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Health Effects of EMF Radiation
The radiation from RF-EMF can cause damage to DNA, heat up of tissues and alter the blood-brain barrier. These effects are real and ARPANSA is actively engaged within the EHS community, medical experts as well as researchers. The agency will continue to review research on the health impacts of EMF radiation.

RF-EMF causes DNA damage
The exposure to electromagnetic fields created by humans (EMFs) is associated with DNA damage and other negative health consequences. EMFs can alter the intracellular ionic levels that are vital to maintain a cell's electrochemical balance. This can cause disruption to cell homeostasis and result damages to the DNA. Moreover exposure to EMFs can also trigger an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS).


The exposure to radiation from RF-EMF has been associated with changes in male germ cell development. This results in the differentiation of the germ cell into spermatozoa, aswell functional maturation when the spermatozoa move throughout the epididymis. To study the effect of RF-EMF exposure on male germ cells, a specifically-designed waveguide machine was designed to expose mice without restriction to RF-EMF at 2.2 W/kg.

In a study that was conducted recently, researchers found that exposure to RF-EME causes the oxidative DNA damage of the spermatozoa. Sperm DNA fragmentation was increased by 18% after one 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).

Despite this, RF-EMF radiation is not yet recognized as a true carcinogen. But, several studies have found that exposure to RF-EMF radiation can damage DNA integrity in a range of cell varieties. In one of these studies researchers subjected Vero cells with an EMF at 100 Hz over about 45 minutes. They assessed DNA damage for at 48 hours following exposure to determine if the exposure affected the integrity of DNA.

RF-EMF causes tissue heating
While the effects of RF-EMF are generally believed to have thermal origins, a few studies have shown that non-thermal influences are also evident. These effects may account for some of the unresolved observations in epidemiological studies of EMF hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is important to look at the non-thermal aspects when conducting a systematic review.

The non-thermal effects of RF-EMF may occur at the cell membrane. This is an area where research has been extensively examined. Particularly Proteck'd Emf Clothing of cell membranes has been studied. The current understanding is that energy from RF-EMF greater than 1 MHz is transmitted to the tissue via dielectric and ionic dissipation. Previous theoretical analyses indicated that the energy that is transferred to the tissue could be as high as 200 kV/m.

The electrical properties of tissues are controlled by the composition and distribution of water molecules, ions, and other molecules within the body. This determines how absorbent EMR from RF is absorbed by different tissues. Organs with greater conductivity are likely to absorb more of the field and cause more of an impact. This is why the level of heating in tissues does not increase steadily from outside to inside however, it is more prevalent in hot spots. Bone and fatty tissue is less prone to RF heating than other tissues, because they are low in water content.

The extent of the field's penetration depends on the frequency and strength of field. Muscle tissue absorbs more radiation than most tissues and transforms it into heat more effectively. Usually the depth of penetration of RF-EMF is measured as millimeters (mm). However, the higher the frequency, deeper the penetration.

RF-EMF causes blood-brain barrier disruption
Researchers have found that RF-EMF can disrupt the blood-brain barrier which can alter sleep patterns and neurotransmitter levels. Additionally to this, the effects that EMF in brain activities have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. For example, EMF from mobile phones can affect electroencephalogram activity and sleep patterns, as well as the activities of nitric oxide and xanthin oxidase.

Researchers from the Vienna University have studied the effects of exposure to RF-EMF in brain cells. They also studied how ELF EMF on the brain system. Although the cellular mechanisms involved are not completely known but there is a clear connection between exposure to ELF-EMF and myelin depletion. This relationship might account for the electro-hypersensitivity symptoms of electro-hypersensitivity. There are, however, tested methods to regenerate myelin in the brain.

Researchers have observed that exposure to the frequency of 900 MHz EMF increased the permeability of BBB and increased indicators of neuronal injury in rodents. They also observed an increase in the extravasation of albumin into neurons. Furthermore, they discovered that after 30 minutes of exposure at 900 MHz 99mTc-MIBI accelerated its penetration to the cerebral cortex. But this effect did not occur when using Evans blue injections.

However, RF-EMF does not have a clear mechanism to disrupt the BBB. Research suggests that EMF exposure may increase erythrocyte cell membrane permeability. This could alter the BBB and enhance calcium ion efflux. Additionally, the presence of a 99mTc-MIBI radiotracer within the brain is also associated with an increase in the permeability of the BBB.

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