Relationship
between radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones
and brain tumor: meta-analyses using various proxies for RF-EMR
exposure-outcome assessment
My Note: The journal Environmental Health
published a systematic review and meta-analytic study on cell phone use
and brain tumor risk by Moon et al. (2024). The study found
significantly elevated risks for three types of brain tumors when
examining tumors on the side of the head where cell phones were held and
for heavy, long-term cell phone use.
Six other systematic reviews and meta-analyses of case-control studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 2016 have also
also found significant associations between heavy,
long-term cellphone use and brain tumor risk (Wang & Guo, 2016; Bortkiewicz et al., 2017;
Carlberg & Hardell, 2017;
Prasad et al., 2017, Yang et al., 2017; Choi et al., 2020).
These seven peer-reviewed meta-analytic studies contradict the
conclusion of the recent WHO systematic review conducted by Karipidis et
al. (2024) that there is no evidence cell phone use causes brain
cancer. To learn about serious problems with the WHO systematic reviews
on the health effects of radiofrequency radiation see:
References
Wang & Guo (2016). Meta-analysis of association between mobile phone use and glioma risk. J Cancer Research Therapy http://bit.ly/2o1dVcn
Bortkiewicz et al (2017). Mobile phone use and risk of intracranial tumors and salivary gland tumors - A meta-analysis. Int J Occ Med Envir Health. http://bit.ly/2nVJC5d
Carlberg & Hardell (2017). Evaluation of mobile phone and cordless phone
use and glioma risk using the Bradford Hill viewpoints from 1965 on
association or causation. Biomed Res Int. http://bit.ly/2WwBX1K
Prasad et al (2017). Mobile phone use and risk of brain tumours: a
systematic review of association between study quality, source of
funding, and research outcomes. Neurol Sci. http://bit.ly/2Xxp83P
Yang et al (2017). Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS One. https://bit.ly/3U0kafd
Moon et al. (2020). Relationship between
radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and brain
tumor: meta-analyses using various proxies for RF-EMR exposure-outcome
assessment.
Environ Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-024-01117-8.
Karipidis et al. (2020). The effect of exposure to
radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working
population: A systematic review of human observational studies - Part I:
Most researched outcomes. Environ Int. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108983
Moon J, Kwon J, Mun Y. Relationship between
radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and brain
tumor: meta-analyses using various proxies for RF-EMR exposure-outcome
assessment.
Environ Health 23, 82 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-024-01117-8.
Abstract
IntroductionThe
authors conducted meta-analyses regarding the association between
cellular and mobile phone use and brain tumor development by applying
various radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) exposure
subcategories. With changing patterns of mobile phone use and rapidly
developing Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) technology (such as
Bluetooth), this study will provide insight into the importance of more
precise exposure subcategories for RF-EMR.
Methods
The medical librarian searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library until 16 December 2020.
Results
In
these meta-analyses, 19 case-control studies and five cohort studies
were included. Ipsilateral users reported a pooled odds ratio (OR) of
1.40 (95% CI 1.21–1.62) compared to non-regular users. Users with years
of use over 10 years reported a pooled OR of 1.27 (95% CI 1.08–1.48).
When stratified by each type of brain tumor, only meningioma (OR 1.20
(95% CI 1.04–1.39)), glioma (OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.16–1.82)), and malignant
brain tumors (OR 1.93 (95% CI 1.55–2.39)) showed an increased OR with
statistical significance for ipsilateral users. For users with years of
use over 10 years, only glioma (OR 1.32 (95% CI 1.01–1.71)) showed an
increased OR with statistical significance. When 11 studies with an OR
with cumulative hours of use over 896 h were synthesized, the pooled OR
was 1.59 (95% CI 1.25–2.02). When stratified by each type of brain
tumor, glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma reported the pooled OR
of 1.66 (95% CI 1.13–2.44), 1.29 (95% CI 1.08–1.54), and 1.84 (95% CI
0.78–4.37), respectively. For each individual study that considered
cumulative hours of use, the highest OR for glioma, meningioma, and
acoustic neuroma was 2.89 (1.41–5.93) (both side use, > 896 h), 2.57
(1.02–6.44) (both side use, > 896 h), and 3.53 (1.59–7.82)
(ipsilateral use, > 1640 h), respectively. For five cohort studies,
the pooled risk ratios (RRs) for all CNS tumors, glioma, meningioma, and
acoustic neuroma, were statistically equivocal, respectively. However,
the point estimates for acoustic neuroma showed a rather increased
pooled RR for ever-use (1.26) and over 10 years of use (1.61) compared
to never-use, respectively.
Excerpts
“In consideration
of these rapidly changing mobile phone technologies, the currently used
proxies for RF-EMR exposure assessment are crude and insufficient to
clarify the relationship between RF-EMR exposure from cell phones and
brain tumor incidence....
The usual exposure measures, such as the years of mobile phone use, the
cumulative duration of calls, and the number of calls per week, are
rough indicators of mobile phone use....
the authors conducted a series of meta-analyses and subgroup analyses
using various exposure measuring categories, from crude to more precise
ones. In consideration of crude exposure classifications used in
previous meta-analyses, this study will give insight into the importance
of more precise exposure subcategories in investigating this topic."
"... the authors analyzed the risk of bias regarding selection and recall
bias for the amount of cell phone use and misclassification and recall
bias for ipsilateral/contralateral use. A major reason was that typical
risk of bias rating tools such as the National Toxicology Program Office
of Health Assessment and Translation Risk of Bias rating tool (NTP OHAT
RoB rating tool, Supplementary material B)
were not appropriate for assessing individual studies regarding this
topic." [Note: The WHO systematic reviews relied on this rating tool.]
"With the
conversion from 2G cellular phones through 3G and 4G mobile phones to
current 5G mobile phones, transmission of large data became possible.
With the introduction of 3G technology, all aspects of our society and
daily lives have changed drastically. Currently, we are using mobile
phones nearly continuously and putting mobile phones near our bodies
even when we are not using them. For example, if people use their mobile
phone for morning-alarming purposes, they might put their mobile phone
near the bed, sometimes even beside their head, all night. These changed
patterns of mobile phone use could increase exposure to RF-EMR from
cellular and mobile phones. Therefore, precise exposure assessment for
RF-EMR from mobile phones would become more complex in future studies."
"The results of cumulative meta-analyses according to precision
indicated that the pooled OR was biased downwards with the addition of
studies with lower precision. This indicates that the results of studies
with a lower precision should be interpreted cautiously."
"Because
brain tumors require a latency period to develop [29], an accurate
assessment of brain tumor risk associated with RF-EMR exposure requires a
long observation span. However, each included study did not consider a
sufficient latency period in their study design. This could have led to a
possible underestimation of brain tumor risk. Future studies with long
observation spans might resolve this problem.”
"In
this meta-analysis, as the applied exposure subcategories became more
concrete, the pooled ORs showed more increased values with statistical
significance. Even though the meta-analysis of cohort studies showed
statistically equivocal pooled effect estimates, (i) as the number of
included studies increases and (ii) as the applied exposure subcategory
becomes more concrete, the pooled RRs could show a different aspect in
future studies. Furthermore, changing patterns of mobile phone use and
increasing use of earphones or headphones with WPAN technology should be
sufficiently considered in future studies. Relatively short observation
spans for brain tumor incidence and age of starting exposure and brain
tumor diagnosis should also be considered in future studies. Previous
studies that adjusted for selection and recall bias for the amount of
cellphone use and misclassification and recall bias for
ipsilateral/contralateral use showed possible underestimations of
previous risk estimates. Future studies should try to adjust for these
biases in their study design."
--
Electromagnetic fields of cellular communication
as risk factors able to produce negative effects on the central
nervous system of children and adolescents (review)
Khorseva
NI, Grigoriev PE. Electromagnetic fields of cellular communication
as risk factors able to produce negative effects on the central
nervous system of children and adolescents (review). Part 1. Modeling.
Parameters of electroencephalography and sensorimotor reactions.
Health Risk Analysis, 2024, no. 2, pp. 162–169. doi:
10.21668/health.risk/2024.2.15.eng.
Abstract
It
is quite relevant to investigate possible outcomes of exposure to radio
frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) since contemporary children
and adolescents have become active users of the most advanced
technologies. They are especially susceptible to electromagnetic
factors; therefore, it is necessary to have a proper insight into
outcomes of such exposures for the body.
The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the main targets under
exposure to RF EMF. In most cases, users hold mobile phones close to
their heads thereby directly exposing their brains to RF EMF.
As the analysis of literature data has shown, there are few studies
in this area; however, proposed options for assessing the impact of RF
EMF on children and adolescents are very diverse.
This part of the review focuses on various types of modeling. These
are not only phantom, voxel models or the finite difference method but
also new approaches such as distribution matrices, Monte Carlo
simulations and an integrated radio frequency model based on the results
of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and other methods.
The review provides the results obtained by investigating
encephalography under exposure to RF EMF created by mobile communication
devices. They are rather contradictory; however, changes in the
bioelectrical activity of the brain are detected in most cases, in
particular, a decrease in the alpha rhyme.
Since the characteristics of sensorimotor reactions quite clearly
reflect the power relations in the cerebral cortex, we analyzed changes
in the parameters of simple auditory-motor and visual-motor reactions in
children and adolescents who were mobile communication users. In
addition, the review covers the results of changes in working capacity,
fatigue, the duration of an individual minute and the reproduction of a
given rhythm.
Assessing the risk of negative effects produced
by electromagnetic fields of cellular communication on the central
nervous system of children and adolescents (review). Part 2. Indicators
of cognitive processes
--
Autonomous nervous system responses to
environmental-level exposure to 5G's first deployed band (3.5 GHz) in
healthy human volunteers
Jamal L, Michelant L, Delanaud S, Hugueville L, Mazet P, Lévêque P, Baz
T, Bach V, Selmaoui B. Autonomous nervous system responses to
environmental-level exposure to 5G's first deployed band (3.5 GHz) in
healthy human volunteers. Exp Physiol. 2024 Oct 15. doi:
10.1113/EP092083.
Abstract
Following the global progressive deployment of 5G networks,
considerable attention has focused on assessing their potential impact
on human health. This study aims to investigate autonomous nervous
system changes by exploring skin temperature and electrodermal activity
(EDA) among 44 healthy young individuals of both sexes during and after
exposure to 3.5 GHz antenna-emitted signals, with an electrical field
intensity ranging from 1 to 2 V/m. The study employed a randomized,
cross-over design with triple-blinding, encompassing both 'real' and
'sham' exposure sessions, separated by a maximum interval of 1 week.
Each session comprised baseline, exposure and postexposure phases,
resulting in the acquisition of seven runs. Each run initiated with a
150 s segment of EDA recordings stimulated by 10 repeated beeps.
Subsequently, the collected data underwent continuous decomposition
analysis, generating specific indicators assessed alongside standard
metrics such as trough-to-peak measurements, global skin conductance and
maximum positive peak deflection. Additionally, non-invasive, real-time
skin temperature measurements were conducted to evaluate specific
anatomical points (hand, head and neck). The study suggests that
exposure to 3.5 GHz signals may potentially affect head and neck
temperature, indicating a slight increase in this parameter.
Furthermore, there was a minimal modulation of certain electrodermal
metrics after the exposure, suggesting a potentially faster
physiological response to auditory stimulation. However, while the
results are significant, they remain within the normal physiological
range and could be a consequence of an uncontrolled variable. Given the
preliminary nature of this pilot study, further research is needed to
confirm the effects of 5G exposure.
--
Does radiofrequency radiation
impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover
pilot study
Bijlsma N, Conduit R, Kennedy G, Cohen M. Does radiofrequency radiation
impact sleep? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover
pilot study. Front Public Health. 2024 Oct 29;12:1481537. doi:
10.3389/fpubh.2024.1481537.
Abstract
The most common source of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF)
exposures during sleep includes digital devices, yet there are no
studies investigating the impact of multi-night exposure to
electromagnetic fields emitted from a baby monitor on sleep under
real-world conditions in healthy adults. Given the rise in the number of
people reporting to be sensitive to man-made electromagnetic fields, the
ubiquitous use of Wi-Fi enabled digital devices and the lack of
real-world data, we investigated the effect of 2.45 GHz radiofrequency
exposure during sleep on subjective sleep quality, and objective sleep
measures, heart rate variability and actigraphy in healthy adults. This
pilot study was a 4-week randomised, double-blind, crossover trial of 12
healthy adults. After a one-week run-in period, participants were
randomised to exposure from either an active or inactive (sham) baby
monitor for 7 nights and then crossed over to the alternate intervention
after a one-week washout period. Subjective and objective assessments
of sleep included the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS-20),
electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy and heart rate variability
(HRV) derived from electrocardiogram. Sleep quality was reduced
significantly (p < 0.05) and clinically meaningful during
RF-EMF exposure compared to sham-exposure as indicated by the PIRS-20
scores. Furthermore, at higher frequencies (gamma, beta and theta
bands), EEG power density significantly increased during the Non-Rapid
Eye Movement sleep (p < 0.05). No statistically significant
differences in HRV or actigraphy were detected. Our findings suggest
that exposure to a 2.45 GHz radiofrequency device (baby monitor) may
impact sleep in some people under real-world conditions; however, further
large-scale real-world investigations with specified dosimetry are
required to confirm these findings.
Open access paper:
--
A review on the consequences of molecular & genomic alterations
following exposure to EMF: Remodeling of neuronal
network & cognitive changes
Abtin S, Seyedaghamiri F, Aalidaeijavadi Z, Farrokhi AM, Moshrefi F, Ziveh T, Zibaii MI, Aliakbarian H, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Haghparast A. A review on the consequences of molecular and genomic alterations following exposure to electromagnetic fields: Remodeling of neuronal network and cognitive changes. Brain Research Bulletin, Volume 217, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111090.
Abstract
The use of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is essential in daily life. Since 1970, concerns have grown about potential health hazards from EMF. Exposure to EMF can stimulate nerves and affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological and cognitive changes. However, current research results are often vague and contradictory. These effects include changes in memory and learning through changes in neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, synapses and hippocampal neuritis, and changes in metabolism and neurotransmitter levels. Prenatal exposure to EMFs has negative effects on memory and learning, as well as changes in hippocampal neuron density and histomorphology of hippocampus. EMF exposure also affects the structure and function of glial cells, affecting gate dynamics, ion conduction, membrane concentration, and protein expression. EMF exposure affects gene expression and may change epigenetic regulation through effects on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA biogenesis, and potentially leading to biological changes. Therefore, exposure to EMFs possibly leads to changes in cellular and molecular mechanisms in central nervous system and alter cognitive function.
--
Impact of non-ionising radiation of male fertility: a systematic review
Motchidlover L, Sari-Minodier I, Sunyach C, Metzler-Guillemain C, Perrin J. Impact of non-ionising radiation of male fertility: a systematic review. French Journal of Urology. 35(1), 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.fjurol.2024.102800.
Abstract
Exposure to non-ionizing radiation has become inevitable because people cannot escape sources of electromagnetic fields, such as Wi-Fi or cell phones. Among the mechanisms mentioned, the energy emitted by this non-ionizing radiation could cause heating which would have harmful effects on semen quality. The objective of our study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature concerning the impact of exposure to non-ionizing radiation from mobile phones (or other sources) on sperm parameters. We selected 12 studies: the majority of in vivo studies in humans and in vitro studies in animals report a significant impact on sperm count, mobility and vitality. Mobility and vitality seem to be the parameters most regularly impacted by exposure to non-ionizing radiation. Additional studies are necessary to complete this study in order to deepen knowledge with new generations of mobile phones which can raise health concerns.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950393024002675
--
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields
Enhances Melanin Synthesis by Activating the P53 Signaling Pathway in
Mel-Ab Melanocytes
Kim JH,
Kang D-J, Seok JY,
Kim M-H, Kim D-S,
Jeon S-B, Choi H-D,
Moon JI,
Kim N, Kim HR.
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields
Enhances Melanin Synthesis by Activating the P53 Signaling Pathway in
Mel-Ab Melanocytes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024; 25(22):12457.
doi: 10.3390/ijms252212457
Abstract
The skin is the largest body organ that can be physiologically affected
by exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). We
investigated the effect of RF-EMFs on melanogenesis; Mel-Ab melanocytes
were exposed to 1760 MHz radiation with a specific absorption rate of
4.0 W/kg for 4 h/day over 4 days. Exposure to the RF-EMF led to skin
pigmentation, with a significant increase in melanin production in
Mel-Ab melanocytes. The phosphorylation level of cAMP response element
binding protein (CREB) and the expression of microphthalmia-associated
transcription factor (MITF), which regulate the expression of
tyrosinase, were significantly increased in Mel-Ab after RF-EMF
exposure. Interestingly, the expression of tyrosinase was significantly
increased, but tyrosinase activity was unchanged in the RF-EMF-exposed
Mel-Ab cells. Additionally, the expression of p53 and melanocortin 1
receptor (MC1R), which regulate MITF expression, was significantly
increased. These results suggest that the RF-EMF induces melanogenesis
by increasing phospho-CREB and MITF activity. Importantly, when Mel-Ab
cells were incubated at 38 °C, the melanin production and the levels of
tyrosinase significantly decreased, indicating that the increase in
melanin synthesis by RF-EMF exposure is not due to a thermal effect. In
conclusion, RF-EMF exposure induces melanogenesis in Mel-Ab cells
through the increased expression of tyrosinase via the activation of
MITF or the phosphorylation of CREB, which are initiated by the
activation of p53 and MC1R.
Conclusion: In
summary, we have shown that 1760 MHz RF-EMF exposure (SAR of 4.0 W/kg
for 4 h/d over 4 d) could induce hyperpigmentation by activating the
melanin synthesis pathway in Mel-Ab melanocytes, suggesting that skin
pigmentation could be affected by RF-EMF exposure in a way that is
distinct from simple thermal effects.
--
Genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on mammalian cells in vitro: A systematic review with narrative synthesis
My note: This is not one the ten systematic reviews commissioned by the WHO. Nonetheless, this review of in vitro studies dismisses most evidence of adverse effects from RF-EMF.
"Genotoxicity, a key characteristic of human carcinogens (Smith et al. 2016), is one of the most investigated outcomes in experimental studies on the effects of RF-EMF (SCHEER 2023). However, none of the ten systematic reviews commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the framework of an updated RF-EMF hazard and risk assessment, deals with this topic (Verbeek et al. 2021)."
Romeo S, Sannino A, Scarfì MR, Lagorio S, Zeni O. Genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on mammalian cells in vitro: A systematic review with narrative synthesis. Environment International, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109104.
Abstract
Background: Over the last decades, great concern has been raised about possible adverse effects to human health due to exposures to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF, 100 kHz – 300 GHz) emitted by wireless communication technologies. In 2011 the International Agency for Research on
Cancer classified RF-EMF as possibly carcinogenic to humans,
highlighting that the evidence was weak and far from conclusive. Updated
systematic reviews of the scientific literature on this topic are lacking, especially for mechanistic studies.
Objectives: To perform a systematic review of the scientific literature on genotoxic effects induced by RF-EMF in in vitro experimental models. The overall aim is to assess the confidence and level of evidence of the induced effects in mammalian cell cultures.
Methods: Full details regarding the eligibility criteria, information sources, and methods developed to assess risk of bias in the included study, are reported in our published protocol (Romeo et al. 2021). The databases NCBI PubMed, Web of Science, and EMF-Portal were used as information sources (last searched on 31st December 2022). In developing the systematic review, we followed the guidelines provided by the National Toxicology Program-Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP-OHAT), adapted to the evaluation of in vitro studies. A narrative synthesis of the body of
evidence was performed by tabulating data classified according to
meaningful groups (endpoints) and sub-groups (exposure parameters). This
report, abstract included, conforms to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
Results: Out of
7750 unique records identified, 159 articles were eligible for
inclusion. From the extracted data, we identified 1111 experiments
(defined as independent specific combinations of diverse biological and electromagnetic parameters). The large majority (80%) of experiments reviewed did not show statistically significant genotoxic effects of RF-EMF exposures, and most “positive” studies were rated as of moderate to low quality, with negative ratings in the key bias domains. A qualitative evidence appraisal was conducted at the endpoint level, and then integrated across endpoints.
Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the scientific literature on genotoxic effects in mammalian cell cultures in relation to RF-EMF exposure, which confirms and strengthens conclusions from previous syntheses of this specific topic thanks to the use of transparently reported methods, pre-defined inclusion criteria, and formal assessment of susceptibility to bias. Limitations of the evidence included were the frequent reporting of findings in graphical display only, and the large heterogeneity of experimental data, which precluded a meta-analysis.
Conclusions: In the assessment restricted to studies reporting a significant effect of the exposure on the outcome, we reached an overall assessment of “low” confidence in the level of evidence that RF-EMF induce genotoxic effects in mammalian cells However, 80% of experiments reviewed showed no effect of RF exposure on the large majority of endpoints, especially the irreversible ones, independently of the exposure features, level, and duration (moderate evidence of no effect). Therefore, we conclude that the analysis of the papers included in this review, although only qualitative, suggests that RF exposure does not increase the occurrence of genotoxic effects in vitro.
Framework and funding: This systematic review addresses one of the evidence streams considered in a larger systematic review of the scientific literature on the potential carcinogenicity of
RF-EMF, performed by scientists from several Italian public research
agencies. The project is supported by the Italian Workers’ Compensation
Authority (INAIL) in the framework of the CRA with the Istituto Superiore di Sanità “BRiC 2018/06 – Scientific evidence on the carcinogenicity of electromagnetic fields”.
Excerpt
ConclusionsThe
main conclusion of our systematic analysis is that the certainty of
evidence for genotoxic effects of RF-EMF in mammalian cell cultures is
weak. No genotoxic effects of RF exposure were observed in most
experiments, especially those concerning irreversible endpoints,
independently of the exposure features, level, and duration (moderate
evidence of no effect). In the whole, we conclude that the analysis of
the papers included in this review, although only qualitative, suggests
that RF exposure does not increase the occurrence of genotoxic effects in vitro,
also considering that the absence of significant effects prevails among
the studies classified in tier-1 and tier-2
categories, whereas for the tier-3 studies the trend is reversed,
highlighting how methodological quality affects the studies outcome
(Simko et al. 2016).
This
systematic review may provide support to panels of experts involved in
policy making regarding safety of exposure to RF-EMF.
Furthermore,
it is possible to state that, although the number of publications on
this topic has considerably increased in recent years, this has not
translated into an improvement of the experimental quality. Only a small
number of the reviewed studies qualified for inclusion in the tier 1
category, while most of them, including those of moderate quality, still
present considerable criticalities in key experimental features (use of
sham samples, adequate dosimetry, exposure to a uniformly distributed
electromagnetic field, appropriateness of biological methods, presence
of positive control and outcome analysis blind to the exposure). It is
evident that methodological quality is demanded for future research into
this field, which will aim at producing sufficiently similar and
unbiased data to be aggregated in meaningful categories.
--
The role of digital device use on the risk
of migraine: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization
study
He Z, Qiu F, Yang J, Zhao M. The role of digital device use on the risk
of migraine: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization
study. Front Neurol. 2024 Oct 30;15:1462414. doi:
10.3389/fneur.2024.1462414.
Abstract
Background:
The pervasive integration of digital devices into daily life has
raised concerns about their potential health impacts. This study aimed
to explore the causal relationships between digital device use and the
risk of migraine using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods:
Genetic data on digital device use and migraines were sourced from
large-scale genome-wide association studies conducted by the UK
Biobank, the FinnGen study, and the International Headache Genetics
Consortium. Univariable MR (UVMR), meta-analysis, and multivariable MR
(MVMR) approaches were conducted to explore and verify the causal
effects of digital device use (including mobile phone use, computer use,
playing computer games, and watching television) on migraine risk.
Sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q, MR-Egger
intercept test, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR Radial, MR
Steiger, and leave-one-out methods.
Results:
UVMR analyses revealed that genetically predicted mobile phone use
was significantly associated with an increased risk of overall migraine
(odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, p = 9.78e-5) and migraine without aura (MO) (OR = 2.25, p
= 0.024). Additionally, there were significant positive associations
between genetically predicted television watching and the risk of
overall migraine (OR = 1.63, p = 2.12e-5) and MO (OR = 2.10, p
= 4.98e-5). These results were further supported by the meta-analysis
and MVMR analysis. Sensitivity analysis indicated no heterogeneity or
pleiotropy.
Conclusion:
This comprehensive MR study provides preliminary evidence for the
causal impact of mobile phone use and television watching on the risk of
migraines. Further studies are needed to explore these associations
across different populations.
--
The Effect of Exposure
to Mobile Phones on Electrical Cardiac Measurements: A Multivariate
Analysis and a Variable Selection Algorithm to Detect the Relationship
With Mean Changes
Alharbi N, Alassiri M. The Effect of Exposure
to Mobile Phones on Electrical Cardiac Measurements: A Multivariate
Analysis and a Variable Selection Algorithm to Detect the Relationship
With Mean Changes. Int J Cell Biol. 2024 Oct 3;2024:7093771. doi:
10.1155/2024/7093771.
Background:
The exponential growth in mobile phone usage has raised concerns about
electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and its health risks. Blood
pressure and BMI, which impair heart function due to decreased
adrenoreceptor responsiveness, parasympathetic tone withdrawal, and
increased sympathetic activity, may further exacerbate these risks.
However, the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic (RF-EM) exposure
from mobile phones on electrocardiograms (ECGs) and heart rate
variability (HRV) in individuals remain unclear.
Purpose:
Building upon our previous findings on HRV changes due to mobile phone
proximity, this study is aimed at significantly enhancing the analytical
approach used to assess the effects of mobile phones on cardiac
parameters. This study exploits data from a previous study but with a
different purpose. The aim of this study is twofold: (a) to examine
whether exposure to mobile phones changes the five variables (P-R, QRS,
QT, ST, and HR) in a multivariate manner and (b) to examine whether the
blood pressure and/or the body mass index (BMI), which acts as a proxy
for obesity, have an effect on the change of these five variables. For
both aspects of the study, four cycles are performed.
Method: We
conducted multivariate analysis on previously collected electrical
cardiac measurement data from 20 healthy male subjects exposed to mobile
phone EMF, with the mobile phones placed at four different body
locations. The one-sample Hotelling T 2 test on the mean vector of
differences was utilised instead of multiple paired t-tests. This
multivariate method comprehensively analyzes data features and accounts
for variable correlations, unlike multiple univariate analyses. Given
our small sample size, we employed the MMPC variable selection algorithm
to identify predictor variables significantly related to mean changes.
Results:
Significant alterations in ECG intervals and heart rate were noted in
the subjects before and after the first EMF exposure cycle, independent
of their BMI. Notably, heart rate, P-R, and QRS intervals fell
postexposure while QT and ST intervals increased. These changes were
influenced by variations in systolic blood pressure, with BMI showing no
significant effect.
Conclusion: The observed modifications in
cardiac electrical measurements due to mobile phone EMF exposure are
attributed to the effects of EMF itself, with no impact from BMI on the
extent of these changes.
--
Use of Mobile Phones and Radiofrequency-Emitting Devices
in the COSMOS-France Cohort
Deltour I,
Guida F, Ribet C,
Zins M, Goldberg M,
Schüz J.
Use of Mobile Phones and Radiofrequency-Emitting Devices
in the COSMOS-France Cohort. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2024; 21(11):1514. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21111514.
Abstract
COSMOS-France is the French part of the COSMOS project, an international
prospective cohort study that investigates whether the use of mobile
phones and other wireless technologies is associated with health effects
and symptoms (cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurologic pathologies,
tinnitus, headaches, or sleep and mood disturbances). Here, we provide
the first descriptive results of COSMOS-France, a cohort nested in the
general population-based cohort of adults named Constances.
Methods: A
total of 39,284 Constances volunteers were invited to participate in the
COSMOS-France study during the pilot (2017) and main recruitment phase
(2019). Participants were asked to complete detailed questionnaires on
their mobile phone use, health conditions, and personal characteristics.
We examined the association between mobile phone use, including usage
for calls and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), cordless phone use,
and Wi-Fi usage with age, sex, education, smoking status, body mass
index (BMI), and handedness.
Results: The participation rate was 48.4%,
resulting in 18,502 questionnaires in the analyzed dataset. Mobile phone
use was reported by 96.1% (N = 17,782). Users reported typically
calling 5–29 min per week (37.1%, N = 6600), making one to four calls
per day (52.9%, N = 9408), using one phone (83.9%, N = 14,921) and not
sharing it (80.4% N = 14,295), mostly using the phone on the side of the
head of their dominant hand (59.1%, N = 10,300), not using loudspeakers
or hands-free kits, and not using VoIP (84.9% N = 15,088). Individuals’
age and sex modified this picture, sometimes markedly. Education and
smoking status were associated with ever use and call duration, but
neither BMI nor handedness was. Cordless phone use was reported by 66.0%
of the population, and Wi-Fi use was reported by 88.4%.
Conclusion: In
this cross-sectional presentation of contemporary mobile phone usage in
France, age and sex were important determinants of use patterns.
--
Effects of 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz mobile phone radiation on the
blood-brain barrier of New Zealand rabbits
Kizilçay AO, Tütüncü B, Koçarslan M, Gözel
MA. Effects of 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz mobile phone radiation on the
blood-brain barrier of New Zealand rabbits. Med Biol Eng Comput. 2024
Nov 16. doi: 10.1007/s11517-024-03238-1.
Abstract
In this study, the impact of mobile phone radiation on blood-brain
barrier (BBB) permeability was investigated. A total of 21 New Zealand
rabbits were used for the experiments, divided into three groups, each
consisting of 7 rabbits. One group served as the control, while the
other two were exposed to electromagnetic radiation at frequencies of
1800 MHz with a distance of 14.5 cm and 2100 MHz with a distance of 17
cm, maintaining a constant power intensity of 15 dBm, for a duration
equivalent to the current average daily conversation time of 38 min. The
exposure was conducted under non-thermal conditions, with RF radiation
levels approximately ten times lower than normal values. Evans blue (EB)
dye was used as a marker to assess BBB permeability. EB binds to plasma
proteins, and its presence in brain tissue indicates a disruption in
BBB integrity, allowing for a quantitative evaluation of
radiation-induced permeability changes. Left and right brain tissue
samples were analyzed using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and
phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) solutions to measure EB amounts at 620
nm via spectrophotometry. After the experiments, BBB tissue samples
were collected from the right and left brains of all rabbits in the
three groups and subjected to a series of medical procedures. Samples
from Group 1 were compared with those from Group 2 and Group 3 using
statistical methods to determine if there were any significant
differences. As a result, it was found that there was no statistically
significant difference in the BBB of rabbits exposed to 1800 MHz
radiation, whereas there was a statistically significant difference at a
95% confidence level in the BBB of rabbits exposed to 2100 MHz
radiation. A decrease in EB values was observed upon the arithmetic
examination of the BBB.
Excerpts
When compromised, the BBB is linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, leading researchers to develop models for in vitro studies of its mechanisms [9, 10]. However, BBB permeability can be influenced by various factors, including pathological conditions, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and diabetes, as well as exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation [11]. For instance, radiofrequency (RF) radiation has been shown to increase BBB permeability, allowing normally excluded substances to penetrate the brain, potentially impacting neurological health [5]. Furthermore, ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses have demonstrated the ability to disrupt BBB integrity in animal models [8]....
The two primary frequencies utilized in contemporary mobile telecommunications, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, have garnered substantial attention due to their widespread application in cellular networks worldwide [13, 14]. For example, in ref. [15], it has been demonstrated that radiation from mobile phones at 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz frequencies can increase oxidative damage in the frontal lobes of rat brain tissues, an increase in lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA damage. Additionally, exposure to 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation has been shown to induce single-strand breaks in DNA. In ref. [16], it was observed and presented that exposure to 900–1800 MHz radiation caused oxidative stress in the tissues of pregnant mothers and their offspring. In ref. [17], it has been observed that radiofrequency radiation at 2100 MHz can damage the nasal septal mucosa and disrupt mucociliary clearance in rats. While numerous studies have explored the biological effects of radiofrequency radiation, the specific impact of these frequencies on BBB permeability remains an area of ongoing investigation [18,19,20]....
Our research was conducted with three distinct groups, each consisting of seven female rabbits with an average weight ranging from 2 to 5 kg. These groups were categorized as follows: with “N” signifying the number of subjects in each group: Group I, control female group (N = 7); Group II, 1800 MHz GSM group (N = 7); and Group III, 2100 MHz GSM group (N = 7)....
The exposure duration of rabbits to RF radiation was determined to be 38 min, taking into account the current average daily talk time of 19 min for mobile phone users [29]....
It is evident that various studies have investigated the impact of electromagnetic radiation at different frequencies on brain tissue. The analysis of these studies indicates that while lower frequencies may affect brain structure over a longer time frame, higher frequencies like 2.1 GHz have more immediate, statistically significant impacts, suchas
compromising BBB integrity. This comparison underscores the importance
of further investigating the threshold effects of different frequencies,
especially those commonly used in mobile telecommunications.
--
Effects of 4G Long-Term Evolution
Electromagnetic Fields on Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and Behavioral
Changes in Adolescent Male Mice
Kim HY, Son Y, Jeong YJ, Lee SH, Kim N, Ahn
YH, Jeon SB, Choi HD, Lee HJ. Effects of 4G Long-Term Evolution
Electromagnetic Fields on Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and Behavioral
Changes in Adolescent Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct
10;25(20):10875. doi: 10.3390/ijms252010875.
Abstract
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) can penetrate
tissues and potentially influence endocrine and brain development.
Despite increased mobile phone use among children and adolescents, the
long-term effects of RF-EMF exposure on brain and endocrine development
remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of long-term
evolution band (LTE) EMF exposure on thyroid hormone levels, crucial for
metabolism, growth, and development. Four-week-old male mice (C57BL/6)
were exposed to LTE EMF (whole-body average specific absorption rate
[SAR] 4 W/kg) or a positive control (lead; Pb, 300 ppm in drinking
water) for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the mice underwent behavioral tests
including open field, marble burying, and nest building. Blood pituitary
and thyroid hormone levels, and thyroid hormone-regulating genes within
the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis were analyzed. LTE
exposure increased T3 levels, while Pb exposure elevated T3 and T4 and
decreased ACTH levels. The LTE EMF group showed no gene expression
alterations in the thyroid and pituitary glands, but hypothalamic Dio2 and Dio3
expressions were significantly reduced compared to that in the
sham-exposed group. Pb exposure altered the hypothalamic mRNA levels of Oatp1c1 and Trh, pituitary mRNA of Trhr, and Tpo and Tg expression in the thyroid. In conclusion, LTE EMF exposure altered hypothalamic Dio2 and Dio3
expression, potentially impacting the HPT axis function. Further
research is needed to explore RF-EMF's impacts on the endocrine system.
Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/20/10875
--
Characterising core body temperature response of free-moving
C57BL/6 mice to 1.95 GHz whole-body radiofrequency-electromagnetic
fields
Sylvester E, Deng C, McIntosh R, Iskra S, Frankland J, McKenzie R, Croft
RJ. Characterising core body temperature response of free-moving
C57BL/6 mice to 1.95 GHz whole-body radiofrequency-electromagnetic
fields. Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Oct 14. doi: 10.1002/bem.22527.
Highlights
-
Exposure of 1.95 GHz electromagnetic fields at
5 W/kg whole-body average specific absorption rate increases core body
temperature by 0.4°C.
-
The increased thermal energy at 3.75 W/kg is effectively managed by thermoregulation (max increase = 0.24°C).
-
An extended habituation period prior to RF-EMF
exposure is necessary to account for the large effect of handling on
mice core body temperature.
Abstract
The present study investigated the core body temperature (CBT) response
of free-moving adult male and female C57BL/6 mice, during and following a
2-h exposure to 1.95 GHz RF-EMF within custom-built reverberation
chambers, using temperature capsules implanted within the
intraperitoneal cavity and data continuously logged and transmitted via
radiotelemetry postexposure. Comparing RF-EMF exposures (WBA-SAR of
1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 W/kg) to the sham-exposed condition, we
identified a peak in CBT within the first 16 min of RF-EMF exposure
(+0.15, +0.31, +0.24, +0.37°C at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 W/kg
respectively; statistically significant at WBA-SAR ≥ 2.5 W/kg only),
which largely dissipated for the remainder of the exposure period.
Immediately before the end of exposure, only the CBT of the 5 W/kg
condition was statistically differentiable from sham. Based on our
findings, it is apparent that mice are able to effectively compensate
for the increased thermal load at RF-EMF strengths up to 5 W/kg. In
addition, the elevated CBT at the end of the exposure period in the 5
W/kg condition was statistically significantly reduced compared to the
sham condition immediately after RF-EMF exposure ceased. This would
indicate that measures of CBT following the end of an RF-EMF exposure
period may not reflect the actual change in the CBT of mice caused by
RF-EMF exposure in mice.
--
Effects of
radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones on rat
parotid gland histology - an experimental study
Matei LI, Neag MA, Mocan LP, Suflețel RT,
Cuțaș A, Onofrei MM, Gherman LM, Armencea G, Mihu C, Ilea A, Mihu CM,
Bordea IR, Inchingolo F, Dipalma G, Melincovici CS. The effects of
radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones on rat
parotid gland histology - an experimental study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol
Sci. 2024 Oct;28(20):4405-4419. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202410_36864.
Abstract
Objective: The advancement of telecommunication technology and devices promptly transformed mobile phones into indispensable objects in our day-to-day lives, but their biological effects remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential histopathological changes induced by mobile phone radiation in the parotid gland and the nearby tissues.
Materials and methods: Thirty female Rattus Norvegicus rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (exposed for 30 days), group 2 (exposed for 60 days), and control group (non-exposed). Each subject was exposed to mobile phone radiation in the form of a phone call for two hours every day for their subsequent exposure time. The exposure was always directed towards the same side of the face throughout the whole exposure period. At the end of the exposure period, a comprehensive examination was conducted, including inspection of the orofacial structures, tissue sections of the parotid glands, overlying skin, oral mucosa, and cervical lymph nodes, as well as obtaining smears from the oral cavity. To highlight the presence of micronuclei within the exfoliated squamous cells of the oral epithelium, Feulgen stain was performed.
Results: The results showed a significant activation of the fibroblasts in the parotid gland septa, in both exposed experimental groups, compared to the control group. We also detected significant cervical lymph node reactive changes, hyperkeratosis of the oral epithelium, and activated fibroblasts in the dermis and oral mucosa lamina propria in both experimental groups. Dermal fibrosis and lamina propria fibrosis were significantly increased in the second experimental group, compared to the control group. Moreover, vascular congestion in the parotid gland, dermal, and lamina propria fibrosis were significantly increased in the second study group compared to the first one.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that exposure to mobile phone radiation may lead to pathological changes in the parotid gland and nearby tissues of experimental rats.
Open access paper: https://www.europeanreview.org/article/36864
--
Frequency-Dependent Antioxidant Responses in HT-1080
Human Fibrosarcoma Cells Exposed to Weak Radio Frequency Fields
Gurhan H,
Barnes F.
Frequency-Dependent Antioxidant Responses in HT-1080
Human Fibrosarcoma Cells Exposed to Weak Radio Frequency Fields. Antioxidants. 2024; 13(10):1237. doi: 10.3390/antiox13101237.
Abstract
This study explores the complex relationship between radio frequency
(RF) exposure and cancer cells, focusing on the HT-1080 human
fibrosarcoma cell line. We investigated the modulation of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) and key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide
dismutase (SOD), peroxidase, and glutathione (GSH), as well as
mitochondrial superoxide levels and cell viability. Exposure to RF
fields in the 2–5 MHz range at very weak intensities (20 nT) over 4 days
resulted in distinct, frequency-specific cellular effects. Significant
increases in SOD and GSH levels were observed at 4 and 4.5 MHz,
accompanied by reduced mitochondrial superoxide levels and enhanced cell
viability, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. In contrast,
lower frequencies like 2.5 MHz induced oxidative stress, evidenced by
GSH depletion and increased mitochondrial superoxide levels. The
findings demonstrate that cancer cells exhibit frequency-specific
sensitivity to RF fields even at intensities significantly below current
safety standards, highlighting the need to reassess exposure limits.
Additionally, our analysis of the radical pair mechanism (RPM) offers
deeper insight into RF-induced cellular responses. The modulation of ROS
and antioxidant enzyme activities is significant for cancer treatment
and has broader implications for age-related diseases, where oxidative
stress is a central factor in cellular degeneration. The findings
propose that RF fields may serve as a therapeutic tool to selectively
modulate oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in cancer cells,
with antioxidants playing a key role in mitigating potential adverse
effects.
Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/10/1237
--
The influence of eyelashes
on electric field distribution and absorbed power density in the cornea
under millimeter-wave exposure
Foroughimehr N, Vilagosh Z, Yavari A, Wood A. The influence of eyelashes
on electric field distribution and absorbed power density in the cornea
under millimeter-wave exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Oct 14. doi:
10.1002/bem.22526.
Abstract
As millimeter wave (MMW) technology, particularly in fifth-generation
(5G) devices, gains prominence, there is a crucial need for
comprehensive electromagnetic (EM) models of ocular tissues to
understand and characterize EM exposure conditions accurately. This
study employs numerical modeling to investigate the interaction between
MMW and the cornea, aiming to characterize EM field distributions and
absorption within an anatomically accurate eye model while considering
the influence of eyelashes. Using the finite-difference time-domain
(FDTD) method, we conduct simulations of EM radiation interactions from
20.0 to 100.0 GHz with a human eye model. Moreover, we analyze the
temperature distribution increase within the eye model using a thermal
sensor in XFdtd, employing a scheme based on the finite difference (FD)
method. Our findings reveal a nonuniform distribution of the EM field,
particularly intensified in corneal regions adjacent to eyelashes and
eyelids. Despite similar EM field patterns, the presence or absence of
eyelashes has minimal impact on temperature differences. However, the
study highlights increased radiation absorption by the eyelid's
epidermis at 100.0 GHz, reducing the rise in the cornea's temperature.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39402869/
--
Exploring the potential link between prostate cancer and magnetic fields
Dart DA, Koushyar S, Uysal-Onganer P. Exploring the potential link between prostate cancer and magnetic fields. Medical Hypotheses. Volume 189, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2024.111384.
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common solid cancer in men worldwide. Various lifestyle factors have been established as contributors to cancer risk, and prostate cancer is no exception. Elements such as advanced age, diet, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, circadian rhythm disruptions, Afro-Caribbean ethnicity, and sexual activity have all been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Notably, famous male guitarists from bands spanning the last few decades are now entering the age demographic most closely associated with prostate cancer. It is not surprising that they may fall into the ’at-risk’ category. Media speculation has hinted at a potentially higher incidence of prostate cancer among guitarists compared to their bandmates, although no tangible correlation has been established. This speculation piqued our curiosity and prompted an exploration into potential reasons why musicians, particularly guitarists, might be at an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer. We hypothesise the electromagnetic fields generated by the electric guitar may in part explain the possible increase in prostate cancer risk among electric guitarists. This study delves into these intriguing possibilities, shedding light on an area of research that remains speculative but warrants further investigation.
Highlights
Prostate cancer is the most common solid cancer in men globally.
Age, diet, ethnicity, sexual activity and circadian rhythm disruptions, are identified as contributors to prostate cancer risk.
Magnetic fields (MF) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) may amplify prostate cancer risks.
Magnetic fields may potentially affect the behaviour of quantum systems within biological molecules.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987724001270
--
Electromagnetic Field Exposure in the Public Space of the Slovakian City
Trnka M, Gálik P, Kráľová E, Važan R.
Electromagnetic Field Exposure in the Public Space of the Slovakian City.
Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2023, 25(1):G1-G6. doi: 10.26552/com.C.2023.014
The main objective of our research was to map the exposure to electromagnetic smog in the frequented space of shopping centres in the city of Bratislava and to compare our results to the actual hygienic limits. The measurements of the low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields were performed at different places in shopping centres. Our results did not exceed the Slovak current limits in any of the measurements. However, almost all of them markedly exceed new permitted limits according to EUROPAEM. Based on our results, stricter limits in many European countries and increasing evidence on possible harmfulness of long-term exposures to artificial electromagnetic fields, preventive carefulness can be recommended - to support the research in this field, to prepare professional public education and possibly to prepare the stricter Slovak exposure limits.
Open access paper: https://komunikacie.uniza.sk/pdfs/csl/2023/01/08.pdf
--
Development
of electromagnetic pollution maps utilizing Gaussian process spatial
models
Kiouvrekis Y, Zikas S, Katis I, Tsilikas I, Filippopoulos I. Development
of electromagnetic pollution maps utilizing Gaussian process spatial
models. Sci Total Environ. 2024 Oct 21;955:176907. doi:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176907.
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of wireless technologies in everyday
environments demands the quick and precise estimation of electromagnetic
field distribution. This distribution is commonly depicted through the
electric field strength across various geographical areas. The objective
of this research is to determine the most effective geospatial model
for generating a national-level electric field strength map within the
30 MHz-6 GHz frequency range. To achieve this, we employed five
different methodologies for constructing the electric field strength
map. Four of these methodologies are based on Gaussian process
regression, while the fifth utilizes the classical weighted-average
method of the nearest neighbor. Our study focused on a country with a
total area of 9251 km2, using a dataset comprising 3621
measurements. The findings reveal that Gaussian process spatial models,
also known as Kriging models, generally outperform other methods when
applied to spatial data. However, it was observed that, after excluding
some outlier data points, the performance of the classical nearest
neighbor models becomes comparable to that of the Gaussian process
models. This indicates the potential for both approaches to be
effective, depending on the data quality and the presence of outliers.
Excerpts
For the Total (Fig. 4 and Table 2), the mean stands at 4.78 V/m, with a maximum value of 37.99 V/m, a minimum of 0.28 V/m, and a median of 3.42 V/m....
--
An Analysis of Radio Frequency Radiation Emitted by Smartphones
Manoharan S, Mahalakshmi B, Ananthi K, Sindhu MP. An Analysis of Radio Frequency Radiation Emitted by Smartphones. 2024 8th International Conference on I-SMAC (IoT in Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud) (I-SMAC), Kirtipur, Nepal, 2024, pp. 301-307, doi: 10.1109/I-SMAC61858.2024.10714888.
Abstract
The introduction of smartphones has transformed how we interact, access information, and entertains ourselves. Nevertheless, as the usage of smartphones continues to rise, there has been greater concern over the possible health implications of Radio Frequency radiation released by these devices. RF radiation, also known as radiofrequency radiation, is a kind of electromagnetic radiation utilized for wireless communication in devices like smartphones. This study seeks to offer a thorough analysis of RF radiation and its emissions from smartphones, as well as the potential health implications associated with their use and strategies to minimize exposure. This research study also explores the importance of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing in the context of 5G technologies, including testing methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and the implications of 5G frequency bands on SAR measurements.
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10714888&isnumber=10714582
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The 5G-FR1 Signals: Beams of the Phased Antennas Array
and Time-Recurrence of Emissions with Consequences on Human Exposure
Deaconescu DB,
Miclaus S.
The 5G-FR1 Signals: Beams of the Phased Antennas Array
and Time-Recurrence of Emissions with Consequences on Human Exposure. Electronics. 2023; 12(2):297.
doi: 10.3390/electronics12020297.
Abstract
The fifth generation (5G) of mobile communication technology poses lots
of questions while introducing significant improvements compared with
previous generations. The most sensitive question is related to the
safety of human exposure. The aim of present work was to analyze, with a
few chosen examples, two of the most significant features of 5G
emissions: the extreme spatial variability of the exposure and the
nonlinear dynamics characteristics of the temporal variability of the
exposure. Two models of patch antenna arrays operating at 3.7 GHz with
varying beam forming and beam steering capabilities were considered for
an analysis of the specific absorption rate of electromagnetic energy
deposition in tissues of a head model. This allowed clear emphasis on
the influence of the antenna geometry and feeding peculiarities on the
spatial variability of exposure. The second approach implemented the
original idea of following the nonlinear recurrence behavior of exposure
in time, and underlined the time variability characteristics of
emissions with a real-life mobile phone running different 5G
applications. Time series of the emitted electric-field strengths were
recorded by means a real-time spectrum analyzer and two near-field
probes differently positioned in the beam. The presence of laminar
emissions, chaotic emissions, determinism and recurrence in the
exposures prove the potential for recurrence quantification in
predicting time variability features of 5G exposure. Overall, the impact
of 5G signals on living bodies, with the highest possible man-made
spatial and temporal variability, may have very unpredictable
bio-medical consequences.
--
Preliminary Study on the Impact of 900MHz Radiation on
Human Sperm: An In Vitro Molecular Approach
Keskin I, Karabulut S, Kaplan AA, Alagöz M, Akdeniz M, Tüfekci KK, Davis
DL, Kaplan S. Preliminary Study on the Impact of 900MHz Radiation on
Human Sperm: An In Vitro Molecular Approach. Reprod Toxicol. 2024 Nov
4:108744. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108744.
Abstract
The use of technologies that produce and emit electromagnetic
fields (EMF) is growing exponentially worldwide. The biological effects
of EMF-emitting equipment, such as mobile phones and other wireless
devices, have been studied in the last decade using in vitro and in vivo
methods. Infertility is a growing health problem, and nearly half of
cases are because of male-factor. This study investigated the direct in
vitro effects of 900MHz radiation exposure on sperm parameters, genetic
status, apoptotic markers, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in healthy
normozoospermic men. Semen samples were divided into four groups, two
control (30min and 1h) and two EMF exposure (30min and 1h). Sperm
parameters (motility, progressive motility, acrosomal index,
morphology), genetic status (DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity),
apoptotic markers (cytokine-c and caspase-3 expression) and the
PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (phosphoinoitide 3-kinase-PI3K- and
phosphorylated AKT- p-AKT-) were analysed. Sperm motility were
significantly reduced in 30min EMF exposure while a significant increase
in the expression of p-AKT were observed in 1h EMF exposure group. An
increased vacuolisation, acrosomal defect, extension of subacrosomal
space, uncondensed chromatin structure, apoptotic signs and disrupted
axoneme were observed in both EMF groups which were not observed in the
control group. Other sperm parameters (morphology and acrosomal index),
genetic status, apoptotic markers and the PI3K expression rates had no
significant change.
--
Quantitative Assessment of Thermal Effects on the Auricle Region Caused by Mobile Phones Operating in Different Modes
Rok T, Kacprzyk A, Rokita E, Kantor D, and Taton G. Quantitative Assessment of Thermal Effects on the Auricle Region Caused by Mobile Phones Operating in Different Modes. AIMS Biophys 11, no. 4 (2024): 427–44. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2024023.
Abstract
To analyze thermal effects caused by mobile phones on the
human auricle region, we performed an experiment with controlled
exposure to mobile phones operating in different modes for a group of 40
men. Temperature changes were measured with the use of infrared
thermography. Thermograms were taken before and after a standardized
15-minute phone call when the mobile phone was placed lightly against
the skin surface in the auricle region. The measurements were performed
in three modes: OFF, ON, and FLIGHT. Statistically significant
differences (p = 0.03) were observed between the experimental
temperature increase of the auricle region in OFF mode (average
temperature rise = 1.1 °C ± 0.2 °C) and in ON mode (average temperature
rise = 1.9 °C ± 0.3 °C), while between FLIGHT (average temperature rise =
1.4 °C ± 0.2 °C) and ON modes, no statistical differences were observed
(p = 0.20). Based on thermographic measurements and the model of heat
transfer between the ear and the phone, it was shown that the human ear
is the largest heat source in the system and that the increase in skin
temperature is mainly caused by the handheld mobile phone restricting
heat dissipation from the skin surface.
Excerpt for the assessment of near-field exposure, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) were used. During exposure sessions RSSI values were continuously measured and retrospectively controlled. All the participants received exposure at an arbitrary mean value of RSSI between −90 and −80 dBm. The SAR quantifies the absorption of RF-EMF in tissues, and for the human body, it depends on the dielectric properties of tissues due to the complexity of the human head anatomy its estimation is a subject of great challenge [21],[22] and for the phone used (Huawei P20 Lite), it was reported as 0.75 W/kg in the manual.
For the far-field exposure a personal exposure meter (ExpoM-RF, Zurich, Switzerland) performing a spectral analysis of RF-EMF within 16 different frequency bands from 87.5 MHz up to 5.875 GHz was used. Based on electric field strength, the power density was calculated as 45 µW. The uplink and downlink radiation remained on a comparable level throughout a simulated phone call.
In OFF mode, the smartphone was switched off, while in FLIGHT mode, there was no connection with the GSM network, so music was constantly playing. In ON mode, the mobile phone was fully connected to the GSM network and the smartphone was operating at a frequency of 1800 MHz.
Open access paper: http://www.aimspress.com/article/doi/10.3934/biophy.2024023
--
Rat
brain and testicular tissue effects of radiofrequency radiation
exposure: Histopathological, DNA damage of brain and qRT-PCR analysis
Yavas
MC, Kilitci A, Çelik E, Yegin K, Sirav B, Varol S. Rat brain and
testicular tissue effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure:
Histopathological, DNA damage of brain and qRT-PCR analysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH. JUL 2024. 22(3):529-536.
doi: 10.61186/ijrr.22.3.529
Abstract
We
evaluate the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF)
on rat brain and testicular tissue using histopathology, comet assay,
and real-time quantitative PCR techniques.
Materials
and Methods: Two equal groups of fourteen rats one for sham-control and
the other for exposure (n = seven) were created. For a duration of 14
days, the exposure group (2100 MHz, testicular tissue SAR values of 163
mW/kg for 10 g, brain tissue SAR values of 292 mW/ kg on average) was
subjected to five hours of exposure per day. Evaluations were conducted
on tissue gene expression levels, histopathology, and DNA damage to
brain tissue.
Results:
The histological examination of brain tissue from the exposed group
revealed vascular alterations and significant edema (p < 0.05). It
was determined that RF radiation-induced much more cellular damage in
the exposed group (18.26% tail DNA) than in the control group (4.06%
tail DNA). Signs of deterioration in spermatogenic cells in the
testicular tissue of the exposed group also changed significantly (p
< 0.05). The Bax and bcl-2 genes showed a significant difference (p
< 0.05) in the mRNA level data, whereas the p53 genes showed no
significant change (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that it may cause some histopathological and cellular damage in brain and testis tissue.
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Does Radiofrequency Radiation From
Mobile Phones Affect the Formation of Parotid Gland Malignancy? An
Experimental Study
Ozergin Coskun Z, Tumkaya L, Yilmaz A, Dursun
E, Mercantepe T, Kalkan Y, Ersoz S. Does Radiofrequency Radiation From
Mobile Phones Affect the Formation of Parotid Gland Malignancy? An
Experimental Study. Ear Nose Throat J. 2024 Sep 27:1455613241287295.
doi: 10.1177/01455613241287295.
Abstract
Objectives: The use of mobile phone is increasing around the
world. Although it is beneficial in terms of communication, the
electromagnetic radiations emitted by mobile phones may cause
undesirable biological effects on the human body. In practical use, the
tissue with which mobile phones come into most and are closest is the
parotid gland. This study investigated the effects of the 1800 MHz
electromagnetic field created by a generator on the parotid gland in
rats.
Methods: A total of 21 Sprague-Dawley Albino rats were
included in the study. The rats were randomly divided into three equal
groups. To simulate a mobile phone in conversation mode, the first study
group was exposed to an 1800-MHz electromagnetic field for 6 hours a
day for 30 days, and the second study group was exposed to an 1800-MHz
electromagnetic field for 12 hours a day for 30 days. After 30 days,
rats were sacrificed, and histopathological and immunohistochemical
methods were used to evaluate the effects on the parotid gland. The
total antioxidant level and the total oxidant level were measured
biochemically in homogenized parotid tissue.
Results:
Histopathological results showed an increase in degeneration in rats
exposed to electromagnetic fields for 6 and 12 hours a day, and
immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in the apoptotic index
in both study groups (P = .001, P < .001). Intranuclear inclusions was observed during histopathological examination performed by electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
This study observed that the 1800 MHz electromagnetic field caused
undesirable adverse histopathological and biochemical effects on the
parotid gland of rats. Histopathological and biochemical findings were
detected with increasing contact and exposure time. This study will lead
to other studies on this topic and contribute to the literature by
completing other studies.
Excerpts
This study used a generator (Anritsu MG3670 B
type, Japan) that produces microwave radiation at 1800 MHz
radiofrequency to create exposure in mobile communion. The generator
peak power was fixed at 2 W during exposure. In the digital signal
generator used in this study, the carrier frequency was 1800 MHz, the
modulation frequency was 217 Hz, there was a pulse of 577 µseconds, and
the maximum peak power was 2 W. The average specific absorption rate
(SAR) of the whole body was 0.117 W/kg. The study was carried out on a
total of 21 rats divided in 3 groups (n = 7).
Groups
1, 2, and 3 were exposed to microwave radiation for 0 (control group),
6, and 12 hours, respectively. A generator with an external antenna was
placed in the lower middle part of the cages.5
The rats in the study group were exposed to microwave radiation for the
specified hours in the mobile phone conversation mode....
The parotid tissue has been reported to absorb 40% of the
electromagnetic energy emitted by mobile phones on phones held in place.
This absorbed energy can cause thermal and nonthermal effects in the
parotid tissue.14
....
Conclusion
In light of our knowledge of the
literature, this is the first study to investigate the effects of an
1800-MHz electromagnetic field on the parotid gland of rats with
biochemical tests, immunohistochemically in light microscopy and
histopathologically in electron microscopy. This study observed that an
1800-MHz electromagnetic field causes undesirable adverse
histopathological and biochemical effects on the parotid gland of rats.
Histopathological and biochemical findings were detected with increasing
contact and exposure time. This study will lead other studies on this
topic and contribute to the literature in this area.
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Blueberry anthocyanins regulate SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway to inhibit oxidative
stress and reduce testicular tissue damage induced by microwave
radiation in rats
Pang Y, Men J, Li Y, Zhang J, Zhao L, et al. Blueberry anthocyanins regulate SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and reduce testicular tissue damage induced by microwave radiation in rats. Journal of Functional Foods. Vol. 122, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106523.
Abstract
Researches have shown that microwave radiation could cause oxidative stress injury in male reproductive system, and blueberry anthocyanins had excellent oxidation resistance. Our study aimed to investigate the protective effect of blueberry anthocyanins (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/d) on testicular tissue damage in Wistar rats exposed to 2.856 GHz microwave and the optimal dose. We found that blueberry anthocyanins could ameliorate the decrease of sperm motility and sex hormone levels and testicular tissue structure damage caused by microwave radiation, increase SIRT1 expression and decrease FoxO1 expression, increase GSH/GSSG, SOD and inhibit MDA. The LDH, SDH and ATP synthase were increased, and Caspase-3 expression was decreased, and the high-dose of blueberry anthocyanins (400 mg/kg/d) had the best protective effect. These results suggested that blueberry anthocyanins could inhibit oxidative stress injury induced by 2.856 GHz microwave radiation in rat testicular tissue by regulating SIRT1/FoxO1 pathway, enhance energy metabolism and reduce cell apoptosis.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624005255
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Effects of 4.9 GHz Radiofrequency Field Exposure on Brain Metabolomic
and Proteomic Characterization in Mice
Wang X, Zhou G, Lin J, Zhang Z, Qin T, Guo L, Wang H, Huang Z, Ding G.
Effects of 4.9 GHz Radiofrequency Field Exposure on Brain Metabolomic
and Proteomic Characterization in Mice. Biology (Basel). 2024 Oct
10;13(10):806. doi: 10.3390/biology13100806.
Abstract
Electromagnetic exposure has become increasingly widespread, and
its biological effects have received extensive attention. The purpose of
this study was to explore changes in the metabolism profile of the
brain and serum and to identify differentially expressed proteins in the
brain after exposure to the 4.9 GHz radiofrequency (RF) field. C57BL/6
mice were randomly divided into a Sham group and an RF group, which were
sham-exposed and continuously exposed to a 4.9 RF field for 35 d, 1
h/d, at an average power density (PD) of 50 W/m2. After
exposure, untargeted metabolomics and Tandem Mass Tags (TMT)
quantitative proteomics were performed. We found 104 and 153 up- and
down-regulated differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the
RF_Brain group and RF_Serum group, and the DEMs were significantly
enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism. Moreover, 10 up-regulated
and 51 down-regulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were
discovered in the RF group. Functional correlation analysis showed that
most DEMs and DEPs showed a significant correlation. These results
suggested that 4.9 GHz exposure induced disturbance of metabolism in the
brain and serum, and caused deregulation of proteins in the brain.
Simple Summary
The
brain, as the central nervous system that controls the body’s sensory,
behavior, and mental symptoms, is sensitive to RF exposure, and lots of
studies have explored the potential health hazards of RF-EMR with
different frequencies to the brain. Our previous study found that 4.9
GHz radiofrequency radiation induced depression-like behavior in mice,
but the mechanism of the behavioral changes was unclear. Studies have
shown that changes in peripheral energy metabolism might affect brain
lipid levels, and thereby cortical excitability, and a deregulated
hippocampus proteome might influence the healthy functioning of the
brain. Here, we provide evidence that 4.9 GHz RF exposure altered
metabolite expression patterns in brain tissue and serum, especially
glycerophospholipid metabolism. In addition, 4.9 GHz RF exposure induced
an imbalance in the protein profile of brain tissue and may alter gap
junction communication. Our results initially revealed the biological
effects of 5G communication frequency exposure and provided a possible
mechanism for electromagnetic radiation-induced behavioral changes from
the perspective of metabolome and proteome.
Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/13/10/806
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Cellular signaling pathways in the nervous system activated by various mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli
Kazuhito M, Ferguson AR, Aboubacar W, Youngjae R. Cellular signaling pathways in the nervous system activated by various mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. Vol. 17. 2024. doi:
10.3389/fnmol.2024.1427070.
Abstract
Mechanical stimuli, such as stretch, shear stress, or compression,
activate a range of biomolecular responses through cellular
mechanotransduction. In the nervous system, studies on mechanical stress
have highlighted key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying traumatic
injury and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the biomolecular
pathways triggered by mechanical stimuli in the nervous system has not
been fully explored, especially compared to other body systems. This gap
in knowledge may be due to the wide variety of methods and definitions
used in research. Additionally, as mechanical stimulation techniques
such as ultrasound and electromagnetic stimulation are increasingly
utilized in psychological and neurorehabilitation treatments, it is
vital to understand the underlying biological mechanisms in order to
develop accurate pathophysiological models and enhance therapeutic
interventions. This review aims to summarize the cellular signaling
pathways activated by various mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli
with a particular focus on the mammalian nervous system. Furthermore, we
briefly discuss potential cellular mechanosensors involved in these
processes
Open access paper:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2024.1427070
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