Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure Research Articles

Epilepsy but not mobile phone frequency (900 MHz) induces apoptosis and calcium entry in hippocampus of epileptic rat: involvement of TRPV1 channels.

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and epilepsy are reported to mediate the regulation of apoptosis and oxidative stress through Ca(2+) influx. Results of recent reports indicated that EMR can increase temperature and oxidative stress of body cells, and TRPV1 channel is activated by noxious heat, oxidative stress, and capsaicin (CAP). We investigated the effects of mobile phone (900 MHz) EMR exposure on Ca(2+) influx, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and TRPV1 channel activations in the hippocampus of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epileptic rats. Freshly isolated hippocampal neurons of twenty-one rats were used in study within three groups namely control, PTZ, and PTZ + EMR. The neurons in the three groups were stimulated by CAP. Epilepsy was induced by PTZ administration. The neurons in PTZ + EMR group were exposed to the 900 MHz EMR for 1 h. The apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase-3 and caspase-9 values were higher in PTZ and PTZ + EMR groups than in control. However, EMR did not add additional increase effects on the values in the hippocampal neurons. Intracellular-free Ca(2+) concentrations in fura-2 analyses were also higher in PTZ + CAP group than in control although their concentrations were decreased by TRPV1 channel blocker, capsazepine. However, there were no statistical changes on the Ca(2+) concentrations between epilepsy and EMR groups. In conclusion, apoptosis, mitochondrial, ROS, and Ca(2+) influx via TRPV1 channel were increased in the hippocampal neurons by epilepsy induction although the mobile phone did not change the values. The results indicated that TRPV1 channels in hippocampus may possibly be a novel target for effective target of epilepsy.

Selenium Reduces Mobile Phone (900 MHz)-Induced Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Function, and Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells

Exposure to mobile phone-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may affect biological systems by increasing free oxygen radicals, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization levels although selenium may modulate the values in cancer. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 900 MHz radiation on the antioxidant redox system, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization levels in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Cultures of the cancer cells were divided into four main groups as controls, selenium, EMR, and EMR + selenium. In EMR groups, the cells were exposed to 900 MHz EMR for 1 h (SAR value of the EMR was 0.36 ± 0.02 W/kg). In selenium groups, the cells were also incubated with sodium selenite for 1 h before EMR exposure. Then, the following values were analyzed: (a) cell viability, (b) intracellular ROS production, (c) mitochondrial membrane depolarization, (d) cell apoptosis, and (e) caspase-3 and caspase-9 values. Selenium suppressed EMR-induced oxidative cell damage and cell viability (MTT) through a reduction of oxidative stress and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, selenium indicated anti-apoptotic effects, as demonstrated by plate reader analyses of apoptosis levels and caspase-3 and caspase-9 values. In conclusion, 900 MHz EMR appears to induce apoptosis effects through oxidative stress and mitochondrial depolarization although incubation of selenium seems to counteract the effects on apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Liver antioxidant stores protect the brain from electromagnetic radiation (900 and 1800 MHz)-induced oxidative stress in rats during pregnancy and the development of offspring

Objectives: The present study determined the effects of mobile phone (900 and 1800 MHz)-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure on oxidative stress in the brain and liver as well as the element levels in growing rats from pregnancy to 6 weeks of age.Methods: Thirty-two rats and their offspring were equally divided into three different groups: the control, 900 MHz, and 1800 MHz groups. The 900 MHz and 1800 MHz groups were exposed to EMR for 60 min/d during pregnancy and neonatal development. At the 4th, 5th, and 6th weeks of the experiment, brain samples were obtained.Results: Brain and liver glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as liver vitamin A and β-carotene concentrations decreased in the EMR groups, although brain iron, vitamin A, and β-carotene concentrations increased in the EMR groups. In the 6th week, selenium concentrations in the brain decreased in the EMR groups. There were no statistically significant differences in glutathione, vitamin E, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, and zinc concentrations between the three groups.Conclusion: EMR-induced oxidative stress in the brain and liver was reduced during the development of offspring. Mobile phone-induced EMR could be considered as a cause of oxidative brain and liver injury in growing rats.

Nanometer-scale elongation rate fluctuations in the Myriophyllum aquaticum (Parrot feather) stem were altered by radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation

The emission of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) by various wireless communication base stations has increased in recent years. While there is wide concern about the effects of EMR on humans and animals, the influence of EMR on plants is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of EMR on the growth dynamics of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Parrot feather) by measuring the nanometric elongation rate fluctuation (NERF) using a statistical interferometry technique. Plants were exposed to 2 GHz EMR at a maximum of 1.42 Wm−2 for 1 h. After continuous exposure to EMR, M. aquaticum plants exhibited a statistically significant 51 ± 16% reduction in NERF standard deviation. Temperature observations revealed that EMR exposure did not cause dielectric heating of the plants. Therefore, the reduced NERF was due to a non-thermal effect caused by EMR exposure. The alteration in NERF continued for at least 2.5 h after EMR exposure and no significant recovery was found in post-EMR NERF during the experimental period.

Oxidative changes and apoptosis induced by 1800-MHz electromagnetic radiation in NIH/3T3 cells

To investigate the potential adverse effects of mobile phone radiation, we studied reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage and apoptosis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH/3T3) after intermittent exposure (5 min on/10 min off, for various durations from 0.5 to 8 h) to an 1800-MHz GSM-talk mode electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at an average specific absorption rate of 2 W/kg. A 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate fluorescence probe was used to detect intracellular ROS levels, immunofluorescence was used to detect γH2AX foci as a marker for DNA damage, and flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis. Our results showed a significant increase in intracellular ROS levels after EMR exposure and it reached the highest level at an exposure time of 1 h (p < 0.05) followed by a slight decrease when the exposure continued for as long as 8 h. No significant effect on the number of γH2AX was detected after EMR exposure. The percentage of late-apoptotic cells in the EMR-exposed group was significantly higher than that in the sham-exposed groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that an 1800-MHz EMR enhances ROS formation and promotes apoptosis in NIH/3T3 cells.

Influence of 1800 MHz GSM-like Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure on Fracture Healing

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether 1800 MHz frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has an effect on bone healing. A total of 30 Wistar albino rats were divided into two equal groups. Fractures were created in the right tibias of all rats; next, intramedullary fixations with K-wire were performed. A control group (Group I) was kept under the same experimental conditions except without EMR exposure. Rats in Group II were exposed to an 1800 MHz frequency EMR for 30 min a day for 5 days a week. Next, radiological, mechanical, and histological examinations were performed to evaluate tibial fracture healing. Radiological, histological and mechanical scores were not significantly different between groups (respectively, p= 0.114, p= 0.184 and p= 0.083), and all of these scores were lower than those of the controls. EMR at 1800 MHz frequency emitted from cellular phones has no effect on bone fracture healing.

The assessment of electromagnetic field radiation exposure for mobile phone users

During recent years, the widespread use of mobile phones has resulted in increased human ex- posure to electromagnetic field radiation and to health risks. Increased usage of mobile phones at the close proximity raises questions and doubts in safety of mobile phone users. The aim of the study was to assess an electromagnetic field radiation exposure for mobile phone users by measuring electromagnetic field strength in different settings at the distance of 1 to 30 cm from the mobile user. In this paper, the measurements of electric field strength exposure were conducted on different brand of mobile phones by the call-related factors: urban/rural area, indoor/outdoor setting and moving/stationary mode during calls. The different types of mobile phone were placed facing the field probe at 1 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm distance. The highest electric field strength was recorded for calls made in rural area (indoors) while the lowest electric field strength was recorded for calls made in urban area (outdoors). Calls made from a phone in a moving car gave a similar result like for indoor calls; however, calls made from a phone in a moving car exposed electric field strength two times more than that of calls in a standing (motionless) position. Electromagnetic field radiation depends on mobile phone power class and factors, like urban or rural area, outdoor or indoor, moving or motionless position, and the distance of the mobile phone from the phone user. It is recommended to keep a mobile phone in the safe distance of 10, 20 or 30 cm from the body (especially head) during the calls.

Electromagnetic Absorption Rate in a Multilayer Human Tissue Model Exposed to Base-Station Radiation Using Transmission Line Analysis

As the wireless communications have recently expanded, the potential effects on human body of electromagnetic (EM) fields produced by the base-station antennas has become of great concern to people especially living near the exclusion zone of the antennas. This letter presents the simulation of an electromagnetic radiation exposure and the calculation of specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature variation for a multilayer human tissue model. The fact that field equations for planar wave propagation are analog to the circuit equations for a wave on a transmission line is exploited to use the lossy transmission line models of the ORCAD PSpice simulator. Exposure simulations are carried out considering a distance of 10 m between a base-station antenna and a multilayer human tissue model for exemplary frequencies of 915 and 2450 MHz. To the authors' knowledge, it is the first time PSPICE has been used for SAR and related temperature rise calculation.

A continuous electromagnetic radiation exposure affected the expressions of Clock and fvii genes in mice

The exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) would increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Central nervous system, especially the suprachiasmatic nucleus in hypothalamus, is a sensitive target of EMR. Clock is a main circadian gene which plays an important role in the circadian system, while factor VII (FVII) plays a central role in the coagulation cascade in the cardiovascular system. To investigate the effect of a continuous EMR exposure on the circadian and cardiovascular systems, we had mature Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice exposed to EMR of different power densities. The intake of food and water, the physiological signs, and the motor activity were monitored to have no significant difference. And their expressions of Clock and fvii genes were detected. Our study showed that a series of EMR exposure to ICR mice would have some key gene expression changed without visible changes in physiological signs and activities. We assume that Clock gene could only regulate fvii gene of some specific organ when the exposure to EMR in a certain range of power density.

Radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation alters the electric potential of Myriophyllum aquaticum

Electric signaling pathways are important for rapid and long-distance communication within a plant. Changes in the electric potential (EP) inside plants have been observed during the propagation of electric signals. Increasing radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the environment raise the question about possible effects of EMR on the EP of plants. In the present experiment, we investigated the effect of 2, 2.5, 3.5, and 5.5 GHz EMR with a maximum field intensity of 23–25 V m−1 on the EP in emergent Myriophyllum aquaticum plants. The 2 and 5.5 GHz exposures caused significant (16 and 13 %) decreases in the standard deviation of rapid fluctuations observed in the EP. The greatest change was caused by 2.5 GHz EMR (23 % increment), although it was not statistically significant. A recovery of the EP was only after 2.5 GHz EMR exposure. The temperature of the plants was not changed by the EMR exposure. These findings confirm the frequency-dependent non-thermal effects of EMR on the EP of plants.

Recent Reports of Wi-Fi and Mobile Phone-Induced Radiation on Oxidative Stress and Reproductive Signaling Pathways in Females and Males

Environmental exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has been increasing with the increasing demand for communication devices. The aim of the study was to discuss the mechanisms and risk factors of EMR changes on reproductive functions and membrane oxidative biology in females and males. It was reported that even chronic exposure to EMR did not increase the risk of reproductive functions such as increased levels of neoantigens abort. However, the results of some studies indicate that EMR induced endometriosis and inflammation and decreased the number of follicles in the ovarium or uterus of rats. In studies with male rats, exposure caused degeneration in the seminiferous tubules, reduction in the number of Leydig cells and testosterone production as well as increases in luteinizing hormone levels and apoptotic cells. In some cases of male and female infertility, increased levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation and decreased values of antioxidants such as melatonin, vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase were reported in animals exposed to EMR. In conclusion, the results of current studies indicate that oxidative stress from exposure to Wi-Fi and mobile phone-induced EMR is a significant mechanism affecting female and male reproductive systems. However, there is no evidence to this date to support an increased risk of female and male infertility related to EMR exposure.

ASSESSMENT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONS FROM COMMUNICATION TRANSMISSION TOWERS - A CASE STUDY OF TANZANIA

The effects of exposure from electromagnetic radiat ions of wireless cellular transmission towers to hu man health have attracted the attention of many researchers. Different works have revealed the harmful of electromagnetic radiation exposure to human health based on distance from the source and period of exp osure. As one stays closer and at a pro-longed peri od from the transmission sites, the possibility of being affected by the radiation source becomes higher. In this work, we review some of the works on assessment of electromagnetic radiation exposure and propose meas ures for determining safety zones based on the case s of cellular transmission towers in the Tanzania environment to avoid extende d exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Effects of electromagnetic pulse on polydactyly of mouse fetuses

There is an increasing public concern regarding potential health impacts from electromagnetic radiation exposure. Embryonic development is sensitive to the external environment, and limb development is vital for life quality. To determine the effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on polydactyly of mouse fetuses, pregnant mice were sham-exposed or exposed to EMP (400 kV/m with 400 pulses) from Days 7 to 10 of pregnancy (Day 0 = day of detection of vaginal plug). As a positive control, mice were treated with 5-bromodeoxyuridine on Days 9 and 10. On Days 11 or 18, the fetuses were isolated. Compared with the sham-exposed group, the group exposed to EMP had increased rates of polydactyly fetuses (5.1% vs. 0.6%, P < 0.05) and abnormal gene expression (22.2% vs. 2.8%, P < 0.05). Ectopic expression of Fgf4 was detected in the apical ectodermal ridge, whereas overexpression and ectopic expression of Shh were detected in the zone of polarizing activity of limbs in the EMP-exposed group and in the positive control group. However, expression of Gli3 decreased in mesenchyme cells in those two groups. The percentages of programmed cell death of limbs in EMP-exposed and positive control group were decreased (3.57% and 2.94%, respectively, P < 0.05, compared with 7.76% in sham-exposed group). In conclusion, polydactyly induced by EMP was accompanied by abnormal expression of the above-mentioned genes and decreased percentage of programmed cell death during limb development.

Effect of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on oxidative stress in rat brain and serum

The increasing use of mobile telephones raises the question of possible adverse effects of the electromagnetic fields (EMF) that these phones produce. In this study, we examined the oxidative stress in the brain tissue and serum of rats that resulted from exposure to a 900-MHz EMF at a whole body average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.08 W/kg for 1 h/day for 3 weeks. We also examined the antioxidant effect of garlic powder (500 mg/kg/day) given orally to EMF-exposed rats. We found that malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.001) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) (p < 0.05) increased in rat brain tissue exposed to the EMF and that garlic reduced these effects (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the nitric oxide (NO) levels in the brain. Paraoxonase (PON) was not detected in the brain. There was a significant increase in the levels of NO (p < 0.001) detected in the serum after EMF exposure, and garlic intake did not affect this increase in NO. Our results suggest that there is a significant increase in brain lipid and protein oxidation after electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure and that garlic has a protective effect against this oxidative stress.

What is the impact of electromagnetic waves on epileptic seizures?

BackgroundThe effects of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) on humans and their relationship with various disorders have been investigated. We aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to different frequencies of EMWs in various durations in a mouse epilepsy model induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ).Material/MethodsA total of 180 4-week-old male mice weighing 25–30 g were used in this study. Each experimental group consisted of 10 mice. They were exposed to 900, 700, 500, 300, and 100 MHz EMWs for 20 hours, 12 hours and 2 hours. Following electromagnetic radiation exposure, 60 mg/kg of PTZ was injected intraperitoneally to all mice. Each control was also injected with PTZ without any exposure to EMW. The latency of initial seizure and most severe seizure onset were compared with controls.ResultsThe shortest initial seizure latency was noted in the 12-hour group, followed by the 700 MHz. The mean initial seizure latencies in the 2-hour EMW exposed group was significantly shorter compared to that in the 12- and 20-hour groups. There was no significant difference between 12- and 20-hour EMW exposed groups. There was a significant difference between control and 2- and 10-hour EMW exposed groups. No statistically significant differences were noted in mean latencies of the most severe seizure latency, following 20-, 12-, and 2- hour EMW exposed groups and control groups.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that acute exposure to EMW may facilitate epileptic seizures, which may be independent of EMW exposure time. This information might be important for patients with epilepsy. Further studies are needed.

Geometry-based optimization of radio-frequency coils for powering neuroprosthetic implants

Biomedical implants powered by inductive links have several advantages over batteries or percutaneous power linkages. The inductive link power transfer efficiency must be optimized to realize the full advantage over other power delivery technologies. Optimization is also important to reduce the electromagnetic radiation exposure, reduce secondary heating effects and improve power efficiency, so that large primary side storage batteries are not required. Geometric constraints, i.e., size and shape, of biomedical implants are a primary concern of device design. In this paper, we present a novel coil optimization strategy driven by geometric constraints. By considering the relationship between wire diameter, number of turns, quality factor, coupling coefficient and shape of coil, we can optimize the inductively coupled coils to maximize the power transfer efficiency under stringent geometric constraints. This new approach is verified using a design example targeted for an intraocular visual prosthesis. In this example, we demonstrate an experimental power transfer efficiency of 52% by co-optimization of the primary and secondary coils.

Public safety assessment of electromagnetic radiation exposure from mobile base stations

Exposure of the general public to electromagnetic radiation originating from randomly selected GSM/WCDMA base stations in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been assessed in the context of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. The purpose of the measurement was to record the maximum power density of signals to estimate possible worst case exposure at each measurement location. These power density measurements were carried out at 60 mobile base stations located in different regions of the city. For each of these sites, three sectors were operational, yielding a total of 180 sectors. Two positions were identified per site with the greatest power density values. Exposures from these base stations were generally found to be in the range of 0.313 to 0.00000149% of the ICNIRP general public reference level, and the greatest exposure near any of the base stations was 21.96 mW m−2 for a wideband measurement in the 75–3000 MHz frequency range. Analysis of the measured data reveals several trends for different mobile bands with respect to maximum exposure in those locations. Additionally, a simplified calculation method for the electromagnetic fields was used to compare calculated and the measured data. It was determined, on the basis of both results of the measurements and calculations carried out for these selected base stations, that members of the public would not be exposed to in excess of a small fraction of the ICNIRP guidelines at any of those sites. These are first such measurements to be made in the Middle East and provide assurance that exposures in this region of the world do not seem to be any greater than elsewhere.

A Study Case on the Impact of Prolonged Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation, among Iraqi Students, on RBC- AChE Activity

The effects of moderate and extremely high exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phone on the activity of RBC-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were investigated. AChE activity was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy by Ellman modified method. The results demonstrated that the prolonged exposure (3-5 hrs) to electromagnetic radiation increased enzyme activity while the main inactivation took place in moderate exposure (1-2 hrs) among young male undergraduate students (18-25 year ages). In conclusion, according to the changes observed in the AChE activity, it is proposed that the increasing duration of electromagnetic radiation exposure causes an increase in cholinergic activity.

Green Communication- A Stipulation to Reduce Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity from Cellular Phone

With the introduction of wireless communication technologies cellular phones and base stations became more prominent. Since wireless technology has come into existence in the last decades but now the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure levels has amplified many folds because of the extensive use of cellular phone. In general, cellular phones irradiate an average power of 0.2-0.6 watts when operated near to the head and likely 40-50% electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorbed into the brain. In order to reduce EMR from wireless devices or cellular phones, debates for green communication have been initiated and highly appreciated by technocrats or innovators. In this study we are lighting over the stipulation of green communication in terms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) among cellular users from its irradiation. Prevalence of EHS for Headache symptom was assessed among 659 cellular phone users in India. Risk assessment was made on the basis of age, gender and ethnicity. Study also aimed to compare ‘headache’ among 4 individual groups, i.e., low users (LU), normal users (NU), moderate users (MU) and heavy users (HU). The questionnaire was designed to collect the information for demographic and social characteristics, cellular phone utilization patterns, association of the symptom to the subjects and awareness over the safety measures to reduce the cellular phone's exposure. The overall 92 users reported headache and association of headache symptom was found greater with normal, moderate and heavy cellular phone users when compared to low users. Although significant association were not found within these individual groups in overall analysis but a trend (p=0.091) was observed among moderate users. Risk of headache among moderate users was 1.6 fold increased (95% CI: 0.925 – 2.827) than the low users. The risk at significant level was not found on the basis of gender, ethnicity and age, yet moderate users those belong to rural areas, had more than 3 times increased risk (OR-3.438; CI: 1.117-10.58) of headache than the low users of same ethnicity. Furthermore, concept of green communication would play a vital role to minimize the cellular irradiation and then possibilities of EHS can be reduced among cellular users.

Medium wave exposure characterisation using exposure quotients

One of the aspects considered in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines is that, in situations of simultaneous exposure to fields of different frequencies, exposure quotients for thermal and electrical stimulation effects should be examined. The aim of the present work was to analyse the electromagnetic radiation levels and exposure quotients for exposure to multiple-frequency sources in the vicinity of medium wave radio broadcasting antennas. The measurements were made with a spectrum analyser and a monopole antenna. Kriging interpolation was used to prepare contour maps and to estimate the levels in the towns and villages of the zone. The results showed that the exposure quotient criterion based on electrical stimulation effects to be more stringent than those based on thermal effects or power density levels. Improvement of dosimetry evaluations requires the spectral components of the radiation to be quantified, followed by application of the criteria for exposure to multiple-frequency sources.