Abstract
Non-ionizing radiation has a significant and positive impact on modern society through a number of uses. There is increasing public concern regarding the health risks of radio-frequency (RF) radiation, particularly that produced by mobile phones. Concern regarding the potential risks of exposure to EMFs has led to many epidemiological investigations, but the effects of EMF exposure on human and other mammalian cells are still unclear. One of the most frequently asked questions about the effects of microwave radiation on biological systems is whether they produce genotoxic effects and could be there a possible link with oncogenic processes. It is most difficult to get accurate and reproducible results for the studies that tell us most about the effects of EMF on humans. Based on some “weak” evidence suggesting an association between exposure to radiofrequency fields (RF) emitted from mobile phones and two types of brain cancer, glioma and acoustic neuroma, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified RF as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ in group 2B. Literature results suggest that pulsed microwaves from working environment can be the cause of genetic and cell alterations. Taken together, the increased frequency of DNA damages, increased intensity of oxydative stress and production of reactive oxygen species as well as prolonged disruption in DNA repair mechanisms could be possible mechanisms for microwave induced cytogenetic damages even at low-level electromagnetic fields. Although there were contradictory results about harmful effects of electromagnetic fields we recommend that the mobile phone should be kept as far as possible from the body during conversations and also during usual daily activities to reduce the absorption of radiation by cells. In addition, the appropriate intake of antioxidant-rich food or drugs may be helpful for preventing the genotoxic effects that could be caused by mobile phone use. Acta Medica Medianae 2013;52(4):48-52.
Highlights
The character of the natural electromagnetic field has altered significantly due to technological progress and numerous man-made sources such as those used in industry, traffic, medicine, radio and television communications as well as in everyday life
The general focus of studies on electromagnetic field (EMF) has been on the relation between EMF carcinogenicity, where all studies are considered important irrespective of whether the results were obtained in humans, animals, or cells
For evaluation of effects that may occur in humans, the results are weighted as such that the epidemiological study is more significant than the experimental animal study, which in turn is more significant than the cellular study
Summary
The character of the natural electromagnetic field has altered significantly due to technological progress and numerous man-made sources such as those used in industry, traffic, medicine, radio and television communications as well as in everyday life. Recent investigations of cell proliferation and DNA synthesis after microwave exposure indicate that biological effects occur at a power density that is sufficient to induce thermal cell damage. In vivo evidence of non-thermal influences, mainly under exposure to actual GSM phone radiation showed increases in DNA single and double strand breaks in rats, micronuclei formation in the liver and brain tissue in rats [4].
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