In vitro effects of GSM modulated radiofrequency fields on human immune cells

Despite the important role of the immune system in defending the body against infections and cancer, only few investigations on possible effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation on function of human immune cells have been undertaken. Aim of the present investigation was therefore to assess whether GSM modulated RF fields have adverse effects on the functional competence of human immune cells. Within the frame of the multidisciplinary project "Biological effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF)" sponsored by the National Occupation Hazard Insurance Association (AUVA) in vitro investigations were carried out on human blood cells. Exposure was performed at GSM Basic 1950 MHz, an SAR of 1 mW/g in an intermittent mode (5 min "ON", 10 min "OFF") and a maximum Delta T of 0.06 degrees C for the duration of 8 h. The following immune parameters were evaluated: (1) the intracellular production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (INF) gamma in lymphocytes, and IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in monocytes were evaluated with monoclonal antibodies. (2) The activity of immune-relevant genes (IL 1-alpha and beta, IL-2, IL-2-receptor, IL-4, macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF)-receptor, TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha-receptor) and housekeeping genes was analyzed with real time PCR. (3) The cytotoxicity of lymphokine activated killer cells (LAK cells) against a tumor cell line was determined in a flow cytometric test. For each parameter, blood samples of at least 15 donors were evaluated. No statistically significant effects of exposure were found and there is no indication that emissions from mobile phones are associated with adverse effects on the human immune system.     

The effects of 884 MHz GSM wireless communication signals on headache and other symptoms: an experimental provocation study

Findings from prior studies of possible health and physiological effects from mobile phone use have been inconsistent. Exposure periods in provocation studies have been rather short and personal characteristics of the participants poorly defined. We studied the effect of radiofrequency field (RF) on self-reported symptoms and detection of fields after a prolonged exposure time and with a well defined study group including subjects reporting symptoms attributed to mobile phone use. The design was a double blind, cross-over provocation study testing a 3-h long GSM handset exposure versus sham. The study group was 71 subjects age 18-45, including 38 subjects reporting headache or vertigo in relation to mobile phone use (symptom group) and 33 non-symptomatic subjects. Symptoms were scored on a 7-point Likert scale before, after 1(1/2) and 2(3/4) h of exposure. Subjects reported their belief of actual exposure status. The results showed that headache was more commonly reported after RF exposure than sham, mainly due to an increase in the non-symptom group. Neither group could detect RF exposure better than by chance. A belief that the RF exposure had been active was associated with skin symptoms. The higher prevalence of headache in the non-symptom group towards the end of RF exposure justifies further investigation of possible physiological correlates. The current study indicates a need to better characterize study participants in mobile phone exposure studies and differences between symptom and non-symptom groups.     

Acute exposure to low-level CW and GSM-modulated 900 MHz radiofrequency does not affect Ba 2+ currents through voltage-gated calcium channels in rat cortical neurons

We have studied the non-thermal effects of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on Ba(2+) currents (I Ba 2+) through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), recorded in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons using the patch-clamp technique. To assess whether low-level acute RF field exposure could modify the amplitude and/or the voltage-dependence of I Ba 2+, Petri dishes containing cultured neurons were exposed for 1-3 periods of 90 s to 900 MHz RF-EMF continuous wave (CW) or amplitude-modulated according to global system mobile communication standard (GSM) during whole-cell recording. The specific absorption rates (SARs) were 2 W/kg for CW and 2 W/kg (time average value) for GSM-modulated signals, respectively. The results obtained indicate that single or multiple acute exposures to either CW or GSM-modulated 900 MHz RF-EMFs do not significantly alter the current amplitude or the current-voltage relationship of I Ba 2+, through VGCC.     

Review: Weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phone radiation on plants

Aim: The aim of this article was to explore the hypothesis that non-thermal, weak, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have an effect on living plants. Subject and methods: In this study, we performed an analysis of the data extracted from the 45 peer-reviewed scientific publications (1996–2016) describing 169 experimental observations to detect the physiological and morphological changes in plants due to the non-thermal RF-EMF effects from mobile phone radiation. Twenty-nine different species of plants were considered in this work. Results: Our analysis demonstrates that the data from a substantial amount of the studies on RF-EMFs from mobile phones show physiological and/or morphological effects (89.9%, p < 0.001). Additionally, our analysis of the results from these reported studies demonstrates that the maize, roselle, pea, fenugreek, duckweeds, tomato, onions and mungbean plants seem to be very sensitive to RF-EMFs. Our findings also suggest that plants seem to be more responsive to certain frequencies, especially the frequencies between (i) 800 and 1500 MHz (p < 0.0001), (ii) 1500 and 2400 MHz (p < 0.0001) and (iii) 3500 and 8000 MHz (p = 0.0161). Conclusion: The available literature on the effect of RF-EMFs on plants to date observed the significant trend of radiofrequency radiation influence on plants. Hence, this study provides new evidence supporting our hypothesis. Nonetheless, this endorses the need for more experiments to observe the effects of RF-EMFs, especially for the longer exposure durations, using the whole organisms. The above observation agrees with our earlier study, in that it supported that it is not a well-grounded method to characterize biological effects without considering the exposure duration. Nevertheless, none of these findings can be directly associated with human; however, on the other hand, this cannot be excluded, as it can impact the human welfare and health, either directly or indirectly, due to their complexity and varied effects (calcium metabolism, stress proteins, etc.). This study should be useful as a reference for researchers conducting epidemiological studies and the long-term experiments, using whole organisms, to observe the effects of RF-EMFs.     

Analysis of the structure of magnetic fields that induced inhibition of stimulated neurite outgrowth

The important experiments showing nonlinear amplitude dependences of the neurite outgrowth in pheochromocytoma nerve cells due to ELF magnetic field exposure had been carried out in a nonuniform ac magnetic field. The nonuniformity entailed larger than expected variances in magnetic field magnitudes associated with specific levels of biological effects, thereby evoking a question about validity of the interpretations formulated for the case of a uniform field. In this work, we calculate the relative value of nonuniformity and deviations in ac magnetic field. It is shown that these factors do not affect the main conclusion in the original papers about the form of the amplitude dependence of the observed biological effect.     

New mechanisms of biological effects of electromagnetic fields

ATP production in mitochondria depends on the nuclear spin and magnetic moment of Mg²⁺ ion in creatine kinase and ATPase. Consequently, the enzymatic synthesis of ATP is an ion-radical process and depends on the external magnetic field and microwave fields that control the spin states of ion-radical pairs and influence the ATP synthesis. The chemical mechanism of ATP synthesis and the origin of biological effects of electromagnetic (microwave) fields are discussed.     

Therapeutic effects of whole‐body devices applying pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF): A systematic literature review

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) delivered by whole‐body mats are promoted in many countries for a wide range of therapeutic applications and for enhanced well‐being. However, neither the therapeutic efficacy nor the potential health hazards caused by these mats have been systematically evaluated. We conducted a systematic review of trials investigating the therapeutic effects of low‐frequency PEMF devices. We were interested in all health outcomes addressed so far in randomized, sham‐controlled, double‐blind trials. In total, 11 trials were identified. They were focused on osteoarthritis of the knee (3 trials) or the cervical spine (1), fibromyalgia (1), pain perception (2), skin ulcer healing (1), multiple sclerosis‐related fatigue (2), or heart rate variability and well‐being (1). The sample sizes of the trials ranged from 12 to 71 individuals. The observation period lasted 12 weeks at maximum, and the applied magnetic flux densities ranged from 3.4 to 200 µT. In some trials sporadic positive effects on health were observed. However, independent confirmation of such singular findings was lacking. We conclude that the scientific evidence for therapeutic effects of whole‐body PEMF devices is insufficient. Acute adverse effects have not been reported. However, adverse effects occurring after long‐term application have not been studied so far. In summary, the therapeutic use of low‐frequency whole‐body PEMF devices cannot be recommended without more scientific evidence from high‐quality, double‐blind trials. Bioelectromagnetics 33:95–105, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Oxidative stress effects on the central nervous system of rats after acute exposure to ultra high frequency electromagnetic fields

Mobile telephones and their base stations are an important source of ultra high frequency electromagnetic fields (UHF-EMFs; 800-1800 MHz) and their utilization is increasing all over the world. Epidemiological studies have suggested that low energy UHF-EMFs may have biological effects, such as changes in oxidative metabolism after exposure. Therefore, we have investigated the effect of acute UHF-EMF exposure on non-enzymatic antioxidant defense and lipid and protein oxidative damage in the rat frontal cortex and hippocampus. We have used malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl assays to assess lipid and protein oxidative damages, respectively. No changes in lipid and protein damage, and also in non-enzymatic defense were found in frontal cortex or hippocampus. These results suggest that acute UHF-EMF exposure is not able to produce detectable oxidative stress in rats from any age tested. However, more tests using a longer period of exposure and evaluating other tissues are necessary to ensure that there is no health risk associated with the use of mobile phones.     

Electromagnetic fields and epidemiology: An overview inspired by the fourth course at the International School of Bioelectromagnetics

The fourth course at the International School of Bioelectromagnetics addressed various aspects of the epidemiology of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). In this overview, inspired by the lectures and the discussions among participants, we summarize current knowledge on exposure to EMF and disease risk, with emphasis on studies of use of mobile phones and brain tumours and exposure to power lines and childhood leukaemia. Sources of bias and error hamper straightforward conclusions in some areas and, in order to move forward, improvements in study design and exposure assessment are necessary. The scientific evidence available to date on possible long‐term effects from exposure to ELF and RF fields is not strong enough to revise current protection limits based on the known acute effects of such exposures. Precautionary measures may be considered to reduce ELF exposure of children or exposure to RF during mobile phone use, keeping in mind that it is unclear whether they involve any preventive benefit. Possible health effects from mobile phone use in adults and in children should be investigated further by prospective epidemiological studies with improved exposure assessment and brain tumour incidence rates should be monitored. Further studies on the relation between childhood leukaemia and ELF magnetic fields would be worthwhile if they focus on heavily exposed groups and attempt to minimize possible selection bias. In conclusion, epidemiological studies conducted with appropriate diligence can play a key role in finding the answers. Bioelectromagnetics 30:511–524, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Low-level exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: Health effects and research needs

The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and the German and Austrian Governments jointly sponsored an international seminar in November of 1996 on the biological effects of low-level radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. For purposes of this seminar, RF fields having frequencies only in the range of about 10 MHz to 300 GHz were considered. This is one of a series of scientific review seminars held under the International Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Project to identify any health hazards from EMF exposure. The scientific literature was reviewed during the seminar and expert working groups formed to provide a status report on possible health effects from exposure to low-level RF fields and identify gaps in knowledge requiring more research to improve health risk assessments. It was concluded that, although hazards from exposure to high-level (thermal) RF fields were established, no known health hazards were associated with exposure to RF sources emitting fields too low to cause a significant temperature rise in tissue. Biological effects from low-level RF exposure were identified needing replication and further study. These included in vitro studies of cell kinetics and proliferation effects, effects on genes, signal transduction effects and alterations in membrane structure and function, and biophysical and biochemical mechanisms for RF field effects. In vivo studies should focus on the potential for cancer promotion, co-promotion and progression, as well as possible synergistic, genotoxic, immunological, and carcinogenic effects associated with chronic low-level RF exposure. Research is needed to determine whether low-level RF exposure causes DNA damage or influences central nervous system function, melatonin synthesis, permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB), or reaction to neurotropic drugs. Reported RF-induced changes to eye structure and function should also be investigated. Epidemiological studies should investigate: the use of mobile telephones with hand-held antennae and incidence of various cancers; reports of headache, sleep disturbance, and other subjective effects that may arise from proximity to RF emitters, and laboratory studies should be conducted on people reporting these effects; cohorts with high occupational RF exposure for changes in cancer incidence; adverse pregnancy outcomes in various highly RF exposed occupational groups; and ocular pathologies in mobile telephone users and in highly RF exposed occupational groups. Studies of populations with residential exposure from point sources, such as broadcasting transmitters or mobile telephone base stations have caused widespread health concerns among the public, even though RF exposures are very low. Recent studies that may indicate an increased incidence of cancer in exposed populations should be investigated further. Bioelectromagnetics 19:1–19, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Psychological effects of chronic exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields in humans living near extra-high-voltage transmission lines

The validity of several published investigations of the possibility that residential exposures to 50 Hz or 60 Hz electromagnetic fields might cause adverse psychological effects, such as suicide and depression, may have been limited by inadequate controlling for confounders or inadequate measurement of exposures. We investigated the relationships between magnetic field exposure and psychological and mental health variables while controlling for potential confounders and careful characterising individual magnetic field exposures. Five-hundred-and-forty adults living near transmission lines completed neuropsychological tests in major domains of memory and attentional functioning, mental health rating scales and other questionnaires. Magnetic field measurements were taken in each room occupied for at least one hour per day to provide an estimate of total-time-integrated exposure. The data were subjected to joint multivariate multiple regression analysis to test for a linear relation between field exposure and dependent variables, while controlling for effects of possible confounders. Performance on most memory and attention measures was unrelated to exposure, but significant linear dose-response relationships were found between exposure and some psychological and mental health variables. In particular, higher time-integrated exposure was associated with poorer coding-test performance and more adverse psychiatric symptomatology. These associations were found to be independent of participants' beliefs about effects of electromagnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 18:584–594, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Biosomatic effects of the electromagnetic fields on view of the physiotherapy personnel health

The effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in physiotherapy have been discussed mainly with regard to the patient's safety, while the operator's safety is neglected. This paper presents the medical assessment and specific tendencies in the health status of personnel in physical therapy wards – where the EMFs are everyday background factor. This paper summarizes the somatic part of results from the study among physiotherapy personnel from facilities with different equipment and work load by using survey card designed by us for health status screening in somatic and neurobehavioral aspects. The main specific somatic findings and complaints in investigated group include parodontosis – 42%; cardiovascular disorders – 41.6%; allergic conditions with skin or systemic manifestation – 40.8%; photosensibilization – 34.1%; skin diseases – 31.5%; musculoskeletal disorders – 30.0% and neoplasm disorders – 7.5%. Keeping in mind that better part of the personnel in the physical therapy units is female, a special attention was paid to the pathology of the reproductive system; menstrual disturbances are observed in 20.0%. These findings are collected in complex for the first time in physiotherapy personnel, and when data were available from other professional groups, we found a good correlation.     

Ants can be used as bio-indicators to reveal biological effects of electromagnetic waves from some wireless apparatus

Society is confronted with an increasing number of applications making use of wireless communication. We also notice an increasing awareness about potentially harmful effects of the related electromagnetic fields on living organisms. At present, it is not realistic to expect that wireless communication will decrease or disappear within the near future. That is why we currently are investigating the mechanisms behind these effects and the effectiveness of possible solutions. In order to be efficient and effective, we designed and validated a fast and easy test on ants – these insects being used as a biological model – for revealing the effect of wireless equipments like mobile phones, smartphones, digital enhanced cordless telephone (DECT) phones, WiFi routers and so on. This test includes quantification of ants’ locomotion under natural conditions, then in the vicinity of such wireless equipments. Observations, numerical results and statistical results allow detecting any effect of a radiating source on these living organisms.     

No evidence of major transcriptional changes in the brain of mice exposed to 1800 MHz GSM signal

To analyze possible effects of microwaves on gene expression, mice were exposed to global system for mobile communication (GSM) 1800 MHz signal for 1 h at a whole body SAR of 1.1 W/kg. Gene expression was studied in the whole brain, where the average SAR was 0.2 W/kg, by expression microarrays containing over 22,600 probe sets. Comparison of data from sham and exposed animals showed no significant difference in gene expression modulation. However, when less stringent constraints were adopted to analyze microarray results, 75 genes were found to be modulated following exposure. Forty-two probes showed fold changes ranging from 1.5 to 2.8, whereas 33 were down-regulated from 0.67- to 0.29-fold changes, but these differences in gene expression were not confirmed by real-time PCR. Under these specific limited conditions, no consistent indication of gene expression modulation in whole mouse brain was found associated to GSM 1800 MHz exposure.     

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields of transformers and possible biological and health effects

Physiological processes in organisms can be influenced by extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic energy. Biological effect studies have great importance; as well as measurement studies since they provide information on the real exposure situations. In this study, the leakage magnetic fields around a transformer were measured in an apartment building in Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, and the measurement results were evaluated with respect to the international exposure standards. The transformer station was on the bottom floor of a three-floor building. It was found that people living and working in the building were exposed to ELF magnetic fields higher than the threshold magnetic field value of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Many people living in this building reported health complaints such as immunological problems of their children. There were child-workers working in the textile factories located in the building. Safe distances or areas for these people should be recommended. Protective measures could be implemented to minimize these exposures. Further residential exposure studies are needed to demonstrate the exposure levels of ELF magnetic fields. Precautions should, therefore, be taken either to reduce leakage or minimize the exposed fields. Shielding techniques should be used to minimize the leakage magnetic fields in such cases.     

A need to provide explanations for observed biological effects of radiofrequency exposure

Abstract

Although there is scientific consensus that radiofrequency (RF) exposure at high intensity can cause thermal effects, including well-established adverse health effects, there is still considerable controversy on whether low-intensity RF exposure can cause biological effects, especially adverse health effects. The objective of this paper is to describe several reported “non-thermal” effects that were later shown to be due to a weak thermal effect or an experimental artifact by properly conducted and thorough follow-on scientific research. First, the multiple factors that can cause different RF energy absorption in biological tissues are reviewed and second, several examples of experimental artifacts in published papers are described to demonstrate the importance of paying attention to dosimetry and temperature control. For example, isolated nerve response studies show that when temperature of the RF-exposed tissues is controlled, effects disappeared. During RF exposure, conductive electrodes routinely used in physiological studies have been shown to cause field intensification at the tips or contacts of the electrodes with biological tissue; thus, the RF exposure at the site of measurement could be much higher than the incident field. In some in vitro studies, a lack of temperature uniformity in RF-exposed cell cultures and rate of heating explain changes originally reported to be due to low-level RF exposure. In other studies, detailed dosimetry studies have identified artifacts that explain the reasons why so-called “non-thermal” effects were mistakenly reported. Researchers should look for explanations for their own findings, and not expect others to figure out what was the reason for their observed effects.     

A model for radiofrequency electromagnetic field predictions at outdoor and indoor locations in the context of epidemiological research

We present a geospatial model to predict the radiofrequency electromagnetic field from fixed site transmitters for use in epidemiological exposure assessment. The proposed model extends an existing model toward the prediction of indoor exposure, that is, at the homes of potential study participants. The model is based on accurate operation parameters of all stationary transmitters of mobile communication base stations, and radio broadcast and television transmitters for an extended urban and suburban region in the Basel area (Switzerland). The model was evaluated by calculating Spearman rank correlations and weighted Cohen's kappa (κ) statistics between the model predictions and measurements obtained at street level, in the homes of volunteers, and in front of the windows of these homes. The correlation coefficients of the numerical predictions with street level measurements were 0.64, with indoor measurements 0.66, and with window measurements 0.67. The kappa coefficients were 0.48 (95%‐confidence interval: 0.35–0.61) for street level measurements, 0.44 (95%‐CI: 0.32–0.57) for indoor measurements, and 0.53 (95%‐CI: 0.42–0.65) for window measurements. Although the modeling of shielding effects by walls and roofs requires considerable simplifications of a complex environment, we found a comparable accuracy of the model for indoor and outdoor points. Bioelectromagnetics 31:226–236, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Evaluation of potential health effects of 10 kHz magnetic fields: A rodent reproductive study

New technology involving the use of high-frequency inductive power distribution (HID) has recently been developed for use in materials handling and personnel transfer. Sinusoidal magnetic fields at a frequency of 10 kHz with field intensities of approximately 0.2 mT are generated directly between the current-carrying coils of this equipment. Effects of 10 kHz magnetic fields on cell division, migration, and differentiation have never been previously investigated. To evaluate potential effects on these parameters, a rodent reproductive study was undertaken using Wistar rats. Exposures were at 0.095, 0.24, and 0.95 mT with a background exposure of 5–10 μT. Three sets of parental rats were exposed continuously for 20–23.5 h/day to the fields: maternal rats during gestation, paternal rats for at least 45 days prior to mating and maternal rats 1 month prior to mating. Exposure phases thus covered spermatogenesis, maturation of the ovum and ovulation, fertilization, implantation, embryogenesis, organogenesis, and maturation of the fetus immediately prior to parturition. In all experiments pregnancy outcome was assessed. These studies failed to demonstrate any reproductive toxicity resulting from maternal or fetal exposure during gestation or following paternal or maternal exposure for several weeks prior to mating. No quantitative or qualitative effects on spermatogenesis occurred after exposure, and no effects on the estrous cycle or ovulation could be demonstrably linked to the 10 kHz magnetic field exposure at 0.095, 0.25, or 0.95 mT. Where possible, parental clinical chemistry and hematology were also examined. As in mouse toxicology studies previously reported, minor differences were observed between control and treated groups. These were regarded as statistically, but not biologically, significant and could not categorically be attributed to magnetic field exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 19:162–171, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.