipment. Specifically, we propose defining exposure in three categories, depending on whether people are exposed to only the static field, to the static plus switched gradient fields or to the static plus switched gradient plus RF fields, as a basis for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies. Bioelectromagnetics 34:81–84, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effects of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on an auditory order threshold task

The effect of acute exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) generated by mobile phones on an auditory threshold task was investigated. 168 participants performed the task while exposed to RF EMF in one testing session (either global system for mobile communication (GSM) or unmodulated signals) while in a separate session participants were exposed to sham signals. Lateralization effects were tested by exposing participants either on the left side or on the right side of the head. No significant effect of exposure to RF EMF was detected, suggesting that acute exposure to RF EMFs does not affect performance in the order threshold task.     

Evaluation of Radiofrequency and Extremely Low‐Frequency Field Levels at Children's Playground Sites in Greece From 2013 to 2018

From 2013 to 2018, in‐situ measurements of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) and extremely low‐frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields in 317 existing and under‐construction children's playground facilities, in 16 municipalities all over Greece, were carried out by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE). These measurements were conducted following legislative framework established in 2009, which requires that compliance with the established exposure limits for EMFs should be verified in playground areas. The results are presented by the value of the electric field (E) and exposure ratio (Λ) for the RF EMF, as well as the value of the electric field (E) and magnetic flux density (B) for the ELF electric and magnetic fields. Statistical analysis tools were applied on measurement data and conclusions have been made, taking into consideration: (i) environment type (urban/suburban), and (ii) vicinity to any transmitting installations. Measurement results correspond to the typical EMF background levels for each environment type. Concerning the environment type, RF EMF, and ELF electric/magnetic field measurements reveal no differentiation between urban and suburban environments. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:602–605. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.     

1950 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields do not aggravate memory deficits in 5xFAD mice

The increased use of mobile phones has generated public concern about the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) on health. In the present study, we investigated whether RF‐EMFs induce molecular changes in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and amyloid beta (Aβ)‐related memory impairment in the 5xFAD mouse, which is a widely used amyloid animal model. The 5xFAD mice at the age of 1.5 months were assigned to two groups (RF‐EMF‐ and sham‐exposed groups, eight mice per group). The RF‐EMF group was placed in a reverberation chamber and exposed to 1950 MHz electromagnetic fields for 3 months (SAR 5 W/kg, 2 h/day, 5 days/week). The Y‐maze, Morris water maze, and novel object recognition memory test were used to evaluate spatial and non‐spatial memory following 3‐month RF‐EMF exposure. Furthermore, Aβ deposition and APP and carboxyl‐terminal fragment β (CTFβ) levels were evaluated in the hippocampus and cortex of 5xFAD mice, and plasma levels of Aβ peptides were also investigated. In behavioral tests, mice that were exposed to RF‐EMF for 3 months did not exhibit differences in spatial and non‐spatial memory compared to the sham‐exposed group, and no apparent change was evident in locomotor activity. Consistent with behavioral data, RF‐EMF did not alter APP and CTFβ levels or Aβ deposition in the brains of the 5xFAD mice. These findings indicate that 3‐month RF‐EMF exposure did not affect Aβ‐related memory impairment or Aβ accumulation in the 5xFAD Alzheimer's disease model. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:391–399, 2016. © 2016 The Authors Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Bioelectromagnetics Society.     

ELF Noise Fields: A Review

The debate as to whether low-level electromagnetic fields can affect biological systems and in the long term cause health effects has been going on for a long time. Yet the interaction of weak electromagnetic fields (EMF) with living cells, undoubtedly a most important phenomenon, is still not well understood. The exact mechanisms by which the effects are produced have not been identified. Furthermore, it is not possible to clearly define which aspects of an EMF exposure that constitute the “dose.” One of the groups that contributed to solving this problem is the Bioelectromagnetics group at Catholic University of America (CUA), Washington, D.C. Their work has been devoted to investigating the physical parameters that are needed to obtain an effect of EMF exposure on biological systems, and also how to inhibit the effect. This is a review of their work on bioeffects caused by low-level EMF, their dependence on coherence time, constancy, spatial averaging, and also how the effects can be modified by an applied ELF noise magnetic field. The group has been using early chick embryos, and L929 and Daudi cells as their main experimental systems. The review also covers the work of other groups on low-level effects and the inhibition of the effects with an applied noise field. The group at CUA has shown that biological effects can be found after exposure to low-level ELF and RF electromagnetic fields, and when effects are observed, applying an ELF magnetic noise field inhibits the effects. Also, other research groups have tried to replicate the studies from the CUA group, or to apply EMF noise to suppress EMF-induced effects. Replications of the CUA effects have not always been successful. However, in all cases where the noise field has been applied to prevent an observed effect, it has been successful in eliminating the effect.     

Effects of RF‐EMF on the Human Resting‐State EEG—the Inconsistencies in the Consistency. Part 1: Non‐Exposure‐Related Limitations of Comparability Between Studies

The results of studies on possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMFs) on human waking electroencephalography (EEG) have been quite heterogeneous. In the majority of studies, changes in the alpha‐frequency range in subjects who were exposed to different signals of mobile phone‐related EMF sources were observed, whereas other studies did not report any effects. In this review, possible reasons for these inconsistencies are presented and recommendations for future waking EEG studies are made. The physiological basis of underlying brain activity, and the technical requirements and framework conditions for conducting and analyzing the human resting‐state EEG are discussed. Peer‐reviewed articles on possible effects of EMF on waking EEG were evaluated with regard to non‐exposure‐related confounding factors. Recommendations derived from international guidelines on the analysis and reporting of findings are proposed to achieve comparability in future studies. In total, 22 peer‐reviewed studies on possible RF‐EMF effects on human resting‐state EEG were analyzed. EEG power in the alpha frequency range was reported to be increased in 10, decreased in four, and not affected in eight studies. All reviewed studies differ in several ways in terms of the methodologies applied, which might contribute to different results and conclusions about the impact of EMF on human resting‐state EEG. A discussion of various study protocols and different outcome parameters prevents a scientifically sound statement on the impact of RF‐EMF on human brain activity in resting‐state EEG. Further studies which apply comparable, standardized study protocols are recommended. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:291–318. © 2019 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Apoptosis induced by ultraviolet radiation is enhanced by amplitude modulated radiofrequency radiation in mutant yeast cells

The aim of this study was to investigate whether radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure affects cell death processes of yeast cells. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells of the strains KFy417 (wild-type) and KFy437 (cdc48-mutant) were exposed to 900 or 872 MHz RF fields, with or without exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and incubated simultaneously with elevated temperature (+37 degrees C) to induce apoptosis in the cdc48-mutated strain. The RF exposure was carried out in a special waveguide exposure chamber where the temperature of the cell cultures can be precisely controlled. Apoptosis was analyzed using the annexin V-FITC method utilizing flow cytometry. Amplitude modulated (217 pulses per second) RF exposure significantly enhanced UV induced apoptosis in cdc48-mutated cells, but no effect was observed in cells exposed to unmodulated fields at identical time-average specfic absorption rates (SAR, 0.4 or 3.0 W/kg). The findings suggest that amplitude modulated RF fields, together with known damaging agents, can affect the cell death process in mutated yeast cells. Bioelectromagnetics 25:127-133, 2004.     

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.     

Impact of Microwave at X-Band in the aetiology of male infertility

Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in assessing the role of environmental and occupational exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the aetiology of human infertility. Testicular functions are particularly susceptible to electromagnetic fields. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of 10-GHz EMF on male albino rat's reproductive system and to investigate the possible causative factor for such effect of exposure. The study was carried out in two groups of 70-day old adult male albino rats: a sham-exposed and a 10-GHz-exposed group (2?h a day for 45 days). Immediately after completion of the exposure, animals were sacrificed and sperms were extracted from the cauda and caput part of testis for the analysis of MDA, melatonin, and creatine kinase. Creatine kinase results revealed an increased level of phosphorylation that converts creatine to creatine phosphate in sperms after EMF exposure. EMF exposure also reduced the level of melatonin and MDA. It is concluded that microwave exposure could adversely affect male fertility by reducing availability of the above parameters. These results are indications of deleterious effects of these radiations on reproductive pattern of male rats.     

Autoimmune process after long-term low-level exposure to electromagnetic field (experimental results). Part I. Mobile communications and changes in electromagnetic conditions for the population. Need for additional substantiation of existing hygienic standards

Mobile communications provides a new source of electromagnetic exposure for almost the whole population of Russia. For the first time in the history of civilization, the brain of mobile phone users is exposed to localized radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF). Base stations are a factor in the exposure of the population. Existing standards for limiting exposure do not account for the role of base stations as a source of EMF and cannot guarantee the absence of adverse health effects. It has become necessary to obtain reliable information to expand databases for the development of new standards. As recommended by the World Health Organization, an additional experiment is performed under the supervision of foreign experts, which shows changes in autoimmune status in rats after long-term low-level RF EMF exposure with an incident power of 500 μW/cm².     

Effects of radiation emanating from base transceiver station and mobile phone on sleep,circadian rhythm and cognition in humans – a review

The electromagnetic fields (EMF) are ubiquitous. The base transceiver station (BTS) and mobile phones (MPs) contribute to the generation of EMF around their locations and are regarded as important sources of non-ionizing radiations. The use of mobile phone has increased dramatically in recent years so also the skepticism regarding its effects. In this review, we have made an attempt to scan the key research papers those aimed at elucidating the effects of EMF starting from extreme low frequency (ELF) to radio frequency (RF) through low frequency (LF). We have selected papers that dealt with the effects of radiations emanating from the BTS and MPs on human sleep, circadian rhythm, and cognition. Mostly, we have concentrated on papers published in the last 15 years. We came across conflicting reports. The findings reported in many papers suggest that the exposure to EMF has potentiality to compromise parameters related to sleep quality; in contrast, there are several reports those have given a clean sheet to the EMF exposure. The effects of EMF on circadian rhythms also remain inconclusive. The EMF exposure while did not produce any effect on circadian rhythm of heart rate and blood chemistry, it modulated the rhythms in cortisol and melatonin characterized by a decline in their 24-h circulating levels. The effects of exposure to EMF on cognitive parameters, like performance and memory, are also equivocal. The existing contradictory findings could be attributed to inter-individual variability in tolerance, gender-, and age-dependent differences in response, latitudinal differences in efficacy, variability among employed methodologies and differences in specific absorption rate, frequency of the mobile phone usage, and interaction of EMF with other physiological and environmental factors, among others. The future research should be carried out with added focus on elucidating the modulatory effects of these factors to put an end to the existing controversies on the biological effects of low/RF EMF radiations.     

Impact of Microwave at X-Band in the aetiology of male infertility

Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in assessing the role of environmental and occupational exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the aetiology of human infertility. Testicular functions are particularly susceptible to electromagnetic fields. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of 10-GHz EMF on male albino rat's reproductive system and to investigate the possible causative factor for such effect of exposure. The study was carried out in two groups of 70-day old adult male albino rats: a sham-exposed and a 10-GHz-exposed group (2 h a day for 45 days). Immediately after completion of the exposure, animals were sacrificed and sperms were extracted from the cauda and caput part of testis for the analysis of MDA, melatonin, and creatine kinase. Creatine kinase results revealed an increased level of phosphorylation that converts creatine to creatine phosphate in sperms after EMF exposure. EMF exposure also reduced the level of melatonin and MDA. It is concluded that microwave exposure could adversely affect male fertility by reducing availability of the above parameters. These results are indications of deleterious effects of these radiations on reproductive pattern of male rats.     

Electromagnetic Field Effect or Simply Stress? Effects of UMTS Exposure on Hippocampal Longterm Plasticity in the Context of Procedure Related Hormone Release

Harmful effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on cognitive and behavioural features of humans and rodents have been controversially discussed and raised persistent concern about adverse effects of EMF on general brain functions. In the present study we applied radio-frequency (RF) signals of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) to full brain exposed male Wistar rats in order to elaborate putative influences on stress hormone release (corticosteron; CORT and adrenocorticotropic hormone; ACTH) and on hippocampal derived synaptic long-term plasticity (LTP) and depression (LTD) as electrophysiological hallmarks for memory storage and memory consolidation. Exposure was computer controlled providing blind conditions. Nominal brain-averaged specific absorption rates (SAR) as a measure of applied mass-related dissipated RF power were 0, 2, and 10 W/kg over a period of 120 min. Comparison of cage exposed animals revealed, regardless of EMF exposure, significantly increased CORT and ACTH levels which corresponded with generally decreased field potential slopes and amplitudes in hippocampal LTP and LTD. Animals following SAR exposure of 2 W/kg (averaged over the whole brain of 2.3 g tissue mass) did not differ from the sham-exposed group in LTP and LTD experiments. In contrast, a significant reduction in LTP and LTD was observed at the high power rate of SAR (10 W/kg). The results demonstrate that a rate of 2 W/kg displays no adverse impact on LTP and LTD, while 10 W/kg leads to significant effects on the electrophysiological parameters, which can be clearly distinguished from the stress derived background. Our findings suggest that UMTS exposure with SAR in the range of 2 W/kg is not harmful to critical markers for memory storage and memory consolidation, however, an influence of UMTS at high energy absorption rates (10 W/kg) cannot be excluded.     

Preliminary background indoor EMF measurements in Greece

The main purpose of this work was to investigate the fluctuation of Greek indoor electromagnetic field (EMF) intensity values and identify peaks that might occur. The scientific interest is mainly focused on the bands of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields and radiofrequency (RF) electric fields which have been suggested to be possibly carcinogenic to humans by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR).Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) measurements were performed in a variety of indoor dwellings, in Attica and in the islands of Zakynthos and Lesvos.A total number of 4540 measurements were taken in a wide frequency range (50 Hz–2100 MHz) of which 3301 in Attica, 963 in Lesvos and 276 in Zakynthos.Statistical analysis of the data revealed specific statistically significant differences between the mean values of the electric (ELF and RF) but not the magnetic (ELF) field strengths measured at different distances from the EMF source, as well as between some of the mean values of the RF electric field at different bands. Some statistically significant differences between mean electric field values at different geographic locations were also identified.As far as the RF electric field is concerned, the maximum values, in most cases, were below 0.5 V/m, however increased values above 1 V/m and up to 5.6 V/m were occasionally observed. The ELF magnetic field values were lower than 1 μT. It may be concluded that overall, the observed indoor EMF intensity values remained well below domestic and European established limits.     

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.     

Assessment of an anti-scale low-frequency electromagnetic field device on drinking water biofilms

Abstract

Low intensity and very low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) used for preventing scaling in water distribution systems were tested for the first time for their potential impact on drinking water biofilms. The assays were carried out in laboratory-scale flow-through reactors that mimic water distribution systems. The drinking water biofilms were not directly exposed to the core of the EMF generator and only subjected to waterborne electromagnetic waves. The density and chlorine susceptibility of nascent or mature biofilms grown under exposure to EMF were evaluated in soft and hard water. This EMF treatment was able to modify CaCO₃ crystallization but it did not significantly affect biofilms. Indeed, over all the tested conditions, there was no significant change in cell number, or in the integrity of the cells (membrane, culturability), and no measurable effect of chlorine on the biofilm.