The radiation from RF-EMF can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and alter the blood brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is active in collaborating in discussions with EHS group, the medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects caused by EMF radiation.
RF-EMF damages DNA
Exposed to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other adverse health consequences. EMFs can affect the intracellular ionic levels that are crucial to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. This can cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result to DNA destruction. Furthermore exposure to EMFs can also trigger an increase in the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been linked to changes in the development of male germ cells. This involves the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa as well functional maturation when the spermatozoa travel throughout the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the development of male germ cells, a specially-built waveguide device was developed for the purpose of exposing unrestrained mice to RF-EME in the range of 2.2 W/kg.
In a study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF EME caused oxidative DNA damage in spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after an entire week of treatment and by 23 percent after five weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).
Although the radiation emitted by RF-EMF isn't yet considered to be a carcinogen. But, several studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA health in variety of cell types. In one study, scientists exposed Vero cells with an EMF at 100 Hz over 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for 48 hours after exposure to determine if exposure affected DNA integrity.
RF-EMF causes tissue heating

Although the effects of RF-EMF are usually believed to have thermal origins, a few studies have revealed that non-thermal influences are also observed. emf radiation symptoms may account for certain of the unsolved findings in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to take into account non-thermal effects when conducting an exhaustive review.
The non-thermal effects that RF-EMF can have may be felt at the cell's membrane. This is a field which has already been extensively studied. Particularly the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes is being studied. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMF that exceeds 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue via dielectric and Ionic dissipation. The theoretical studies have indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.
The electric properties of tissue are controlled through the distribution and composition of water molecules, and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbed RF EMR is by different tissues. The tissues with the highest conductivity tend to absorb more of the field, and thus cause more of an impact. This is the reason why the amount of heat generated by tissue is not constant between the outside and inside and is only noticeable in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue is less susceptible to heating by RF than other tissues because they are not as water-based. content.
what is emf radiation of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the strength and frequency of the field. Muscle tissue absorbs more energy than other tissues, and transforms it into heat more effectively. Usually the penetration depth for RF EMF is determined in millimeters (mm). what is emf radiation , more shallow the penetration.
RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF could disrupt the blood-brain barrier change sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Furthermore, the effects of EMF affect brain function have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For instance, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, and the activity of nitric oxide and xanthin oxide.
Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF in brain cells. They also examined how ELF EMF on nervous system. While the mechanisms of the cell that play a role are not fully understood however, there is an obvious association between ELF-EMF exposure and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. Fortunately, there are some proven methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.
Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 millimeters EMF enhanced the permeability of the BBB and increased signs of neuronal damage in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed in 30 minutes exposure to 900 MHz, 99mTc-MIBI increased its diffusion to the cerebral cortex. But this effect did not occur with Evans blue injections.
Despite these findings, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Evidence suggests that non-thermal EMF exposure increases erythrocyte membrane permeability. This could affect the BBB and increase the efflux of calcium ions. Furthermore, the presence a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also linked to increased permeability and permeability of the BBB.