Abril 2009

No evidence in UK study of cell phone use and risk of pituitary tumors.

Pituitary tumors are intracranial tumors that have not been studied thoroughly in regards to the health effects of cellular phone use. Investigators have included this type of tumor in the UK component of the case-control INTERPHONE study. Subjects were 291 cases and 630 controls recruited between 2001 and 2005. Results indicate that the risk of developing a pituitary gland tumor was not associated with any measures (use overall, 10 years after 1st use, cumulative use, analogue or digital phones) of cellular phone use. Odds ratio (OR) were close to unity or slightly elevated but not statistically significant. The authors concluded that their study provides no evidence that cell phone use (intensity and duration in the study) is a risk factor for pituitary tumors.

Schoemaker MJ, Swerdlow AJ. Risk of pituitary tumors in cellular phone users: A case-control study. Epidemiology. Mar 9, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Population-based survey in France on personal exposure to radiofrequency fields from the environment

The objective of the survey was to characterize the residential exposure from base stations antennas and radio and TV transmitters using a personal exposimeter. The study was also design to check for variation in radiofrequency fields exposure and the distance from the transmitters.  A total of 200 participants accepted to participant and they completed a questionnaire and a time location activity diary for 24 hours. Individuals also used a personal exposimeter for 24 hours to estimate the dose, time pattern, and frequencies (FM, TV3, TV4&5, GSMRx, DCS, Rx, and UMTS Rx). Results indicate that very often the recorded field strength was inferior to the detectable level of the exposimeter but the FM band had 12.3% of recordings above the detection level. RF exposure from GSM and DCS signals were highest around 280 metres and 1,000 metres from the antennas. FM signals strength diminished within a 10 kilometer area but other signals (UMTS, TV3, and TV4&5) did not change with distance.  The authors concluded that exposures from GSM and DCS base stations increased with distance in the near source zone and reach a maximum where the wave crosses the ground level.

Viel JF, Clerc S, Barrera C,Rymzhanova R, Moissonnier M, Hours M, Cardis E. Residential exposure to radiofrequency fields from mobile-phone base stations, and broadcast transmitters: a population-based survey with personal meter Occup Environ Med. March 30, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Authors conclude that current standard for RF exposure from mobile phone use is not considered safe for long-term exposure
The meta-analysis of Hardell et al analyzed data from all available published case-control studies and the risk of tumors in the region of the head and long-term use of mobile phones. Results (odds ratio and confidence intervals) are made available for brain tumors (glioma and meningioma), acoustic neuroma, salivary gland tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, uveal melanoma and testicular cancer. Results are also presented by latency period, ipsilateral and contralateral use, and age groups. The authors summarize the results and note that there exists evidence of an increased risk after more than 10 years of mobile phone use for tumors such as glioma and acoustic neuroma.

Hardell L, Carlberg M, Mild KH. Epidemiological evidence for an association between use of wireless phones and tumor diseases. Pathophys. Mar 5, 2009. Ahead of print.

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Survey indicates that most of the population in Denmark is not concerned about mobile phone radiofrequency field exposure.

The objective of the study was to determine the proportion of the population concerned about mobile phone exposure and identify the determinants of those who are concerned. In 2006, a telephone survey in Denmark was conducted with 1,004 individuals 15 years and older. Results indicate that 28% of respondents were concerned about mobile phones, 15% about radiation emitted from masts such as base stations and TV compared to 82% who were concerned about pollution. A proportion of 7% placed mobile phones radiation equivalent to tobacco related lung cancer. In women who were concerned about mobile phones, it was determined that the concern was associated with level of education, perceived mobile phone mortality risk, and fear about the unknown risks from new technologies. The authors concluded that the vast majority of the population was not concerned about mobile phone exposure although a small group was very concerned.

Kristiansen IS, Elstein AS, Gyrd-Hansen D, Kildemoes EW, Nielsen JB. Radiation from mobile phone systems: Is it perceived as a threat to people’s health? Bioelectromagnetics. Mar 23, 2009. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – epidemiological – cell phone studies”
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Authors recommend checking for clinical signs of somatic health problems when treating electrohypersensitive persons.

The authors studied electrohypersensitive individuals in regards to exposure from electromagnetic fields (EMF). They hypothesized that some subjects are instead having somatic health problems and measured clinical laboratory parameters in 132 patients and 101 controls. The results indicate that a small proportion of electrohypersensitive patients show clinical signs of thyroid and liver problems, and also chronic inflammation. Thyroid and liver parameters were significantly different in patients and controls. No anemia or kidney abnormalities were identified in electrohypersensitive individuals. The authors suggest verifying for clinical signs of somatic health problems in patients who self-diagnosed themselves as electrohypersenstive.

Dahmen N, Ghezel-Ahmadi D, Engel A. Blood laboratory findings in patients suffering from self-perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) Bioelectromagnetics Mar 3, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Study investigates the health effects of acute mobile phone exposure on the oxygenation of the frontal cortex in humans

The objective of the Curcio et al study was to assess using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) the impact of being exposure for 40 minutes to GSM mobile phone radiation on the oxygenation of the frontal cortex. The study design was a crossover randomized double-blind investigation where 11 subjects were real or sham exposed in two separate sessions. Parameters measured were frontal hemodynamics, heart rate, objective and subjective vigilance, and subjective symptoms. The fNIRS results indicate a small influence of GSM mobile phones on frontal cortex but no other parameters measured showed any health effects. The authors concluded that the short-term health effects detected in their study should be confirmed on a larger sample size and a wider portion of the frontal cortex.

Curcio G, Ferrara M, Limongi T, Tempesta D, Di Sante G, De Gennaro L, Quaresima V, Ferrari M. Acute mobile phones exposure affects frontal cortex hemodynamics as evidenced by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. Feb 25, 2009. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – clinical – cognitive function”
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Human sensitivity to radio and TV radiofrequency fields in humans

The authors evaluated, using a movable reflecting wall, the human sensitivity to radiofrequency fields (RF) emitted from radio and TV broadcast towers. They then measured the health effect of RF by recording hand movement with a transducer in 29 subjects. Results indicate the 9 subjects (32%) had hand movement correlating with the RF meter, 6 (21%) responded but not in correlation with the RF meter, and 14 (45%) did not react to RF.

Huttunen P, Hänninen O, Myllylä R. FM-radio and TV tower signals can cause spontaneous hand movements near moving RF reflector. Pathophysiology. Mar 5, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Positive effect of mobile phone radiofrequency exposure on human hemoglobin

The authors investigated the health effect of mobile phone radiofrequency fields of 910 MHz and 940 MHz on biological systems in particular the structure and function of hemoglobin responsible of oxygen transport in the blood.  Oxygen affinity and structural changes were measured in humans. The results indicate that mobile phone radiation had produced changes in both oxygen affinity and tertiary structure of blood hemoglobin. It was also noted that the oxygen affinity was related to intensity and duration of mobile phone exposure.

Mousavy SJ, Riazi GH, Kamarei M, Aliakbarian H, Sattarahmady N, Sharifizadeh A, Safarian S, Ahmad F, Moosavi-Movahedi AA.(2009): Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency on the structure and function of the normal human hemoglobin. Int J Biol Macromol 44(3):278-285.

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This study investigated the number of pyramidal cells in the cornu ammonis (CA) (type of neuron found in areas of the brain) of a 16-week-old female rat hippocampus following postnatal exposure to a 900 MHz radiation. Results showed that postnatal RF exposure caused a significant decrease of the pyramidal cell number. These results may encourage researchers to evaluate the chronic effects of 900 MHz radiation on teenagers' brains.

Bas O, Odaci E, Kaplan S, Acer N, Ucok K, Colakoglu S. 900 megahertz electromagnetic field exposure affects qualitative and quantitative features of hippocampal pyramidal cells in the adult female rat. Brain Res. Feb 18, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Impact of radiofrequency field radiation on ear of male rats

Galloni P, Lopresto V, Parazzini M, Pinto R, Piscitelli M, Ravazzani P, Marino C. No effects of UMTS exposure on the function of rat outer hair cells. Bioelectromagnetics Feb 25, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Impact of radiofrequency field radiation on eye of chicken embryos

This paper investigated the histological and morphological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by a mobile phone on the retina of developing chicken embryos. A control and experimental group embryos were formed and compared. A number of changes were noted after 10 and 15 days post-natal exposure to EMF. The authors concluded that radiofrequency fields emitted by a mobile phone cause derangement of chicken embryo retinal differentiation.

Zareen N, Khan MY, Minhas LA. (2009): Derangement of chick embryo retinal differentiation caused by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Congenit Anom (Kyoto). 49(1):15-9.

For more see “Research – laboratory – ocular effects”
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Review to provide direction for future research

The current review is a detailed survey of all available published studies researching the possible health effects of radiofrequency fields (RF) exposure emitted by mobile phones. The authors included in the survey case reports, in vitro studies, population based retrospective studies and other investigations. It is noted in the review that current evidence on RF and carcinogenesis is inconclusive. The review also identifies limitations of past studies and gaps in research.

Kohli DR, Sachdev A, Vats HS.  (2009): Cell phones and tumor: Still in no man’s land. Indian J Cancer. 46(1):5-12.

For more see “Research – bibliography – review papers – cancer”
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Review of evidence of non-thermal health effects from cell phone exposure

Blackman reviews some evidence that shows the existence of non-thermal effects from mobile phone radiofrequency field exposure. He explains the exposure complexities that he considers should be included in the evaluation and guidance for future research and for the assessment of potential health impacts.

Blackman C. Cell phone radiation: Evidence from ELF and RF studies supporting more inclusive risk identification and assessment. Pathophysiology. Mar 3, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Review of the potential health effects in humans and animals of mobile phone base stations

Kundi and Hutter review the human and experimental evidence from published studies of base-station exposure. Studies are discussed as well as the limitations and problems in study design. The authors state that difficulties in doing long-term studies of mobile phone base-stations are exaggerated and researchers should not wait for firm evidence to conduct such studies.

Kundi M, Hutter HP. Mobile phone base stations – Effects on wellbeing and health. Pathophysiology. Mar 2, 2009. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – bibliography – review papers – epidemiology”
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Authors state that precautionary measures be taken for wireless technologies and public health risk
Sage C, Carpenter DO. Public health implications of wireless technologies. Pathophysiology. Mar 14, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Review of 101 in vivo and in vitro studies on genotoxicity of radiofrequency fields
Ruediger HG. Genotoxic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Pathophysiology.  Mar 13, 2009 Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – bibliography – review papers – cancer”
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Review of extremely low frequency fields (ELF) and radiofrequency fields (RF) on cellular stress response
Blank M, Goodman R. Electromagnetic fields stress living cells. Pathophysiology. Mar 5, 2009 Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – bibliography – review papers – cancer”
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Review of the comet assay methodology and its efficacy to assess DNA damage
Phillips JL, Singh NP, Lai H. Electromagnetic fields and DNA damage. Mar 4, 2009 Ahead of print.

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Blank M. Preface. Pathophysiology. Mar 4, 2009 Ahead of print.
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