Non-ionizing Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

Terahertz Electromagnetic Fields (0.106 THz) Do Not Induce Manifest Genomic Damage In Vitro

Terahertz electromagnetic fields are non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the frequency range from 0.1 to 10 THz. Potential applications of these electromagnetic fields include the whole body scanners, which currently apply millimeter waves just below the terahertz range, but future scanners will use higher frequencies in the terahertz range. These and other applications will bring along human exposure to these fields. Up to now, only a limited number of investigations on biological effects of terahertz electromagnetic fields have been performed. Therefore, research is strongly needed to enable reliable risk assessment.Cells were exposed for 2 h, 8 h, and 24 h with different power intensities ranging from 0.04 mW/cm2 to 2 mW/cm2, representing levels below, at, and above current safety limits. Genomic damage on the chromosomal level was measured as micronucleus formation. DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites were quantified with the comet assay. No DNA strand breaks or alkali-labile sites were observed as a consequence of exposure to terahertz electromagnetic fields in the comet assay. The fields did not cause chromosomal damage in the form of micronucleus induction.

The histopathological effects of an electromagnetic field on the kidney and testis of mice

The present study investigates the possible histopathological effects of isothermal non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the kidney and testis of mice. Forty five adult male BALB/c mice were divided into two experimental groups and a control group. One group was exposed to frequency electromagnetic radiation between 3.9 x 10/4 Hz and 7.5 x 1014 Hz for 8 h per day for 3 days and other group was exposed to frequency electromagnetic radiation between 3.9 x 1014 Hz and 7.5 x 1014 Hz for 8 h per day for 12 days. At the end of the exposed period, light microscopical studies. Significant histopathological alterations were observed in the treated animals after 3 days. The kidney showed congested blood vessels, vacuolated and degenerated renal tubules with necrosis in the renal epithelium, dilatation of Bowman's capsule with atrophied glomeruli, and infiltration of leucocytes. The testis showed atrophied seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue expended the space between the seminiferous tubules, necrosis in the germinal epithelial cells of the seminiferous tubules, a decrease in sertoli cells, deceleration of spermatogenesis, and degeneration of germ cells. The histopathological alterations in the kidney and testis were more obvious after 12 days of treatment.

Studies on the origin of non-specific symptoms attributed to exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields.

Event Abstract Back to Event Studies on the origin of non-specific symptoms attributed to exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields. O. Drozdovszky1, R. Szemerszky2, F. Köteles2 and G. Bárdos1, 2* 1 Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungary 2 Eötvös Loránd University, Institute for Health Promotion and Sport Sciencies, Hungary Although the adverse effects of the non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have not been proven, there are frequent complaints about non-specific symptoms (e.g. headache, dizziness, sleeping disturbances, etc.) attributed to EMF exposure. Our aim was to study the influence of psychological factors (e.g. negative expectancies, worrying about EMF) as well as direct biological effects of EMF exposure on the complaints. In animal experiments, male and female Wistar rat embrios or pups, respectively, had been exposed to an EMF of 50 Hz, 0.5 mT for 168 hours and were examined later in 3 different behavioral tests (locomotor activity, Elevated Plus Maze, Social Avoidance). In another, human study, 72 volunteers filled up symptom expectancy and modern health worries /MHW/ questionnaires, then put one hand between two active electromagnetic coils and were asked to mark experienced items from a list of 19 somatic symptoms. Although some minor effects following EMF exposure in the animal experiments have been found, the changes were small and inconsistent. In other words, we could not reproduce the human symptoms in animal models thus their biological origin has still remained questionable. In the human study, those participants experienced more symptoms during the exposure who had shown more symptom expectancies (r=0,54; p<0,000) and increased worries (r=0,25; p=0,035), proving that psychological factors may really affect and enchace EMF-induced symptom perception. Keywords: Behaviour and cognition, Neuroscience Conference: 13th Conference of the Hungarian Neuroscience Society (MITT), Budapest, Hungary, 20 Jan - 22 Jan, 2011. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Behaviour and cognition Citation: Drozdovszky O, Szemerszky R, Köteles F and Bárdos G (2011). Studies on the origin of non-specific symptoms attributed to exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields.. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: 13th Conference of the Hungarian Neuroscience Society (MITT). doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2011.84.00110 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 03 Mar 2011; Published Online: 23 Mar 2011. * Correspondence: Dr. G. Bárdos, Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Budapest, Hungary, bardosgy@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers O. Drozdovszky R. Szemerszky F. Köteles G. Bárdos Google O. Drozdovszky R. Szemerszky F. Köteles G. Bárdos Google Scholar O. Drozdovszky R. Szemerszky F. Köteles G. Bárdos PubMed O. Drozdovszky R. Szemerszky F. Köteles G. Bárdos Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

On the Spatial Averaging of Multiple Narrowband Electromagnetic Field Measurements: Methods and Uncertainty Estimation

Methods of computational prediction can be used or specific measurements have to be performed for the estimation of human exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic fields at a certain place. According to the exposure standards, the predicted or the measured values have to be spatially averaged in an area representing the dimensions of the human body and compared with the adopted maximum permissible levels of exposure. In this paper, methods for spatial averaging nonionizing electromagnetic fields are discussed. Moreover, methods for estimating spatial average uncertainty of the total field strength values and of the summation of exposure quotients when narrowband measurements are performed in a multiple-frequency environment are proposed. Furthermore, since maximum field values have to be averaged according to the most widely accepted exposure standards, the traffic-dependent power level variation issue is also addressed. In particular, for GSM systems, an extrapolation method to the maximum possible field levels using data from real-time measurements when the frequency allocation per operator base station and the spatial distribution of the exposure sources are unknown is also proposed. Finally, an uncertainty estimation procedure associated to the extrapolated levels is presented.

Medical applications of electromagnetic fields

In this article, we describe two possible applications of low-intensity non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) for the treatment of malaria and cancer, respectively. In malaria treatment, a low-intensity extremely-low frequency magnetic field can be used to induce vibration of hemozoin, a super-paramagnetic polymer particle, inside malaria parasites. This disturbance could cause free radical and mechanical damages leading to the death of the parasite. This concept has been tested in vitro on malaria parasites and found to be effective. This may provide a low cost effective treatment for malaria infection in humans. The rationale for cancer treatment using low-intensity EMF is based on two concepts that have been well established in the literature: (1) low-intensity non-thermal EMF enhances cytotoxic free radicals via the iron-mediated Fenton reaction; and (2) cancer cells have higher amounts of free iron, thus are more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of EMF. Since normal cells contain minimal amount of free iron, the effect would be selectively targeting cancer cells. Thus, no adverse side effect would be expected as in traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This concept has also been tested on human cancer cell and normal cells in vitro and proved to be feasible.

Cooperative biological effects between ionizing radiation and other physical and chemical agents

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), at environmentally and therapeutically relevant doses or as a result of diagnostics or accidents, causes cyto- and genotoxic damage. However, exposure to IR alone is a rare event as it occurs in spatial and temporal combination with several physico-chemical agents. Some of these are of known noxiousness, as is the case with chemical compounds at high dose, hence additive/synergistic effects can be expected or have been demonstrated. Conversely, the cellular toxicity of other agents, such as non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), is only presumed and their short- and long-term cooperation on IR-induced damage remains undetermined. In this review, we shall examine evidence in support of the interplay between spatially and/or temporally related environmentally relevant stressors. In vitro or animal-based studies as well as epidemiological surveys have generally examined the combined action of no more than a couple of known or potentially DNA-damaging agents. Moreover, most existing research mainly focused on short-term effects of combined exposures. Hence, it is important that quantitative research addresses the issue of the possible cooperation between chronic exposure to environmental trace contaminants and exposure to EMFs, examining not only the modulation of damage acutely induced by IR but also long-term genome stability.

Simulation of a toy model of cylindrical cells submitted to nonionizing electromagnetic field: Effect of membrane cell disruption

At the continuum level, the dielectric response that a core-shell model of biological cells must have when they are stimulated by an electric field is investigated. For computational ease, we consider a toy model of two space dimensions modeling field simulation that describe the continuity and conservation of electric flux corresponding to the response of infinite cylinders in three space dimensions. Ab initio calculations were performed using the finite-element method described by [Salou et al., J. Appl. Phys. 105, 114702 (2009)]. In this toy model, the shell-like structure of the biological cell is perforated. The frequency and angle-dependent electric field-induced transmembrane potential (EFITP) is found to change from the nonperforated situation at low frequencies of the oscillating electric field (below the β relaxation frequency of the cell). Our modeling results illustrate complexities involved in evaluating the influence of the hole number in the membrane and their positions in the field on the EFITP. The results also point out that significant differences occur in both the modulus and phase spectra of the EFITP when a surface density of free charges is present at the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane as compared with that those predicted with no surface charge. What is so special about this heterostructure arrangement is that it produces anisotropy in the higher and lower than the β relaxation frequency of the cell regions, while the field penetration inside the cell in the lower-frequency region is very sensitive to the number of the pores into the infinitesimally thin membrane. The results are compared to Asami’s finite difference modeling of the complex permittivity spectra of spherical cell models having holes in the membrane [J. Phys. D 39, 492 (2006)].

Overall Uncertainty Estimation in Multiple Narrow-Band In Situ Electromagnetic Field Measurements

The possible adverse effects on human health of exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic fields have led international organizations and several countries to adopt exposure limits regarding public or occupational safety. To ensure compliance with these limits, specifically designed measurements with suitable instruments have to be performed. Since uncertainty is always present even when expensive instrumentation is employed, the final results from computations of the measured data deviate from the respective true values. The divergence depends on the instrumentation employed, the used methodology, or even the random effects, e.g., human factors or environmental conditions. In this paper, a method for evaluating total uncertainty when multiple narrow-band electromagnetic field measurements are performed is proposed. This is very common when exposure in residential areas is assessed.

Electromagnetic field (EMF) effects on channel activity of nanopore OmpF protein

In this study, the effects of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF; 925 MHz) on the OmpF porin channel have been characterized at the single-channel level. Channel activity was recorded in real time by the voltage clamp method. Our results showed an increase in the frequency of channel gating and voltage sensitivity. The effects of EMF lasted for several milliseconds after the field source was terminated. However, the conductance levels of channels did not change significantly. Thermal effects of EMF on single-channel properties are a possible cause, based on theoretical evaluation of results that were comparable to those seen in conventional experiments at different temperatures. We conclude that EMF affects both the dynamics and conformation of the channel, either directly by affecting critical amino acid side-chain arrangement, or indirectly, via the electrolyte or the lipid membrane.

Biological effects and safety in magnetic resonance imaging: a review.

Since the introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic technique, the number of people exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has increased dramatically. In this review, based on the results of a pioneer study showing in vitro and in vivo genotoxic effects of MRI scans, we report an updated survey about the effects of non-ionizing EMF employed in MRI, relevant for patients’ and workers’ safety. While the whole data does not confirm a risk hypothesis, it suggests a need for further studies and prudent use in order to avoid unnecessary examinations, according to the precautionary principle.

Electromagnetic fields and DNA damage

A major concern of the adverse effects of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic field (EMF) is cancer induction. Since the majority of cancers are initiated by damage to a cell's genome, studies have been carried out to investigate the effects of electromagnetic fields on DNA and chromosomal structure. Additionally, DNA damage can lead to changes in cellular functions and cell death. Single cell gel electrophoresis, also known as the ‘comet assay’, has been widely used in EMF research to determine DNA damage, reflected as single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, and crosslinks. Studies have also been carried out to investigate chromosomal conformational changes and micronucleus formation in cells after exposure to EMF. This review describes the comet assay and its utility to qualitatively and quantitatively assess DNA damage, reviews studies that have investigated DNA strand breaks and other changes in DNA structure, and then discusses important lessons learned from our work in this area.

On the uncertainty estimation of electromagnetic field measurements using field sensors: a general approach

One of the most common and popular practices on measuring the non-ionising electric and/or magnetic field strength employs field meters and the appropriate electric and/or magnetic field strength sensors. These measurements have to meet several requirements proposed by specific guidelines or standards. On the other hand, performing non-ionising exposure assessment using real measurement data can be a very difficult task due to instrumentation limits and uncertainties. In addition, each measuring technique, practice and recommendation has its own drawbacks. In this paper, a methodology for estimating the overall uncertainty for such measurements, including uncertainty estimation of spatial average values of electric or magnetic field strengths, is proposed. Estimating and reporting measurement uncertainty are of great importance, especially when the measured values are very close to the established limits of human exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields.

Light, literacy and the absence of ultraviolet radiation in the development of myopia

As the prevalence of myopia steadily increases, reaching as high as 90% in some populations, investigators continue to look for causative factors other than family history. Most current research suggests an association of axial myopia with reading or either the presence or absence of light. Even though these studies are frequently inconsistent, non-reproducible or contradictory, many clinicians utilize them in recommending treatments for children, such as bifocals or atropine. By reviewing the biologic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields, we may gain insight into these discrepancies as well as unify the combined role of literacy and light in the pathogenesis of myopia. These biologic effects are wavelength specific. The wavelength of artificial (either incandescent or fluorescent) light is primarily 700-400 nm, while the wavelength of natural light is 700-200 nm, inclusive of the ultraviolet spectrum. So the opposite findings of myopia resulting from either accommodation under continuous light or under darkness (form deprivation) can be reconciled by restating it: Close focusing in the absence of UV light may provoke axial myopia. Experimental evidence exhibiting both scleral remodeling under accommodation as well as the inhibition of scleral remodeling by the hardening of collagen under ultraviolet exposure may support this concept. Perhaps new research can look into the role of the presence or absence of UV light in animal models of myopia.

EMFs and Childhood Leukemia

In their otherwise informative and concise review of the current state of evidence concerning risk factors for acute childhood leukemia, Belson et al. (2007) did not correctly address nonionizing radiation and, in particular, power frequency magnetic fields as a possible risk factor for childhood leukemia. This failure may be due to a widespread misconception about the evidence concerning nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) as a health hazard. It is also apparent in the Churchill County leukemia cluster study published in the same issue, in which Rubin et al. (2007) investigated a multitude of factors, many with sparse or ambiguous previous evidence of an association with childhood leukemia. Although power frequency magnetic fields have been classified as a possible human carcinogen (group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 2002) and by a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) working group (NIEHS 1998), based on the evidence of an association with childhood leukemia, these were apparently not considered by Rubin et al. (2007). In their review of nonionizing radiation, Belson et al. (2007) inappropriately mixed original research and pooled analyses, further contributing to the prevailing confusion. Both Ahlbom et al. (2000) and Greenland et al. (2000) presented pooled analyses that included the important study of Linet et al. (1997). Hence, it is inappropriate to present results of the latter as an independent source. Almost all epidemiologic studies of residential exposure to power frequency magnetic fields published before 1999 are included in either the pooled analyses of Ahlbom et al. (2000) or Greenland et al. (2000). Only the study of Myers et al. (1990) was not included because authors refused to provide requested data. Although the study of Linet et al. (1997) is often cited as failing to support the hypothesis of an association between residential exposure to magnetic fields and childhood leukemia [it was also cited by Belson et al. (2007)], it actually was one of the most important supporters of an association in the pooled analyses and contributed the greatest number of highly exposed children. Two large and well-conducted studies published after the pooled analyses (Kabuto et al. 2006; Schuz et al. 2001) lend further support to the results of the pooled analyses of an increased risk from high average levels of magnetic field exposure. It is also incorrect to characterize the evidence as “some have found a small association … while others have not ….” First of all, the association is not small, but is comparable or larger than that for all other factors considered by Belson et al. (2007). Second, the evidence is consistent across different continents, study types, measurement methods, and other factors. Of course, there are potential sources of bias, in particular selection bias. However, thorough investigations of these potential biases have rendered it unlikely that they can completely explain the association. Up to now, there is no other risk factor of childhood leukemia that has been as comprehensively studied concerning possible biases and confounding factors. It is high time that exposure to power frequency EMFs is recognized as a potential risk factor for childhood leukemia and is properly included in the protocols of cluster studies and in epidemiologic studies of other risk factors as a potential confounder.

Effect of GSM-900 and -1800 signals on the skin of hairless rats. I: 2-hour acute exposures

Purpose: The acute influence on the skin of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the radiofrequency (RF) range used in mobile telephony has not been widely studied to date. The purpose of this work was to determine whether the cells of hairless rat skin are affected by acute local exposure to Global System for Mobile Communication: GSM-900 or -1800 RadioFrequency Radiation (RFR).Materials and methods: Hairless female rats were exposed or sham-exposed for 2 h to GSM-900 or -1800 signals, using a loop-antenna located on the right part of the rats' back. The local Specific Absorption rate (SAR) at skin level was ca. 5 W/kg (5.8±0.4 and 4.8±0.4 W/kg at 900 and 1800 MHz, respectively). A skin biopsy was done at the end of the experiment not only at the location of exposure, but also on the symmetrical part of the back.Results: Analysis of skin sections using Hematoxylin Eosin Saffron (HES) coloration showed no difference in skin thickness or apparent cell toxicity (with no sign of cellular necrosis) among the animal groups. Histological analysis of the epidermis showed that the ratio between cells expressing the antigen Ki-67 (cellular proliferation marker) and the total number of cells remained within the range of normal proliferation ratio for the exposed side of the animal. No Ki-67 labelling was observed at the dermis level. Results on filaggrin, collagen and elastin levels also showed an insignificant influence of RFR.Conclusions: These results do not demonstrate any major physical and histological variations at skin level induced by RFR used in mobile telephony.

Risk, Controversy, and Rhetoric: Response to Goodnight

It makes sense to use controversy as a way for argumentation and rhetorical studies to contribute to study of science and technology, for controversy is central to both. Controversy provides occasions and strategies for rhetoric. Contrarianism is of essence in rhetoric, according to Thomas Sloane (3), and he draws out its presence throughout rhetorical tradition--in disputation, Ciceronian controversia, pro and con thinking, dissoi logoi, Erasmian via diversa, argument in utramque partem, and so forth. Burke puts idea a little differently, emphasizing divisions that make rhetoric necessary: the Scramble, Wrangle of MarketPlace, flurries and flare-ups of Human Barnyard, Give and Take, ... Logomachy (23). Although traditional views of science held that scientific method obviates controversy, more recent views put controversy at center of scientific progress. (1) Karl Popper, for example, characterized science as conjectures and refutations, reasoning that because we cannot verify a proposition by any number of observations, we instead conjecture, or jump to conclusions from a limited number of observations and then subject conclusion to subsequent observations in an attempt to falsify or refute it. Thomas Kuhn described science as a sequence of activities, from normal puzzle-solving and accumulation of anomalies to crisis and revolution, with controversy characterizing last two of these. As Professor Goodnight notes, other STS scholars have emphasized policy issues and public controversies that science and technology can instigate. Controversy thus can be seen both as an engine internal to science and as an external consequence of its epistemic innovations (and artifactual innovations of technology) as they diffuse beyond forums and enclaves of scientific community and skunk-works of technological RD lawsuits and public hearings open files; disagreements between experts disturb seamless surface of unquestioned facts; competition between proprietors or between products challenges culturally embedded technical systems. But Professor Goodnight means to point out more than these possibly commonplace notions about how controversy makes rhetorical study of science and technology possible. Controversy, he emphasizes, also is persistent condition that makes such studies useful and important, both in understanding continuing operations of modernity and in addressing critical public problems. In what follows, I offer some observations based on two recent studies of my own that substantiate some of Professor Goodnight's contentions and suggest some additions to his agenda. I've looked in some detail at nuclear power controversy of 1970s and at more recent controversy about biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (Presumptions; Novelty). The early controversy over nuclear power is represented in 1975 Reactor Safety Study, also known as Rasmussen report, prepared for Atomic Energy Commission. Now understood as first real risk analysis, it was begun in anticipation of Congressional controversy over renewal of Price-Anderson Act, which protected electric utilities from liability in case of a nuclear reactor accident. The report, however, did little to quell controversy, but rather became a subject of controversy itself, both inside and outside expert community. In one sense, this controversy was lost by experts to public opinion and economic conditions: although Price-Anderson Act was renewed in late 1975, nuclear power became a moribund technology, with no new plants ordered after 1978 and all 41 orders placed after 1973 canceled or rejected by state regulators. (3) In another sense, however, experts prevailed in making risk analysis methods of Rasmussen report basis for decision making in a large number of other areas of science-based controversy. …

Electromagnetic Fields: Lai’s Response

I agree with Stevens that free radicals and changes in oxidative state in cells could play an important mediating role in some biological effects of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), such as DNA damage. Certainly, cellular iron metabolism affects these processes. Genetic damage in cells can lead to malignancy and cancer. However, excessive cumulative genetic damages could also result in cell death. One possibility is that EMFs may be useful in treating cancer.

A new system to perform continuous target tracking for radiation and surgery using non-ionizing alternating current electromagnetics

A new technology based on alternating current (AC) nonionizing electromagnetic fields has been developed to enable precise localization and continuous tracking of mobile soft tissue targets or tumors during radiation therapy and surgery. The technology utilizes miniature, permanently implanted, wireless transponders (Beacon™ Transponders) and a novel array to enable objective localization and continuous tracking of targets in three-dimensional space. The characteristics of this system include use of safe, nonionizing electromagnetic fields; negligible tissue interaction, delivery of inherently objective three-dimensional data, continuous operation during external beam radiation therapy or surgery. Feasibility testing has shown the system was capable of locating and continuously tracking transponders with submillimeter accuracy at tracking rates of up to 10 Hz and was unaffected by operational linear accelerator. Preclinical animal studies have shown the transponders to be suitable for permanent implantation and early human clinical studies have demonstrated the feasibility of inserting transponders into the prostate. This system will enable accurate initial patient setup and provide real-time target tracking demanded by today's highly conformal radiation techniques and has significant potential as a surgical navigation platform.

Biological Correlates of Electromagnetic Field Exposure

The advancement in technology has led to an increasing use of electricity and electrical devices carrying the levels of electromagnetic fields in the environment much above the naturally occurring limits. In turn the nonionizing electromagnetic field interactions with biological systems have become important for it gives rise to a variety of phenomena which at times seem to be beyond the purview of the known laws of physics. The probable reasons are that there are so many uncontrollable parameters that need to be accounted for. The effects are broadly divided into two parts: thermal and non thermal. The dividing line between the two, though marked is now being questioned for its validity. On the top of this no such line is drawn for modulated fields and extremely low frequency fields, where the bulk of data are now emerging. This paper deals with such issues and outlines the probable causes and effects. The interactions of EMF with the living cells are considered as stochastic resonances, cooperative effects, non-equilibrium thermodynamic process and non-linear interactions. Also available criteria for safe exposure limits of electromagnetic field to humans is also discussed.

Radio frequency electromagnetic fields: cancer, mutagenesis, and genotoxicity.

We present critiques of epidemiologic studies and experimental investigations, published mostly in peer-reviewed journals, on cancer and related effects from exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic fields in the nominal frequency range of 3 kHz to 300 GHz of interest to Subcommittee 4 (SC4) of the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES). The major topics discussed are presented under the headings Epidemiologic and Other Findings on Human Exposure, Mammals Exposed In Vivo, Mammalian Live Tissues and Cell Preparations Exposed In Vitro, and Mutagenesis and Genotoxicity in Microorganisms and Fruit Flies. Under each major topic, we present minireviews of papers on various specific endpoints investigated. The section on Epidemiologic and Other Findings on Human Exposure is divided into two subsections, the first on possible carcinogenic effects of exposure from emitters not in physical contact with the populations studied, for example, transmitting antennas and other devices. Discussed in the second subsection are studies of postulated carcinogenic effects from use of mobile phones, with prominence given to brain tumors from use of cellular and cordless telephones in direct physical contact with an ear of each subject. In both subsections, some investigations yielded positive findings, others had negative findings, including papers directed toward experimentally verifying positive findings, and both were reported in a few instances. Further research on various important aspects may resolve such differences. Overall, however, the preponderance of published epidemiologic and experimental findings do not support the supposition that in vivo or in vitro exposures to such fields are carcinogenic.