scholarly journals The Influence of Electromagnetic Field Pollution on Human Health: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (7) ◽  
pp. 485-492
Author(s):  
Monalisha Sahu ◽  
Shyambhavee Behera ◽  
Biswadip Chattopadhyay

Objective: Recent technological advances have exponentially expanded globally; harbouring upon Electromagnetic fields (EMF). The utilization of Electromagnetic field has become universal from everyday usage of electronic appliances such as micro wave ovens, tablets and portable computers to telecommunication systems mobile phone towers, radio- television broadcast systems and electronic power transmission systems resulting in electromagnetic field and associated radiations. EMF can have biological effects on cell at microlevel and have the potential ability to cause cell dysfunction manifesting in various biological effects. This review tried to gather evidence from the existing literature about the biological effects of EMF on human health. Materials and Methods: We did extensive literature search using PubMed and Cochrane database using key words, “electromagnetic fields”, “Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs)”, “biological effects”, “health effects”, “public health”. We included 20 studies conducted from Dec 2009 to Dec 2019 in our systematic review. Data from each study was extracted by two independent researchers and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Results: Significant biological effects of EMF exposure were reported on human health ranging from anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), hypersensitivity to infertility and increased risk of multiple carcinomas. Conclusion: Application of preventive measures in order to minimize the exposure becomes the need of the hour especially so in occupational settings.

Author(s):  
Joachim Schüz ◽  
Maria Feychting

Exposures to extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF) related to the production, transmission, and use of electricity, as well as to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) mainly related to mobile communication and broadcasting are ubiquitous in modern times. Although protection limits prevent known biological effects, such as induction of electric currents and tissue heating, those guidelines are challenged by several decades of research of whether adverse effects exist below those protection limits, including studies on neurological diseases. Synthesizing the evidence shows little or inconsistent evidence for ELF and childhood and adult brain tumours, as well as for RF and neurodegenerative disease. Most studies show no association between mobile phone use and brain tumour risk, but a modestly increased risk with very heavy use for some subtypes cannot be excluded. Some indications of associations are seen between certain neurodegenerative diseases and occupational ELF exposures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
K Sladicekova ◽  
M Bereta ◽  
J Misek ◽  
D Parizek ◽  
J Jakus

Abstract Background: Although the scientific community is extensively concerned with the effects of the EMF, the unambiguous explanation of its effects on living structures is still lacking. Goals: The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of a low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the growth and multiplication of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods: Yeast cells were exposed to a frequency of 900 Hz and a magnetic flux density of 2.3 mT. The duration of each experiment was 8 hours, in the beginning of the measurement the value of frequency, rms (root mean square) value of electric current (2 A), and magnetic flux density were fixed set on the exposure device. A paired experiment was performed, a sample exposed to EMF, and a sample shielded from the field. Subsequently, samples were taken every two hours, the number of cells was recorded, and then the concentration of the yeast cells was evaluated at time points. The time points reflected the exposure time of the samples exposed to EMF. Results: The results indicate that LF EMF at given parameters has an inhibitory effect on the growth and multiplication of yeast cells. Conclusion: Exposure to EMF can cause the differences in growth dynamics between cells exposed to the field and the unexposed ones.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-81
Author(s):  
Shabnam Monadizadeh ◽  
Charles J. Kibert ◽  
Jiaxuan Li ◽  
Junghoon Woo ◽  
Ashish Asutosh ◽  
...  

HIGHLIGHTS ABSTRACT A significant share of the technology that has emerged over the past several decades produces electromagnetic field (EMFR) radiation. Communications devices, household appliances, industrial equipment, and medical equipment and devices all produce EMFR with a variety of frequencies, strengths, and ranges. Some EMFR, such as Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), Radio Frequency (RF), and Ionizing Range (IR) radiation have been shown to have harmful effects on human health. Depending on the frequency and strength of the radiation, EMFR can have health effects at the cellular level as well as at brain, nervous, and cardiovascular levels. Health authorities have enacted regulations locally and globally to set critical values to limit the adverse effects of EMFR. By introducing a more comprehensive field of EMFR study and practice, architects and designers can design for a safer electromagnetic (EM) indoor environment, and, as building and construction specialists, will be able to monitor and reduce EM radiation. This paper identifies the nature of EMFR in the built environment, the various EMFR sources, and its human health effects. It addresses European and US regulations for EMFR in buildings and provides a preliminary action plan. The challenges of developing measurement protocols for the various EMFR frequency ranges and determining the effects of EMFR on building occupants are discussed. This paper argues that a mature method for measuring EMFR in building environments and linking these measurements to human health impacts will foster occupant health and lead to the adequate development of safeguards for occupants of buildings in future research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Costantini ◽  
Bruna Sinjari ◽  
Chiara D’Angelo ◽  
Giovanna Murmura ◽  
Marcella Reale ◽  
...  

Several clinical studies have suggested the impact of sinusoidal and pulsed electromagnetic fields in quickening wound repair processes and tissue regeneration. The clinical use of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields could represent a novel frontier in tissue repair and oral health, with an interesting clinical perspective. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extremely low-frequency sinusoidal electromagnetic field (SEMF) and an extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) with flux densities of 1 mT on a model of oral healing process using gingival fibroblasts. An in vitro mechanical injury was produced to evaluate wound healing, migration, viability, metabolism, and the expression of selected cytokines and protease genes in fibroblasts exposed to or not exposed to the SEMF and the PEMF. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β), metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) are involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration, favoring fibroblast proliferation, chemotaxis, and activation. Our results show that the exposure to each type of electromagnetic field increases the early expression of IL-6, TGF-β, and iNOS, driving a shift from an inflammatory to a proliferative phase of wound repair. Additionally, a later induction of MMP-2, MCP-1, and HO-1 was observed after electromagnetic field exposure, which quickened the wound-healing process. Moreover, electromagnetic field exposure influenced the proliferation, migration, and metabolism of human gingival fibroblasts compared to sham-exposed cells. This study suggests that exposure to SEMF and PEMF could be an interesting new non-invasive treatment option for wound healing. However, additional studies are needed to elucidate the best exposure conditions to provide the desired in vivo treatment efficacy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Segatore ◽  
D. Setacci ◽  
F. Bennato ◽  
R. Cardigno ◽  
G. Amicosante ◽  
...  

We aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (2 mT; 50 Hz) on the growth rate and antibiotic sensitivity ofE. coliATCC 25922 andP. aeruginosaATCC 27853. The electromagnetic field treatment significantly influenced the growth rate of both strains when incubated in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of kanamycin (1 μg/mL) and amikacin (0.5 μg/mL), respectively. In particular, at 4, 6, and 8 h of incubation the number of cells was significantly decreased in bacteria exposed to electromagnetic field when compared with the control. Additionally, at 24 h of incubation, the percentage of cells increased (P. aeruginosa∼42%;E. coli∼5%) in treated groups with respect to control groups suggesting a progressive adaptive response. By contrast, no remarkable differences were found in the antibiotic susceptibility and on the growth rate of both bacteria comparing exposed groups with control groups.


2004 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 4-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myrtill Simkó

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) such as those from electric power transmission and distribution lines (50/60 Hz) have been associated with increased risk of childhood leukemia, cancer of the nervous system, and lymphomas. Severalin vitrostudies on EMF effects were performed to clarify the existing controversies, define the risks, and determine the possible mechanisms of adverse effects. In some of these reports, the effects were related to other mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Modification in cell proliferation was observed after EMF exposure and a few reports on cytotoxic effects have also been published. This limited review gives an overview of the current results of scientific research regardingin vitrostudies on the effects of power line frequency EMF, but also cell biological mechanisms and their potential involvement in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are discussed. Cell cycle control and signal transduction processes are included to elucidate the biochemical background of possible interactions. Exposure to EMF has been also linked to the incidence of leukemia and other tumors in some epidemiological studies and is considered as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”, but there is no well-established biological mechanism that explains such a relation. Furthermore, EMF is also shown as a stimulus for immune relevant cells (e.g., macrophages) to release free radicals. It is known that chronic activation of macrophages is associated with the onset of phagocytosis and leads to increased formation of reactive oxygen species, which themselves may cause DNA damage and are suggested to lead to carcinogenesis. To demonstrate a possible interaction between EMF and cellular systems, we present a mechanistic model describing cell activation as a major importance for cellular response.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuele Calabrò ◽  
Salvatore Magazù

FTIR spectroscopy was used to investigate the effects of extremely low frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic field and of microwaves at 900 MHz on the secondary structure of a typical protein, the lysozyme, evaluating the bioprotective effectiveness of trehalose. Lysozyme in D2O solution (60 mg/ml) was exposed to 50 Hz frequency electromagnetic field at 180 μT. The FTIR spectra indicated an increase of CH2 group at 1921 and 1853 cm−1 after 3 h of exposure. Such effect was not observed after the addition of trehalose (150 mg/mL) at the same exposure conditions. Lysozyme dissolved in D2O at the concentration of 100 mg/mL was exposed up to 4 h to 900 MHz mobile phone microwaves at 25 mA/m. A significant increase in intensity of the amide I vibration band in the secondary structure of the protein was observed after 4 h exposure to microwaves. This effect was inhibited by the presence of trehalose at the concentration of 150 mg/mL. Fourier self-deconvolution spectral analysis of lysozyme in D2O solution after exposure to microwaves revealed an increase in intensity of the conformational components of amide I mode, particularly of β-sheet and turn that can be attributed to disorder and unfolding processes of the protein.


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