Abstract
Controversial, sensational and often contradictory scientific reports have triggered active debates over the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in literature and mass media the last few decades. This could lead to confusion and distraction, subsequently hampering the development of a univocal conclusion on the real hazards caused by EMFs on humans. For example, there are lots of publications indicating that EMF can induce apoptosis and DNA strand-breaks in cells. On the other hand, these effects could rather be beneficial, in that they could be effectively harnessed for treatment of various disorders, including cancer. This review discusses and analyzes the results of various in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies on the effects of non-ionizing EMFs on cells and organs, including the consequences of exposure to the low and high frequencies EM spectrum. Emphasis is laid on the analysis of recent data on the role of EMF in the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, the impact of EMF on the reproductive system has been discussed, as well as the relationship between EM radiation and blood cancer. Apart from adverse effects, the therapeutic potential of EMFs for clinical use in different pathologies is also highlighted.
Highlights
Controversial, sensational and often contradictory scientific reports have triggered active debates over the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in literature and mass media the last few decades. This could lead to confusion and distraction, subsequently hampering the development of a univocal conclusion on the real hazards caused by EMFs on humans
The keywords used for literature search were: ‘electromagnetic field’, ‘bio-effect’, ‘DNA damage’, ‘blood cancer’, ‘leukemia’, ‘reproduction’ and ‘therapy’
The results demonstrated that UMTS radiation caused the DNA damage in human fibroblasts unlike in lymphocytes
Summary
The literature search was carried out using Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Sciences (ISI Web of Knowledge), Medline, and Wiley Online Library databases. Available publications (in English) in peer-reviewed journals on biological effects of nonionizing EMF were selected for the analysis. The paper selection was restricted to the period between 1990 e 2018 (date of publication). The keywords used for literature search were: ‘electromagnetic field’, ‘bio-effect’, ‘DNA damage’, ‘blood cancer’, ‘leukemia’, ‘reproduction’ and ‘therapy’ (as a combination with ‘electromagnetic field’). An analysis of 421 published works for the period 1990e2018, using ‘electromagnetic field’ and ‘DNA damage’ as keywords, revealed a stable growth tendency with a peak of publications in 2016 (32 documents found) (database of Scopus, Elsevier). The trend in publications addressing biological effects of mobile phones showed a similar growth pattern (based on ‘mobile phone’ and ‘DNA damage’ keywords search). The highest number of publications was in 2016: 20 documents found (Scopus data, Elsevier). Most of the papers were original/research articles (63.7%), reflecting the public and scientific demand for such information
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