A critical appraisal of the WHO 2024 systematic review of the effects of RF-EMF exposure on tinnitus, migraine/headache, and non-specific symptoms
Frank J, Melnick R, Moskowitz
J, on behalf of the International Commission on the Biological Effects of
Electromagnetic Fields (ICBE-EMF). A critical appraisal of the WHO 2024
systematic review of the effects of RF-EMF exposure on tinnitus,
migraine/headache, and non-specific symptoms. Reviews on Environmental Health.
2024. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2024-0069.
Abstract
The World Health Organization
(WHO) in 2012 initiated an expert consultation about research on the health
effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) for a WHO monograph
that was last updated in 1993. The project was abandoned over concerns about
the quality of the commissioned review papers. The WHO restarted the project in
2019 by commissioning ten systematic reviews (SRs) of the research on RF-EMF
exposure and adverse biological and health outcomes in laboratory animals, cell
cultures, and human populations. The second of these SRs, published in 2024,
addresses human observational studies of RF-EMF exposure and non-specific
symptoms, including tinnitus, migraine/headache, and sleep disturbance. The
present commentary is a critical appraisal of the scientific quality of this SR
(SR7) employing criteria developed by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based
Medicine. Based upon our review, we call for a retraction of SR7 and an
impartial investigation by unconflicted experts of the currently available
evidence and future research priorities.
Conclusion
To summarize, the way in
which any epidemiologically unsophisticated reader is likely to be misled by
this SR is clear. It appears to conclude unequivocally that the body of
scientific evidence reviewed supports the safety of current (e.g. ICNIRP-based)
population exposure limits for RF-EMF [10]. We reiterate that, on the contrary,
this body of evidence is not adequate to either support or refute the safety of
current exposure limits – largely due to the very small number and low
methodological quality of the relevant primary studies to date, and the
fundamental inappropriateness of meta-analysis for the handful of very
heterogeneous primary studies identified by Röösli et al. [3] for each of the
exposure/outcome combinations analysed.
We therefore call for a
retraction of the SR by Röösli et al., and an impartial international
investigation, by unconflicted experts, of both the currently available
evidence base on these issues, as well as related research priorities for the
future. That investigation should particularly address, above and beyond the
topic of priority health outcomes to be researched (which was already assessed
in the international expert consultation by WHO in 2018) [2], and the need for
improved methods of accurately measuring RF-EMF exposures, suitable for large
human observational studies in the general population – the Achilles heel of
the current literature.
Open access paper: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/reveh-2024-0069/html
--
WHO to build neglect of RF-EMF exposure
hazards on flawed EHC reviews? Case study demonstrates how “no hazards”
conclusion is drawn from data showing hazards
Nordhagen E, Flydal E. WHO to build
neglect of RF-EMF exposure hazards on flawed EHC reviews? Case study
demonstrates how “no hazards” conclusion is drawn from data showing hazards. Reviews
on Environmental Health. 2024. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2024-0089.
Abstract
We examined
one of the first published of the several systematic reviews being part of
WHO’s renewed initiative to assess the evidence of associations between
man-made radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMF) and adverse health
effects in humans. The examined review addresses experimental studies of
pregnancy and birth outcomes in non-human mammals. The review claims that the
analyzed data did not provide conclusions certain enough to inform decisions at
a regulatory level. Our objective was to assess the quality of this systematic
review and evaluate the relevance of its conclusions to pregnant women and
their offspring. The quality and relevance were checked on the review’s own
premises: e.g., we did not question the selection of papers, nor the chosen
statistical methods. While the WHO systematic review presents itself as
thorough, scientific, and relevant to human health, we identified numerous
issues rendering the WHO review irrelevant and severely flawed. All flaws found
skew the results in support of the review’s conclusion that there is no
conclusive evidence for nonthermal effects. We show that the underlying data,
when relevant studies are cited correctly, support the opposite conclusion:
There are clear indications of detrimental nonthermal effects from RF-EMF
exposure. The many identified flaws uncover a pattern of systematic skewedness
aiming for uncertainty hidden behind complex scientific rigor. The skewed
methodology and low quality of this review is highly concerning, as it threatens
to undermine the trustworthiness and professionalism of the WHO in the area of
human health hazards from man-made RF-EMF.
Conclusions
The rigorous protocol and extensive analyses presented in EHC2023 and its
protocol, convey an impression of serious science, credibility, and
reliability. However, we have shown that this is not the case.
We found EHC2023 to be a massive work with a rigorous and complex protocol and
extensive and complex statistical analyses. A consequence of the complexity is
that it can be assumed that no average reader – not even professionals – will
check the results of the review, if not for other reasons, because of the major
effort needed. Thereby, scientific exchange, debate and control is impeded and
reduced to a matter of trust.
We had the opportunity to spend time on an in-depth analysis of representative
parts of EHC2023 to assess its quality based to the extent possible on the
review’s own premises – that is, independent of our opinion about the
professional premises chosen.
We cannot prove that the flaws and omissions are deliberately added to reach
wanted conclusions, as we have next to no information about the authors,
neither of the process behind the authoring EHC2023 or its protocol. Anyhow,
and whatever the cause, the EHC2023 review is clearly of such a low quality,
also when evaluated within the thermal only tradition, that its conclusions are
without scientific value.
Our findings show that the conclusion of EHC2023 is not well-founded, and
therefore the final conclusions of EHC2023 that no conclusion can be drawn that
are (EHC2023, p. 31) “certain enough to inform decisions at a regulatory level”
cannot be trusted. The errors, flaws and omissions are grave enough to render
EHC2023 unscientific and unethical, and it should therefore be retracted.
As it now stands, the conclusion of ECH2023 stands out as what appears to be a
manufactured argument for current regulations being adequate to protect the
health of human mothers and their offspring. Manipulating and skewing research
results in order to manufacture a wanted conclusion is a well-known strategy to
avoid stricter regulations [11], [12], [13], [14], [15]. Further investigations
and better sources would be needed to prove such an assault on humanity to be
the case as to EHC2023.
EHC2023 is just one of several studies commissioned by the same organization
(WHO EHC no. 137) and states clearly that consistency has been assured in the
protocols for these studies. Our analysis of EHC2023 may in this view be seen
as a case study of the results of the entire WHO EHC undertaking: Since many of
our concerns are related to core elements of the protocol, there are good
reasons also to question the quality of all present and forthcoming results
being part of the WHO EHC undertaking unless a thorough revision of its course
is made.
Open access paper: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/reveh-2024-0089/html
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A
comprehensive review of 5G NR RF-EMF exposure assessment technologies:
fundamentals, advancements, challenges, niches, and implications
Korkmaz E, Aerts S, Coesoij R, Bhatt CR,
Velghe M, Colussi L, Land D, Petroulakis N, Spirito M, Bolte J. A comprehensive
review of 5G NR RF-EMF exposure assessment technologies: fundamentals,
advancements, challenges, niches, and implications. Environ Res. 2024 Jul
6;260:119524. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119524.
Highlights
- Monitoring exposure to radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) is crucial for environmental health and
risk assessment
- A comprehensive review of the diverse
landscape of RF-EMF assessment tools was missing.
- There is a definite need for cost-effective
and long-lasting EMF sensors.
- Custom-developed RF-EMF measurement tools
lack a standardized framework for comparison and validation.
Abstract
This review offers a detailed examination of the current landscape of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) assessment tools, ranging from spectrum analyzers and broadband field meters to area monitors and custom-built devices. The discussion encompasses both standardized and non-standardized measurement protocols, shedding light on the various methods employed in this domain. Furthermore, the review highlights the prevalent use of mobile apps for characterizing 5G NR radio network data. A growing need for low-cost measurement devices is observed, commonly referred to as “sensors” or “sensor nodes”, that are capable of enduring diverse environmental conditions. These sensors play a crucial role in both microenvironmental surveys and individual exposures, enabling stationary, mobile, and personal exposure assessments based on body-worn sensors, across wider geographical areas. This review revealed a notable need for cost-effective and long-lasting sensors, whether for individual exposure assessments, mobile (vehicle-integrated) measurements, or incorporation into distributed sensor networks. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information on existing custom-developed RF-EMF measurement tools, especially in terms of measuring uncertainty. Additionally, there is a need for real-time, fast-sampling solutions to understand the highly irregular temporal variations EMF distribution in next-generation networks. Given the diversity of tools and methods, a comprehensive comparison is crucial to determine the necessary statistical tools for aggregating the available measurement data.
Conclusions
The
objective of this review was to establish a groundwork for progress in the
field of RF-EMF exposure assessment, ultimately contributing to a more thorough
and efficient assessment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the
current state-of-the-art concerning RF-EMF measuring instruments. It covers a
wide array of tools, such as spectrum analyzers, broadband field meters, area
monitors, personal exposimeters, and custom-built instruments, as well as the
existing measurement protocols, encompassing both standardized and
non-standardized methods. In addition, we also have presented some of the most
commonly used mobile apps for collecting 5G NR radio network data, which have
also been used in RF-EMF exposure assessments. However, it is not yet clear on
how accurate the measurement results of these apps are and how they compare
among themselves and to more sophisticated tools.
Most
importantly, this review revealed the need for cost-effective and long-lasting
measurement devices or sensors that are capable of collecting data at a high
time resolution in various frequency bands, as well as withstanding various
environmental conditions. These sensors are essential for conducting
stationary, mobile, and personal exposure assessments across larger
geographical areas, time intervals, and populations than current capabilities
allow. Additionally, it is important to recognize that the specific
requirements for these sensors differ based on their intended usage, e.g.,
on-body measurement devices need to take into account the influence of the
body, vehicle-integrated sensors the influence of the speed and the relative
position of the sensor on the vehicle, and sensors on infrastructure the
influence of the height and the building materials. Furthermore, there exists a
demand for real-time, fast-sampling solutions to comprehend the highly
irregular temporal variations in EMF distribution within next-generation
networks.
Moreover,
there is a notable absence of extensive information regarding currently
employed custom-developed RF-EMF measurement tools, particularly with respect
to measuring uncertainty. Considering the diversity of tools and methodologies
in use, conducting a thorough comparison becomes crucial to identify the
necessary statistical tools for aggregating the available measurement data.
A more
in-depth discussion relating the current 5G NR assessment methods to
measurement equipment is intended for a follow-up study, which will describe
more in detail the requirements, opportunities, and priorities for new,
low-cost, custom-built measurement equipment.
Open access
paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124014294
--
The
effect of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cognitive
performance in human experimental studies: Systematic review and meta-analyses
Pophof B, Kuhne J, Schmid G, Weiser E,
Dorn H, Henschenmacher B, Burns J, Danker-Hopfe H, Sauter C, Pophof B. The
effect of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cognitive
performance in human experimental studies: Systematic review and meta-analyses.
Environment International (2024). doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108899.
Abstract
Background
The objective of this review is to evaluate the associations between short-term
exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and cognitive
performance in human experimental studies.
Methods Online databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science
and EMF-Portal) were searched for studies that evaluated effects of exposure to
RF-EMF on seven domains of cognitive performance in human experimental studies.
The assessment of study quality was based on the Risk of Bias (RoB) tool
developed by the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT). Random
effects meta-analyses of Hedges’s g were conducted separately for accuracy- and
speed-related performance measures of various cognitive domains, for which data
from at least two studies were available. Finally, the certainty of evidence
for each identified outcome was assessed according to Grading of
Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).
Results 57,543 records were identified and 76 studies (80 reports) met the inclusion criteria. The included 76 studies with 3846 participants, consisting of humans of different age, sex and health status from 19 countries, were conducted between 1989 and 2021. Quantitative data from 50 studies (52 reports) with 2433 participants were included into the meta-analyses. These studies were performed in 15 countries between 2001 and 2021. The majority of the included studies used head exposure with GSM 900 uplink.
None of the meta-analyses observed a statistically significant effect of RF-EMF exposure compared to sham on cognitive performance as measured by the confidence interval surrounding the Hedges’s g or the significance of the z-statistic.
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Attention – Attentional Capacity RF-EMF exposure results in little to
no difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.024, 95 % CI [-0.10; 0.15], I2 = 28 %,
473 participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Attention – Concentration / Focused Attention RF-EMF exposure results
in little to no difference in speed (Hedges’s g 0.005, 95 % CI [-0.17; 0.18],
I2 = 7 %, 132 participants) and probably results in little to no difference in
accuracy; it does not reduce accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.097, 95 % CI [-0.05; 0.24],
I2 = 0 %, 217 participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Attention – Vigilance RF-EMF exposure probably results in little to no
difference in speed and does not reduce speed (Hedges’s g 0.118, 95 % CI
[-0.04; 0.28], I2 = 41 %, 247 participants) and results in little to no
difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.042, 95 % CI, [-0.09; 0.18], I2 = 0 %, 199
participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Attention – Selective Attention RF-EMF exposure probably results in
little to no difference in speed and does not reduce speed (Hedges’s g 0.080,
95 % CI [-0.09; 0.25], I2 = 63 %, 452 participants); it may result in little to
no difference in accuracy, but it probably does not reduce accuracy (Hedges’s g
0.178, 95 % CI [-0.02; 0.38], I2 = 68 %, 480 participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Attention – Divided Attention RF-EMF exposure results in little to no
difference in speed (Hedges’s g −0.010, 95 % CI [-0.14; 0.12], I2 = 5 %, 307
participants) and may result in little to no difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g
−0.089, 95 % CI [-0.35; 0.18], I2 = 53 %, 167 participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Processing Speed − Simple Reaction Time Task RF-EMF exposure results
in little to no difference in speed (Hedges’s g 0.069, 95 % CI [-0.02; +0.16],
I2 = 29 %, 820 participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Processing Speed – 2-Choice Reaction Time Task RF-EMF exposure results
in little to no difference in speed (Hedges’s g −0.023, 95 % CI [-0.13; 0.08],
I2 = 0 %, 401 participants), and may result in little to no difference in
accuracy (Hedges’s g −0.063, 95 % CI [-0.38; 0.25], I2 = 63 %, 117
participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Processing Speed – >2-Choice Reaction Time Task RF-EMF exposure
results in little to no difference in speed (Hedges’s g −0.054, 95 % CI [-0.14;
0.03], I2 = 0 %, 544 participants) and probably results in little to no
difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g −0.129, 95 % CI [-0.30; 0.04], I2 = 0 %, 131
participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Processing Speed – Other Tasks RF-EMF exposure probably results in
little to no difference in speed and does not reduce speed (Hedges’s g 0.067,
95 % CI [-0.12; 0.26], I2 = 38 %, 249 participants); it results in little to no
difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.036, 95 % CI [-0.08; 0.15], I2 = 0 %, 354
participants).
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Working Memory – n-back Task (0–3-back) we found Hedges’s g ranging
from −0.090, 95 % CI [-0.18; 0.01] to 0.060, 95 % CI [-0.06; 0.18], all
I2 = 0 %, 237 to 474 participants, and conclude that RF-EMF exposure results in
little to no difference in both speed and accuracy.
For the domain Orientation and Attention,
subclass Working Memory – Mental Tracking RF-EMF exposure results in little to
no difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g −0.047, 95 % [CI −0.15; 0.05], I2 = 0 %,
438 participants). For the domain Perception, subclass Visual and Auditory
Perception RF-EMF exposure may result in little to no difference in speed
(Hedges’s g −0.015, 95 % CI [-0.23; 0.195], I2 = 0 %, 84 participants) and
probably results in little to no difference in accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.035, 95 %
CI [-0.13; 0.199], I2 = 0 %, 137 participants).
For the domain Memory, subclass Verbal
and Visual Memory RF-EMF exposure probably results in little to no difference
in speed and does not reduce speed (Hedges’s g −0.042, 95 % CI [-0.15; 0.21],
I2 = 0 %, 102 participants); it may result in little to no difference in accuracy
(Hedges’s g −0.087, 95 % CI [-0.38; 0.20], I2 = 85 %, 625 participants).
For the domain Verbal Functions and
Language Skills, subclass Verbal Expression, a meta-analysis was not possible
because one of the two included studies did not provide numerical values.
Results of both studies did not indicate statistically significant effects of
RF-EMF exposure on both speed and accuracy.
For the domain Construction and Motor
Performance, subclass Motor Skills RF-EMF exposure may reduce speed, but the
evidence is very uncertain (Hedges’s g −0.919, 95 % CI [-3.09; 1.26],
I2 = 96 %, 42 participants); it probably results in little to no difference in
accuracy and does not reduce accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.228, 95 % CI [-0.01; 0.46],
I2 = 0 %, 109 participants).
For the domain Concept Formation and
Reasoning, subclass Reasoning RF-EMF exposure results in little to no
difference in speed (Hedges’s g 0.010, 95 % CI [-0.11; 0.13], I2 = 0 %, 263
participants) and probably results in little to no difference in accuracy and does
not reduce accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.051, 95 % CI [-0.14; 0.25], I2 = 0 %, 100
participants).
For the domain Concept Formation and
Reasoning, subclass Mathematical Procedures RF-EMF exposure results in little
to no difference in speed (Hedges’s g 0.033, 95 % CI [-0.12; 0.18], I2 = 0 %,
168 participants) and may result in little to no difference in accuracy but
probably does not reduce accuracy (Hedges’s g 0.232, 95 % CI [-0.12; +0.59],
I2 = 86 %, 253 participants).
For the domain Executive Functions there
were no studies.
Discussion Overall, the results
from all domains and subclasses across their speed- and accuracy-related
outcome measures according to GRADE provide high to low certainty of evidence
that short-term RF-EMF exposure does not reduce cognitive performance in human
experimental studies. For 16 out of 35 subdomains some uncertainty remains,
because of limitations in the study quality, inconsistency in the results or
imprecision of the combined effect size estimate. Future research should focus
on construction and motor performance, elderly, and consideration of both
sexes.
Other This review was partially
funded by the WHO radioprotection programme. The protocol for this review was
registered in Prospero reg. no. CRD42021236168 and published in Environment
International (Pophof et al. 2021).
4.9. Implications of practice and policy
The present
systematic review provides mostly moderate to high certainty of evidence that
short-term RF-EMF exposure at SAR levels within the recommended limits (ICNIRP
2010) does not
negatively affect the investigated domains of cognitive function.
4.10.
Implications for research
Although the number
of studies and participants is low for several domains / subclasses, the
certainty of evidence for lack of an effect is very low only for the speed
category of D5 Construction and Motor Performance. Only two small
studies with a total number of 42 participants contribute to the result with
substantial heterogeneity and the body of evidence suggests a large negative
effect with very low certainty. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute
this effect. In particular, all outcome measures used in both studies should be
considered and reported numerically.
The number of studies
that provide age-specific information on RF-EMF effects on cognitive
performance is small. In particular, only five of the included studies were
performed in children and only one in the elderly. Since children are generally
considered to be a sensitive group, and the cognitive performance tends to
decline with age, studies in children /adolescents and in elderly subjects are
recommended to investigate whether these both age groups are more affected by
RF-EMF exposure than young adults. Since the subgroup analyses (Supplementary
Data 11) provide weak indications for a possible effect of sex, analyses
stratified for sex of the participants are recommended.
In general, any new
study should be designed in a way that any potential RoB is minimized. The
criteria for definitely low RoB are summarized in Supplementary Data 7 of the
protocol (Pophof et al. 2021). Furthermore, power calculations should be
conducted prior to the final study design and study power should be sufficient
for detecting even small effects. A comprehensive list of further issues that
should be considered when conducting studies on possible effects of RF-EMF on
cognitive performance, are published in Regel and Achermann (2011).
Authors of future
studies are encouraged to make the original individual data publicly available
in appropriate data repositories to avoid missing data due to incomplete
reporting.
5.2.
Deviations from the protocol
In the protocol, we
did not describe how the ratings of the individual RoB questions for a given
study would be used to define an overall quality rating for that study. This
admission could be considered as a potential risk of bias for this systematic
review if, for example, certain studies were selectively included/excluded from
subgroup analyses based on the quality rating. However, given that the
heterogeneity of effects across studies was low for most outcome measures, such
selective analysis would in principle have little to no impact. The GRADE
assessment, however, strongly depends on the overall study quality assessment.
Thus, in order to be as transparent as possible, we have explained and
justified the chosen method for allocating studies to quality tiers in detail
in Methods − Risk of Bias assessment.
We did not conduct
separate analyses for individuals with and without IEI-EMF, because there were
only seven studies including subjects with IEI. Only six of the seven studies
provided numerical data (for only some domains / subclasses) to be used to
calculate effect sizes. The data of these six studies do not allow a detailed
analysis following the approach pursued in this paper.
Because there was
only one study investigating females, heterogeneity could not be assessed for
this subgroup. Therefore, we performed subgroup analyses stratified by studies
investigating only males, and studies investigating males and females together.
However, the explanatory power of this approach should not be overestimated.
We did not evaluate a
potential dose–response relationship or perform subgroup analyses regarding
exposure levels, because independently from the exposure level there was
predominantly no effect of RF-EMF, and the exposure assessment in most studies
did not provide spatially resolved exposure levels in the brain. For similar
reasons we did not analyse the exposure category D separately from A, B and C
(see Protocol, Pophof et al. 2021), but combined all exposure categories in
analyses.
Due to the huge
amount of data available for the domains D1 and to a lesser extent for D6, and
due to the fact that some studies reported results for a large number of
different subclasses of domains, a problem with the unit of analysis would have
resulted in a huge amount of original data that could not be used for a meta-analysis
if we had kept the outcome categories defined in the protocol. Therefore, we
defined more detailed outcome categories according to the domain subclasses
(Table 2) as defined by Lezak et al. (2012, Part II The Compendium of Tests and
Assessment Techniques, p. 391 ff.). This enables a better differentiation of
different cognitive abilities, and increases the number of possible meta-analyses
and a higher proportion of original data included in the meta-analyses.
In order to explore
possible sources of heterogeneity, we additionally included a stratification
according to sample sizes (<30; ≥ 30). Studies with small sample sizes are
likely to have a higher variability than studies with larger sample sizes.
Deviating from the
protocol, we did not conduct subgroup analyses for the exposure-related
categories of signals with different modulation, time course of exposure,
different frequencies, for the nine outcome measures of subclasses with results
with at least moderate heterogeneity (Table 3). This is because a
large number of studies falls in the category “continuous GSM-modulated
near-field exposure with frequency lower than 1 GHz” (in six out of these nine
outcome measures at least half of results include this exposure category) and
most of the outlier studies that strongly contribute to heterogeneity of the
results also fall into this category (five studies).
5.3. Support
This review
was partly funded by the World Health Organization (contracts 2020/1028371–0,
2022/1276784–0). WHO provided the basis for the protocol and methodological
support throughout the review process.
Declaration of competing interest
The authors
declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be
considered as potential competing interests: [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. BP is member
of the ICNIRP Scientific Expert Group (SEG) on environment, BfS observer in the
working group SSK-A630 of the German Commission on Radiological Protection and
was German delegate of European Cost Actions BM0704 and BM1309 “EMF-MED”. GS is
member of the Committee “Non-Ionizing Radiation” (SSK-A6) and member of the
working group SSK-A630 of the German Commission on Radiological Protection. GS
is chair of the Austrian Standardization Sub-Committee TSK-EMV-EMF
“Electromagnetic Fields”. HDHs research is entirely funded by public or
not-for-profit foundations. She has served as advisor to a number of national
and international public advisory groups concerning the potential health
effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation, including the World Health
Organization, the German Commission on Radiological Protection (member of the
committee “Non-Ionizing Radiation” (SSK-A6) and member of the working group 5G
(SSK-A630)) and the Independent Expert Group of the Swedish Radiation Safety
Authority. JK is member of the ICNIRP Scientific Expert Group (SEG) on ultrasound
and BfS observer in the working group SSK-A630 of the German Commission on
Radiological Protection].
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004859?via%3Dihub
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Literature
review: potential non-thermal molecular effects of external radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields on cancer
Dieper A, Scheidegger S, Füchslin RM,
Veltsista PD, Stein U, Weyland M, Gerster D, Beck M, Bengtsson O, Zips D,
Ghadjar P. Literature review: potential non-thermal molecular effects of
external radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cancer. Int J Hyperthermia.
2024;41(1):2379992. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2379992.
Abstract
Introduction: There is an ongoing
scientific discussion, that anti-cancer effects induced by radiofrequency
(RF)-hyperthermia might not be solely attributable to subsequent temperature
elevations at the tumor site but also to non-temperature-induced effects. The
exact molecular mechanisms behind said potential non-thermal RF effects remain
largely elusive, however, limiting their therapeutical targetability.
Objective: Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the current literature
on potential non-temperature-induced molecular effects within cancer cells in
response to RF-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF).
Material and methods: This literature review was conducted following the PRISMA
guidelines. For this purpose, a MeSH-term-defined literature search on MEDLINE
(PubMed) and Scopus (Elsevier) was conducted on March 23rd, 2024. Essential
criteria herein included the continuous wave RF-EMF nature (3 kHz - 300 GHz) of
the source, the securing of temperature-controlled circumstances within the
trials, and the preclinical nature of the trials.
Results: Analysis of the data processed in this review suggests that RF-EMF
radiation of various frequencies seems to be able to induce significant
non-temperature-induced anti-cancer effects. These effects span from mitotic
arrest and growth inhibition to cancer cell death in the form of autophagy and
apoptosis and appear to be mostly exclusive to cancer cells. Several cellular
mechanisms were identified through which RF-EMF radiation potentially imposes
its anti-cancer effects. Among those, by reviewing the included publications,
we identified RF-EMF-induced ion channel activation, altered gene expression,
altered membrane potentials, membrane oscillations, and blebbing, as well as
changes in cytoskeletal structure and cell morphology.
Conclusion: The existent literature points toward a yet untapped therapeutic
potential of RF-EMF treatment, which might aid in damaging cancer cells through
bio-electrical and electro-mechanical molecular mechanisms while minimizing
adverse effects on healthy tissue cells. Further research is imperative to
definitively confirm non-thermal EMF effects as well as to determine optimal
cancer-type-specific RF-EMF frequencies, field intensities, and exposure
intervals.
Open access paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02656736.2024.2379992
--
Exposure
to Electromagnetic Fields from Mobile Phones and Fructose Consumption Coalesce
to Perturb Metabolic Regulators AMPK/SIRT1-UCP2/FOXO1 in Growing Rats
Tripathi R, Banerjee SK, Nirala JP,
Mathur R. Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Mobile Phones and Fructose
Consumption Coalesce to Perturb Metabolic Regulators AMPK/SIRT1-UCP2/FOXO1 in Growing
Rats[J]. Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, 2023, 36(11): 1045-1058. doi:
10.3967/bes2023.134.
Abstract
Objective In this study, the
combined effect of two stressors, namely, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from
mobile phones and fructose consumption, on hypothalamic and hepatic master
metabolic regulators of the AMPK/SIRT1-UCP2/FOXO1 pathway were elucidated to
delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance.
Methods Weaned Wistar rats (28 days
old) were divided into 4 groups: Normal, Exposure Only (ExpO), Fructose Only
(FruO), and Exposure and Fructose (EF). Each group was provided standard
laboratory chow ad libitum for 8 weeks. Additionally, the control groups,
namely, the Normal and FruO groups, had unrestricted access to drinking water
and fructose solution (15%), respectively. Furthermore, the respective
treatment groups, namely, the ExpO and EF groups, received EMF exposure (1,760
MHz, 2 h/day x 8 weeks). In early adulthood, mitochondrial function, insulin
receptor signaling, and oxidative stress signals in hypothalamic and hepatic
tissues were assessed using western blotting and biochemical analysis.
Result In the hypothalamic tissue
of EF, SIRT1, FOXO 1, p-PI3K, p-AKT, Complex III, UCP2, MnSOD, and catalase
expressions and OXPHOS and GSH activities were significantly decreased (P
< 0.05) compared to the Normal, ExpO, and FruO groups. In hepatic tissue
of EF, the p-AMPKα, SIRT1, FOXO1, IRS1, p-PI3K, Complex I, II, III, IV, V,
UCP2, and MnSOD expressions and the activity of OXPHOS, SOD, catalase, and GSH
were significantly reduced compared to the Normal group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion The findings suggest that the
combination of EMF exposure and fructose consumption during childhood and
adolescence in Wistar rats disrupts the closely interlinked and multi-regulated
crosstalk of insulin receptor signals, mitochondrial OXPHOS, and the
antioxidant defense system in the hypothalamus and liver.
Open access paper: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2023.134
--
Upper
bound for broadband radiofrequency field disruption of magnetic compass
orientation in night-migratory songbirds
Leberecht B, Wong SY, Satish B, Döge S, Hindman J, Venkatraman L, Apte S, Haase K, Musielak I, Dautaj G, Solov'yov IA, Winklhofer M, Mouritsen H, Hore PJ. Upper bound for broadband radiofrequency field disruption of magnetic compass orientation in night-migratory songbirds. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Jul 11;120(28):e2301153120. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2301153120.
Abstract
Night-migratory
songbirds have a light-dependent magnetic compass sense, the mechanism of which
is thought to depend on the photochemical formation of radical pairs in
cryptochrome (Cry) proteins located in the retina. The finding that weak
radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields can prevent birds from orienting in
the Earth's magnetic field has been regarded as a diagnostic test for this
mechanism and as a potential source of information on the identities of the
radicals. The maximum frequency that could cause such disorientation has been
predicted to lie between 120 and 220 MHz for a flavin-tryptophan radical pair
in Cry. Here we show that the magnetic orientation capabilities of Eurasian
blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) are not affected by RF noise in the
frequency bands 140 to 150 MHz and 235 to 245 MHz. From a consideration of its
internal magnetic interactions, we argue that RF field effects on a
flavin-containing radical-pair sensor should be approximately independent of
frequency up to 116 MHz and that birds' sensitivity to RF disorientation should
fall by about two orders of magnitude when the frequency exceeds 116 MHz. Taken
together with our earlier finding that 75 to 85 MHz RF fields disrupt the
magnetic orientation of blackcaps, these results provide compelling evidence
that the magnetic compass of migratory birds operates by a radical pair
mechanism.
Open
access paper: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2301153120
--
Impact of
high (1950 MHz) and extremely low (50 Hz) frequency electromagnetic fields on
DNA damage caused by occupationally relevant exposures in human derived cell
lines
Worel N,
Mišík M, Kundi M, Ferk F, Hutter HP, Nersesyan A, Wultsch G, Krupitza G,
Knasmueller S. Impact of high (1950 MHz) and extremely low (50 Hz) frequency
electromagnetic fields on DNA damage caused by occupationally relevant
exposures in human derived cell lines. Toxicol In Vitro. 2024 Jul 16:105902.
doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105902.
Highlights
- Mobile phone-specific (HF) and low-frequency
(LF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) may cause cancer.
- We investigated the impact of these fields
on DNA damage in human-derived cells.
- The cells were exposed to the EMF in
combination with occupationally related carcinogens.
- We found no evidence for synergistic effects.
- In neural cells, we observed a significant
reduction of DNA damage after exposure to the HF field.
Abstract
Epidemiological
studies indicate that electromagnetic fields are associated with cancer in
humans. Exposure to mobile phone specific high frequency fields (HF-EMF) may
lead to increased glioma risks, while low frequency radiation (LF-EMF) is
associated with childhood leukemia. We studied the impact of HF-EMF (1950 MHz,
UMTS signal) on DNA stability in an astrocytoma cell line (1321N1), and the
effect of LF-EMF (50 Hz) in human derived lymphoma (Jurkat) cells. To find out
if these fields affect chemically induced DNA damage, co-exposure experiments
were performed. The cells were exposed to HF-EMF or LF-EMF and treated
simultaneously and sequentially with mutagens. The compounds cause DNA damage
via different molecular mechanisms, i.e. pyrimidine dimers which are
characteristic for UV light (4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, 4NQO), bulky base
adducts (benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide, BPDE), DNA-DNA and DNA-protein cross links
and oxidative damage (NiCl2, CrO3). DNA damage was
measured in single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assays. We found a moderate
reduction of basal and 4NQO-induced DNA damage in the astrocytoma line, but no
significant alterations of chemically induced DNA migration by the HF and LF
fields under all other experimental series. The biological consequences of the
moderate reduction remain unclear, but our findings indicate that acute mobile
phone and power line specific EMF exposures do not enhance genotoxic effects
caused by occupationally relevant chemical exposures.
Open
access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887233324001322
--
Estimates
and measurements of radiofrequency exposures in smart-connected homes
Joyner K, Milligan M, Knipe P. Estimates
and measurements of radiofrequency exposures in smart-connected homes.
Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Jul 18. doi: 10.1002/bem.22518.
Abstract
The aim of
this research was to quantify the levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic
energy (RF-EME) in a residential home/apartment equipped with a range of
wireless devices, often referred to as internet of things (IoT) devices or
smart devices and subsequently develop a tool that could be useful for
estimating the levels of RF-EME in a domestic environment. Over the course of 3
years measurements were performed in peoples' homes on a total of 43 devices
across 16 device categories. Another 12 devices were measured in detail in a
laboratory setup. In all a total of 55 individual devices across 23 device
categories were measured. Based on this measurement data we developed
predictive software that showed that even with a single device in 23 device
categories operating near maximum they would, in total, produce exposures at a
distance of 1 m of 0.17% of the ICNIRP (2020) public exposure limits.
Measurements were also made in two separate smart apartments-one contained over
50 IoT devices and a second with over 100 IoT devices with the devices driven
as hard as could reasonably be achieved. The respective 6-min average exposure
level recorded were 0.0077% and 0.44% of the ICNIRP (2020) 30-min average
public exposure limit.
Conclusions
We have
presented measurements of Wi-Fi signals from 55 individual IoT devices across
23 device categories, which showed that the respective 6-min average exposure
levels recorded ranged from 0.0077% to 0.44% of the ICNIRP (2020) 30-min
average public exposure limit. These results were corroborated by measurements
made in two separate smart apartments—one contained over 50 IoT devices and a
second with over 100 IoT devices with the devices driven as hard as could
reasonably be achieved. Based on all of these measurements, we have developed
predictive software that can be used to estimate exposure levels on a
conservative basis by incorporating a 3 dB enhancement to produce a realistic
upper bound for the exposure estimation. The RF estimator tool, which is
available from the Mobile & Wireless Forum (MWF) website (www.mwfai.org),
has a drop-down menu that allows the selection of multiple IoT devices and
separation distances and returns an estimate of the exposure level that could
be expected in the home environment. Devices in neighboring rooms can be
included in the software by selecting the appropriate device and distance.
However, because of the inverse square dependence with distance and the
attenuation through walls, the majority contribution in a particular room is
determined by the proximity of devices in that room. Future work will include
the expansion of the device categories and the inclusion of wall/window
attenuation to account for neighboring homes and apartments.
CONFLICT OF
INTEREST STATEMENT
This work
was fully funded by the Mobile and Wireless Forum (www.mwfai.org) and that KJ
and MM are contractored by the MWF.
Open
access paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.22518
--
Maternal
linalool treatment protects against radiofrequency wave-induced deteriorations
in adolescent rats: A behavioral and electrophysiological study
Azimzadeh M,
Noorbakhshnia M. Maternal linalool treatment protects against radiofrequency
wave-induced deteriorations in adolescent rats: A behavioral and
electrophysiological study. Sci Rep. 2024 Jul 27;14(1):17257. doi:
10.1038/s41598-024-68103-5.
Abstract
Recent
years, the rapid advancement of technology has raised concerns. We studied the
effects of prenatal exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) from mobile phones
and the protective effects of linalool on learning and memory, and anxiety in
adolescent male and female offspring rats. Pregnant rats were divided into four
groups: control, wave, wave + linalool, and linalool. Rats received linalool
(25mg/kg) by gavage for 21 days. Irradiation was conducted from day 0 to day 21
of pregnancy. Offspring underwent behavioral and electrophysiological tests on
days 50 and 60 after birth. Exposure to RF during pregnancy caused anxiety-like
behavior in the EPM test and impairment of learning and memory in the Morris
water maze and shuttle box tests. Electrophysiological properties and synaptic
plasticity of the dorsal hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapse showed a decrease in fEPSP
amplitude and slope. The trace element levels in both male and female offspring
were consistent across all groups compared to their respective controls. In the
hippocampus tissue, the levels of Fe, Cu, and Mn, as well as the Cu/Zn ratio,
were significantly higher in the exposed groups (wave groups) compared to their
controls. Moreover, Zn levels were significantly lower in the hippocampus
tissue of the exposed groups. Linalool administration mitigated the excessive
increase in Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cu/Zn ratio and normalized the disrupted levels of
trace elements, except for Zn levels in both male and female offspring. Sex
differences were observed in the EPM and shuttle box tests, females were more
sensitive than males. In summary, our study demonstrates that prenatal exposure
to mobile phone radiation induces stress-like behaviors, disrupts learning and
memory, alters hippocampal electrophysiological properties and trace element
balance in offspring. Treatment with linalool mitigates these deleterious
effects, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention. These findings
contribute to our understanding of the impact of prenatal environmental
exposures on neurodevelopment and offer insights into potential strategies for
neuroprotection.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-68103-5
--
Sulforaphane
Effects on Neuronal-like Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Exposed
to 2.45 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation
Bertuccio
MP, Saija C, Acri G, Ientile R, Caccamo D, Currò M. Sulforaphane Effects on
Neuronal-like Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Exposed to 2.45 GHz
Electromagnetic Radiation. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jul 18;25(14):7872. doi:
10.3390/ijms25147872.
Abstract
Exposure to
2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted from commonly used devices has
been reported to induce oxidative stress in several experimental models. Our
study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sulforaphane, a well-known natural
product, in preventing radiation-induced toxic effects caused by a 24 h exposure
of SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
to 2.45 GHz EMR. Cells were exposed to radiation for 24 h in the presence or
absence of sulforaphane at different concentrations (5-10-25 µg/mL). Cell
viability, mitochondrial activity alterations, the transcription and protein
levels of redox markers, and apoptosis-related genes were investigated. Our
data showed a reduction in cell viability of both neuronal-like cells and PBMCs
caused by EMR exposure and a protective effect of 5 µg/mL sulforaphane. The
lowest sulforaphane concentration decreased ROS production and increased the
Mitochondrial Transmembrane Potential (Δψm) and the NAD+/NADH ratio,
which were altered by radiation exposure. Sulforaphane at higher concentrations
displayed harmful effects. The hormetic behavior of sulforaphane was also
evident after evaluating the expression of genes coding for Nrf2, SOD2, and
changes in apoptosis markers. Our study underlined the vulnerability of
neuronal-like cells to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress and the
possibility of mitigating these effects by supplementation with sulforaphane.
To our knowledge, there are no previous studies about the effects of SFN on
these cells when exposed to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation.
Open
access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/14/7872
--
Ubiquitous
extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields induces anxiety-like behavior:
mechanistic perspectives
Hosseini E.
Ubiquitous extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields induces anxiety-like
behavior: mechanistic perspectives. Electromagn Biol Med. 2024 Jul 29:1-16.
doi: 10.1080/15368378.2024.2380305.
Abstract
Anxiety is
an adaptive condition characterized by heightened uneasiness, which in the long
term can cause complications such as reducing the quality of life and problems
related to the mental and physical health. Concerns have been raised regarding
the potential dangers of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields
(ELF-EMF) ranging from 3 to 3000 Hz, which are omnipresent in our daily lives
and there have been studies about the anxiogenic effects of these fields.
Studies conducted in this specific area has revealed that ELF-EMF can have an
impact on various brain regions, such as the hippocampus. In conclusion,
studies have shown that ELF-EMF can interfere with hippocampus-prefrontal
cortex pathway, inducing anxiety behavior. Also, ELF-EMF may initiate anxiety
behavior by generating oxidative stress in hypothalamus and hippocampus.
Moreover, ELF-EMF may induce anxiety behavior by reducing hippocampus
neuroplasticity and increasing the NMDA2A receptor expression in the
hippocampus. Furthermore, supplementation with antioxidants could serve as an effective
protective measure against the adverse effects of ELF-EMF in relation to anxiety behavior.
Conclusion
In the
present study, it was found out that:
1.
ELF-EMF
by creating oxidative stress in different regions of brain involved in anxiety
behavior, results in an increase of stress hormones and also excitability
subsequently.
2.
ELF-EMF
by decreasing in neuroplasticity and modulation of some receptors in the
hippocampus may have a key role in initiating anxiety behavior.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39074042/
--
Characterizing
parameters and incorporating action potentials via the Hodgkin-Huxley model in
a novel electric model for living cells
Bougandoura
O, Achour Y, Zaoui A, Starzyński J. Characterizing parameters and incorporating
action potentials via the Hodgkin-Huxley model in a novel electric model for
living cells. Electromagn Biol Med. 2024 Jul 2;43(3):187-203. doi:
10.1080/15368378.2024.2372107.
Abstract
To enhance
our understanding of electroporation and optimize the pulses used within the
frequency range of 1 kHz to 100 MHz, with the aim of minimizing side effects
such as muscle contraction, we introduce a novel electrical model, structured
as a 2D representation employing exclusively lumped elements. This model
adeptly encapsulates the intricate dynamics of living cells' impedance
variation. A distinguishing attribute of the proposed model lies in its
capacity to decipher the distribution of transmembrane potential across various
orientations within living cells. This aspect bears critical importance,
particularly in contexts such as electroporation and cellular stimulation,
where precise knowledge of potential gradients is pivotal. Furthermore, the
augmentation of the proposed electrical model with the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH)
model introduces an additional dimension. This integration augments the model's
capabilities, specifically enabling the exploration of muscle cell stimulation
and the generation of action potentials. This broader scope enhances the
model's utility, facilitating comprehensive investigations into intricate
cellular behaviors under the influence of external electric fields.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38990565/
--
Risk
Assessment for Workers with Wearable Medical Devices Exposed to Electromagnetic
Fields
Vivarelli C, Censi F, Calcagnini G,
Falsaperla R, Mattei E. Risk Assessment for Workers with Wearable Medical
Devices Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields. Health Physics 127(2):p 269-275,
August 2024. doi: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001798.
Abstract
The
exponential diffusion of wearable medical devices (WMD) in recent years has
involved people of all ages, including workers. Workers who use WMDs should be
considered at a particular risk from electromagnetic fields, and in accordance
with EU Directive 2013/35/EU, they require an individual risk assessment.
Currently, there is no international standard that provides specific guidance
on how to perform such a risk assessment. This paper focuses on the effects of
electromagnetic fields on WMDs and does not consider the direct effects on
human body tissues. It aims to offer practical recommendations to employers
and/or health physicists for the risk assessment of workers with WMDs. Focusing
on EU countries, we first describe the requirements outlined by the technical
standard for the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of medical electrical
equipment EN 60601-1-2. Then, some general guidelines on how to perform the
risk assessment are provided. The assessment can be conducted by comparing the
field values measured in the workplace with the immunity test levels specified
in the technical standards of medical electrical equipment. If the measured
values are lower than the immunity test levels indicated in the standard and
the distance from the electromagnetic source is greater than the distance used
by the manufacturer during the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) tests
(typically 30 cm), the risk for the worker may be considered acceptable.
However, if the measured values exceed the immunity test levels or the distance
criteria, a specific evaluation based on a case-by-case analysis is required.
--
Health
risks for medical personnel due to magnetic fields in magnetic resonance
imaging
König AM,
Pöschke A, Mahnken AH. Health risks for medical personnel due to magnetic
fields in magnetic resonance imaging. Rofo. 2024 Jul 19. English, German. doi:
10.1055/a-2296-3860.
Abstract
The current
state of medical and scientific knowledge on the effects of exposure to
electromagnetic fields on workers in the field of clinical magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) is summarized here.A systematic literature search was conducted
to analyze the health risks to medical personnel from magnetic fields in MRI. A
total of 7273 sources were identified, with 7139 being excluded after screening
of the title and abstract. After full-text screening, 34 sources remained and were
included in this paper. There are a number of
scientific publications on the occurrence of short-term sensory effects such as
vertigo, metallic taste, phosphenes as well as on the occurrence of
neurocognitive and neurobehavioral effects. For example, short-term exposure to
clinical magnetic fields has been reported to result in a 4% reduction in speed
and precision and a 16% reduction in visual contrast sensitivity at close
range. Both eye-hand precision and coordination speed are affected. The long-term
studies concern, among other things, the influence of magnetic fields on sleep
quality, which could be linked to an increased risk of accidents. The data on
the exposure of healthcare workers to magnetic fields during pregnancy is
consistently outdated. However, it has been concluded that there are no
particular deviations with regard to the duration of pregnancy, premature
births, miscarriages, and birth weight. Epidemiological studies are lacking.
With a focus on healthcare personnel, there is a considerable need for
high-quality data, particularly on the consequences of long-term exposure to
electromagnetic fields from clinical MRI and the effects on pregnancy.
Key
points
- Short-term sensory effects such as vertigo,
metallic taste, phosphenes as well as neurocognitive and neurological
behavioral effects may occur upon exposure to magnetic fields.
- Long-term effects mainly concern quality of
sleep, which can be associated with an increased risk of accidents.
- When pregnant women were exposed to magnetic
fields, no particular deviations were found with regard to the duration of
pregnancy, premature births, miscarriages, and birth weight.
Open
access paper: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2296-3860?articleLanguage=en
--
A
Reexamination of Peto's Paradox: Insights Gained from Human Adaptation to
Varied Levels of Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation
Mortazavi
SMJ, Zare O, Ghasemi L, Taghizadeh P, Faghani P, Arshadi M, Mortazavi SAR,
Sihver L. A Reexamination of Peto's Paradox: Insights Gained from Human
Adaptation to Varied Levels of Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation. J Biomed
Phys Eng. 2024 Jun 1;14(3):309-314. doi: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2402-1729.
Abstract
Humans have
generally evolved some adaptations to protect against UV and different levels
of background ionizing radiation. Similarly, elephants and whales have evolved
adaptations to protect against cancer, such as multiple copies of the tumor
suppressor gene p53, due to their large size and long lifespan. The difference
in cancer protection strategies between humans and elephants/whales depends on
genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and evolutionary pressures. In
this paper, we discuss how the differences in evolutionary adaptations between
humans and elephants could explain why elephants have evolved a protective
mechanism against cancer, whereas humans have not. Humans living in regions
with high levels of background radiation, e.g. in Ramsar, Iran where exposure
rates exceed those on the surface of Mars, seem to have developed some kind of
protection against the ionizing radiation. However, humans in general have not
developed cancer-fighting adaptations, so they instead rely on medical
technologies and interventions. The difference in cancer protection strategies
between humans and elephants/whales depends on genetics, lifestyle,
environmental exposures, and evolutionary pressures. In this paper, we discuss
how the differences in evolutionary adaptations between humans and elephants
could explain why elephants have evolved a protective mechanism against cancer,
whereas humans have not. Studying elephant adaptations may provide insights into
new cancer prevention and treatment strategies for humans, but further research
is required to fully understand the evolutionary disparities.
Open access paper: https://jbpe.sums.ac.ir/article_50037.html
--
A review
on point mutations via proton transfer in DNA base pairs in the absence and
presence of electric fields
Pushkaran
AC, Arabi AA. A review on point mutations via proton transfer in DNA base pairs
in the absence and presence of electric fields. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024 Jul
26:134051. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134051.
Abstract
This is a
comprehensive review that focuses on spontaneous mutations that may occur
during DNA replication, the fundamental process responsible for transferring
genetic information. In 1963, Löwdin postulated that these mutations are
primarily a result of proton transfer reactions within the hydrogen-bonded DNA
base pairs. The single and double proton transfer reactions within the base
pairs result in zwitterions and rare tautomers, respectively. For persistent
mutations, these products must be generated at high rates and should be
thermodynamically stable. This review covers the proton transfer reactions
studied experimentally and computationally. The review also examines the
influence of externally applied electric fields on the thermodynamics and
kinetics of proton transfer reactions within DNA base pairs, and their
biological implications.
Open
access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813024048566
--
Corrigendum
to "The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on human
self-reported symptoms: A systematic review of human experimental studies"
Bosch-Capblanch X, Esu E, Moses Oringanje C, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Eyers J, Auer C, Meremikwu M, Röösli M. Corrigendum to "The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on human self-reported symptoms: A systematic review of human experimental studies" [Environ. Int. 187 (2024) 108612]. Environ Int. 2024 Jul 20:108892. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108892. Epub ahead of print. Erratum for: Environ Int. 2024 May;187:108612. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108612.
No abstract
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004781?via%3Dihub
--
Investigating the impact of anthropogenic
radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment:
analysis from a systematic map
Brzozek C, Mate R, Bhatt CR, Loughran S,
Wood AW, Karipidis K. (2024). Investigating the impact of anthropogenic
radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment:
analysis from a systematic map. International Journal of Environmental
Studies, 1–16. doi: 10.1080/00207233.2024.2375861.
Abstract
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF
EMF) from anthropogenic sources have become ubiquitous in the environment.
International guidelines have been set by expert scientific bodies to protect
human health from excessive exposure. There are no specifically established
exposure guidelines to protect plants and animals. A previous systematic map
identified 334 studies investigating the effects of RF EMF exposure from
anthropogenic sources on animals and plants. This study aimed to analyse the
effect of RF EMF and its relationship to different exposure parameters and the
quality of those studies. Statistically significant inverse relationships were
found between effect size and exposure-level parameters for studies
investigating effects in animals. The results indicated that quality score is
more indicative of the magnitude of the effect size than exposure-level
parameters or exposure duration. This highlights the need for further,
high-quality research on the effects of RF EMF exposure on plants and animals.
Quality score
A risk of bias assessment for each study was not conducted as this is more
appropriate for a systematic review rather than a systematic map [Citation22].
Instead an assessment of the quality of the studies included in the systematic
map was conducted with separate methods used for assessing experimental and
observational studies. This was considered important to describe the
distribution of quality of evidence across the research in this field. For
experimental studies, the method of Vijayalaxmi and Prihoda was used which
assessed five quality criteria including adequate dosimetry, use of controls,
use of positive controls, use of blinding, use of temperature monitoring [Citation24].
For observational studies, the five quality criteria used in the assessment
were as follows: appropriate exposure assessment, appropriate subject
selection/comparison groups, consideration of confounders, follow-up
assessment, and appropriate outcome assessment. A quality score (QS) was given
for each study by two assessors independently, with the final quality score
being the average of the two scores. Pearson correlation coefficients were used
to assess the reliability and consistency between assessors. The QS was derived
by scoring each of the five quality criteria; a score of 1 was awarded when the
criterion was adequately addressed, 0.5 awarded when it was partially addressed
and a score of 0 when the criterion was not addressed. This resulted in the QS
for each study ranging between 0 and 5 with a higher value indicating higher
quality for that study. The quality score results were further categorised as
studies with QS ≤ 2 being ‘poor quality’, studies with QS > 2 - < 3.5 as
‘average quality’ and studies with QS ≥ 3.5 as ‘good quality’.
Effect size
Studies investigating the impact of RF
EMF on animals and plants have reported a range in the magnitude of effects
including no effect and from small effects to large effects. It is therefore
important to map the distribution of the effect size (ES) across the different
studies, noting that ES = 0 denotes no statistically significant effect and
ES > 0 denotes an effect size with a larger number corresponding to a larger
effect. We extracted the ES for every study in the systematic map where this
could be gleaned from the information provided. The ES was estimated using a
number of different methods available in Thalheimer and Cook and according to
the type of data provided by each study [Citation23]. Thalheimer and Cook
include calculating the effect size from t-test (with and without the standard
deviation or standard error) and from F-tests (with and without the mean
squared error). Studies that used other statistics did not receive an effect
size score. In many of the included studies more than one frequency and
exposure intensity was investigated, and in some studies, several endpoints
were investigated (and occasionally, more than one animal/plant). In these
cases, the largest statistically significant effect was selected to represent
that study. For effects that were not statistically significant the ES was set
to zero.
Conclusion
The analysis
of the systematic map dataset has identified that quality score is more
indicative of the magnitude of the effect size than exposure-level parameters
or exposure duration in fauna. Similar trends are seen in flora studies; but,
these results were not found to be statistically significant. This highlights
the need for further, high-quality research.
An
investigation of the effect size in relation to different exposure
characteristics, as well as the quality of the studies, raises doubts on
whether animals and plants are truly affected at levels below human exposure
limits. There are distinct evidence clusters on insect and bird reproduction,
development and behaviour for animals, and grain and legume germination and
growth for plants that would benefit from specific systematic reviews, with
appropriate risk of bias assessments and pooling of the data in meta-analyses.
Our review also highlights the need for studies of additional animal and plant
species and additional effects that are yet to be investigated. Further, there
is a particular need for more observational studies and for an improvement in
the quality of all studies.
Disclosure statement
KK,
CBr, CBh, RM and SL as part of their employment at ARPANSA provide advice to
the Australian Government, Australian States and Territories and the general
public on the effects and risks of exposure to ionising and non-ionising
radiation. KK and SL are also members of the main commission and scientific
expert group, respectively, of the International Commission on Non-Ionising
Radiation Protection where they contribute in the development and dissemination
of science-based advice on limiting exposure to non-ionising radiation. KK, AW
and CBr are members of systematic review teams into the WHO assessment of
health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. SL is a
member of the WHO Task Group on Radiofrequency Fields and Health Risks. No
member of the mapping team screened or extracted data from any study in which
he or she is an author.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207233.2024.2375861
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Electrostatic pollination by butterflies
and moths
England SJ, Robert D. Electrostatic
pollination by butterflies and moths. J R Soc Interface. 2024
Jul;21(216):20240156. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0156.
Abstract
Animals,
most notably insects, generally seem to accumulate electrostatic charge in
nature. These electrostatic charges will exert forces on other charges in these
animals' environments and therefore have the potential to attract or repel
other objects, for example, pollen from flowers. Here, we show that butterflies
and moths (Lepidoptera) accumulate electrostatic charge while in flight. Then,
using finite element analysis, we demonstrate that when within millimetres of a
flower, the electrostatic charge of a lepidopteran generates an electric field
in excess of 5 kV m-1, and that an electric field of this magnitude
is sufficient to elicit contactless pollen transfer from flowers across air
gaps onto the body of a butterfly or moth. Furthermore, we see that phylogenetic
variations exist in the magnitude and polarity of net charge between different
species and families and Lepidoptera. These phylogenetic variations in
electrostatic charging correlate with morphological, biogeographical and
ecological differences between different clades. Such correlations with
biogeographical and ecological differences may reflect evolutionary adaptations
towards maximizing or minimizing charge accumulation, in relation to
pollination, predation and parasitism, and thus we introduce the idea that
electrostatic charging may be a trait upon which evolution can act.
Open access paper: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0156
