October 2010

Occupational microwave exposure from marine radar possible cause of genetic and cell alterations

The objective of the study was to determine the potential cytogenetic damage and oxidative stress in workers exposed to pulsed microwaves (3 GHz, 5.5GHz and 9.4GHz) emitted from marine radar equipment. Cytogenetic damage was assessed by the authors using a combination of several cytogenetic techniques on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Glutathione and malondialdehyde levels were measured to investigate oxidative damage. The subjects were 29 exposed workers who donated blood (exposure period 10.00±0.76 years) and a group of matched control. Differences between comet assay parameters and micronucleus test parameters were found to be statistically significant between the exposed and controls. This result indicates that cytogenetic alterations occurred after microwave exposure. The glutathione concentration measured in the exposed group was significantly lower than in controls (1.24 vs. 0.53) whereas the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly higher (1.74 vs. 3.17), which is expected when oxidative stress is present. The authors concluded that their results suggest that occupational pulsed microwaves can be the basis of genetic and cell alterations. Also, oxidative stress could be a mechanism of DNA and cell damage.

Garaj-Vrhovac V, Gajski G, Pažanin S, Sarolić A, Domijan AM, Flajs D, Peraica M. Assessment of cytogenetic damage and oxidative stress in personnel occupationally exposed to the pulsed microwave radiation of marine radar equipment. Int J Hyg Environ Health. Sep 9, 2010. Ahead of print.

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Systematic review finds no effect of mobile phone RFR on cognitive and psychomotor effects

The systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate research published since 1999 on the human cognitive and performance effects of mobile phone radiofrequency field radiation (RFR). Data were analyzed using standardized mean difference as the effect size measure. Results indicate that only 3 tasks were found to have significant heterogeneity. But, after studies with large standardized mean difference were excluded from the analysis, results were no longer statistically significant. The authors concluded that mobile phone RFR was not found to have possible cognitive and psychomotor effects. But, sponsorship and publication biases should motivate the World Health Organization to produce official research standards and guidelines.

Valentini E, Ferrara M, Presaghi F, Gennaro LD, Curcio G. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis of psychomotor effects of mobile phone electromagnetic fields. Occup Environ Med. 67(10):708-16.

For more see “Research – review papers – behaviour”
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Long-term mobile phone exposure has no effect on physiological and hematological parameters 

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of long-term mobile phone exposure on some physiological and hematological parameters and serum lipid profiles. In addition, the effect of a call on heart rate, blood pressure, and SpO2(%) of male medical students were assessed. Two study groups were formed: group I included 22 first year medical students who were never exposed to mobile phones before this study and group II included 35 fourth year students who had used a mobile phone for more than four years prior to the study. The results indicate that no significant differences between the groups were found. But, a single call (900 MHz for 1 minute) resulted in a significant increase in peak heart rate in group II compared to group I, and a significant decrease in peak SpO2 (%) in group I compared to group II. Serum lipid profile was significantly higher in group II as opposed to group I.

Parkar MA, Ahmed R, Abdullah BB, Patil BS, Das KK. (2010). Effect of cell phone exposure on physiologic and hematologic parameters of male medical students of Bijapur (Karnataka) with reference to serum lipid profile. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 21(2):201-10.

For more see “Research – clinical – cardiovascular”
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Results suggest that exposure to TETRA signals not associated with symptoms reported by sensitive users

Terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) is a digital mobile radio system with signal emitted by a user’s handset (pulses at frequency of 17.6 Hz). The objective of the study was to evaluate whether exposure to a TETRA signal produces acute symptoms among regular TETRA users. Two groups of 60 participants (‘sensitive’ and ‘non-sensitive’) were exposed to three different conditions (TETRA-like, continuous wave and sham exposure) in a double-blind randomized-controlled study. Background data for both groups were collected such as demographic data, the presence of 50 symptoms over the previous month, and whether these symptoms were attributed to TETRA. The severity of eight symptoms during and after each exposure, mood state, and whether participants could determine the sessions with active signals were assessed. Results indicate that exposure to continuous wave signal increased ratings of headache in all participants, fatigue in non-sensitive participants and difficulty concentrating in sensitive participants. These effects were not observed in the condition with 16 Hz pulsing. Adjusting for multiple comparisons removed most significant effects. The authors concluded that results of the study show that exposure to TETRA signals is not responsible for symptoms reported by some users, but continuous wave signal could affect symptoms.

Nieto-Hernandez R, Williams J, Cleare AJ, Landau S, Wessely S, Rubin GJ. Can exposure to a terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA)-like signal cause symptoms? A randomised double-blind provocation study. Occup Environ Med. Sep 23, 2010. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – clinical – general”
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Results confirm RF exposure increases EEG sleep alpha range waves

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of GSM 884 MHz radiofrequency field (RF) exposure on self-evaluated sleepiness and objective EEG measures during sleep.  A total of 48 subjects were exposed for 3 hours to real or sham exposure prior to sleep and after a full-night polysomnographic recording. The results indicate that following RF exposure, time in stage 3 and 4 sleep decreased by 12% and time in stage 2 sleep increased by 4% compared to sham exposure. The study did not find any differences between controls and subjects who had complained in the past of mobile phone-related symptoms. The authors concluded that the results indicate that RF exposure increases the EEG alpha range in the sleep EEG which moderately affects sleep.

Lowden A, Akerstedt T, Ingre M, Wiholm C, Hillert L, Kuster N, Nilsson JP, Arnetz B. Sleep after mobile phone exposure in subjects with mobile phone-related symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics. Sep 20, 2010. Ahead of print.

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Modest correlations between self-reported mobile phone use and billing record data; important variability in recall

The objective of the study was to retrospectively compare self-reported mobile phone use from a questionnaire to billing record data. A total of 60 participants provided mobile phone usage estimates. The mean and median number of calls and duration of use, and correlation coefficients were analyzed. Results indicate that average call duration from answers provided in the questionnaire was lower than billing record data (2.1 min vs. 2.8 min, P = 0.01). Also, a higher number of average daily calls compared to billing record data (7.9 vs. 4.1, P = 0.002) was found. Correlation coefficients (average min/day; calls/day) of mobile phone use were 0.71 and 0.69, respectively, P < 0.001. Answers in the questionnaire per month were more accurate than weekly or self-reports of daily use. The authors concluded that the variability within and across studies shows that questionnaire data need a more reliable source of data such as billing record if possible.

Shum M, Kelsh MA, Sheppard AR, Zhao K. An evaluation of self-reported mobile phone use compared to billing records among a group of engineers and scientists. Bioelectromagnetics. Sep 20, 2010. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – exposure assessment”
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Considerable SAR variation in a male phantom model in reflective environment compared to free space

The objective of this study was to support the development of IEC standard PT62232 taking into consideration reflective environments. More precisely it “investigated numerically the variation on the whole-body and peak spatially averaged-specific absorption rate (SAR) in the heterogeneous virtual family male placed in front of a base station antenna in a reflective environment”. The male phantom model was placed at four different distances (30 cm, 1 m, 3 m and 10 m) in front of 6 base station antennas which emitted 300 MHz, 450 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequencies. Also, 3 reflective environments were used: (1) perfectly conducting wall; (2) perfectly conducting ground; and (3) perfectly conducting ground + wall). The SAR in the model was measured using the 3D electromagnetic finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solver Semcad-X in 72 different configurations. The ratio of the SAR in the male model (reflective environment) and the SAR (free-space environment) varied from -8.7 dB up to 8.0 dB. The authors concluded that the whole-body and local absorption in a reflective environment varied considerably in the male model compared to a free space scenario.

Vermeeren G, Gosselin MC, Kühn S, Kellerman V, Hadjem A, Gati A, Joseph W, Wiart J, Meyer F, Kuster N, Martens L. (2010). The influence of the reflective environment on the absorption of a human male exposed to representative base station antennas from 300 MHz to 5 GHz. Phys Med Biol. 55(18):5541-55.

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Study of output power levels from GSM mobile phone handsets used in Nigeria

The objective of the study was to determine the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) output power levels emitted from commonly available GSM handsets in Nigeria. Secondly, to compare output power levels with the limit established for safety. More than 1,100 mobile phones were tested using a RFR meter, (Electrosmog, USA). The results were compared to the reference value of 9 Wm(-2) (ICNIRP). The results ranged from a minimum of 1.294 Wm(-2) (Siemens model R228) to a maximum of 16.813 Wm(-2) (Samsung model C140). The results from wireless telephones showed very low output power. The authors conclude that the population in Lagos State, Nigeria could be at risk due to significant RFR exposures from GSM handsets, which showed a number of handsets emitted power above the ICNIRP limit. RFR power in vicinity of radio and television masts were within tolerable limits in most cases.

Aweda MA, Ajekigbe AT, Ibitoye AZ, Evwhierhurhoma BO, Eletu OB. (2009). Potential health risks due to telecommunications radiofrequency radiation exposures in Lagos State Nigeria. Nig Q J Hosp Med. 19(1):6-14.

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Possible induction of autoimmune responses due to exposure to radiofrequency fields

The objective of this study was to confirm previous data on the effects of 2,450 MHz exposure on immunological processes and teratology in rats. The results of the immunological examination partly confirmed the results of the Soviet research groups on the possible induction of autoimmune and suggested stress reactions from radiofrequency field exposure on day 7 after exposure.

Grigoriev YG, Grigoriev OA, Ivanov AA, Lyaginskaya AM, Merkulov AV, Shagina NB, Maltsev VN, Lévêque P, Ulanova AM, Osipov VA, Shafirkin AV. Confirmation studies of Soviet research on immunological effects of microwaves: Russian immunology results. Bioelectromagnetics. Sep 20, 2010. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – laboratory – other – immune system”
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No direct cytogenetic effects of GSM

This study investigated whether exposure to radiofrequency radiation similar to that emitted by GSM technology induced genotoxic effects in cultured human cells. No direct cytogenetic effects of GSM-900 after exposure were observed.

Bourthoumieu S, Joubert V, Marin B, Collin A, Leveque P, Terro F, Yardin C. Cytogenetic Studies in Human Cells Exposed In Vitro to GSM-900 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation Using R-Banded Karyotyping. Radiat Res. Sep 20, 2010. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – laboratory – cancer studies”
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Histopathological effects of pulse-modulated radiofrequency fields on the thyroid gland

This study investigated the possible histopathological effects of pulse-modulated radiofrequency fields (RF) on the thyroid gland. The findings indicated that whole-body exposure to pulse-modulated RF radiation, that is similar to that emitted by GSM mobile phones, can cause pathological changes in the thyroid gland by altering the gland structure and enhancing caspase-dependent pathways of apoptosis.

Eşmekaya MA, Seyhan N, Omeroğlu S. Pulse modulated 900 MHz radiation induces hypothyroidism and apoptosis in thyroid cells: A light, electron microscopy and immunohistochemical study. Int J Radiat Biol. Sep 1, 2010. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – laboratory – other – cell death (apoptosis)”
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Oxidative damage in the liver of guinea pigs exposed to radiofrequency radiation

This study investigated oxidative damage and antioxidant enzyme status in the liver of guinea pigs exposed to mobile phone-like radiofrequency field radiation. Data showed that mobile phone-like radiation induces oxidative damage and changes the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver.

Ozgur E, Güler G, Seyhan N. Mobile phone radiation-induced free radical damage in the liver is inhibited by the antioxidants n-acetyl cysteine and epigallocatechin-gallate. Int J Radiat Biol. Sep 1, 2010. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – laboratory – other – Free Oxygen Radicals”
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Signaling in EMF-induced microglial activation

This study investigated the role of STAT3 signaling in EMF-induced microglial activation and pro-inflammatory responses. EMF was found to significantly induce phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, and DNA-binding ability of STAT3 in N9 microglia.

Yang X, He G, Hao Y, Chen C, Li M, Wang Y, Zhang G, Yu Z. The role of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in pro-inflammatory responses of EMF-stimulated N9 microglial cells. J Neuroinflammation. Sep 9, 2010 7(1):54. Ahead of print.

For more see “Research – laboratory – brain functions”
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Review of electromagnetic fields on cancer effects 

The objective of the review paper was to assess the carcinogenic effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human. Most of the epidemiological results indicate that mobile phone use of less than 10 years does not seem to increase risk of brain tumour or acoustic neuroma. The authors note that, for long-term use, there are data gaps and the conclusions remain uncertain. Also, they state that significant effects of EMF on the cancer development are seen and more research is needed.

Bayazit V, Bayram B, Pala Z, Atan O. (2010). Evaluation of carcinogenic effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF). Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 10(3):245-50.

For more see “Research – review papers – behaviour”
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Review of non-thermal effects of microwave radiation on lens epithelial cells

The review includes research on the biological effects of low-power microwave radiation on lens and lens epithelial cells. It has been noted that radiofrequency field (RF) exposure affects lens transparency, changes cell proliferation and apoptosis, stops gap junctional intercellular communication, and causes genetic instability and stress responses in lens epithelial cells. The authors concluded that the results raise the question of whether the ambient microwave environment can induce non-thermal effects in the lens.

Yu Y, Yao K. (2010). Non-thermal cellular effects of lowpower microwave radiation on the lens and lens epithelial cells. J Int Med Res. 38(3):729-36.

For more see “Research – review papers – general”
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Costa A, Branca V, Minoia C, Pigatto PD, Guzzi G. Comment on: Heavy metals exposure and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Sci Total Environ. 408(20):4919-20.

For more see “Research – clinical – general”
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Ghezel-Ahmadi D. (2010). Response to Costa et al. Heavy metals exposure and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Sci Total Environ. 408(20):4921.

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Liu YP, Yu GR. (2010). Comment on: Bone mineral density and mobile phones. J Craniofac Surg. 21(3):943.