EMF Research Studies

Assessment of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields from smart utility meters in GB; part II) numerical assessment of induced SAR within the human body.

Qureshi MRA, Alfadhl Y, Chen X, Peyman A, Maslanyj M, Mann S · 2018

The Protective Effect of Autophagy on DNA Damage in Mouse Spermatocyte-Derived Cells Exposed to 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields.

Li R et al. · 2018

Mouse spermatocyte-derived cells (GC-2) were exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields at 4 W/kg for 24 hours. The exposure induced both autophagy and DNA damage in GC-2 cells through the generation of reactive oxygen species. When autophagy was blocked by knocking down AMPKα, DNA damage increased, while overexpressing AMPKα promoted autophagy and reduced DNA damage.

Probing the Origins of 1,800 MHz Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation Induced Damage in Mouse Immortalized Germ Cells and Spermatozoa in vitro.

Houston BJ, Nixon B, King BV, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN. · 2018

Researchers exposed cultured mouse spermatogonial GC1 and spermatocyte GC2 cell lines, as well as cauda epididymal spermatozoa, to continuous wave RF-EMR at 1.8 GHz at 0.15 and 1.5 W/kg. A 4-hour exposure increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in GC1 cells (7 vs. 18%; p < 0.001) and GC2 cells (11.5 vs. 16%; p < 0.01), with Complex III of the electron transport chain identified as the potential source. Exposure at 0.15 W/kg for 3 hours induced significant DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa (p < 0.05), though this was no longer significant after 4 hours. After 4 hours of exposure, spermatozoa showed significant oxidative DNA damage in the form of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (p < 0.05) and a decline in sperm motility (p < 0.05).

Nouri. Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli

Abstract Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) electromagnetic waves (2.45 GHz) have widespread usage almost everywhere et al. · 2017

Does all-day and long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi affect hearing? Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment

Open access paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585657/ -- Yorgancilar E et al. · 2017

Sixteen Wistar albino rats were divided into sham and exposure groups. The exposure group received 2.4 GHz RFR from a Wi-Fi generator for 24 h/day for one year at a distance of 50 cm. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured at baseline, at 6 months, and at 12 months. At 6000 Hz, DPOAE values in the exposure group were lower than in the sham group and also lower at 12 months than at baseline and 6 months, while at 2000 Hz DPOAE values at 6 and 12 months were higher than baseline.

Adverse and beneficial effect in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells following radiofrequency exposure

Unknown authors · 2017

Researchers investigated the effect of 1950 MHz Universal Mobile Telecommunication System radiofrequency exposure on Chinese hamster lung fibroblast V79 cells. Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects were measured using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay after 20-hour exposures at SAR values of 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.25 W/kg. Exposure at 0.15 and 0.3 W/kg significantly increased micronucleus frequency without cytotoxicity, while 0.6 and 1.25 W/kg had no effect. Pre-exposure at 1.25 W/kg for 20 hours before MMC treatment significantly reduced micronucleus frequency compared to MMC alone, indicating an adaptive response, whereas pre-exposure at 0.3 W/kg did not.

Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic waves alters acetylcholinesterase gene expression, exploratory and motor coordination-linked behaviour in male rats

Unknown authors · 2017

Effects of 1.8 GHz Radiofrequency Fields on the Emotional Behavior and Spatial Memory of Adolescent Mice.

Zhang JP et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed adolescent male mice to a 1.8 GHz radiofrequency field for 4 weeks. Depression-like behavior, spatial memory ability, and brain histology did not change obviously after exposure. Anxiety-like behavior increased, and levels of GABA and aspartic acid in the cortex and hippocampus significantly decreased.

Influence of radiofrequency-electromagnetic waves from 3rd-generation cellular phones on fertilization and embryo development in mice.

Suzuki S et al. · 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3rd-generation (3G) cellular phone radiofrequency-electromagnetic wave (RF-EMW) exposure on fertilization and embryogenesis in mice. Oocytes and spermatozoa were exposed to 1.95 GHz RF-EMWs at 2 mW/g for 60 minutes or sham exposure. After RF-EMW exposure, in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection were performed. Groups compared were both exposed, both non-exposed, one exposed, and the other non-exposed. Fertilization, embryogenesis, and blastocyst formation rates did not change significantly across the four groups.

RF-EMF exposure at 1800 MHz did not elicit DNA damage or abnormal cellular behaviors in different neurogenic cells.

Su L, Wei X, Xu Z, Chen G · 2017

Researchers exposed neurogenic A172, U251, and SH-SY5Y cells to 1800 MHz RF-EMF at 4.0 W/kg intermittently for 1, 6, or 24 hours. DNA damage was measured by quantifying γH2AX foci, an early marker of DNA double-strand breaks. Cell cycle progression, proliferation, and viability were assessed using flow cytometry, hemocytometer, and cell counting kit-8 assay. Exposure did not significantly induce γH2AX foci formation or cause abnormal cell cycle progression, proliferation, or viability. Prolonged incubation up to 48 hours after exposure also did not significantly affect cellular behavior.

No adverse effects detected for simultaneous whole-body exposure to multiple-frequency radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for rats in the intrauterine and pre- and post-weaning periods.

Shirai T et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed pregnant rats and their offspring to eight radiofrequency signals ranging from 800 MHz to 5.2 GHz. The exposure lasted 20 h per day from gestational day 7 through weaning and continued for offspring up to 6 weeks of age. No abnormal findings were observed in the dams, F1 offspring, or F2 offspring across all evaluated parameters. The study concluded that simultaneous whole-body exposure to these frequencies did not show adverse effects on pregnancy or development.

Symptoms and the use of wireless communication devices: A prospective cohort study in Swiss adolescents

Schoeni A, Roser K, Röösli M. · 2017

Researchers conducted a prospective cohort study of 439 Swiss adolescents aged 12-17 years who completed questionnaires about mobile and cordless phone use and symptoms at baseline and one year later. Operator-recorded mobile phone data were obtained for a subgroup of 234 adolescents, and RF-EMF dose measures for the brain and whole body were computed. Data were analyzed using mixed-logistic cross-sectional and cohort models adjusted for confounders. Symptoms such as tiredness were more strongly associated with text message frequency (OR 1.81 cross-sectional, OR 1.87 cohort) than with call duration or RF-EMF dose measures. The pattern of stronger associations with device use than with RF-EMF dose does not support a causal effect of RF-EMF exposure on symptoms.

Effects of 1950 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on Aβ processing in human neuroblastoma and mouse hippocampal neuronal cells.

Park J, Kwon JH, Kim N, Song K · 2017

Researchers exposed HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells to 1950 MHz RF-EMF at a SAR of 6 W/kg for 2 hours per day over 3 days. They analyzed mRNA and protein expression of key genes involved in Aβ processing. In HT22 cells, mRNA levels of APP, BACE1, ADAM10 and PSEN1 decreased, while APP mRNA was unchanged in SH-SY5Y cells. Protein expression of APP and BACE1 and secreted Aβ peptide did not differ significantly between exposed and control cells.

Assessment of Public Exposure From WLANs in the West Bank-Palestine.

Lahham A, Sharabati A, ALMasri H. · 2017

Researchers conducted 271 measurements at 69 indoor sites in the West Bank to assess public exposure to radiofrequency emissions from wireless local area networks. Power density levels varied from 0.001 to ~1.9 μW cm-2 with an average of 0.12 μW cm-2, and the highest levels were found in university environments. The maximum measured value of ~4.5 μW cm-2 at 20 cm from an access point transmitting large files was 221 times below the ICNIRP general public exposure limit, which was never exceeded. At 1 meter from a laptop, power density was lower than from the access point in both transmit and idle modes, and the estimated specific absorption rate for the user's head ranged from 0.1 to 2 mW/kg.

Mobile phone radiofrequency exposure has no effect on DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in human lymphocytes.

Danese E et al. · 2017

Researchers exposed blood samples from 14 healthy volunteers to 900 MHz radiofrequency from a commercial mobile phone for 30 minutes. A control sample was kept away from radiofrequency sources. DNA integrity was measured by analyzing γ-H2AX foci in lymphocytes using immunofluorescence staining. No measure of γ-H2AX foci was significantly influenced by the exposure, and the odds ratio for genetic damage ranged from 0.27 to 1.00.

Neurodevelopment for the first three years following prenatal mobile phone use, radio frequency radiation and lead exposure.

Choi KH et al. · 2017

Acute effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phone on brain function.

Zhang J, Sumich A, Wang GY. · 2017

The review focuses on recent neuroimaging and electroencephalography studies to analyze effects of MP EMF exposure on neurocognitive function. Several studies indicate an increase in cortical excitability and/or efficiency with EMF exposure, more prominent in fronto-temporal regions and associated with faster reaction time. Cortical excitability might also underpin disruption to sleep. However, several inconsistent findings exist and conclusions regarding adverse effects of EMF exposure are currently limited.

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.

Taheri M et al. · 2017

Researchers assessed whether 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router radiation alter the susceptibility of microorganisms to different antibiotics. The study found that exposure to Wi-Fi and RF simulator radiation can significantly alter inhibition zone diameters and growth rates for Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. Pure cultures of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were exposed to RF-EMFs from a GSM 900 MHz mobile phone simulator and a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router.

Proteomic analysis of continuous 900-MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure in testicular tissue: a rat model of human cell phone exposure.

Sepehrimanesh M, Kazemipour N, Saeb M, Nazifi S, Davis DL · 2017

Researchers exposed 20 Sprague-Dawley rats to 900 MHz RF-EMF for 0, 1, 2, or 4 hours per day for 30 consecutive days. After 4 hours of daily exposure, ATP synthase beta subunit and hypoxia up-regulated protein 1 precursor were significantly up-regulated. The authors state that these protein increases are related to carcinogenic risk and reproductive damage.

Radiofrequency radiations induced genotoxic and carcinogenic effects on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) root tip cells.

Qureshi ST, Memon SA, Abassi AR, Sial MA, Bughio FA. · 2017

Researchers exposed dry chickpea seeds to GSM cell phone radiation at 900 MHz and laptop radiation at 3.31 GHz for 24 and 48 hours. Untreated seeds served as a negative control and gamma rays at 250 Gray served as a positive control. All radiofrequency treatments inhibited seed germination, with the 48-hour laptop exposure showing the strongest negative effect. Mitotic index decreased and abnormality index increased as exposure duration and frequency increased. Cell membrane damage, nuclear membrane damage, and ghost cells were observed only after 48 hours of exposure.

Modeled and Perceived Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Mobile-Phone Base Stations and the Development of Symptoms Over Time in a General Population Cohort.

Martens AL et al. · 2017

Effect of Exposure to 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation on Estrogen Receptor Methylation Status in Colon Cells of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

Mokarram P, Sheikhi M, Mortazavi SMJ, Saeb S4 Shokrpour N · 2017

Exposure to RF radiation altered the ERα gene methylation pattern compared to non-exposed controls. A subsequent gamma-ray challenge dose did not induce an adaptive response in ERα methylation. The study concluded that GSM mobile phone RF radiation can lead to epigenetic detrimental changes in ERα promoter methylation.

Generation and propagation of yeast prion [URE3] are elevated under electromagnetic field.

Lian HY, Lin KW, Yang C, Cai P. · 2017

Researchers exposed two budding yeast strains, NT64C and SB34, to 2.0 GHz RF-EMF and 50 Hz ELF-EMF. Both RF-EMF and ELF-EMF exposure elevated the de novo generation and propagation of the yeast prion [URE3] in the two strains. The increase grew over time, and ELF-EMF showed a dose-dependent effect. Chaperone transcription and expression (Hsp104, Hsp70-Ssa1/2, Hsp40-Ydj1) did not change significantly after exposure. ROS levels and SOD and CAT activities rose after short-term exposure but not after long-term exposure.

Review: Weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phone radiation on plants.

Halgamuge MN. · 2017

The analysis found that 89.9% of studies reported physiological or morphological effects from mobile phone RF-EMF (p < 0.001). Maize, roselle, pea, fenugreek, duckweeds, tomato, onions, and mungbean appeared especially sensitive to RF-EMF.

Electromagnetic Field Exposure Changes Due to the Digital Television Switchover in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Gkonis F, Boursianis A, Samaras T. · 2017

Researchers investigated changes in electromagnetic field exposure from television signals due to the digital switchover in Thessaloniki, Greece. Measured electric fields complied with ICNIRP guidelines but were higher than those reported in other countries. The authors noted that the higher values may be attributed to the selection of measurement points. The median power density dropped from 60 μW m during analog broadcasting to 13.3 μW m for digital television. The authors concluded that the digital switchover resulted in reduced population exposure to radiofrequency fields in the UHF range.