Monday, March 4, 2024

Recent Research on Wireless Radiation and Electromagnetic Fields

I have been circulating abstracts of newly-published scientific papers on radio frequency and other non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) monthly since 2016. The complete collection contains more than 2000 abstracts with links to these papers. Several hundred EMF scientists around the world receive these updates.

To download Volume 3 which contains abstracts of papers published in 2024 (including the new papers listed below) click on the following link (45 page pdf):

To download Volume 2 which contains abstracts of papers published from 2021 through 2023 click on the following link (867 page pdf):

To download Volume 1 which contains abstracts of papers published from 2016 through 2020 click on the following link (875 page pdf):

The abstracts for recently published papers appear below.

 

 

The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: A systematic review and meta-analysis on human observational studies

 

My note: Numerous problems have been identified with this paper and other systematic reviews commissioned by the WHO for an upcoming monograph on radio frequency effects.

 

Röösli M, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Eyers J, Esu E, Oringanje CM, Meremikwu M, Bosch-Capblanch X. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: A systematic review and meta-analysis on human observational studies. Environ Int. 2024 Jan;183:108338. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108338.

 

Abstract

Background: Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and in industry (RF heaters).

Objectives: The objective is to systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local and whole human body radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on the occurrence of symptoms. Primary hypotheses were tinnitus, migraine and headaches in relation to RF-EMF exposure of the brain, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores in relation to whole-body RF-EMF exposure.

Methods: Eligibility criteria: We included case-control and prospective cohort studies in the general population or workers estimating local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least one week.

Information sources: We conducted a systematic literature search in various databases including Web of Science and Medline. Risk of bias: We used the Risk of Bias (RoB) tool developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review.

Synthesis of results: We synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis.

Results: Included studies: We included 13 papers from eight distinct cohort and one case-control studies with a total of 486,558 participants conducted exclusively in Europe. Tinnitus is addressed in three papers, migraine in one, headaches in six, sleep disturbances in five, and composite symptom scores in five papers. Only one study addressed occupational exposure.

Synthesis of results: For all five priority hypotheses, available research suggests that RF-EMF exposure below guideline values does not cause symptoms, but the evidence is very uncertain. The very low certainty evidence is due the low number of studies, possible risk of bias in some studies, inconsistencies, indirectness, and imprecision. In terms of non-priority hypotheses numerous exposure-outcome combinations were addressed in the 13 eligible papers without indication for an association related to a specific symptom or exposure source.

Discussion: Limitations of evidence: This review topic includes various challenges related to confounding control and exposure assessment. Many of these aspects are inherently present and not easy to be solved in future research. Since near-field exposure from wireless communication devices is related to lifestyle, a particular challenge is to differentiate between potential biophysical effects and other potential effects from extensive use of wireless communication devices that may compete with healthy behaviour such as sleeping or physical activity. Future research needs novel and innovative methods to differentiate between these two hypothetical mechanisms.

Interpretation: This is currently the best available evidence to underpin safety of RF-EMF. There is no indication that RF-EMF below guideline values causes symptoms. However, inherent limitations of the research results in substantial uncertainty.

Other: Funding: This review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme.

Registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in Prospero (reg no CRD42021239432) and published in Environment International (Röösli et al., 2021).

 

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Martin Röösli’s research is entirely funded by public or not-for-profit foundations. He has served as advisor to a number of national and international public advisory and research steering groups concerning the potential health effects of exposure to nonionizing radiation, including the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, the Swiss Government (member of the working group "mobile phone and radiation" and chair of the expert group BERENIS), the German Radiation Protection Commission (member of the committee Non-ionizing Radiation (A6) and member of the working group 5G (A630)) and the Independent Expert Group of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority.


https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023006116?via%3Dihub

 

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Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of experimental studies on non-human mammals and human sperm in vitro

 

My note: Numerous problems have been identified with this paper and other systematic reviews commissioned by the WHO for an upcoming monograph on radio frequency effects.

 

Cordelli E, Ardoino L, Benassi B, Consales C, Eleuteri P, Marino C, Sciortino M, Villani P, Brinkworth MH, Chen G, McNamee JP, Wood AW, Belackova L, Verbeek J, Pacchierotti F. Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of experimental studies on non-human mammals and human sperm in vitro. Environment International. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108509. 


Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024000953


Highlights

Risk of bias, inconsistency, publication bias weakened the certainty of results
RF-EMF is unlike to decrease the fecundity of exposed male rodents.
RF-EMF may affect testicular tissue and sperm quality but the evidence is uncertain.
Impact on surrogate markers of fertility may not translate into functional effects.


Abstract

 

Background  The World Health Organization is coordinating an international project aimed at systematically reviewing the evidence regarding the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and adverse health effects. Reproductive health outcomes have been identified among the priority topics to be addressed.

 

Objectives  To evaluate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility of experimental mammals and on human sperm exposed in vitro.

 

Methods  Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and EMF Portal) were last searched on September 17, 2022. Two independent reviewers screened the studies, which were considered eligible if met the following criteria: 1) Peer-reviewed publications of sham controlled experimental studies, 2) Non-human male mammals exposed at any stage of development or human sperm exposed in vitro, 3) RF-EMF exposure within the frequency range of 100 kHz-300 GHz, including electromagnetic pulses (EMP), 4) one of the following indicators of reproductive system impairment:•decrease of fertility: rate of infertile males, rate of nonpregnant females, litter size and in vitro fertilization rate;•effects on semen quality: in animal studies sperm count, in both animal and in vitro studies sperm vitality, morphology and DNA/chromatin alterations;•reproductive organ toxicity: testis-epididymis weight, testis or epididymis histology, testis histomorphometry, testicular cell death, estimated testicular cell production;•hormonal effects: testosterone level.Two reviewers extracted study characteristics and outcome data. We assessed risk of bias (RoB) using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) guidelines. We categorized studies into 3 levels of overall RoB: low, some or high concern. We pooled study results in a random effects meta-analysis comparing average exposure to no-exposure and in a dose–response meta-analysis using all exposure doses. For experimental animal studies, we conducted subgroup analyses for species, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and temperature increase. We grouped studies on human sperm exposed in vitro by the fertility status of sample donors and SAR. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach after excluding studies that were rated as “high concern” for RoB.

 

Results  One-hundred and seventeen papers on animal studies and 10 papers on human sperm exposed in vitro were included in this review. Only few studies were rated as “low concern” because most studies were at RoB for exposure and/or outcome assessment. Subgrouping the experimental animal studies by species, SAR, and temperature increase partly accounted for the heterogeneity of individual studies in about one third of the meta-analyses. In no case was it possible to conduct a subgroup analysis of the few human sperm in vitro studies because there were always 1 or more groups including less than 3 studies. Among all the considered endpoints, the meta-analyses of animal studies provided evidence of adverse effects of RF-EMF exposure in all cases but the rate of infertile males and the size of the sired litters. The assessment of certainty according to the GRADE methodology assigned a moderate certainty to the reduction of pregnancy rate and to the evidence of no-effect on litter size, a low certainty to the reduction of sperm count, and a very low certainty to all the other meta-analysis results. Studies on human sperm exposed in vitro indicated a small detrimental effect of RF-EMF exposure on vitality and no-effect on DNA/chromatin alterations. According to GRADE, a very low certainty was attributed to these results. The few studies that used EMP exposure did not show effects on the outcomes. A low to very low certainty was attributed to these results.

 

Discussion  Many of the studies examined suffered of severe limitations that led to the attribution of uncertainty to the results of the meta-analyses and did not allow to draw firm conclusions on most of the endpoints. Nevertheless, the associations between RF-EMF exposure and decrease of pregnancy rate and sperm count, to which moderate and low certainty were attributed, are not negligible, also in view of the indications that in Western countries human male fertility potential seems to be progressively declining. It was beyond the scope of our systematic review to determine the shape of the dose–response relationship or to identify a minimum effective exposure level. The subgroup and the dose–response fitting analyses did not show a consistent relationship between the exposure levels and the observed effects. Notably, most studies evaluated RF-EMF exposure levels that were higher than the levels to which human populations are typically exposed, and the limits set in international guidelines. For these reasons we cannot provide suggestions to confirm or reconsider current human exposure limits. Considering the outcomes of this systematic review and taking into account the limitations found in several of the studies, we suggest that further investigations with better characterization of exposure and dosimetry including several exposure levels and blinded outcome assessment were conducted. Protocol registration: Protocols for the systematic reviews of animal studies and of human sperm in vitro studies were published in Pacchierotti et al., 2021. The former was also registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021227729 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID = 227729) and the latter in Open Science Framework (OSF Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7MUS3).

 

Excerpts

 

4.4. Implications for policy and research

In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analyses indicate a possible detrimental effect of RF-EMF exposure on pregnancy rate and sperm count in experimental mammals, whereas the meta-analysis of data on litter size was consistent with null.

Although sperm count is not a functional indicator of male fertility, it is a well-standardised analysis routinely applied in clinical andrology. RF-EMF emitting devices are widely applied and epidemiological surveys seem to indicate that, in Western countries, male fertility potential is declining (Auger et al., 2022, Boulicault et al., 2022, Levine et al., 2017). For these reasons the results of our meta-analyses should not be overlooked at a policy level.

It was beyond the scope of our systematic review to determine the shape of the dose–response relationship or to identify a minimum effective exposure level. For these reasons, we cannot provide suggestions to confirm or reconsider current human exposure limits. Nevertheless, it is of note that most studies on male fertility, semen quality and reproductive organ toxicity investigated exposure levels which were rather high with respect to those relevant for human populations: 75–80 % tested exposure levels above 0.4 W/kg (ICNIRP basic restriction for workers) and 46–53 % tested exposure levels above 4 W/kg (ICNIRP health effect level) (ICNIRP, 2020). Thus, it is not known the extent to which the conclusions of the SR meta-analysis can be applied to human exposure levels. Similarly, it is unknown how much our conclusion can be extrapolated to frequencies below 100 MHz and above 10000 MHz, for which only very few studies were retrieved.

During the systematic review, we identified several methodological limitations in the studies that should be overcome to improve the quality of future research. In particular, blinding during experiment performance and outcome assessment should always be applied to minimize bias, an adequate number of cytological or histological preparations should be analysed, automated methods of analysis should be applied whenever possible, a more standardized and complete reporting of technical methods and results should be adopted. Many studies had to be excluded from the systematic review because of insufficient exposure characterization and a large proportion of included studies were rated at either ‘some’ or ‘high concern’ for RoB for similar reasons. We would recommend that future studies bear the reasons for exclusion or RoB concerns in mind in study design and implementation. There are several papers in the research literature with recommendations on how exposure characterisation concerns can be mitigated, for example Kuster and Schonborn (2000). Finally, studies investigating not just a single level but several exposure levels, spanning from low levels comparable to human exposure to higher levels where mild hyperthermic effects could be expected, should be conducted under the same experimental conditions and target tissue temperature monitoring should be employed.

As a final suggestion for future research, we consider it a priority to obtain a scientifically solid database of possible RF-EMF effects on the best predictive surrogate markers of male infertility in experimental rodents. Based on the results of this research, the possibility of testing directly the RF-EMF impact on male reproductive performance could be considered. In view of the limitations of the approach applying in vitro exposure of human sperm, we do not recommend further studies of this kind. Conversely, we suggest exploiting semen quality analysis in human biomonitoring investigations of RF-EMF exposed populations....

Other reviews assessing the impact of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility have recently been published, but these only partially assessed the available literature data (Kesari et al., 2018, Sciorio et al., 2022, Sterling et al., 2022, Vornoli et al., 2019). The few recently published systematic reviews on this topic suffered from some methodological limitations such as the lack of a Risk of Bias analysis (Jaffar et al., 2019, Kim et al., 2021), they limited analysis to only assess effects on semen parameters or were limited to exposure conditions relevant to mobile phone exposures thereby imposing a SAR cut-off (Yu et al., 2021). International committees on human health protection from electromagnetic fields were unable to draw firm conclusions on the possibility of an adverse effect of RF-EMF on male fertility at exposure levels where humans are typically exposed (ICNIRP, 2020, SCENIHR, 2015)....

 

We considered only original, controlled experimental studies published in peer-reviewed journals. We excluded non-experimental studies (e.g., human epidemiologic or other observational studies), and studies of exposure of both males and females of a mating pair (additional decision and change from protocol, see Section 4.5.2). We excluded papers reporting reviews, opinions, proceedings or meeting abstracts. We did not impose any year-of-publication or language restriction....

 

For each endpoint, we first conducted a meta-analysis of exposed vs sham control comparisons. When a study had several exposure groups matched to the same comparator, the means and standard deviations of these exposed groups were combined into one exposed group using the formulas provided in the paragraph 6.5.2.10 of the Cochrane Handbook (Higgins and Li, 2022), so that each study was entered only once into the meta-analysis. The exposure level assigned to that combined exposed group was calculated as the average SAR of the exposed groups in that study weighed by the number of animals in each exposed group. In the forest plots this is indicated with an asterisk after the study ID. Studies that compared each exposed group to another separate sham control group were entered as separate studies in the meta-analysis. When multiple studies were reported in the same paper, this is indicated with a number after the study ID in the forest plot....

 

All data subject to a meta-analysis were graphically synthesized by forest plots. A forest plot was drawn in which the studies were divided according to their overall RoB level as “low or some concern” or “high concern”. We decided to exclude from the assessment of the pooled effect sizes the studies rated at “high concern” for RoB in order to draw conclusions based upon the most robust data (see Section 4.5.2)....


After reading the full text, 175 papers on animal studies were excluded. They are listed in Supplementary File 1a with a justification of the exclusion rationale together with those not retrieved or not translated. Over 45 % of the animal studies were excluded because essential information was missing regarding exposure set-up and/or dosimetry, e.g., details on how the exposure system output was established and maintained or exposure frequency. A further 27 % of the studies were excluded because outcome data were deemed out-of-scope or invalid....

Regarding studies on human sperm in vitro, we excluded 33 papers after reading the full text (Supplementary File 1b). Most papers were excluded because they did not report peer-reviewed original results. Other papers could not be included in the systematic review because exposure conditions and/or dosimetry were insufficiently reported or because the exposure conditions did not provide a sufficient exposure contrast between RF-EMF exposed and sham-exposed samples....

4.1. Summary of the evidence and interpretation of the results  From experimental animal studies there is moderate certainty of evidence that RF-EMF exposure reduces rate of pregnancy, moderate certainty of evidence that exposure does not reduce litter size, and low certainty of evidence that exposure lowers sperm count. All other results of animal studies and all results on human sperm exposed in vitro have very low certainty. We retrieved few independent studies reporting male reproductive effects after experimental animal exposure to EMP. For this source of exposure, results on pregnancy rate, litter size and sperm count, all consistent with null, have a low certainty. All other results have a very low certainty.


It can be asked whether the results of our meta-analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that higher exposure levels, especially those inducing an hyperthermic effect, are more biologically effective than lower exposure levels. The result on the decrease of pregnancy rate is consistent with this hypothesis, as shown by the observation that the pooled effect size is statistically significant only in the subgroup of studies exposed to SAR equal to or higher than 5 W/kg and the statistically significant slope of the linear dose–response relationship. On the other hand, the results on sperm count do not show an increase of the detrimental effect with increasing SAR and all the models of dose–response relationship tested fit the data poorly. Also for other endpoints (the results of which were rated at very low certainty), a direct relationship between the effect and the exposure level is not evident by the subgroup and dose–response analyses and, in some cases, even the possibility of an inverse relationship is suggested by the data. However, this suggestion is not sustained by a solid adverse outcome pathway, and, in some cases, it is based only on few independent studies. We tested if other variables unequally distributed among the subgroups could have a role in increasing the heterogeneity of the observed results and could confound any underlying dose–effect relationship. Indeed, we showed that the absence of blinding during outcome assessment could strongly influence the results for those endpoints that were not measured by automated methods, thus supporting this hypothesis.

4.2. Limitations in the evidence  Of all the papers included in the database of animal studies after the title/abstract evaluation, about 60 % had to be excluded for different reasons, with poor exposure characterization accounting for about 45 % of them....

Financial support  This project was partially funded by the World Health Organization (contracts 2020/1026306–0, 2022/1275453–1). WHO provided the basis for the protocol and methodological support throughout the review process. Additional in-kind funds were provided by ENEA, Health Canada and Swinburne University of Technology.

 

Declaration of competing interest  The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.


Acknowledgments  We are grateful to Emilie van Deventer, Maria Rosaria Scarfì and Eric van Rongen for advice regarding the protocols draft and for discussions to ensure consistency in approaches across the multiple ongoing WHO systematic reviews. We wish to thank Flavio Di Marzio for his appreciated graphical help.

Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024000953

 

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Mobile phone use and brain tumour risk – COSMOS, a prospective cohort study

 

My note: This cohort study suffers from methodological problems that undermine the authors' results and conclusions.

 

Feychting M, Schüz J, Toledano MB, Vermeulen R, Auvinen A, Poulsen AH, Deltour I, Smith RB, Heller J, Kromhout H, Huss A, Johansen C, Tettamanti G, Paul Elliott P. Mobile phone use and brain tumour risk – COSMOS, a prospective cohort study. Environment International. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108552.

 

Abstract

 

Background  Each new generation of mobile phone technology has triggered discussions about potential carcinogenicity from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Available evidence has been insufficient to conclude about long-term and heavy mobile phone use, limited by differential recall and selection bias, or crude exposure assessment. The Cohort Study on Mobile Phones and Health (COSMOS) was specifically designed to overcome these shortcomings.

 

Methods  We recruited participants in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK 2007–2012. The baseline questionnaire assessed lifetime history of mobile phone use. Participants were followed through population-based cancer registers to identify glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma cases during follow-up. Non-differential exposure misclassification was reduced by adjusting estimates of mobile phone call-time through regression calibration methods based on self-reported data and objective operator-recorded information at baseline. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma in relation to lifetime history of mobile phone use were estimated with Cox regression models with attained age as the underlying time-scale, adjusted for country, sex, educational level, and marital status.

 

Results  264,574 participants accrued 1,836,479 person-years. During a median follow-up of 7.12 years, 149 glioma, 89 meningioma, and 29 incident cases of acoustic neuroma were diagnosed. The adjusted HR per 100 regression-calibrated cumulative hours of mobile phone call-time was 1.00 (95 % CI 0.98–1.02) for glioma, 1.01 (95 % CI 0.96–1.06) for meningioma, and 1.02 (95 % CI 0.99–1.06) for acoustic neuroma. For glioma, the HR for ≥ 1908 regression-calibrated cumulative hours (90th percentile cut-point) was 1.07 (95 % CI 0.62–1.86). Over 15 years of mobile phone use was not associated with an increased tumour risk; for glioma the HR was 0.97 (95 % CI 0.62–1.52).

 

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that the cumulative amount of mobile phone use is not associated with the risk of developing glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma.

 

Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024001387

 

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Headache in the international cohort study of mobile phone use and health (COSMOS) in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom

 

My note: This cohort study suffers from methodological problems that undermine the authors' results and conclusions.

 

Traini E, Smith RB, Vermeulen R, Kromhout H, Schüz J, Feychting M, Auvinen A, Poulsen AH, Deltour I, Muller DC, Heller J, Tettamanti G, Elliott P, Huss A, Toledano MB. Headache in the international cohort study of mobile phone use and health (COSMOS) in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Environmental Research. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118290.

Highlights

  • Prospective study exploring the relationship between mobile phone use and headache.
  • Associations with call-time were largely explained by texting.
  • Associations likely to reflect behavioural aspects of mobile phone use.

Abstract

Headache is a common condition with a substantial burden of disease worldwide. Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of long-term mobile phone use on headache due to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). We explored prospectively the association between mobile phone use at baseline (2009–2012) and headache at follow-up (2015–2018) by analysing pooled data consisting of the Dutch and UK cohorts of the Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) (N = 78,437). Frequency of headache, migraine, and information on mobile phone use, including use of hands-free devices and frequency of texting, were self-reported. We collected objective operator data to obtain regression calibrated estimates of voice call duration. In the model mutually adjusted for call-time and text messaging, participants in the high category of call-time showed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95 % CI: 0.94–1.15), with no clear trend of reporting headache with increasing call-time. However, we found an increased risk of weekly headache (OR = 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.25–1.56) in the high category of text messaging, with a clear increase in reporting headache with increasing texting. Due to the negligible exposure to RF-EMFs from texting, our results suggest that mechanisms other than RF-EMFs are responsible for the increased risk of headache that we found among mobile phone users.

Excerpts

A study conducted in Sweden and Finland as part of COSMOS found limited evidence for an association between weekly headache and the highest level of mobile phone use and no clear trend with increasing call-time (Auvinen et al., 2019). The association of headache with call-time appeared stronger for calls via the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) (3G) network than via the older Global System for Mobile (GSM) (2G) telecommunications technology, despite the latter involving higher RF-EMF exposure levels to the head (van Wel et al., 2021) ....

Headache has been linked to excessive mobile phone use, but the mechanism by which mobile phone use may cause symptoms is not properly understood (Wang et al., 2017; Cerutti et al., 2016; Frey, 1998; Hocking, 1998; Oftedal et al., 2000; Schoeni et al., 2015). Previous research in adolescents has suggested that other exposures related to mobile phone use, but not exposure to RF-EMFs, should be considered the causal factor for various symptoms, as the strongest associations were found with activities that cause minimal RF-EMF exposure to the head, such as texting or gaming (Schoeni et al., 2017). Other studies have indicated that stress or unfavourable usage, such as late-night use, may be associated with an increase in reported health symptoms, such as headache (Szyjkowska et al., 2014; Röösli, 2008; Thomée et al., 2011). It is therefore crucial to distinguish between using a mobile phone for calling and other activities that expose the brain to RF-EMFs at lower levels, such as Internet browsing (Cabré-Riera et al., 2022a; SSM's Scientific Council on Electromagnetic Fields, 2020).

Our study attempted to disentangle the exposure-outcome gradient by considering call-time as a proxy for RF-EMF exposure and texting as a proxy for usage with negligible RF-EMF exposure to the brain (Wall et al., 2019). This study's mobile phone usage data was gathered between 2009 and 2012. During those years, texting was the most popular activity unrelated to RF-EMF exposure.....

The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) score with a cut-off of 56 points defined severe weekly headache. The HIT-6 is a tool used to measure the impact headaches have on one's ability to function in various aspects of daily life, including work, school, home, and social contexts. The score, ranging from 36 to 78 points, provides a measure of the degree to which headaches affect daily life and functioning, with higher scores indicating a more significant impact on the participant's overall life (Kosinski et al., 2003)....

Results from two-exposure models mutually adjusting for both call-time and texting at baseline, showed substantially lower risk estimates for weekly headache in the high call-time (RC-hfa) category (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI: 0.94–1.15), and no evidence of a trend (P trend = 0.292) (Table 2). Associations with texting were robust to adjustment for call-time: we observed an increased risk of weekly headache in the high category of texting (OR = 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.25–1.56) and a trend of increasing risk with increasing texting frequency (P trend<0.001), in line with results from the single-exposure model (Table 3)....

In this large international prospective cohort of mobile phone users in the Netherlands and the UK, mobile phone use for calling and texting at baseline was associated with headaches at follow-up. Mutually adjusting for both call-time and texting considerably attenuated risk estimates for call-time, while associations with texting were still strong and robust to adjustment, with a clear exposure-outcome gradient.

Headache has been linked to excessive mobile phone use, but the mechanism by which mobile phone use may cause symptoms is not properly understood (Wang et al., 2017; Cerutti et al., 2016; Frey, 1998; Hocking, 1998; Oftedal et al., 2000; Schoeni et al., 2015). Previous research in adolescents has suggested that other exposures related to mobile phone use, but not exposure to RF-EMFs, should be considered the causal factor for various symptoms, as the strongest associations were found with activities that cause minimal RF-EMF exposure to the head, such as texting or gaming (Schoeni et al., 2017)....

Our study attempted to disentangle the exposure-outcome gradient by considering call-time as a proxy for RF-EMF exposure and texting as a proxy for usage with negligible RF-EMF exposure to the brain (Wall et al., 2019). This study's mobile phone usage data was gathered between 2009 and 2012. During those years, texting was the most popular activity unrelated to RF-EMF exposure.

In both scenarios, we found an increased risk of headache in the high exposure category of mobile phone use with a positive exposure-outcome gradient confirmed by the test for trend. The attenuated risk estimates for call-time in the mutually adjusted model argue against an effect of exposure to RF-EMFs due to the negligible exposure attributed to texting. This conclusion is also supported by comparing call-time analyses with and without hands-free adjustment, where no risk reduction was found among users for the adjusted exposure metrics....

Regarding secondary health outcomes, we found consistent patterns of results for severe weekly headache and migraine at follow-up in terms of increased risk estimates and significant trends. Increasing risk of daily headache was associated with increasing texting (P trend<0.001) but not with increasing call-time (P trend = 0.448) (Table 2, Table 3).

In both scenarios, we found an increased risk of headache in the high exposure category of mobile phone use with a positive exposure-outcome gradient confirmed by the test for trend. The attenuated risk estimates for call-time in the mutually adjusted model argue against an effect of exposure to RF-EMFs due to the negligible exposure attributed to texting. This conclusion is also supported by comparing call-time analyses with and without hands-free adjustment, where no risk reduction was found among users for the adjusted exposure metrics.

In this study, the distribution of the exposure, specifically regarding call-time, differed between Dutch and UK participants. Mobile phone usage behaviour across countries cannot be assumed to be identical due to various factors such as cultural, economic, technological, and market dynamics (Böhm, 2015). To assess the consistency of our findings, we showed that defining the top exposure category for call-time based on the 80th percentile cut-off, thereby ensuring the inclusion of Dutch participants in the “high” exposure category, yielded results consistent with those obtained using the 90th percentile as a cut-off. These findings suggested that the association we found between call-time and headache was driven not only by UK but also Dutch participants. Of note, all analyses were adjusted for country of residence....

Our study also has limitations. First, we did not have information about “true” RF-EMF exposure. Exposure to RF-EMFs emitted by wireless devices is difficult to quantify, particularly in large populations and over extended periods, as it depends on different factors, such as reception quality or other factors influencing signal strength. In our study, we calculated several exposure metrics as proxies for RF-EMF exposure, which allowed us to estimate the average individual RF-EMF exposure in the population. Additionally, information on other aspects of usage, such as screen time, blue light exposure or unfavourable use at night, may be helpful to include in future studies.

For highly transient and acute symptoms such as headache, using the peak of RF-EMF exposure might be theoretically preferable over the weekly exposure assessed in our study. However, adopting this approach would require substantially different exposure assessment methods that are impractical for large cohort studies, such as asking participants to regularly fill in a detailed usage diary. Given the study design and methodology used to assess RF-EMF exposure in COSMOS, the analysis of the association between RF-EMF peak exposure and reporting of headache symptoms was precluded. In light of the transient nature of headaches, future research may explore the potential effect of peak RF-EMF exposure on symptom onset more thoroughly.

The composition of the Dutch cohort is not representative of the adult population of the Netherlands with respect to sex and age....

Conclusions

In summary, we found that the use of mobile phones, particularly texting, is associated with headaches and migraines, and the associations with call-time were largely explained by texting. As the associations are driven more by text messaging than call-time, they do not appear to be explained by RF-EMF exposure from the mobile device but are likely to reflect lifestyle, other exposures, or behavioural factors associated with mobile phone use.

Declaration of competing interest [Note that text is missing from this paragraph.]

The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Maria Feychting reports financial support was provided by Swedish Research Council. Maria Feychting reports financial support was provided by AFA Insurance. Maria Feychting reports financial support was provided by Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare. Maria Feychting reports financial support was provided by Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. Maria Feychting reports financial support was provided by Sweden's Innovation Agency. Paul Elliott reports financial support was provided by Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research. Paul Elliott reports financial support was provided by National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit. Anssi Auvinen reports financial support was provided by National Technology Agency (TEKES). Anssi Auvinen reports financial support was provided by Pirkanmaa Hospital District. Anssi Auvinen reports financial support was provided by Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation. Anssi Auvinen reports financial support was provided by Mobile Manufacturers Forum. Roel Vermeulen reports financial support was provided by Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development. Aslak Harbo Poulsen reports financial support was provided by the Danish Strategic Research Council. Joachim Schuz reports financial support was provided by French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES). Maria Feychting reports a relationship with World Health Organization that includes:. Maria Feychting reports a relationship with Public Health England Advisory Group on Non-ionizing Radiation that includes:. Maria Feychting reports a relationship with Norwegian Institute of Public Health that includes:. Maria Feychting reports a relationship with Forskningsrådet för hälsa arbetsliv och välfärd that includes:. Maria Feychting reports a relationship with Swedish Radiation Safety Authority that includes:. Maria Feychting reports a relationship with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection that includes:. Aslak Harbo Poulsen reports a relationship with Swedish Radiation Safety Authority that includes:. Anssi Auvinen reports a relationship with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection that includes:. Anssi Auvinen reports a relationship with Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks that includes:. Anssi Auvinen reports a relationship with European Commission, Swedish Radiation Safety Authority that includes:. Anssi Auvinen reports a relationship with World Health Organization that includes:. Anke Huss reports a relationship with Swedish Radiation Safety Authority that includes:. Anke Huss reports a relationship with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection that includes:. Anke Huss reports a relationship with BioEM society that includes:. Anke Huss reports a relationship with Gezondheidsraad that includes:. Anke Huss reports a relationship with Swiss Research Foundation for Electricity and Mobile Communication that includes:. Hans Kromhout reports a relationship with Gezondheidsraad that includes:. Hans Kromhout reports a relationship with World Health Organization that includes:. Mireille B Toledano reports a relationship with UK Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) that includes:.

Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124001944 

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Personal exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A comparative analysis of international, national, and regional guidelines

 

My note: This paper suffers from problems that undermine the authors' results and conclusions.

 

Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Vandenbosch GAE, Arribas E. Personal exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A comparative analysis of international, national, and regional guidelines. Environmental Research. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118124.

 

Highlights

• International, National and Regional exposure limits for RF-EMF.
• RF-EMF limits are based on the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) Principle.
• Maximum exposure limit must be scientific related, not political or in any other way.
• New technologies and new smartphones require less intensity than previous model

 

Abstract

 

A worldwide overview and analysis for the existing limits of human exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) is given in this paper. These reference levels have been established by different national and even regional governments, which can be based on the guidelines provided by the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and even in the United States of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as well as, are based on the so-called precautionary principle. Explicit reference is made to the exposure limits adopted in countries or regions, such as Canada, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, China, Russia, France, and regions of Belgium (Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia), where the limits are much lower than the international standards. The limits are compared to a selected set of in-situ measurements. This clearly shows that the measured values are typically very small compared to the international standards but could be somewhat higher compared to the reduced limits. Based on this observation and the reasonable assumption that the sensitivity of people to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) is the same everywhere (whole-body), we propose the idea to establish a worldwide reference limit for the general public, thus applicable in all countries, if the ICNIRP considers it appropriate. Research must continue to generate measurement data that demonstrate the levels of exposure to which we are really exposed, and with this, provide arguments to the organizations that established the guidelines, especially the ICNIRP, to evaluate whether the current limits are too much. High and can be modified when considered pertinent. To the best of our knowledge, at no time has the reference level for the general public been exceeded.

 

Conclusion


The duality of limits in the same country does not seem appropriate, because people who live in one area or another have more or less the same interaction with RF-EMF waves. Therefore, the limits should be the same, following the ALARA principle – As Low As Reasonably Achievable. The reasons for setting the maximum exposure limit should only be scientific related, not political or in any other way.

In this paper, we provided an overview, analyze, and discuss existing limits to RF-EMF. The international reference levels established by ICNIRP are also recommended by WHO, IEEE and FCC, and are adopted by most countries. However, some countries such as Canada, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, China, Russia, France, and regions of Belgium establish more restrictive limits than the international ones. The case of Belgium is rather specific because it establishes three very strict and different limits in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.

In addition to the international limits, we have commented on the BioInitiative Limit, based on the Precautionary Principle as a preventive action, an excessively restrictive value that leaves aside more than 60 % of the personal exposure studies to RF-EMF.

There should be a trend towards unifying the limits of exposure to RF-EMF in all countries. This would allow decisions to be made in a scientific and consensual manner. The solutions could follow the ones from the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), which is an international organization that has sixty member countries and is in charge, among other things, of the correct use of the International System of Units and of reviewing the measurement units of the physical magnitudes.

Based on the observation and analysis of measured levels that in most cases, the measured levels are very small, we propose that a reference limit be established for the general public, reasonable and applied to all countries, if the ICNIRP considers it appropriate. Therefore, research must continue to generate measurement data that demonstrate the levels of exposure to which we are really exposed, and with this, provide arguments to the organizations that established the guidelines, especially the ICNIRP, so that they evaluate whether the current limits are too high and can be modified, when considered pertinent. To the best of our knowledge, at no time has the reference level been exceeded for the general public, and we believe that it will not be exceeded, since the new smartphones require much less intensity than previous models, and the same goes for new technologies, 5G, 6G.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124000288 

 

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How to improve IARC's RF-EMF cancer hazard communication

 

My note: This paper suffers from problems that undermine the authors' analysis.

 

Wiedemann PM, Croft RJ. How to improve IARC's RF-EMF cancer hazard communication. Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Feb 13. doi: 10.1002/bem.22499.

 

Abstract

 

A crucial aspect of IARC's evaluation of the relative carcinogenicity of agents is the communication of its conclusions. The present paper addressed the experimental risk perception literature pertaining to IARC's radiofrequency electromagnetic field evaluation communication, and derived specific recommendations for improving it.

 

Open access paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.22499

 

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Molecular biomarkers in Electrohypersensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: How They Can Help Diagnosis, Follow-Up, and in Etiopathologic Understanding

 

Irigaray P, Awaida N, Belpomme D. Molecular biomarkers in Electrohypersensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: How They Can Help Diagnosis, Follow-Up, and in Etiopathologic Understanding. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], 12(1), 2024. doi: 10.18103/mra.v12i1.4771.

 

Abstract

 

Electrohypersensitivty (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are new worldwide emerging neurologic disorders in the framework of sensitivity-related environmental pathology. We have recently extended and confirmed our previous observation showing that EHS and MCS share clinically identical symptoms and may co-exist as a unique, common, sensitivity-related neurologic syndrome in 25% of the cases. There is presently no published biological study of these disorders, except the one we have previously published as preliminary. In the present study, we show that EHS and MCS and the combined syndrome share identical biochemical changes. More precisely, by measuring levels of peripheral blood and urine molecular biomarkers in a cohort of 2,018 consecutive cases, we show that both disorders and the combined syndrome can be objectively characterized, in about 90% of the cases, by a decrease in the production of 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate in urine, while in 30-50% they are characterized by increased levels of histamine and of heat shock proteins (HSP) 27 and/or 70, and of protein S100B and nitrotyrosine in the peripheral blood. Increased levels of histamine and HSP are indicators of low grade inflammation while increased levels of protein S100B and nitrotyrosine are indicators of blood-brain barrier disruption/opening. In addition, we show that in about 15% of the cases anti-myelin autoantibodies can be detected in the peripheral blood, accounting for the occurrence of an autoimmune response. Sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the biochemical tests are discussed, as well as the role of these indicators used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients. We also discuss cases with undetectable biological change for which they can be nevertheless diagnosed by cerebral neurotransmitters analysis in urine and brain imaging. On the basis of these biological data it is suggested that EHS and/or MCS are new brain disorders, generated via a common etiopathogenic mechanism.


https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/4771

 

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Environmental Health Ecosystem Sustainability in The Era of Electromagnetic Radiation Contamination

 

Matthew UO, Bakare KM, Oyekunle D, Nkeiruka AM, Ebong GN (2024) Environmental Health Ecosystem Sustainability in The Era of Electromagnetic Radiation Contamination. J Comm Med and Pub Health Rep 5(02): doi: 10.38207/JCMPHR/2024/JAN05020418.

Abstract

The primary environmental health sub-disciplines that address the best approaches to environmental health, ecosystem sustainability, and natural habitats are environmental science, toxicology, environmental epidemiology, and occupational and environmental medicine. The intimate connection between environmental toxins and human health gained increased public attention at the beginning of the new millennium. Radiation, chemical, and biological agents are the three primary ecological contaminants. There is contamination in the soil, water, food, and air. The increasing adoption of 5G wireless networks has recently raised interest in its potential to support several digital and critical infrastructures. However, concerns have been raised over the potential health risks associated with fifth-generation wireless networks due to the claims that the electromagnetic radiation in the 5G carrier signal is more potent than in any prior networks. As a subject of public health, environmental health studies the whole range of effects that artificial technology and natural environments have on the general well-being of society-wide space. It establishes the prerequisites for a wholesome atmosphere as essential in managing factors that may negatively impact the sustainability of ecosystems and the environment's well-being. This study observed that the multistage carcinogenic process, which includes carcinogen activation, oxidative DNA damage, and tumor growth, is aided by hydrogen peroxide formation during the breakdown of water molecules due to 5G electromagnetic frequency radiation as an environmental contaminant.

 

https://www.acquaintpublications.com/article/environmental_health_ecosystem_sustainability_in_the_era_of_electromagnetic_radiation_contamination

 

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Assessment of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Induced by Base Stations in Several Micro-Environments in France


W. B. Chikha et al. Assessment of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Induced by Base Stations in Several Micro-Environments in France. IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 21610-21620, 2024, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3363914.

 

Abstract

 

Recently, the monitoring of the radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure induced by cellular networks has received a great deal of attention. In this work, a set of 70 microenvironments (MEs) located in urban and rural areas are selected in France under, on the one hand, the French Beyond5G project, and on the other hand, the 5G expOsure, causaL effects and rIsk perception through citizen engagement (GOLIAT) EU project. The purpose of this study is to assess the RF-EMF DL exposure in residential areas, downtowns, business areas, train stations, and public transport rides. For that, we employ the personal ExpoM-RF4 dosimeter placed inside a backpack to perform the measurements in different MEs. To take into consideration the effect of the presence of the human body near the dosimeter, we propose a correction approach that is mainly based on comparing the measurements given by ExpoM-RF4 to the ones provided by a reference system using the Tektronix real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) far from the body. Then, we use metrics, such as the quadratic mean, standard deviation, and median of the electric (E) field to carry out a comparative study between different MEs with different RF bands. It was found that the RF-EMF exposure levels for all MEs are well below the maximum allowable exposure limit prescribed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In addition, we perform clustering analyses using the K-Means technique to group the MEs with comparable exposure levels. The results show that the exposure level is low, but generally higher in MEs located in Paris than in the other considered areas (i.e., Massy and three villages, namely Igny, Bures-sur-Yvette and Gif-Sur-Yvette). For example, we observe that outdoor MEs can be grouped into three clusters, where the average total E fields (ATEFs) are 0.77 V/m, 0.35 V/m, and 0.08 V/m for the MEs belonging to the first, second and third clusters, respectively. Note that the first cluster here mainly contains the MEs located in Paris. This can be explained by the important number of antennas deployed in that area to serve the huge amount of users. We also observe few locations with exceptions confirming the presence of heterogeneous environments in the vicinity of some areas. For instance, three MEs in Paris among fifteen have an exposure level similar to Massy MEs in outdoor

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10424982&isnumber=10380310

 

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Electromagnetic Exposure Level of a Pure Electric Vehicle Inverter Based on a Real Human Body

Dong X, Gao Y, Lu M. The Electromagnetic Exposure Level of a Pure Electric Vehicle Inverter Based on a Real Human Body. Applied Sciences. 2024; 14(1):32. doi: 10.3390/app14010032.

Abstract

In order to quantitatively analyze the electromagnetic exposure dose of an inverter in a pure electric vehicle to the driver’s body and assess the safety of the electromagnetic exposure, based on a real human anatomy model in the virtual home project, a real human model with several organs and tissues, including muscles, bones, a heart, lungs, a liver, kidneys, a bladder, a skull, a scalp, white matter, and a cerebellum, was constructed. The inverter of a pure electric vehicle is considered to be the electromagnetic exposure source; for this study, an equivalent electromagnetic environment model composed of a real human body, an inverter, and a vehicle body was built. The distribution of induced fields in the driver’s tissues and organs was calculated and analyzed using the finite element method. The results show that the distribution of the magnetic flux density, induced electric field, and induced current density in the driver’s body was affected by the spatial distance of the inverter. The farther the distance was, the weaker the value was. Specifically, due to the different dielectric properties of the different tissues, the induced field in the different tissues was significantly different. However, the maximum magnetic flux density over the space occupied by the driver’s body and induced electric field in the driver’s trunk and central nervous system satisfied the exposure limits of the International Commission on Non-Ionization Radiation Protection, indicating that the electromagnetic environments generated by the inverter proposed in this paper are safe for the vehicle driver’s health. The numerical results of this study could also effectively supplement the study of the electromagnetic environments of pure electric vehicles and provide some references for protecting the drivers of pure electric vehicles from electromagnetic radiation.

Conclusions

Based on the numerical results, we found that although the B-field in the central region of the inverter exceeds the reference level of the ICNIRP for general public exposure, when the distance from the inverter is increased, the B-field values sharply decrease. The maximum B-field over the space occupied by the driver’s body and the E-field in the driver’s trunk and CNS are all below the exposure limits defined by the ICNIRP for general public exposure. The electromagnetic environment generated by the inverter adopted in this study (12 kW, Semikron, Germany), at its rated state in the paper, is therefore safe and would not affect the PEV driver’s health. Additionally, the results of this study could effectively supplement research regarding the electromagnetic environment of PEVs and provide references for the formulation of industry standards for electromagnetic exposure and the design of vehicles that are safe in terms of electromagnetic exposure.


Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/1/32

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SAR Estimations in a Child Due to RF Exposures from Several Laptops in a Classroom Environment

 

Soares NE, Bulla G, Fernandez-Rodriguez CE, de Salles AAA. SAR Estimations in a Child Due to RF Exposures from Several Laptops in a Classroom Environment. 2023 IEEE MTT-S Latin America Microwave Conference (LAMC), San José, Costa Rica, 2023, pp. 58-60, doi: 10.1109/LAMC59011.2023.10375589.

 

Abstract

 

This research provides a detailed examination of the exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in a classroom environment. The study is driven by the escalating integration of electronic devices in educational settings and the subsequent necessity to estimate the implications of this on the overall exposure. The employed methodology simulates a classroom filled with several 7-year-old girls realistic models, each using a laptop, which are the primary sources of electromagnetic radiation. The 1g and 10g peak spatial Specific Absorption Rate (psSAR) are calculated for various parts of the child model, including the head, back, and hands. It is observed that, when several laptops are used, the psSAR can be substantially increased (e.g. up to 40-fold). One objective of this study is to enhance the understanding of potential EMF exposure effects in relation to age and to provide guidelines for the design of safer classrooms in the context of widespread laptop usage.


https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10375589

 

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Effects of 3.5-GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy-regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue

 

Bektas H, Dasdag S, Altindag F, Akdag MZ, Yegin K, Algul S. Effects of 3.5-GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy-regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue. Bioelectromagnetics 1–9 (2024). doi: 10.1002/bem.22498.

 

Highlights

  • 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) may induce alterations in hormones regulating energy metabolism.
  • 3.5 GHz RFR may lead to alterations in total antioxidant, total oxidant, and hydrogen peroxide levels.
  • Particularly in conjunction with diabetes, 3.5 GHz RFR may result in adverse effects on energy metabolism.
  • Although there were changes of the hormone levels in the exposed group, the actual values remained for both sham and exposed groups within the normal range.

Abstract

 

In recent years exposure of living beings to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from wireless equipment has increased. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3.5-GHz RFR on hormones that regulate energy metabolism in the body. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: healthy sham (n = 7), healthy RFR (n = 7), diabetic sham (n = 7), and diabetic RFR (n = 7). Over a month, each group spent 2 h/day in a Plexiglas carousel. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to RFR, but the sham groups were not. At the end of the experiment, blood and adipose tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant, total oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin were determined. Insulin expression in pancreatic tissues was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Whole body specific absorption rate was 37 mW/kg. For the parameters analyzed in blood and fat, the estimated effect size varied within the ranges of 0.215–0.929 and 0.503–0.839, respectively. The blood and adipose nesfatin-1 (p = 0.002), blood and pancreatic insulin are decreased, (p = 0.001), gherelin (p = 0.020), irisin (p = 0.020), and blood glucose (p = 0.040) are increased in healthy and diabetic rats exposed to RFR. While nesfatin-1 are negatively correlated with oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and insulin, ghrelin and irisin are positively correlated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Thus, RFR may have deleterious effects on energy metabolism, particularly in the presence of diabetes.


https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.22498

 

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Genetic profiling of rat gliomas and cardiac schwannomas from life-time radiofrequency radiation exposure study using a targeted next-generation sequencing gene panel

 

Brooks AM, Vornoli A, Kovi RC, Ton TVT, Xu M, Mashal A, Tibaldi E, Gnudi F, Li JL, Sills RC, Bucher JR, Mandrioli D, Belpoggi F, Pandiri AR. Genetic profiling of rat gliomas and cardiac schwannomas from life-time radiofrequency radiation exposure study using a targeted next-generation sequencing gene panel. PLoS One. 2024 Jan 17;19(1):e0296699. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296699.

 

Abstract

The cancer hazard associated with lifetime exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) was examined in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats at the Ramazzini Institute (RI), Italy. There were increased incidences of gliomas and cardiac schwannomas. The translational relevance of these rare rat tumors for human disease is poorly understood. We examined the genetic alterations in RFR-derived rat tumors through molecular characterization of important cancer genes relevant for human gliomagenesis. A targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel was designed for rats based on the top 23 orthologous human glioma-related genes. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertion and deletions (indels) were characterized in the rat gliomas and cardiac schwannomas. Translational relevance of these genetic alterations in rat tumors to human disease was determined through comparison with the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database. These data suggest that rat gliomas resulting from life-time exposure to RFR histologically resemble low grade human gliomas but surprisingly no mutations were detected in rat gliomas that had homology to the human IDH1 p.R132 or IDH2 p.R172 suggesting that rat gliomas are primarily wild-type for IDH hotspot mutations implicated in human gliomas. The rat gliomas appear to share some genetic alterations with IDH1 wildtype human gliomas and rat cardiac schwannomas also harbor mutations in some of the queried cancer genes. These data demonstrate that targeted NGS panels based on tumor specific orthologous human cancer driver genes are an important tool to examine the translational relevance of rodent tumors resulting from chronic/life-time rodent bioassays.

Excerpts

In this study we have demonstrated that the gliomas and cardiac schwannomas in rats resulting from lifetime exposure to low dose far field RFR that are used for cellular telephone communications, are morphologically similar to low grade human gliomas and that about 25% of the mutations seen in these tumors have corresponding alterations in homologs of human cancer genes. Surprisingly, none of the rat gliomas examined in this study harbored mutations in Idh1/2 genes that are common in human gliomas....

In summary, our results demonstrate that regardless of their etiology (due to lifetime RFR exposure or arising spontaneously), rat gliomas are primarily Idh1/2 wild type unlike most human gliomas. Histologically, most of the rat gliomas resemble diffuse low-grade gliomas in humans and such gliomas that do not harbor IDH1/2 mutations in humans are known to have poor prognosis. The genetic alterations in other cancer genes evaluated in this panel provide novel insights into tumor progression in rat gliomas and cardiac schwannomas. The relevance of specific mutations to human cancers is variable, with some genes (Tp53, Cdkn2a, Erbb2, Chek2, Kras and Pik3r1) harboring many alterations with COSMIC relevance while the opposite is true for other target genes (Idh1/2, Atrx, Notch1, Pten, Rb1 and Setd2). Several of these conserved mutations in rat tumors do not have comparable alterations in the COSMIC database, suggesting that the orthologous mutations could have different functional consequences in rat carcinogenesis and deserve further study. An important consideration is that molecular differences underlying mutational processes contribute to distinct mutational patterns which could be the result of similar etiology, albeit by different mechanisms.

Several of the variants that were detected in gliomas were also observed in non-tumor brain tissues from interim time point providing an insight into the molecular pathogenesis in rodent carcinogenicity studies and these strategies may be utilized to potentially estimate the cancer hazard risk in shorter term animal studies. Finally, this targeted mutation panel may be refined using data from whole genome or exome sequencing of rat tumors and performing error corrected duplex sequencing to increase the sensitivity to detect rare mutations in exposed non-tumor tissues from early time points.

Open access paper: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0296699

 

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Understanding the public voices and researchers speaking into the 5G narrative


Weller S, McCredden J. Understanding the public voices and researchers speaking into the 5G narrative. Front. Public Health. Vol. 11. 2023 doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1339513.

 

Abstract

 

The many different voices speaking into the current narrative surrounding the health effects of 5G technologies necessitate an exploration of the background of the various published author spokespersons and their potential motives. This has been attempted recently by de Vocht and Albers. However, that opinion piece used a narrow investigative lens, resulting in an undermining of both the rationality of the concerned general public and the motives of specific researchers. At the same time, biases, conflicts of interest, and flaws found in "independent" reviews were not considered. To address these oversights, an evidence-based appraisal of public opinion and the scientific caliber of authors involved in the 5G health discussion is warranted. Subsequently, this review article presents an analysis of the available Australian data representing public voices, while also conducting a broader investigation of the level of expertise of the recent author-spokespersons based on their experience as scientists, particularly in the area of health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. This review thus attempts to more clearly illustrate for the reader the caliber and motives of the voices speaking into the 5G narrative. The article concludes with a set of questions that need to be answered to enable scientists to advise policy makers more effectively on matters of 5G and public health.

 

Open access paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1339513/abstract

 

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Effects of 700 and 3500 MHz 5G radiofrequency exposure on developing zebrafish embryos

 

Torres-Ruiz M, Suárez OJ, López V, Marina P, Sanchis A, Liste I, de Alba M, Ramos V. Effects of 700 and 3500 MHz 5G radiofrequency exposure on developing zebrafish embryos. Sci Total Environ. 2024 Jan 8:169475. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169475.

 

Abstract


Telecommunications industries are rapidly deploying the fifth generation (5G) spectrum and there is public concern about the safety and health impacts of this type of Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR), in part because of the lack of comparable scientific evidence. In this study we have used a validated commercially available setting producing a uniform field to expose zebrafish embryos (ZFe) to unmodulated 700 and 3500 MHz frequencies. We have combined a battery of toxicity, developmental and behavioral assays to further explore potential RFR effects. Our neurobehavioral profiles include a tail coiling assay, a light/dark activity assay, two thigmotaxis anxiety assays (auditory and visual stimuli), and a startle response - habituation assay in response to auditory stimuli. ZFe were exposed for 1 and 4 h during the blastula period of development and endpoints evaluated up to 120 h post fertilization (hpf). Our results show no effects on mortality, hatching or body length. However, we have demonstrated specific organ morphological effects, and behavioral effects in activity, anxiety-like behavior, and habituation that lasted in larvae exposed during the early embryonic period. A decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was also observed and could explain some of the observed behavioral alterations. Interestingly, effects were more pronounced in ZFe exposed to the 700 MHz frequency, and especially for the 4 h exposure period. In addition, we have demonstrated that our exposure setup is robust, flexible with regard to frequency and power testing, and highly comparable. Future work will include exposure of ZFe to 5G modulated signals for different time periods to better understand the potential health effects of novel 5G RFR.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38199355/

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Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communication on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice

Wang, X., Zhou, G., Lin, J. et al. Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communication on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice. Sci Rep 14, 3571 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53842-2

Abstract

With the rapid development of 5G networks, the influence of the radiofrequency field (RF) generated from 5G communication equipment on human health is drawing increasing attention in public. The study aimed at assessing the effects of long-term exposure to 4.9 GHz (one of the working frequencies of 5G communication) RF field on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in adult male C57BL/6 mice. The animals were divided into Sham group and radiofrequency group (RF group). For RF group, the mice were whole body exposed to 4.9 GHz RF field for three weeks, 1 h/d, at average power density (PD) of 50 W/m2. After RF exposure, the mice fecal samples were collected to detect gut microorganisms and metabolites by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC–MS method, respectively. The results showed that intestinal microbial compositions were altered in RF group, as evidenced by reduced microbial diversity and changed microbial community distribution. Metabolomics profiling identified 258 significantly differentially abundant metabolites in RF group, 57 of which can be classified to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Besides, functional correlation analysis showed that changes in gut microbiota genera were significantly correlated with changes in fecal metabolites. In summary, the results suggested that altered gut microbiota and metabolic profile are associated with 4.9 GHz radiofrequency exposure.

Open access paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53842-2

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Estimation of SAR Average in Rats during 5G NR Chronic Exposure

Makhmanazarov R, Tseplyaev I, Shipilov S, Krivova N. Estimation of SAR Average in Rats during 5G NR Chronic Exposure. Applied Sciences. 2024; 14(1):208. doi: 10.3390/app14010208.

Abstract

 

To study physiological reactions in the brain and skin of higher mammals exposed to chronic radiofrequency radiation, specific absorption ratio (SAR) determination is required and time-consuming numerical methods are used. The paper deals with the estimation of the whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) in rats chronically exposed to external electromagnetic fields, as well as the development of a laboratory setup simulating the operation of a fifth-generation 5G New Radio base station (with a signal bandwidth of 15 MHz and a carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz). The paper presents a modified method for theoretical SAR estimation for one-sided irradiation and distributed absorption. Mean whole-body SAR values were estimated by the proposed method and numerically modeled with the CST Microwave Studio simulation software 2020package using primitive rat models. Dielectric parameters in the numerical simulation were used from the software library. The IEEE/IEC 62704-1 algorithm was used to investigate SAR in numerical simulations. The theoretical estimates and numerical simulations were compared for different SAR distributions and were found to be qualitatively comparable. The differences between approximate theoretical estimates and numerical simulations are 7% and 10% for distributed and non-distributed absorptions, respectively. The proposed method, which takes into account the decreasing power flux density, can be used to estimate the approximate whole-body SAR during chronic electromagnetic field exposure in rats.

 

Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/1/208


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The thermal sensation threshold and its reliability induced by the exposure to 28 GHz millimeter-wave

Akiko Y, Shintaro U, Kazuki U, Sachiko K, Norika A, Akimasa H, Yohei O. The thermal sensation threshold and its reliability induced by the exposure to 28 GHz millimeter-wave. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 18. 2024. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1331416.

Abstract

The application of 28 GHz millimeter-wave is prevalent owing to the global spread of fifth-generation wireless communication systems. Its thermal effect is a dominant factor which potentially causes pain and tissue damage to the body parts exposed to the millimeter waves. However, the threshold of this thermal sensation, that is, the degree of change in skin temperature from the baseline at which the first subjective response to the thermal effects of the millimeter waves occurs, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the thermal sensation threshold and assessed its reliability when exposed to millimeter waves. Twenty healthy adults were exposed to 28 GHz millimeter-wave on their left middle fingertip at five levels of antenna input power: 0.2, 1.1, 1.6, 2.1, and 3.4 W (incident power density: 27–399 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>). This measurement session was repeated twice on the same day to evaluate the threshold reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used as proxies for the relative and absolute reliability, respectively. The number of participants who perceived a sensation during the two sessions at each exposure level was also counted as the perception rate. Mean thermal sensation thresholds were within 0.9°C–1.0°C for the 126–399 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> conditions, while that was 0.2°C for the 27 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> condition. The ICCs for the threshold at 27 and 126 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> were interpreted as poor and fair, respectively, while those at higher exposure levels were moderate to substantial. Apart from a proportional bias in the 191 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> condition, there was no fixed bias. All participants perceived a thermal sensation at 399 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> in both sessions, and the perception rate gradually decreased with lower exposure levels. Importantly, two-thirds of the participants answered that they felt a thermal sensation in both or one of the sessions at 27 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>, despite the low-temperature increase. These results suggest that the thermal sensation threshold is around 1.0°C, consistent across exposure levels, while its reliability increases with higher exposure levels. Furthermore, the perception of thermal sensation may be inherently ambiguous owing to the nature of human perception.

Open access paper:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1331416

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The impact of radiofrequency exposure on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) development [mosquitos]

Nik Abdull Halim NMH, Mohd Jamili AF, Che Dom N, Abd Rahman NH, Jamal Kareem Z, Dapari R. The impact of radiofrequency exposure on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) development. PLoS One. 2024 Feb 27;19(2):e0298738. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298738.

Abstract

Introduction  Wireless communication connects billions of people worldwide, relying on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Generally, fifth-generation (5G) networks shift RF carriers to higher frequencies. Although radio, cell phones, and television have benefited humans for decades, higher carrier frequencies can present potential health risks. Insects closely associated with humans (such as mosquitoes) can undergo increased RF absorption and dielectric heating. This process inadvertently impacts the insects’ behaviour, morphology, and physiology, which can influence their spread. Therefore, this study examined the impact of RF exposure on Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, which are prevalent in indoor environments with higher RF exposure risk. The morphologies of Ae. aegypti eggs and their developments into Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were investigated.

Methods  A total of 30 eggs were exposed to RF radiation at three frequencies: baseline, 900 MHz, and 18 GHz. Each frequency was tested in triplicate. Several parameters were assessed through daily observations in an insectarium, including hatching responses, development times, larval numbers, and pupation periods until the emergence of adult insects.

Results  This study revealed that the hatching rate for the 900 MHz group was the highest (79 ± 10.54%) compared to other exposures (p = 0.87). The adult emergence rate for the 900 MHz group was also the lowest at 33 ± 2.77%. A significant difference between the groups was demonstrated in the statistical analysis (p = 0.03).

Conclusion  This work highlighted the morphology sensitivity of Ae. aegypti eggs and their developments in the aquatic phase to RF radiation, potentially altering their life cycle.

This study successfully comprehended the influence of RF exposure on the development of Aedes mosquitoes. The 900 MHz RF exposure accelerated the hatching process of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and increased the percentage of adult emergence. These findings represented an essential initial stage in understanding the impact of RF radiation on Aedes mosquito populations, providing vital insights into the population dynamics. Nevertheless, the potential variability results under distinct study conditions involving RF exposure variation types and the mosquito species studied were necessary. Thus, additional investigation was desirable and crucial to understand the consequences of RF exposure comprehensively on Ae. albopictus and determine the most efficient approaches for identifying the most effective strategies for dengue vector control. Studies are actively investigating the influence of RF exposure on insects (particularly mosquitoes) due to data suggesting that it can impact hatching and developmental processes. Hence, further studies should be conducted to fully comprehend the scope of these effects and clarify their practical relevance in preventing dengue spread. These ongoing studies are pivotal in learning the potential utility of RF exposure to mitigate the spread of dengue disease and in establishing the most efficacious approaches for translating this knowledge into practical control measures.

Open access paper:  https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0298738

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Detrimental impact of cell phone radiation on sperm DNA integrity (Review)

Koohestanidehaghi Y, Khalili MA, Dehghanpour F, Seify M. Detrimental impact of cell phone radiation on sperm DNA integrity. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2024 Jan 24. doi: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06121.

Abstract

Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from various sources may impact health due to the generation of frequency bands. Broad pulses emitted within frequency bands can be absorbed by cells, influencing their function. Numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated that mobile phones-generally the most widely used devices-can have harmful effects on sex cells, such as sperm and oocytes, by producing RF-EMR. Moreover, some research has indicated that RF-EMR generated by mobile phones can influence sperm parameters, including motility, morphology, viability, and (most critically) DNA structure. Consequently, RF-EMR can disrupt both sperm function and fertilization. However, other studies have reported that exposure of spermatozoa to RF-EMR does not affect the functional parameters or genetic structure of sperm. These conflicting results likely stem from differences among studies in the duration and exposure distance, as well as the species of animal used. This report was undertaken to review the existing research discussing the effects of RF-EMR on the DNA integrity of mammalian spermatozoa.

EMW can induce oxidative stress, which subsequently leads to disorders such as reduced mobility, morphological changes, acrosome disturbances, and ultimately, damage to the nucleus and genetic material. This oxidative damage to DNA can result in the breakdown of both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA structures, culminating in fragmentation. If the DNA is not repaired and the damage accumulates, the sperm may undergo apoptosis. Damage to the sperm genome can ultimately impact fertility, potentially leading to infertility. Therefore, it is advisable to limit daily exposure to these sources to prevent irreversible damage caused by EMWs. Many men carry their cell phones in their trouser pockets or clipped to their belts, and the use of Bluetooth can increase their susceptibility to RF-EMR exposure. This exposure can induce changes in sperm quality through oxidative stress, potentially leading to infertility. Agarwal et al. [11] suggested that carrying a cell phone in a pocket could lead to a decline in sperm quality. However, it is important to note that the phone and male reproductive organs are separated by multiple tissue layers. Therefore, extrapolating these in vitro effects to real-life conditions requires further studies [11].

In July 2021, the European Parliament commissioned a research report titled “Health impact of 5G.” The report concluded that the commonly used RF-EMFs are likely carcinogenic to humans and have a definitive impact on male fertility. It also suggested potential adverse effects on the development of embryos, fetuses, and newborns. To mitigate these adverse effects, the organization proposed several strategies. These include favoring non-wireless connections, increasing distance from the source of RF-EMFs, switching off devices when not in use, and practicing safe phone usage [55].

Open access paper: https://ecerm.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.5653/cerm.2023.06121

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Acute exposure of microwave impairs attention process by activating microglial inflammation

Jiang S, Ma Y, Shi Y, et al. Acute exposure of microwave impairs attention process by activating microglial inflammation. Cell Biosci 14, 2 (2024). doi: 10.1186/s13578-023-01162-9.

Abstract

Background  Attention provides the foundation for cognitions, which was shown to be affected by microwave (MW) radiation. With the ubiquitous of microwaves, public concerns regarding the impact of MW radiation on attention has hence been increased. Our study aims to investigate the potential effect and mechanism of acute microwave exposure on attention.

Results  We identified obvious impairment of attention in mice by the five-choice serial reaction time (5-CSRT) task. Proteomic analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed neuroinflammation and microglial activation potentially due to acute MW exposure. Moreover, biochemical analysis further confirmed microglial activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice subjected to acute MW exposure. Finally, minocycline, a commercially available anti-inflammatory compound, attenuated neuroinflammation, inhibited the upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) including NR2A and NR2B, and also accelerated the attentional recovery after MW exposure.

Conclusions  We believe that microglial activation and NMDAR upregulation likely contribute to inattention induced by acute MW exposure, and we found that minocycline may be effective in preventing such process

Open access paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10768366/

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Detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phone on embryo morphokinetics and blastocyst viability in mice

Seify M, Khalili MA, Anbari F, Koohestanidehaghi Y. Detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phone on embryo morphokinetics and blastocyst viability in mice. Zygote. Published online 2024:1-5. doi:10.1017/S0967199424000042

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has deleterious effects on sperm motility and viability, as well as oocyte membrane and organelle structure. The aim was to assess the effects of cell phone radiation on preimplantation embryo morphokinetics and blastocyst viability in mice. For superovulation, 20 female mice were treated with intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 10 IU pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin (Folligon® PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after 48 h. The zygotes (n = 150) from the control group were incubated for 4 days. The experimental zygotes (n = 150) were exposed to a cell phone emitting EMR with a frequency range 900–1800 MHz for 30 min on day 1. Then, all embryos were cultured in the time-lapse system and annotated based on time points from the 2-cell stage (t2) to hatched blastocyst (tHDyz), as well as abnormal cleavage patterns. Blastocyst viability was assessed using Hoechst and propidium iodide staining. Significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in the cleavage division time points of t2, t8, t10, and t12 of the experimental group compared with the controls. In terms of blastocyst formation parameters, a delay in embryo development was observed in the experimental group compared with the controls. Data analysis of the time intervals between the two groups showed a significant difference in the s3 time interval (P < 0.05). Also, the rates of fragmentation, reverse cleavage, vacuole formation, and embryo arrest were significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the cell survival rate in the experimental group was lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Exposure to EMR has detrimental consequences for preimplantation embryo development in mice. These effects can manifest as defects in the cleavage stage and impaired blastocyst formation, leading to lower cell viability.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/zygote/article/abs/detrimental-effects-of-electromagnetic-radiation-emitted-from-cell-phone-on-embryo-morphokinetics-and-blastocyst-viability-in-mice/BC3E03A74EC2E5E9C97D6CF6E22253A3


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Radio-tracking systems emit pulsed waves that could affect the health and alter the orientation of animals

Balmori A. Radio-tracking systems emit pulsed waves that could affect the health and alter the orientation of animals. Journal for Nature Conservation. Vol. 77. 2024,
doi: 10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126520.

Abstract

Any study carried out with a given technique must avoid causing harmful effects on the experimental subjects, in order to avoid altering the survival rates of the animals or causing bias in the results of the study. Radio tagging is undoubtedly a very useful technique, and in many cases is the only option available to obtain information on the ecology and movements of wild animals, but unfortunately it has been used indiscriminately, without regard to the problems it can cause. The most well-known of these are the effects from the weight of the device and the harness, but there are others that have not yet been taken into account and that have not been sufficiently studied, such as the non-thermal effects of modulated and/or pulsed electromagnetic fields on the health and orientation of radio-tracked animals. This commentary provides a brief overview of the scientific evidence on the effects of electromagnetic fields, and underlines the importance of carrying out relevant studies in order to check for the possible effects of radio transmitters on animals.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1617138123001917

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A study on effects of cell phone tower-emitted non-ionizing radiations in an Allium cepa test system

Sharma A, Sharma S, Bahel S, Katnoria JK. A study on effects of cell phone tower-emitted non-ionizing radiations in an Allium cepa test system. Environ Monit Assess. 2024 Feb 13;196(3):261. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-12435-2.

Abstract

Considering enormous growth in population, technical advancement, and added reliance on electronic devices leading to adverse health effects, in situ simulations were made to evaluate effects of non-ionizing radiations emitted from three cell phone towers (T1, T2, and T3) of frequency bands (800, 1800, 2300 MHz), (900, 1800, 2300 MHz), and (1800 MHz), respectively. Five sites (S1–S5) were selected near cell phone towers exhibiting different power densities. The site with zero power density was considered as control. Effects of radiations were studied on morphology; protein content; antioxidant enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR); and genotoxicity using Allium cepa. Mean power density (μW/cm2) was recorded as 1.05, 1.18, 1.6, 2.73, and 12.9 for sites 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. A significant change in morphology, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight in Allium cepa was observed under the exposure at different sites. Protein content of roots showed significant difference for samples at all sites while bulbs at sites S4 and S5 when compared to control. Antioxidant activity for root in terms of APX, GST, and POD showed significant changes at S4 and S5 and GR at site S5 and SOD at S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5. Similarly, bulbs showed significant changes at sites S4 and S5 for APX while at sites S3, S4, and S5 for POD and S2, S3, S4, and S5 for SOD and S5 for GR and GST. Genotoxicity study has shown induction of abnormalities at different stages of the cell cycle in Allium cepa root tips. The samples under exposure to radiation with maximum power density have shown maximum induction of oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38349609/

Excerpts

Specific locations with cell phone towers were identified using the Tarang Sanchar portal. The power density (μW/cm2) at different sites near towers was noted manually using an electromagnetic radiation detector (model: PCE-EM 29; make: PCE instruments, UK). Five sites were selected following the criteria of high-power density exposure and site with convenient experimental setup. Cell phone towers emitting radiations of different frequency bands, viz., 800, 1800, and 2300 MHz, for Reliance Jio 900, 1800 and 2300 MHz for Airtel, and 1800 MHz for Vodafone Idea (VI), were located at the sites of experiment. Depending upon the distance from the cell towers, five sites near towers showed the increasing order of their power density with decreasing distance. Site 1 showed a mean power density of 1.05 μW/cm2 at a distance of 20 m from cell towers, with an angle of 16.67°. Meanwhile, site 2 recorded a mean power density of 1.18 μW/cm2 at a distance of 15 m, with an angle of 21.77°. Site 3 exhibited a mean power density of 1.6 μW/cm2 at a distance of 10 m and an angle of 30.94°. Site 4 showed a mean power density of 2.73 μW/cm2 at a distance of 5 m and an angle of 50.19°. In contrast, site 5 displayed a higher mean power density of 12.9 μW/cm2 at distance of 1 m and an angle of 80.21° with an average temperature recorded to be 20–24 °C and relative humidity of 45–50%. The specifics regarding the selection of the exposure sites are provided in Fig. 1. Keeping all other environmental conditions constant and altering only one parameter that is power density, the site with zero power density is designated as the control at a distance of 50 m and an angle of 6.818°.

Conclusion

The present study clearly revealed that plant samples under exposure to electromagnetic radiations generated from cell phone towers at varied frequencies and maximum power densities had altered morphological and biochemical characteristics. The enhanced level of antioxidative enzymes like APX, GST, GR, POD, and SOD during the present study indicate the enhancement of oxidative stress and genotoxicity. The harmful effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiations were also witnessed through reduced protein content in test samples as compared to that of control. The genotoxicity studies revealed that the damage by exposure to radiations was high for root samples as compared to bulb samples indicating that root tip cells of Allium cepa were sensitive bioindicators to reveal toxicity of radiation pollution. This study is the first of its kind conducted in the field and reveals that further advance research is the need of an hour for in-depth understanding and devising the effective protective measures for mitigation of the detrimental effects of radiations.

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A systematic review on cellular responses of Escherichia coli to nonthermal electromagnetic irradiation

Askaripour K, Żak A. A systematic review on cellular responses of Escherichia coli to nonthermal electromagnetic irradiation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Jan;45(1):16-29. doi: 10.1002/bem.22484.

Highlights

  • The present review aims to systematically evaluate literature to reach a firm conclusion on the causality between nonthermal electromagnetic radiation of alternating current and biological effects in Escherichia coli.
  • The systematic review methodology by OHAT and the risk of bias tool evaluating the validity of experimental design and conduct within research works were followed.
  • With 25 of the 114 records screened meeting the eligibility criteria, the evidence summation was performed regarding growth rate, morphology, and gene expression under exposure of extremely low frequency, intermediate frequency, or radio frequency.
  • With 85% of experiments in the included studies focusing on the extremely low-frequency range, effects on growth rate, morphology, and gene expression were supported in 74%, 80%, and 33% of the experiments, respectively.

Abstract

Investigation of Escherichia coli under electromagnetic fields is of significance in human studies owing to its short doubling time and human-like DNA mechanisms. The present review aims to systematically evaluate the literature to conclude causality between 0 and 300 GHz electromagnetic fields and biological effects in E. coli. To that end, the OHAT methodology and risk of bias tool were employed. Exponentially growing cells exposed for over 30 min at temperatures up to 37C with fluctuations below 1C were included from the Web-of-Knowledge, PubMed, or EMF-Portal databases. Out of 904 records identified, 25 articles satisfied the selection criteria, with four excluded during internal validation. These articles examined cell growth (11 studies), morphology (three studies), and gene regulation (11 studies). Most experiments (85%) in the included studies focused on the extremely low-frequency (ELF) range, with 60% specifically at 50 Hz. Changes in growth rate were observed in 74% of ELF experiments and 71% of radio frequency (RF) experiments. Additionally, 80% of ELF experiments showed morphology changes, while gene expression changes were seen in 33% (ELF) and 50% (RF) experiments. Due to the limited number of studies, especially in the intermediate frequency and RF ranges, establishing correlations between EMF exposure and biological effects on E. coli is not possible.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37807247/

Conclusions

The present review systemically evaluates whether the current literature, passing through the risk of bias tool, while fulfilling the selection criteria defined in the PECO statement, supports an association between nonthermal electromagnetic fields and alterations in the biological composition and functioning of E. coli strains. The findings from the 21 included studies are dependent on the specific endpoints assessed, which include cell growth, morphology, and gene expression. The conclusions are subject to certain limitations, as the review focuses on exponentially growing strains that were exposed to nonthermal EMFs of frequencies 0–300 GHz for a minimum duration of 30 min.

In each study, it is possible that multiple experiments were conducted. Among these studies, 85% of experiments (16 articles) focused on the extremely low-frequency range, with 60% specifically examining 50 Hz. Additionally, 5% of experiments (one article) addressed the IF range, while 10% of experiments (four articles) addressed the RF range. In the investigation of nonthermal effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), 74% of the experiments supported the effects on growth rate (investigated in nine articles), 80% supported the effects on morphology (investigated in three articles), and 33% supported the effects on gene expression (investigated in eight articles). Within the IF range, nonthermal effects on growth rate were observed in 100% of experiments (conducted in one article), but no experiments supported such effects on gene expression (investigated in one article). In the RF range, 71% of experiments supported nonthermal effects on growth rate (conducted in two articles), while 50% supported nonthermal effects on gene expression (conducted in two articles). Therefore, due to the limited number of studies available on the IF and RF ranges, the reliability of the results may primarily apply to ELF-EMF, particularly at 50 Hz.

When experiments demonstrated biological effects, the observed pattern varied as either beneficial or detrimental, depending on the exposure conditions and experimental setup. For example, out of 38 experiments on growth rate, 12 showed beneficial effects while 16 showed detrimental effects. This controversy can be explained by the concept of the biological window, in which EMF may contribute to positive physiological processes. However, if the accumulated exposure exceeds the cell-specific energy limit, detrimental effects may prevail. Several sources exhibited inconsistencies when observing these effects.

In terms of exposure parameters, continuity, referring to intermittent or continuous status, had a significant effect on the results, with pulsed signals showing a greater impact compared to sinusoidal signals. Extremely low frequencies and radio frequencies had a major impact on the investigated endpoints, while intermediate frequencies have received limited research attention. The intensity and duration of exposure influenced the absorbed energy levels, resulting in varying effects ranging from beneficial to neutral or detrimental. Modulation may introduce significant differences compared to unmodulated signals, depending on the modulation frequency. The optimal measurement time point depends on the specific endpoint and necessitates mechanistic understanding for accurate identification.

Special attention is needed regarding sufficient and clear reports on the amount of electromagnetic irradiation absorbed by the strains, as it can make the quantitative comparison between studies possible, and discriminate between nondetrimental or detrimental effects. Besides, special attention to the background electromagnetic irradiation as a confounder and the measurement time point for allowing the outcome to develop is required. Deficiencies associated with the risk of bias including research personnel blinded to the study group, randomization of exposure, allocation concealment, attrition/exclusion bias, and their possible effect on the outcome should be considered. More mechanistic investigations regarding cellular processes and their related genes are demanded.

Based on the limited number of studies encompassing three different frequency ranges and three different endpoints, the systematic review does not establish a conclusive correlation between nonthermal exposure to electromagnetic fields and cellular alterations in E. coli strains. However, future research could explore this correlation more specifically, considering the similarity of endpoints and levels of exposure between E. coli and humans. This exploration would help shed light on the potential implications of these effects on human health.

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On the Quasistationarity of the Ambient Electromagnetic Field Generated by Wi-Fi Sources

Tuță L, Roșu G, Andone A, Spandole-Dinu S, Fichte LO. On the Quasistationarity of the Ambient Electromagnetic Field Generated by Wi-Fi Sources. Electronics. 2024; 13(2):301. doi:10.3390/electronics13020301.

Abstract

In recent decades, the widespread use of mobile phones and wireless technologies has led to a significant increase in radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), raising concerns about continuous RF-EMF exposure among the general population. Recent research indicates that real-life RF signals are more biologically active than controlled laboratory signals with a low variability, suggesting that living organisms can adapt to EMF exposure when the pattern has a low variability. However, using real-life sources with unpredictable variation signals in biological experiments contradicts the principle of experiment controllability. This paper aims to investigate the nature of signals generated by current sources of ambient EMFs in terms of stationarity, with the goal of replicating them in biological experiments to study the effects of EMF exposure. Employing a range of statistical methodologies, starting with descriptive statistical analysis and progressing to the advanced APDP and APTF methods, an examination is conducted on a collection of Wi-Fi signal recordings across various operating modes, with particular attention given to video streaming. The chosen datasets are scrutinized with respect to their adherence to a Gaussian distribution and the concept of stationarity. The results indicate that the observed Wi-Fi signals lack stationarity in both the time and frequency domains. However, based on the analytical findings, it is possible to generate signals in frequency that authentically replicate Wi-Fi signals, accounting for nonstationarity considerations.


Conclusions

The stationarity of electromagnetic emission sources, particularly those generating time-varying EMFs, can significantly impact living organisms. Exposure to nonstationary sources with dynamic signals limits an organism’s ability to adapt to the changing stimulus. The consideration that real-life source signals may be more biologically active raises concerns about the accuracy and relevance of laboratory sources in experiments studying the effects of RF-EMF exposure. However, using real-life sources with unpredictable variations contradicts the principle of experiment controllability. The investigation into the impact of Wi-Fi routers on living organisms is crucial, as these emission sources exhibit either weak stationarity or nonstationarity, potentially leading to adverse effects on human health.

 

The paper describes the examination of temporal variations in ambient electromagnetic exposure emanating from Wi-Fi communication devices which involves the application of diverse statistical methodologies. The objective is to ascertain the stationarity of these signals. The ultimate outcome aims to produce laboratory-controlled signals that faithfully replicate the authentic variability observed in real-life signals generated by Wi-Fi communication devices.

 

Several datasets were obtained from various frequency-domain measurements with a spectrum analyzer. A stationarity analysis was performed for the measured datasets, in both time and frequency domains, using the ADPD and APTF methods.

 

The findings derived from the analysis using APTF and APDP indicate that the observed Wi-Fi signals lack stationarity in both the time and frequency domains. This outcome poses a challenge with respect to simulating Wi-Fi signals, suggesting that the incorporation of modulations exclusive to the 802.11 standards (OFDM and DSSS), along with the introduction of Gaussian noise, may prove insufficient for an accurate emulation of authentic Wi-Fi signals.

 

We suggest, in this case, simulating the spectrum analyzer measurement by generating vectors from the Pearson system of distributions, with statistical parameters that correspond to practical measurements. The quality of these simulated Wi-Fi waveforms will depend on the measurements used to train the algorithm. These waveforms could be used for further EMF investigation by generating them using a portable SDR device, without requiring a Wi-Fi router with Internet access.

Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/13/2/301

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Changes in honey bee nutrition after exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field

 

Migdal P, Plotnik M, Bieńkowski P, Murawska A, Berbeć E, Sobkiewicz P, Zarębski K, Latarowski K (2024). Changes in honey bee nutrition after exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field. The European Zoological Journal, 91:1, 172-179. doi: 10.1080/24750263.2024.2308550.


Abstract


Urban beekeeping has gained interest in recent years. Bees placed in cities, on the roofs of buildings, are exposed to many different sources of electromagnetic fields of different frequencies and intensities. Knowledge about the impact of electromagnetic fields on the physiology and behavior of insects (including honey bees) is limited. Hence, one of the first steps was to check how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields affect honey bees’ nutrition. The level of total proteins, glucose, triglycerides, and TAS activity in bee hemolymph was analyzed. This is because they indicate the honey bee’s nutrition level. The experiment involved 2-day-old Carniolan worker honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica L.). The bees were exposed to fields of 12 V/m, 28 V/m, and 61 V/m for 0.25, 1 and 3 h. Hemolymph was taken from 40 alive worker honey bees from each group immediately after exposure, by removing the antennae with sterile tweezers. The activity of biochemical markers (total proteins, TAS, and triglycerides) in the bee hemolymph in 12 V/m and 28 V/m groups showed statistically significant differences compared to the control group in most cases. According to our own research, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields disturb honey bee nutrition. The changes in the analyzed indicators may have long-term effects.

Open access paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/24750263.2024.2308550

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Studies of the Electromagnetic Background at the Antarctic Vostok Station

Shurshakov VA, Belov EV, Ilyin EA, et al. Studies of the Electromagnetic Background at the Antarctic Vostok Station. Hum Physiol 49, 906–909 (2023). doi: 10.1134/S0362119723070216.

Abstract

The electromagnetic background was measured in the living quarters of the Vostok Station located on the Antarctic plateau distant from the potential sources of technogenic electromagnetic fields. The level of E-radiation in the range from 0.8 to 8 GHz was determined using a MERA integral dosimeter. Based on the results of long-term continuous (one to 4 months) measurements, the mean flux density was equal to 1.5 ± 0.8 nWt/cm, which is nearly 7000 times lower than the admissible level for population adopted in Russia. The Antarctic Vostok Station can be considered as a plausible location for biomedical investigations into the effects of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Conclusions

(1) The EFD values of technogenic EMR in the living quarters of the Vostok Station are 7 thousand times below the regulatory standards for EMR in the Russian Federation. This fact indicates that the long-term stay of people at the Vostok Station is safe as regards the sanitary standards for EMR. [The Russian regulatory standards for EMR 0.3–300 GHz are 1000 μW/cm2 for personnel and 10 μW/cm2 for the population.]

(2) The daily dynamics of the main frequencies in EMR EFD variability and its dependence on solar activity have been revealed.

(3) Since the members of polar expeditions at the Vostok Station perform daily outdoor work (up to 1.5 h), it would be reasonable for future expeditions to measure the EFD of EMR in an open area, which will allow estimating the natural (background) level of EMR EFD in the vicinity of the station.

The Antarctic Vostok Station can be considered as one of the possible places for conducting biomedical research under the conditions of reduced electromagnetic radiation flux.

Open access paper: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S0362119723070216

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Shortwave radiation-induced reproductive organ damage in male rats by enhanced expression of molecules associated with the calpain/Cdk5 pathway and oxidative stress

 

Yao B, Men J, Liu S, Bai Y, Yu C, Gao Y, Xu X, Zhao L, Zhang J, Wang H, Li Y, Peng R. Shortwave radiation-induced reproductive organ damage in male rats by enhanced expression of molecules associated with the calpain/Cdk5 pathway and oxidative stress. Electromagn Biol Med. 2023 Oct 2;42(4):150-162. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2023.2296896.

 

Abstract


Shortwave radiation has been reported to have harmful effects on several organs in humans and animals. However, the biological effects of 27 MHz shortwave on the reproductive system are not clear. In this study, we investigated the effects of shortwave whole-body exposure at a frequency of 27 MHz on structural and functional changes in the testis. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 27 MHz continuous shortwaves at average power densities of 0, 5, 10, or 30 mW/cm2 for 6 min. The levels of insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) and anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb) in the peripheral serum, sperm motility, sperm malformation rate, and testicular tissue structure of rats were analyzed. Furthermore, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, calpain, and Cdk5 expression were analyzed at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after exposure. We observed that the rats after radiation had decreased serum INSL3 levels (p < 0.01), increased AsAb levels (p < 0.05), decreased percentage of class A+B sperm (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), increased sperm malformation (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), injured testicular tissue structure, decreased SOD and CAT activities (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), increased MDA content (p < 0.01), and testicular tissue expressions of calpain1, calpain2, and Cdk5 were increased (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). In conclusion, Shortwave radiation caused functional and structural damage to the reproductive organs of male rats. Furthermore, oxidative stress and key molecules in the calpain/Cdk5 pathway are likely involved in this process. 

Plain language summary

Shortwave radiation has been used in communications, medical and military applications, and its damaging effects on several organs of the human body have been reported in the literature. However, the biological effects of shortwave radiation on the male reproductive system are unknown. The present study, by constructing an animal model of short-wave radiation and analyzing the experimental results, revealed that shortwave radiation could cause functional and structural damage to the reproductive organs of male rats, and that oxidative stress and key molecules in the calpain/Cdk5 pathway might be involved in this process. It will provide organizational data for further studies on the mechanisms of male reproductive damage by shortwave radiation.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38155529/

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Effects of 3.5-GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy-regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue

Bektas H, Dasdag S, Altindag F, Akdag MZ, Yegin K, Algul S. Effects of 3.5-GHz radiofrequency radiation on energy-regulatory hormone levels in the blood and adipose tissue. Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Feb 18. doi: 10.1002/bem.22498.

Abstract

In recent years exposure of living beings to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from wireless equipment has increased. In this study, we investigated the effects of 3.5-GHz RFR on hormones that regulate energy metabolism in the body. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups: healthy sham (n = 7), healthy RFR (n = 7), diabetic sham (n = 7), and diabetic RFR (n = 7). Over a month, each group spent 2 h/day in a Plexiglas carousel. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to RFR, but the sham groups were not. At the end of the experiment, blood and adipose tissues were collected from euthanized rats. Total antioxidant, total oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, ghrelin, nesfatin-1, and irisin were determined. Insulin expression in pancreatic tissues was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Whole body specific absorption rate was 37 mW/kg. For the parameters analyzed in blood and fat, the estimated effect size varied within the ranges of 0.215-0.929 and 0.503-0.839, respectively. The blood and adipose nesfatin-1 (p = 0.002), blood and pancreatic insulin are decreased, (p = 0.001), gherelin (p = 0.020), irisin (p = 0.020), and blood glucose (p = 0.040) are increased in healthy and diabetic rats exposed to RFR. While nesfatin-1 are negatively correlated with oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and insulin, ghrelin and irisin are positively correlated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Thus, RFR may have deleterious effects on energy metabolism, particularly in the presence of diabetes.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38369591/ 


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Evidence of spatial clustering of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases in Greater Mexico City: report from the Mexican Inter-Institutional Group for the identification of the causes of childhood leukemia

Duarte-Rodríguez DA, Flores-Lujano J, McNally RJQ, Pérez-Saldivar ML, Jiménez-Hernández E, Martín-Trejo JA, Espinoza-Hernández LE, Medina-Sanson A, Paredes-Aguilera R, Merino-Pasaye LE, Velázquez-Aviña MM, Torres-Nava JR, Espinosa-Elizondo RM, Amador-Sánchez R, Dosta-Herrera JJ, Mondragón-García JA, González-Ulibarri JE, Martínez-Silva SI, Espinoza-Anrubio G, Paz-Bribiesca MM, Salcedo-Lozada P, Landa-García RÁ, Ramírez-Colorado R, Hernández-Mora L, Santamaría-Ascencio M, López-Loyola A, Godoy-Esquivel AH, García-López LR, Anguiano-Ávalos AI, Mora-Rico K, Castañeda-Echevarría A, Rodríguez-Jiménez R, Cibrian-Cruz JA, Solís-Labastida KA, Cárdenas-Cardos R, López-Santiago N, Flores-Villegas LV, Peñaloza-González JG, González-Ávila AI, Sánchez-Ruiz M, Rivera-Luna R, Rodríguez-Villalobos LR, Hernández-Pérez F, Olvera-Durán JÁ, García-Cortés LR, Mata-Rocha M, Sepúlveda-Robles OA, Bekker-Méndez VC, Jiménez-Morales S, Meléndez-Zajgla J, Rosas-Vargas H, Vega E, Núñez-Enríquez JC, Mejía-Aranguré JM. Evidence of spatial clustering of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases in Greater Mexico City: report from the Mexican Inter-Institutional Group for the identification of the causes of childhood leukemia. Front Oncol. 2024 Feb 14;14:1304633. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1304633

 

Abstract

 

Background: A heterogeneous geographic distribution of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases has been described, possibly, related to the presence of different environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to explore the geographical distribution of childhood ALL cases in Greater Mexico City (GMC).

Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted. Children <18 years old, newly diagnosed with ALL and residents of GMC were included. Controls were patients without leukemia recruited from second-level public hospitals, frequency-matched by sex, age, and health institution with the cases. The residence address where the patients lived during the last year before diagnosis (cases) or the interview (controls) was used for geolocation. Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic was used to detect spatial clusters (SCs). Relative risks (RR), associated p-value and number of cases included for each cluster were obtained.

Results: A total of 1054 cases with ALL were analyzed. Of these, 408 (38.7%) were distributed across eight SCs detected. A relative risk of 1.61 (p<0.0001) was observed for the main cluster. Similar results were noted for the remaining seven ones. Additionally, a proximity between SCs, electrical installations and petrochemical facilities was observed.

Conclusions: The identification of SCs in certain regions of GMC suggest the possible role of environmental factors in the etiology of childhood ALL.

 

Open access paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2024.1304633/full


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International study of childhood leukemia in residences near electrical transformer rooms

Crespi CM, Sudan M, Juutilainen J, Roivainen P, Hareuveny R, Huss A, Kandel S, Karim-Kos HE, Thuróczy G, Jakab Z, Spycher BD, Flueckiger B, Vermeulen R, Vergara X, Kheifets L. International study of childhood leukemia in residences near electrical transformer rooms. Environ Res. 2024 Feb 10:118459. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118459.

Abstract

Objectives: New epidemiologic approaches are needed to reduce the scientific uncertainty surrounding the association between extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and childhood leukemia. While most previous studies focused on power lines, the Transformer Exposure study sought to assess this association using a multi-country study of children who had lived in buildings with built-in electrical transformers. ELF-MF in apartments above built-in transformers can be 5 times higher than in other apartments in the same building. This novel study design aimed to maximize the inclusion of highly exposed children while minimising the potential for selection bias.

Methods: We assessed associations between residential proximity to transformers and risk of childhood leukemia using registry based matched case-control data collected in five countries. Exposure was based on the location of the subject's apartment relative to the transformer, coded as high (above or adjacent to transformer), intermediate (same floor as apartments in high category), or unexposed (other apartments). Relative risk (RR) for childhood leukemia was estimated using conditional logistic and mixed logistic regression with a random effect for case-control set.

Results: Data pooling across countries yielded 16 intermediate and 3 highly exposed cases. RRs were 1.0 (95% CI: 0.5, 1.9) for intermediate and 1.1 (95% CI: 0.3, 3.8) for high exposure in the conditional logistic model. In the mixed logistic model, RRs were 1.4 (95% CI: 0.8, 2.5) for intermediate and 1.3 (95% CI: 0.4, 4.4) for high. Data of the most influential country showed RRs of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.5, 2.4) and 1.7 (95% CI: 0.4, 7.2) for intermediate (8 cases) and high (2 cases) exposure.

Discussion: Overall, evidence for an elevated risk was weak. However, small numbers and wide confidence intervals preclude strong conclusions and a risk of the magnitude observed in power line studies cannot be excluded.


https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38346482/


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The role of curcumin during pregnancy on the exposed fetuses' tissues of Wistar rats to electromagnetic field

Kalantar MH, Bayat PD, Ghaffari Khaligh S, Soleimani H. The role of curcumin during pregnancy on the exposed fetuses' tissues of Wistar rats to electromagnetic field. Electromagn Biol Med. 2024 Feb 17:1-10. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2024.2315214.

Abstract

To investigate curcumin (CUR) as the protector against the harmful effects of low-frequency electromagnetic field(LF- EMF, 50 Hz) during pregnancy period, 5 males and 15 females of Wistar rat mated and vaginal plaques were observed. Then, the pregnant rats were divided into six groups. During pregnancy(21 days), the EMF group was exposed to EMF for 30 min/day, the CUR group received a single dose of 50 mg/kg/daily CUR intraperitoneal, the EMF+CUR group was injected CUR and exposed to EMF daily. The DMSO(dimethyl sulfoxide) group was injected solvent of CUR (DMSO) intraperitoneal with the same volume of CUR solvent, the sham group was placed through the solenoid in the same conditions as the first group without exposure and the control group was kept in their cage in normal condition. After four weeks, babies born were divided according to the mother groups and sacrificed. Then, the three tissues injuries were investigated. EMF exposure led to an increase in outstanding necrotic areas in hippocampal tissue, an increase in the amount of hyperemia(p = 0.017) and necrotic(p = 0.005) in kidneys, and degeneration in liver tissue(p = 0.007) in the EMF group compared with EMF+CUR groups. A single dose of CUR daily during pregnancy can protect these tissues from injuries caused by LF-EMF exposure in rat fetuses.

Plain language summary


Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are able to penetrate and be absorbed by the body. The researchers showed that these radiations might be harmful and lead to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, and fetal abnormalities. Curcumin as an active component in turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia properties. It can protect the body against diseases such as arthritis, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome. This study examined the effects of curcumin as the protector against the harmful effects of EMF (50Hz) during pregnancy period. So the pregnant rats were divided into six groups. During pregnancy, a group was exposed to EMF for 30 min/day, the second group was injected a dose of curcumin 50mg/kg/daily, the third group was injected curcumin and exposed to EMF daily. The fourth group was injected a curcumin solvent dose, the sham group was placed through the field generator in the same conditions as the first group without exposure and the control group was kept in their cage in normal condition. After four weeks, babies born were divided according to the mother groups and sacrificed. Then, the liver, kidney, and hippocampal tissues were investigated. EMF exposure led to an outstanding increase in necrotic areas in hippocampal tissue, a notable increase in the amount of hyperemia and necrosis in kidneys, and degeneration in liver tissue(p=0.007) in the EMF group compared with the third group that was exposed to EMF and received curcumin. A single dose of curcumin daily during pregnancy can protect these tissues from injuries caused by EMF(50Hz) exposure in rat fetuses.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366892/

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Extremely low-frequency EMF facilitate both osteoblast and osteoclast activity through Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the zebrafish scale

Kobayashi-Sun J, Kobayashi I, Kashima M, Hirayama J, Kakikawa M, Yamada S, Suzuki N. Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields facilitate both osteoblast and osteoclast activity through Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the zebrafish scale. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2024 Feb 7;12:1340089. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1340089.

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have received widespread attention as effective, noninvasive, and safe therapies across a range of clinical applications for bone disorders. However, due to the various frequencies of devices, their effects on tissues/cells are vary, which has been a bottleneck in understanding the effects of EMFs on bone tissue. Here, we developed an in vivo model system using zebrafish scales to investigate the effects of extremely low-frequency EMFs (ELF-EMFs) on fracture healing. Exposure to 10 millitesla (mT) of ELF-EMFs at 60 Hz increased the number of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the fractured scale, whereas 3 or 30 mT did not. Gene expression analysis revealed that exposure to 10 mT ELF-EMFs upregulated wnt10b and Wnt target genes in the fractured scale. Moreover, β-catenin expression was enhanced by ELF-EMFs predominantly at the fracture site of the zebrafish scale. Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by IWR-1-endo treatment reduced both osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the fractured scale exposed to ELF-EMFs. These results suggest that ELF-EMFs promote both osteoblast and osteoclast activity through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in fracture healing. Our data provide in vivo evidence that ELF-EMFs generated with a widely used commercial AC power supply have a facilitative effect on fracture healing.

Open access paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2024.1340089/full

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Influence of Magnetic Fields, Including the Planetary Magnetic Field, on Complex Life Forms: How Do Biological Systems Function in This Field and in Electromagnetic Fields?

Hart DA. The Influence of Magnetic Fields, Including the Planetary Magnetic Field, on Complex Life Forms: How Do Biological Systems Function in This Field and in Electromagnetic Fields? Biophysica. 2024; 4(1):1-21. doi: 10.3390/biophysica4010001.

Abstract


Life on Earth evolved to accommodate the biochemical and biophysical boundary conditions of the planet millions of years ago. The former includes nutrients, water, and the ability to synthesize other needed chemicals. The latter includes the 1 g gravity of the planet, radiation, and the geomagnetic field (GMF) of the planet. How complex life forms have accommodated the GMF is not known in detail, considering that Homo sapiens evolved a neurological system, a neuromuscular system, and a cardiovascular system that developed electromagnetic fields as part of their functioning. Therefore, all of these could be impacted by magnetic fields. In addition, many proteins and physiologic processes utilize iron ions, which exhibit magnetic properties. Thus, complex organisms, such as humans, generate magnetic fields, contain significant quantities of iron ions, and respond to exogenous static and electromagnetic fields. Given the current body of literature, it remains somewhat unclear if Homo sapiens use exogenous magnetic fields to regulate function and what can happen if the boundary condition of the GMF no longer exerts an effect. Proposed deep space flights to destinations such as Mars will provide some insights, as space flight could not have been anticipated by evolution. The results of such space flight “experiments” will provide new insights into the role of magnetic fields on human functioning. This review will discuss the literature regarding the involvement of magnetic fields in various normal and disturbed processes in humans while on Earth and then further discuss potential outcomes when the GMF is no longer present to impact host systems, as well as the limitations in the current knowledge. The GMF has been present throughout evolution, but many details of its role in human functioning remain to be elucidated, and how humans have adapted to such fields in order to develop and retain function remains to be elucidated. Why this understudied area has not received the attention required to elucidate the critical information remains a conundrum for both health professionals and those embarking on space flight. However, proposed deep space flights to destinations such as Mars may provide the environments to test and assess the potential roles of magnetic fields in human functioning.

 

Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4125/4/1/1

 

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Do electromagnetic fields from subsea power cables effect benthic elasmobranch behaviour? A risk-based approach for the Dutch Continental Shelf

 

Hermans A, Winter HV, Gill AB, Murk AJ. Do electromagnetic fields from subsea power cables effect benthic elasmobranch behaviour? A risk-based approach for the Dutch Continental Shelf. Environ Pollut. 2024 Feb 13:123570. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123570.

 

Abstract

 

Subsea power cables cause electromagnetic fields (EMFs) into the marine environment. Elasmobranchs (rays, skates, sharks) are particularly sensitive to EMFs as they use electromagnetic-receptive sensory systems for orientation, navigation, and locating conspecifics or buried prey. Cables may intersect with egg laying sites, mating, pupping, and nursery grounds, foraging habitat and migration routes of elasmobranchs and the effects of encountering EMFs on species of elasmobranchs are largely unknown. Demonstrated behavioural effects are attraction, disturbance and indifference, depending on EMF characteristics, exposed life stage, exposure level and duration. We estimated exposure levels of elasmobranchs to subsea power cable EMFs, based on modelled magnetic fields in the Dutch Continental Shelf and compared these to reported elasmobranch sensory sensitivity ranges and experimental effect levels. We conclude that the risk from subsea power cables has a large uncertainty and varies per life stage and species ecology. Based on estimated no-observed effect levels (from 10-3 to 10-1 μT) we discuss what will probably be the most affected species and life stage for six common benthic elasmobranchs in the Southern North Sea. We then identify critical knowledge gaps for reducing the uncertainty in the risk assessments for EMFs effects on benthic elasmobranchs.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38360387/

 

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A Boundary Element Method of Bidomain Modeling for Predicting Cellular Responses to Electromagnetic Fields

 

Czerwonky DM, Aberra AS, Gomez LJ. A Boundary Element Method of Bidomain Modeling for Predicting Cellular Responses to Electromagnetic Fields. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2023 Dec 16:2023.12.15.571917. doi: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571917. (preprint, not peer-reviewed)

 

Abstract

Objective: Commonly used cable equation-based approaches for determining the effects of electromagnetic fields on excitable cells make several simplifying assumptions that could limit their predictive power. Bidomain or "whole" finite element methods have been developed to fully couple cells and electric fields for more realistic neuron modeling. Here, we introduce a novel bidomain integral equation designed for determining the full electromagnetic coupling between stimulation devices and the intracellular, membrane, and extracellular regions of neurons.

Methods: Our proposed boundary element formulation offers a solution to an integral equation that connects the device, tissue inhomogeneity, and cell membrane-induced E-fields. We solve this integral equation using first-order nodal elements and an unconditionally stable Crank-Nicholson time-stepping scheme. To validate and demonstrate our approach, we simulated cylindrical Hodgkin-Huxley axons and spherical cells in multiple brain stimulation scenarios.

Main results: Comparison studies show that a boundary element approach produces accurate results for both electric and magnetic stimulation. Unlike bidomain finite element methods, the bidomain boundary element method does not require volume meshes containing features at multiple scales. As a result, modeling cells, or tightly packed populations of cells, with microscale features embedded in a macroscale head model, is made computationally tractable, and the relative placement of devices and cells can be varied without the need to generate a new mesh.

Significance: Device-induced electromagnetic fields are commonly used to modulate brain activity for research and therapeutic applications. Bidomain solvers allow for the full incorporation of realistic cell geometries, device E-fields, and neuron populations. Thus, multi-cell studies of advanced neuronal mechanisms would greatly benefit from the development of fast-bidomain solvers to ensure scalability and the practical execution of neural network simulations with realistic neuron morphologies.

 

Open access paper: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.12.15.571917v1

 

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Static magnetic fields as a factor in modification of tissue and cell structure: a review

 

Saletnik BA, Puchalska-Sarna A, Saletnik A, Lipa T, Dobrzański B, Puchalski C. Static magnetic fields as a factor in modification of tissue and cell structure: a review. Int. Agrophys. 2024;38(1):43-75. doi:10.31545/intagr/176998.

 

Highlights

  • The static magnetic field (SMF) is an indispensable factor in the natural environment.
  • A moderate SMF in the most commonly used range of 2–80 mT has a potential application in the formation and re-modeling of plants and animals, including human cells.
  • SMFs can significantly change the potential of the cell membrane, and thus can have a significant impact on the properties of the cell.

Abstract

 

This review is intended to contribute to the evidence of the effects of static magnetic field on cells and tissue, as well as to present research results that will elucidate the complex matters involved in the formation and remodeling of cells. The cell characteristics studied in the papers that are reviewed include cell viability and proliferation, aggregation and their differentiation, structure and membrane potential. A moderate static magnetic field in the most commonly used range of 2-80 mT has potential application in the formation and remodeling of plant and human cells. However, in the case of cancer cells, the range of fields commonly used was 0.2-9 T. Magnetism promotes changes in plant cell growth, which prompts the cell to proliferate, thereby ensuring an increased rate of biomass production. Some research presented the enhancement of the differentiation of plant cells and skeletal muscle tissue by over 30% at 80 mT static magnetic field. Changes in the cell cycle and growth reflect directly on the cell number and viability and provide useful information to detect modifications in the cell machinery. Static magnetic field, depending on its intensity, enhances cell proliferation and thus may improve, among other processes, tissue regeneration, wound healing and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Researchers showed, among other things, that cells under the influence of static magnetic field changed their shape, had a larger chloroplast, stiffer cell wall, density of the cytoskeleton and cytoplasm contained several mitochondria. Numerous studies also discussed the behavior of the cell membrane of plant and animal organisms, including humans, under the influence of a static magnetic field. The effects of static magnetic field on the cell membrane of plant and human cells were similar. The research results indicate that static magnetic fields can significantly change membrane depolarization and its potential that regulates ion movement and thus can have a significant impact on the properties and biological functionality of the cell. Studies have shown that continuous application of static magnetic field caused deformation and damage of cell membrane. Based on the theoretical analyses presented also in this review, it can be concluded that static magnetic field affects cells and tissue, giving them changes in properties and behaviors and modulates, e.g. in the activity of ion channels. Thus it may produce effects leading to changes in the functioning of the cell. It is possible to formulate directions for further research aimed at using static magnetic fields for the non-invasive remodeling and formation of plant and human cells.

 

Open access paper:  http://www.international-agrophysics.org/Static-magnetic-fields-as-a-factor-in-modification-of-tissue-and-cell-structure-a,176998,0,2.html

 

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The biological effects of terahertz wave radiation-induced injury on neural stem cells

 

Wang Y, Xiong Y, Chen M, Liu F, He H, Ma Q, Gao P, Xiang G, Zhang L. The biological effects of terahertz wave radiation-induced injury on neural stem cells. iScience. 2023 Jul 18;26(10):107418. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107418.

 

Abstract

 

Terahertz (THz) is an electromagnetic wave with a radiation wavelength range of 30-3000 μm and a frequency of 0.1-10 THz. With the development of new THz sources and devices, THz has been widely applied in various fields. However, there are few studies on biological effects of THz irradiation on the human neural stem cells (hNSCs) and mouse neural stem cells (mNSCs), which need to be further studied. We studied the biological effects of THz radiation on hNSCs and mNSCs. The effects of THz irradiation time and average output power on the proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage of NSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The results showed that the proliferation and apoptosis of NSCs were dose-dependently affected by THz irradiation time and average output power. The proliferation of hNSCs was more vulnerable to damage and apoptosis was more serious under the same terahertz irradiation conditions compared to those of mNSCs.

 

Open access paper:  https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(23)01495-5