Wellness Effects of EMF Radiation RF-EMF radiation can cause DNA damage, tissue heating and disrupt the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real, and ARPANSA is actively involved with the EHS community, medical specialists as well as researchers. The agency will continue to examine research regarding the health effects of EMF radiation.

RF-EMF damages DNA
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage as well as adverse health consequences. EMFs can affect intracellular ionic concentrations, which are crucial to maintain the electrochemical balance of cells. It can also alter the balance of cell metabolism, resulting to DNA damage. Furthermore, exposure to EMFs is also associated with an increase in the production of free radicals as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Exposure to RF-EMF radiation has been linked to changes in the male germ cell''s development. This is due to the transformation of germ cells into spermatozoa, aswell maturation of the functional aspect as spermatozoa travel across the epididymis. To study the effects of RF-EMF on male germ cell development, a specifically-designed waveguide device was developed for the exposure of unrestrained mice to RF-EMF in the range of 2.2 W/kg.

In a study that was conducted recently, researchers have discovered exposure to RF-EME causes oxidative DNA damage in the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased by 18% after an entire week of treatment and by 23% after 5 weeks. Furthermore, DNA damage in mitochondria was observed by measuring the level of a biomarker, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG).

However it isn''t yet considered a carcinogen. But, numerous studies have revealed that exposure to RF-EMF can affect DNA health in variety of cell varieties. In one of these studies, scientists were exposed Vero cells with an EMF of 100 Hz for about 45 minutes. They evaluated DNA damage 48 hours after exposure to determine whether the exposure had a negative effect on DNA integrity.

RF-EMF causes tissue heating
Although the effects of RF EMF are usually thought to have thermal origins, some studies have demonstrated that non-thermal effects are also present. These may be the reason for some of the unsolved issues in epidemiological studies on EMF hypersensitivity. It is therefore important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting systematic reviews.

Non-thermal effects from the RF-EMF can occur on the cell''s membrane. This is an area of research that has been thoroughly investigated. Particularly, the electrochemical behavior of cell membranes has been studied. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMF higher than 1 MHz is transmitted into the tissues through dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy transferred to the tissue could be up to 200 kV/m.


The electric properties of tissues are regulated through the distribution and composition of water molecules and other molecules inside the body. This determines how absorbent EMR RF is by various tissues. Tissues with higher conductivity tend to absorb more of the field and cause more of an effect. This is the reason the degree of tissue heating does not increase steadily between the outside and inside the body, but occurs in hot areas. Bone and fatty tissue are less susceptible to RF heating than other tissues, because they are not as water-based. content.

The depth of penetration of the electromagnetic field is determined by the frequency and strength that the electromagnetic field has. Muscle tissue absorbs more radiation than most tissues and transforms it into heat more effectively. Usually the penetration depth for RF EMF is determined as millimeters (mm). However, the greater the frequency, the more shallow the penetration.

RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have discovered that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier changing sleep patterns as well as neurotransmitter levels. Additionally, the effects that EMF affect brain function are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For example, EMF from mobile phones could affect the electroencephalogram''s activity and sleep patterns, in addition to the actions of nitric Oxide and xanthin oxidase.

Researchers at Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF EMF in brain cells. emf radiation protection examined what effects ELF EMFs on the nervous system. While the mechanisms of the cell involved are not completely understood but there is a clear association between ELF-EMF exposure and depletion of myelin. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. However, there are proven methods for regenerating myelin inside the brain.

Researchers have found that exposure to 900 MHz EMF caused a rise in the permeability of the BBB and increased the signs of neuronal injury in rats. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Additionally, they observed the following: after about 30 min of 900 MHz exposure 99mTcMIBI increased its diffusion in the cortex. But, this effect did not happen with Evans blue injections.

Despite these findings, RF EMF has no clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. The evidence suggests that nonthermal EMF exposure can increase erythrocyte membrane permeability, which may affect the BBB and enhance calcium ion efflux. Moreover, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer in the brain is also linked to increased permeability of BBB.