Current concepts of the interaction of weak electromagnetic fields with cells

Abstract

The interaction of electromagnetic fields with biological systems must be considered not as a result of the influence of a foreign energy (as in the case of ionizing radiations), but as a modification of the proper electric in-vivo structure of the biological system. This structure indicates the same structural hierarchy (atomic, molecular, cellular, organismic) as that known from the morphological point of view. According to this, effects are possible on the basis of quantum mechanics as well as on the basis of the dipolar orientation of molecules, double-layer structures and modifications of systems of ionic equilibria. Considering the time constants of these effects, the frequencies used for medical treatments today are in no way the best possible, but just predicted by technical conditions. It is recommended that the frequency region of 10 3–10 7 Hz be used. The frequently observed effects of pulsed (or modulated) electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are understandable if one considers that the carrier frequency will produce the primary physical reactions and that the low-frequency oscillations of these reactions which are produced by the low-frequency modulation will come into resonance with biological reactions.