Outdoor EMF Infrastructure Research

P., Bellier, P. V., Gajda, G. B., Lavallee, B. F., Marro, L., Lemay, E. and Thansandote, A

McNamee, J. · 2003

Nonlinear changes in brain electrical activity due to cell phone radiation

Marino AA, Nilsen E, Frilot C · 2003

Researchers exposed rabbits to cell phone radiation (800 MHz, 600 mW) simulating normal human use and measured EEG changes using a nonlinear recurrence analysis. The EEG was significantly affected in nine of ten rabbits, with increased randomness beginning about 100 ms after field onset and lasting approximately 300 ms. Control experiments showed no effect after sacrifice or when the antenna was moved to the chest, indicating the effect required brain energy absorption.

The effect of chronic exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA or 847.74 MHz CDMA radiofrequency radiation on the incidence of spontaneous tumors in rats.

La Regina M et al. · 2003

Eighty male and 80 female rats were randomly placed in each of three irradiation groups: sham, 835.62 MHz FDMA, and 847.74 MHz CDMA, with exposure 4 hours per day, 5 days per week for 2 years. There were no significant differences in final body weights or survival days between groups, and no significant differences in any tumor incidence between treated and sham-exposed animals. The researchers concluded that chronic exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA or 847.74 MHz CDMA RF radiation had no significant effect on spontaneous tumor incidence in F344 rats.

Age-related effects on induction of DNA strand breaks by intermittent exposure to electromagnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2003

Researchers exposed cultured fibroblasts from six healthy donors of different ages to intermittent ELF-EMF at 50 Hz and 1 mT for 1 to 24 hours. Basal DNA strand break levels correlated with donor age. The maximum DNA strand break response occurred at 15 to 19 hours of exposure. This response was more pronounced in cells from older donors, suggesting an age-related decrease in DNA repair efficiency.

The effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on the frequency of micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange in human lymphocytes induced by benzo(a)pyrene

Unknown authors · 2003

The effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on the frequency of micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange in human lymphocytes induced by benzo(a)pyrene

Unknown authors · 2003

Researchers exposed human immune cells to 60 Hz electromagnetic fields (like power lines) along with a known cancer-causing chemical called benzo(a)pyrene. They found that EMF exposure significantly increased genetic damage when combined with the chemical, compared to the chemical alone. The study suggests EMF may act as an amplifier of cancer-causing processes rather than directly causing cancer itself.

Comparisons of peak SAR levels in concentric sphere head models of children and adults for irradiation by a dipole at 900 MHz.

Anderson V. · 2003

The study aimed to examine the scale and significance of differences in peak specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in the brains of children and adults exposed to radiofrequency emissions from mobile phones. Model analyses using a three-layered spherical head exposed to a dipole at 900 MHz showed that peak brain 10 g averaged SAR in 4, 8, 12, and 16 year olds increased by factors of 1.31, 1.23, 1.15, and 1.07 compared to an average adult. The researchers concluded that the relatively small scale of these increases does not warrant special precautionary measures for child mobile phone users.

Effects of In Vivo Exposure to GSM-Modulated 900 MHz Radiation on Mouse Peripheral Lymphocytes.

Gatta L et al. · 2003

Researchers exposed C57BL/6 mice to 900 MHz GSM-modulated radiation at SAR 1 or 2 W/kg for 2 hours per day over 1, 2, or 4 weeks. The number of spleen cells, percentages of B and T cells, and CD4/CD8 distribution were not altered by exposure. After 1 week of exposure, IFN-gamma production increased, but this effect was not seen after 2 or 4 weeks.

Effects of electromagnetic radiation from a cellular telephone on epidermal Merkel cells.

Irmak MK, Oztas E, Yagmurca M, Fadillioglu E, Bakir B. · 2003

Researchers investigated the influence of electromagnetic radiation from a 900 MHz cellular telephone on Merkel cells in rats. One group of rats was exposed to a cellular telephone in speech position for 30 minutes while another group was sham-exposed under the same conditions. Exposure led to significantly higher exocytotic activity in Merkel cells compared with the sham exposure group.

Exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to electromagnetic fields associated with cellular phones leads to chromosomal instability.

Mashevich M et al. · 2003

Israeli researchers exposed human blood cells to cell phone radiation (830 MHz) for 72 hours and found that higher radiation levels caused increasing chromosomal damage, specifically abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy). This type of genetic damage is known to increase cancer risk. The researchers confirmed this wasn't due to heating effects, proving the radiation itself damages DNA through non-thermal mechanisms.

Magnetic fields and the melatonin hypothesis: a study of workers chronically exposed to 50-Hz magnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2003

Researchers studied 15 men chronically exposed to 50-Hz magnetic fields for 1–20 years and 15 unexposed controls. Exposure levels for the exposed group ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 μT weekly geometric mean. Blood samples were taken hourly from 2000 to 0800 and nighttime urine was also collected and analyzed. The study found no changes in plasma melatonin, urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, or circadian rhythm in the exposed group.

Magnetic fields and the melatonin hypothesis: a study of workers chronically exposed to 50-Hz magnetic fields

Unknown authors · 2003

Researchers studied 15 men exposed to 50-Hz magnetic fields at work and home for 1-20 years, measuring their melatonin levels around the clock. Despite chronic exposure to fields up to 2.6 microTesla, the workers showed no changes in melatonin production or sleep hormone rhythms compared to unexposed controls. The findings challenge the theory that magnetic fields disrupt melatonin and cause health problems.

Immunotropic Effects in Cultured Human Blood Mononuclear Cells Pre-exposed to Low-Level 1300 MHz Pulse-Modulated Microwave Field Electromag.

Dabrowski MP et al. · 2003

Researchers exposed cultured human blood mononuclear cells isolated from 16 healthy donors to 1300 MHz pulse-modulated microwaves at a power density of 10 W/m2 and a SAR of 0.18 W/kg. Lymphocyte proliferative responses and IL-2 receptor saturation did not change, though lymphocyte production of IL-10 increased (P < .001). Monocyte production of IL-1β increased significantly (P < .01), the concentration of its antagonist IL-1ra dropped by half (P < .01), and TNF-α remained unchanged. The researchers concluded that pulse-modulated microwaves represent the potential of immunotropic influence, stimulating preferentially the immunogenic and proinflammatory activity of monocytes at relatively low levels of exposure.

Immunotropic effects in cultured human blood mononuclear cells pre-exposed to low-level 1300 MHz pulse- modulated microwave field.

Dabrowski MP et al. · 2003

Researchers exposed immune cells from 16 healthy people to low-level cell phone radiation (1300 MHz) and found significant changes in immune system function. The radiation increased production of inflammatory molecules (IL-1β and IL-10) while decreasing protective factors, essentially pushing the immune system toward a more inflammatory state. These changes occurred at radiation levels similar to what you might experience from cell phone use.

1439 MHz pulsed TDMA fields affect performance of rats in a T-maze task only when body temperature is elevated.

Yamaguchi H et al. · 2003

Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to pulsed 1439 MHz TDMA fields at a brain SAR of 7.5 W/kg for 1 hour daily over 4 days or 4 weeks. Other rats were exposed at a brain SAR of 25 W/kg for 45 minutes daily for 4 days. Rats exposed at 25 W/kg for 4 days showed statistically significant decreases in correct choices in a T-maze reversal task, while rats exposed at 7.5 W/kg for 4 days or 4 weeks showed no performance impairments. Intraperitoneal temperature increased only at the 25 W/kg exposure level. The authors concluded that TDMA fields at levels about four times higher than cell phone emissions do not affect learning and memory when no thermal effects occur.

Residential and occupational exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields and malignant melanoma: a population based study

Unknown authors · 2003

Residential magnetic field exposure was calculated as a time-weighted average from 1967 until diagnosis using distance, line configuration, and current load, while occupational exposure was classified by an expert panel into three levels based on hours per week above background. The two highest residential exposure categories showed increased odds ratios for women (2.01 and 2.68) but not for men (1.70 and 1.37), and occupational exposure showed no significant association.

Genotoxic Potential of 1.6 GHz Wireless Communication Signal: In Vivo Two-Year Bioassay.

Vijayalaxmi, Sasser LB, Morris JE, Wilson BW, Anderson LE. · 2003

Timed-pregnant Fischer 344 rats and their nursing offspring were exposed to a far-field 1.6 GHz Iridium signal for 2 h/day, 7 days/week. The offspring then received chronic head-only near-field exposure to a 1.6 GHz signal for 2 h/day, 5 days/week over 2 years. Near-field exposures were conducted at brain SARs of 0.16 or 1.6 W/kg. The incidence of micronuclei in bone marrow did not differ significantly between exposed, sham-exposed, and cage control rats.

Residential and occupational exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields and hematological cancers in Norway

Unknown authors · 2003

This nested case-control study tested whether exposure to electromagnetic fields from high-voltage power lines increases hematological cancer incidence in adults. Residential time-weighted average magnetic fields were calculated from 1967 until diagnosis using cut-off points at 0.05 and 0.20 microT. The two highest residential exposure categories showed non-significant elevated odds ratios for all leukemia combined (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.7-2.5 and OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8-3.0). The increased risk was confined to chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic and acute myeloid leukemia. Occupational exposure showed no significant association for any cancer site.

Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations, emitted by a cellular phone, modify cutaneous blood flow.

Monfrecola G, Moffa G, Procaccini EM. · 2003

The study assessed the effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted by CFs on cutaneous blood flow in 30 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 53 years. Cutaneous blood flow was measured on the ear skin with a laser Doppler He-Ne flowmeter under controlled temperature and humidity. Microflow was recorded across phases T0 through T6, including no CF contact, CF off touching the ear, CF on, CF on and receiving, then back through CF on, CF off, and no contact. During phases T1 to T5 microflow increased by 61.38% to 157.67% relative to baseline, and all these phases showed statistically significant elevations compared with baseline.

Effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposures on the peroxidation status in Wistar rats

Aweda MA, Gbenebitse S, Meidinyo RO · 2003

Researchers studied the effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposure on the lipid peroxidation status of 120 Wistar rats at a power density of 6 mWcm(-2). Lipid peroxidation status in the rats was monitored for 8 weeks after irradiation using the thiobarbituric acid method. Microwave exposure raised the lipid peroxidation status from a mean control value of 4.18 x 10(-6)g 1(-1) to a maximum of 6.50 x 10(-6) g 1(-1) within the first 24 hours, after which it gradually returned toward the control value. The results demonstrated that microwave exposures cause a significant increase in lipid peroxidation status and that ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol had protective effects.

Effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposures on the peroxidation status in Wistar rats.

Aweda MA, Gbenebitse S, Meidinyo RO. · 2003

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (WiFi frequency) and found it increased cellular damage by 56% within 24 hours. Vitamins C and E provided significant protection when given beforehand, suggesting antioxidants may help reduce microwave-induced oxidative stress in living tissue.

GSM modulated radiofrequency radiation does not affect 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion of rats.

Bakos J, Kubinyi G, Sinay H, Thuroczy G. · 2003

Researchers studied the effect of 900 and 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency radiation on urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion in adult male Wistar rats. Seventy-two rats were used in six independent experiments with exposures in a GTEM cell at power densities of 100 μW/cm² at 900 MHz and 20 μW/cm² at 1800 MHz. Animals were exposed for 2 hours daily between 8:00 AM and noon for 14 days with 218 Hz GSM modulation. No statistically significant changes in 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion were found at either frequency.

Effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposures on the peroxidation status in Wistar rats

Aweda MA, Gbenebitse S, Meidinyo RO · 2003

Researchers exposed 120 rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency as microwave ovens) and found it significantly increased harmful oxidative stress in their bodies. However, giving the rats antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E before exposure provided substantial protection against this cellular damage.

Non-thermal exposure to radiofrequency energy from digital wireless phones does not affect ornithine decarboxylase activity in L929 Cells.

Desta AB, Owen RD, Cress LW. · 2003

Researchers exposed L929 murine fibroblast cells to radiofrequency radiation from a time division multiple access wireless phone operating at 835 MHz to determine the effect on ornithine decarboxylase activity. Exposure lasted 8 hours at average specific absorption rates ranging from less than 1 W/kg up to 15 W/kg, after which cells were harvested and ODC activity was measured. No statistically significant difference in ODC activity was found between exposed and sham-exposed cells at non-thermal specific absorption rates. At SARs that caused measurable heating, a dose-dependent decrease in enzymatic activity was observed and was consistent with a comparable decrease caused by non-RF-radiation heating.

Electromagnetic interference of GSM mobile phones with the implantable deep brain stimulator, ITREL-III.

Kainz W, Alesch F, Chan DD. · 2003

Researchers tested 10 GSM phones at 900 MHz and 10 at 1800 MHz on the ITREL-III deep brain stimulator in a phantom model. At maximum phone power of 2 W at 900 MHz and 1 W at 1800 MHz, no influence on the stimulator was observed, and pulse shape and single pulses remained unchanged. However, tests with continuous-wave signals showed inhibition occurs at power levels below GSM phone emissions, with the device more sensitive at 1800 MHz than at 900 MHz and a very low interference threshold around 1500 MHz. The authors concluded no direct risk for patients using the tested phones but recommended precautions similar to cardiac pacemaker guidelines.