Invited Perspective: Why Systematic Reviews,
Scoping Reviews, and Evidence-to-Decision Frameworks Are Critical for
Transparent, Consistent, Equitable, and Science-Based Decision-Making in
Environmental Health
My
note: Systematic reviews require a multitude of macro- and
micro-decisions.
When conducted by biased investigative teams, systematic reviews
generate erroneous conclusions and policy implications. This applies to
toxic EMF as well as chemical exposures.
Chartres N, Joglekar R. Invited Perspective: Why Systematic Reviews,
Scoping Reviews, and Evidence-to-Decision Frameworks Are Critical for
Transparent, Consistent, Equitable, and Science-Based Decision-Making in
Environmental Health. Environ Health Perspect. 2024 Mar;132(3):31304.
doi: 10.1289/EHP14346.
No abstract
"... systematic review is simultaneously being corrupted as agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of implementing the amended the Toxic Substances Control Act, are appropriating the term in regulatory decision-making without meeting many of the standards of an empirically based systematic review. 4,9–12 This could result in rulemakings that underestimate the true risk of harm posed by toxic chemical exposures, which could have devastating implications for vulnerable populations, including low-wealth communities of color. 11"
Open access paper: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14346
--
Mobile phone use and brain tumour risk – COSMOS, a prospective cohort study
(Note: Methodological problems undermine validity of results.)
Feychting
M, Schüz J, Toledano MB, Vermeulen R, Auvinen A, Poulsen AH, Deltour I,
Smith RB, Heller J, Kromhout H, Huss A, Johansen C, Tettamanti G,
Elliott P. Mobile phone use and brain tumour risk – COSMOS, a
prospective cohort study. Environment International. 2024, doi:
10.1016/j.envint.2024.108552.
Abstract
Background:
Each new generation of mobile phone technology has triggered
discussions about potential carcinogenicity from exposure to
radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Available evidence has
been insufficient to conclude about long-term and heavy mobile phone
use, limited by differential recall and selection bias, or crude
exposure assessment. The Cohort Study on Mobile Phones and Health
(COSMOS) was specifically designed to overcome these shortcomings.
Methods:
We recruited participants in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden,
and the UK 2007-2012. The baseline questionnaire assessed lifetime
history of mobile phone use. Participants were followed through
population-based cancer registers to identify glioma, meningioma, and
acoustic neuroma cases during follow-up. Non-differential exposure
misclassification was reduced by adjusting estimates of mobile phone
call-time through regression calibration methods based on self-reported
data and objective operator-recorded information at baseline. Hazard
ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for glioma, meningioma,
and acoustic neuroma in relation to lifetime history of mobile phone use
were estimated with Cox regression models with attained age as the
underlying time-scale, adjusted for country, sex, educational level, and
marital status.
Results: 264,574 participants accrued 1,836,479
person-years. During a median follow-up of 7.12 years, 149 glioma, 89
meningioma, and 29 incident cases of acoustic neuroma were diagnosed.
The adjusted HR per 100 regression-calibrated cumulative hours of mobile
phone call-time was 1.00 (95 % CI 0.98-1.02) for glioma, 1.01 (95 % CI
0.96-1.06) for meningioma, and 1.02 (95 % CI 0.99-1.06) for acoustic
neuroma. For glioma, the HR for ≥ 1908 regression-calibrated cumulative
hours (90th percentile cut-point) was 1.07 (95 % CI 0.62-1.86). Over 15
years of mobile phone use was not associated with an increased tumour
risk; for glioma the HR was 0.97 (95 % CI 0.62-1.52).
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the cumulative amount of mobile phone use is
not associated with the risk of developing glioma, meningioma, or
acoustic neuroma.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024001387
Supplementary material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024001387#s0065
--
Dominance of Smartphone Exposure in 5G Mobile Networks
Chiaraviglio L, Lodovisi C, Bartoletti S, Elzanaty A, M.
Slim-Alouini M. Dominance of Smartphone Exposure in 5G Mobile Networks. IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 23(3):2284-2302, 2024. doi: 10.1109/TMC.2023.3252662.
Abstract
The deployment of 5G networks is sometimes questioned due to the impact
of ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) generated by Radio Base Station (RBS) on
users. The goal of this work is to analyze such issue from a novel
perspective, by comparing RBS EMF against exposure generated by 5G
smartphones in commercial deployments. The measurement of exposure from
5G is hampered by several implementation aspects, such as dual
connectivity between 4G and 5G, spectrum fragmentation, and carrier
aggregation. To face such issues, we deploy a novel framework, called
5G-EA, tailored to the assessment of smartphone and RBS exposure through
an innovative measurement algorithm, able to remotely control a
programmable spectrum analyzer. Results, obtained in both outdoor and
indoor locations, reveal that smartphone exposure (upon generation of
uplink traffic) dominates over the RBS one. Moreover, Line-of-Sight
locations experience a reduction of around one order of magnitude on the
overall exposure compared to Non-Line-of-Sight ones. In addition, 5G
exposure always represents a small share (up to 38%) compared to the
total one radiated by the smartphone.
Excerpt
Our results demonstrate that the smartphone exposure dominates over the RBS one upon
generation of UL traffic, especially when the UE is in Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) with
respect to the RBS. On the contrary, both smartphone exposure and total EMF are reduced
up to one order of magnitude when the smartphone UL traffic traverses a radio link
in Line-of-Sight (LOS) with respect to the serving RBS. Interestingly, the exploitation
of dual connectivity feature between 4G and 5G reveals that only a small smartphone
exposure share (at most equal to 38%) is due to 5G, while the largest exposure levels
are derived from the carrier aggregation over 4G bands. Moreover, both total and smartphone
exposure-per-bit metrics are inversely proportional to the maximum amount of UL traffic
generated by the smartphone in the measurement location, thus suggesting that innovative
exposure estimators, based on the reporting of maximum UL traffic from the smartphone,
can be designed.
Open access paper: https://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/TMC.2023.3252662
--
Human exposure to EMF from 5G base stations: analysis, evaluation and comparison of different assessment methods
Expósito I, Hakizimali C, García Sánchez M, Cuiñas I, Verhaevert J. Human exposure to EMF from 5G base stations: analysis, evaluation and comparison of different assessment methods. Measurement. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.measurement.2024.114434.
Highlights- This
paper analyzes the feasibility of assessing the 5G base stations
compliance using broadband field probes and compares their performance
with alternative methodologies and equipment.
- Performance
of three different methodologies and equipment (broadband probes,
spectrum analyzers, and drive test scanners), in the context of human
exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 5G base stations, is
compared.
- Quantification
of the uncertainty that the fluctuation in 5G signal levels induces in
the assessment of electromagnetic fields exposure is provided.
- The
use of broadband field probes for 5G exposure assessment is still
possible under certain considerations and correcting the results
considering the base station load and beamforming effects.
Abstract
5G networks deployment poses new challenges when evaluating human exposure to electromagnetic fields. Fast variation of the user load and beamforming techniques may cause large fluctuations of 5G base stations field level. They may be underestimated, resulting in compliance of base stations not fitting the requirements. Apparently, broadband field meters would not be adequate for measuring such environments. However, we analyze the feasibility of confidently using broadband field meters and compare their performance with alternative equipment. Measurements based on the synchronization signals power level, using spectrum analyzers or drive test scanners, may be valid, if gain differences between the signaling and data radiation patterns are characterized. These methods lead to good results but require more time and knowledge. Nevertheless, using broadband field meters is still possible if the measurement results are corrected considering the base station load. Under specific conditions, explained here, fast assessment of 5G compliance could be provided.
ConclusionsAssessing
human exposure to an electromagnetic field in presence of a 5G base
station is not an easy task. The implementation of M−MIMO techniques in
5G base stations results in adaptive beamforming. This makes difficult
to guarantee that the field levels are at their maximum at the
measurement location during the complete measurement period, which would
limit the applicability of broadband instruments as having been done
for previous generations. In this research, we have compared different
methods for 5G exposure assessment, using a broadband field meter with
an isotropic probe, a spectrum analyzer and a drive test scanner.
Along
the paper, we first give an overview of the 5G signal structure,
describing the frequency domain and time domain specifications.
Afterwards, possible assessment methods are described. The SSB level is
measured using the Keysight FieldFox N9913A SA and the Rohde &
Schwarz TSM6 DTS. The values are extrapolated to the worst-case exposure
and compared to the measurements done with the Wavecontrol WPF8
broadband field probe. Measurements are repeated increasing the base
station load by performing a heavy download from a 5G user terminal
located near the testers.
The proposed methods were
field tested at the University of Vigo, Spain, with a commercial 5G base
station located on its campus. The measurements were performed at 7
locations in LOS conditions around the base station, gathering data with
the three different equipment at the same locations and at the same
time. This data collection allows the comparison of the three
methodologies under the same radiating conditions.
All
results have been analyzed considering the specific measurement
uncertainties, which allows a deeper and more precise comparison among
them.
From the measurement results, we can extract that
the exposure levels are low at this stage of the 5G deployment. When
loading the base station, the results showed that using the broadband
field meter can overestimate the field level. Thus, it is still a useful
method to check if the field levels comply with the regulation in human
exposure; very simple and cost-effective compared with others. In-situ
measurements of human exposure to EMF have to be practical and easy to
carry, involving only the resources and equipment strictly necessary,
but without compromising the validity of the results. When the reference
levels are surpassed, more accurate methods based in the assessment and
extrapolation of the SSB level could be a solution. The drawback is the
required post processing, specially correcting the gain difference
between SSB and data signals. If not provided by the network operator,
this difference can be determined through measurements, as explained
along this document. Measuring with an SA in max-hold mode in the
bandwidth of the SSB does not work in 5G as it does in LTE, as we cannot
be sure if the measured level corresponds to the SSB or to the user
data, no matter if we are forcing the load of the station or not.
The
analysis of the results demonstrate that broadband instruments can be
used for assessing human exposure to EMF in the vicinity of 5G base
stations, which radiating elements provide fields with extreme
fluctuations in their intensity as a function of the system load and
beamforming configuration. This is accurate when measurements are done
by forcing an extra load of the station and the pointing of an antenna
beam towards the probe. The validation of this fast method as a first
attempt to assess the compliance of 5G stations permits the testing of
these base stations in an efficient way. Only when broadband instrument
results (including their uncertainties) would overpass the reference
levels, a more detailed analysis would be necessary, which procedure and
tips are also depicted along this paper.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263224124003191
--
5G
NR launching in Greece: Preliminary in situ and monitoring network
measurements of electromagnetic fields exposure levels at rooftops
Christopoulou MI, Kyritsi T, Yalofas A, Koutounidis D, Karabetsos E. 5G
NR launching in Greece: Preliminary in situ and monitoring network
measurements of electromagnetic fields exposure levels at rooftops.
Bioelectromagnetics. 2024 Mar 5. doi: 10.1002/bem.22502.
Highlights
-
In situ measurements of electromagnetic field (EMF)
exposure levels at rooftops, close to 117 base stations operating at 5G
FR1 in Greece in order to evaluate the contribution of 5G to the total
exposure.
-
Statistical analysis of the follow-up for inspections
of the same base stations, before and after the 5G FR1 launching in
Greece.
-
Case study of a 5G FR1 base station during its pilot
and regular operation based on in situ and broadband & frequency
selective 24/7 monitoring sensors measurements data.
Abstract
In Greece, 5G New Radio (NR) has started launching in the end of
2020, at the 3400-3800 MHz (FR1) frequency band. Focusing on 117 Base
Stations (BSs) which were already equipped with 5G NR antennas, in situ
broadband and frequency selective measurements have been conducted at
minimum three points of interest, at adjacent rooftops (when
accessible). The points have been selected according to the sweeping
method and the electric field strength (E) value has been stored on the
selected worst-case scenario point. Spectrum analysis was conducted in
the FR1, for the allocated spectrum that corresponds to each mobile
communication provider, in order to get preliminary results concerning
the contribution of the 5G NR emissions in the general public exposure
levels. The vast majority of the in situ measurements has been conducted
in urban environments from the beginning of 2021 until the mid of 2022,
since in Greece 5G NR services launching started from the big cities.
Additionally, a 5G NR BS, installed in a suburban environment (in the
city of Kalamata) is thoroughly investigated during its pilot and
regular operation, based on broadband and frequency selective
measurements data derived by the National Observatory of Electromagnetic
Fields (NOEF) monitoring sensor network. In situ measurement data
within the 5G NR frequency range are verified via the NOEF's output. The
5G NR contribution to the total E-field levels is assessed in time,
from pilot to regular operation of the BS. In all cases, compliance with
the reference levels for general public exposure is affirmed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38444067/
--
The determinants of
legislation for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) with the
onset of 5G: An empirical analysis
Recuero Virto L, Czerwiński M, Froidevaux J. The determinants of
legislation for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) with the
onset of 5G: An empirical analysis with a worldwide cross-sectional
dataset. Risk Anal. 2024 Mar 31. doi: 10.1111/risa.14298.
Abstract
The unprecedented exposure of radiofrequency electromagnetic field
(RF-EMF) to humans from mobile communications raises serious public
concern about the possibility of unexpected adverse health effects and
has stimulated authorities to adopt precautionary exposure limits. These
limits are distinctly different across countries, and the causes of
these differences are unclear from the literature. This article is the
first empirical analysis on the determinants of RF-EMF exposure
legislation, using a novel cross-sectional database of 164 countries
worldwide. The analysis shows that decentralization and mobile
competition in countries with low mobile network deployment tend to
promote more stringent RF-EMF exposure limits across the dataset with
164 countries. In more decentralized countries, the regions had a
greater influence on national legislation and could accommodate local
demands with the advent of mobile technology in the 2000s. In contrast,
decentralization and mobile competition in countries with high levels of
mobile network deployment tend to relax RF-EMF exposure limits in the
sample of 61 countries with fifth-generation (5G) technology. Indeed,
restrictive RF-EMF exposure limits are constraining 5G deployment in a
context of the widespread adoption of mobile-broadband technologies.
These results should be useful for policymakers and mobile operators
alike to anticipate the outcome of legislation in countries that have
yet to introduce 5G technology. The results should also be useful when
reviewing policies and strategies for the implementation of the upcoming
6G technology in frequency bands that will be increasingly higher
(above 6 GHz up to THz for very local usage), and hence where the health
effects on humans are less well studied.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38556257/
--
Editorial: Neurological Illness and National Security: Lessons to Be Learned
Relman DA. Neurological Illness and National Security: Lessons to Be Learned. JAMA. Published online March 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26818
No abstract
Excerpt
In 2016, a set of troubling neurological
symptoms was reported through confidential channels by US government
personnel based at the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba. As the number of
cases in Havana escalated and then similar cases occurred over the next 5
years in other locations around the globe, efforts to understand this
syndrome, now known as anomalous health incidents (AHIs), were hampered
by their unusual features, incomplete information, nonstandardized
clinical testing, delayed reporting, and the sensitive nature of the
circumstances, individuals, and their work. A subset of individuals
described the abrupt onset, sometimes in the middle of the night, of a
loud, grinding, clicking, buzzing, or high-pitched piercing sound inside
the head, occasionally likened to a slide whistle, and a sensation of
pressure, sometimes in one ear, on one side of the head, or in the face
or chest. Most strikingly, these phenomena often displayed strong
location dependence, in that they quickly dissipated when the
individuals vacated their initial location, and then returned when the
location was revisited. In some cases, this location dependence was
reported to occur repeatedly by the same individual or by multiple
individuals as they moved away from and then returned within minutes to a
specific location, such as part of a room. These abrupt-onset sensory
phenomena were followed by a mix of vertigo, dizziness, imbalance,
blurry vision, tinnitus, headache, nausea, and cognitive dysfunction,
sometimes leading to chronic disability.
In this issue of JAMA, Chan et al1 and Pierpaoli et al2 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report on an extensive clinical assessment of 86 participants with AHIs and 30 control participants, and on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 81 of these participants with AHIs and 48 control participants, respectively. Overall, the authors found few significant differences between participants with AHIs and control participants, and no consistent evidence of brain injury. These findings differ from previous clinical and imaging studies of smaller numbers of cases from Havana and China that found evidence of vestibular, oculomotor, and pupillary abnormalities3,4 and a variety of MRI findings.5
With few differences between cases and controls in the 2 current studies, one might suspect that nothing or nothing serious happened with these cases. This would be ill-advised. Two detailed investigations of AHIs (in which I played a role) found the cases with abrupt-onset, location-dependent sensory phenomena to be unlike any disorder reported in the neurological or general medical literature, and potentially caused by an external mechanism.6-9 The first of these investigations was undertaken by the US National Academy of Sciences in 2019-2020 and the second by a panel of experts on behalf of the US Intelligence Community in 2021-2022. The latter is described in more detail below. Both of these investigations involved experienced clinicians, detailed interviews with many affected individuals, careful reviews of the literature, and informal reviews of some medical records, but not physical examinations or directed testing. After considering a wide variety of possible mechanisms, both studies concluded that some of the cases with abrupt-onset, location-dependent sensory phenomena could be plausibly explained by exposure to directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy, despite important uncertainties. Others have also pointed to pulsed radiofrequency energy as a plausible mechanism.10,11 The US Intelligence Community has discounted this possibility and concluded that reported symptoms were probably the result of "preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors," influenced by their assessment that no foreign adversary played a role in these cases.12 While many cases may be explained in this fashion, the evidence that might favor known conditions, illnesses, and factors in some of the cases with abrupt-onset, location-dependent auditory-vestibular phenomena is weak at best....Open access paper: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2816534
--
Clinical,
biomarker, and research tests among US government personnel and their
family members involved in anomalous health incidents
Chan L, Hallett M, Zalewski CK, et al; NIH AHI Intramural Research Program Team. Clinical, biomarker, and research tests among US government personnel and their family members involved in anomalous health incidents. JAMA. Published March 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.2413
Key Points
Questions Do US government officials and their family members involved in anomalous health incidents (AHIs) differ from control participants with respect to clinical, biomarker, and research assessments?
Findings In this exploratory study that included 86 participants reporting AHIs and 30 vocationally matched control participants, there were no significant differences in most tests of auditory, vestibular, cognitive, visual function, or blood biomarkers between the groups. Participants with AHIs performed significantly worse on self-reported and objective measures of balance, and had significantly increased symptoms of fatigue, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression compared with the control participants; 24 participants (28%) with AHIs presented with functional neurological disorders.
Meaning In this exploratory study, there were no significant differences between individuals reporting AHIs and matched control participants with respect to most clinical, research, and biomarker measures, except for self-reported and objective measures of imbalance; symptoms of fatigue, posttraumatic stress, and depression; and the development of functional neurological disorders in some.
Abstract
Importance Since 2015, US government and related personnel have reported dizziness, pain, visual problems, and cognitive dysfunction after experiencing intrusive sounds and head pressure. The US government has labeled these anomalous health incidents (AHIs).
Objective To assess whether participants with AHIs differ significantly from US government control participants with respect to clinical, research, and biomarker assessments.
Design, Setting, and Participants Exploratory study conducted between June 2018 and July 2022 at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, involving 86 US government staff and family members with AHIs from Cuba, Austria, China, and other locations as well as 30 US government control participants.
Exposures AHIs.
Main Outcomes and Measures Participants were assessed with extensive clinical, auditory, vestibular, balance, visual, neuropsychological, and blood biomarkers (glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light) testing. The patients were analyzed based on the risk characteristics of the AHI identifying concerning cases as well as geographic location.
Results Eighty-six participants with AHIs (42 women and 44 men; mean [SD] age, 42.1 [9.1] years) and 30 vocationally matched government control participants (11 women and 19 men; mean [SD] age, 43.8 [10.1] years) were included in the analyses. Participants with AHIs were evaluated a median of 76 days (IQR, 30-537) from the most recent incident. In general, there were no significant differences between participants with AHIs and control participants in most tests of auditory, vestibular, cognitive, or visual function as well as levels of the blood biomarkers. Participants with AHIs had significantly increased fatigue, depression, posttraumatic stress, imbalance, and neurobehavioral symptoms compared with the control participants. There were no differences in these findings based on the risk characteristics of the incident or geographic location of the AHIs. Twenty-four patients (28%) with AHI presented with functional neurological disorders.
Conclusions and Relevance In this exploratory study, there were no significant differences between individuals reporting AHIs and matched control participants with respect to most clinical, research, and biomarker measures, except for objective and self-reported measures of imbalance and symptoms of fatigue, posttraumatic stress, and depression. This study did not replicate the findings of previous studies, although differences in the populations included and the timing of assessments limit direct comparisons.
Open access paper: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2816533
--
Neuroimaging findings in US government personnel and their family members involved in anomalous health incidents
Pierpaoli C, Nayak A, Hafiz R, et al; NIH AHI Intramural Research Program Team. Neuroimaging findings in US government personnel and their family members involved in anomalous health incidents. JAMA. Published March 18, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.2424
Key Points
Question Can a systematic evaluation using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics identify potential brain lesions in patients who have experienced anomalous health incidents (AHIs) compared with a well-matched control group?
Findings In this exploratory study that involved brain imaging of 81 participants who experienced AHIs and 48 matched control participants, there were no significant between-group differences in MRI measures of volume, diffusion MRI–derived metrics, or functional connectivity using functional MRI after adjustments for multiple comparisons. The MRI results were highly reproducible and stable at longitudinal follow-ups. No clear relationships between imaging and clinical variables emerged.
Meaning In this exploratory neuroimaging study, there was no significant MRI-detectable evidence of brain injury among the group of participants who experienced AHIs compared with a group of matched control participants. This finding has implications for future research efforts as well as for interventions aimed at improving clinical care for the participants who experienced AHIs.
Abstract
Importance US government personnel stationed internationally have reported anomalous health incidents (AHIs), with some individuals experiencing persistent debilitating symptoms.
Objective To assess the potential presence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–detectable brain lesions in participants with AHIs, with respect to a well-matched control group.
Design, Setting, and Participants This exploratory study was conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center and the NIH MRI Research Facility between June 2018 and November 2022. Eighty-one participants with AHIs and 48 age- and sex-matched control participants, 29 of whom had similar employment as the AHI group, were assessed with clinical, volumetric, and functional MRI. A high-quality diffusion MRI scan and a second volumetric scan were also acquired during a different session. The structural MRI acquisition protocol was optimized to achieve high reproducibility. Forty-nine participants with AHIs had at least 1 additional imaging session approximately 6 to 12 months from the first visit.
Exposure AHIs.
Main Outcomes and Measures Group-level quantitative metrics obtained from multiple modalities: (1) volumetric measurement, voxel-wise and region of interest (ROI)–wise; (2) diffusion MRI–derived metrics, voxel-wise and ROI-wise; and (3) ROI-wise within-network resting-state functional connectivity using functional MRI. Exploratory data analyses used both standard, nonparametric tests and bayesian multilevel modeling.
Results Among the 81 participants with AHIs, the mean (SD) age was 42 (9) years and 49% were female; among the 48 control participants, the mean (SD) age was 43 (11) years and 42% were female. Imaging scans were performed as early as 14 days after experiencing AHIs with a median delay period of 80 (IQR, 36-544) days. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, no significant differences between participants with AHIs and control participants were found for any MRI modality. At an unadjusted threshold (P < .05), compared with control participants, participants with AHIs had lower intranetwork connectivity in the salience networks, a larger corpus callosum, and diffusion MRI differences in the corpus callosum, superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum, inferior cerebellar peduncle, and amygdala. The structural MRI measurements were highly reproducible (median coefficient of variation <1% across all global volumetric ROIs and <1.5% for all white matter ROIs for diffusion metrics). Even individuals with large differences from control participants exhibited stable longitudinal results (typically, <±1% across visits), suggesting the absence of evolving lesions. The relationships between the imaging and clinical variables were weak (median Spearman ρ = 0.10). The study did not replicate the results of a previously published investigation of AHIs.
Conclusions and Relevance In this exploratory neuroimaging study, there were no significant differences in imaging measures of brain structure or function between individuals reporting AHIs and matched control participants after adjustment for multiple comparisons.Open access paper: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2816532
--
Do blue
light filter applications improve sleep outcomes? A study of smartphone
users' sleep quality in an observational setting
Rabiei M, Masoumi SJ, Haghani M, Nematolahi S, Rabiei R, Mortazavi
SMJ (2024). Do blue
light filter applications improve sleep outcomes? A study of smartphone
users' sleep quality in an observational setting.
Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine,
DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2024.2327432.
Abstract
Exposure to blue light at
bedtime, suppresses melatonin secretion, postponing the sleep onset and
interrupting the sleep process. Some smartphone manufacturers have
introduced night-mode functions, which have been claimed to aid in
improving sleep quality. In this study, we evaluate the impact of blue
light filter application on decreasing blue light emissions and
improving sleep quality. Participants in this study recorded the pattern
of using their mobile phones through a questionnaire. In order to
evaluate sleep quality, we used a PSQI questionnaire. Blue light filters
were used by 9.7% of respondents, 9.7% occasionally, and 80% never. The
mean score of PSQI was more than 5 in 54.10% of the participants and
less than 5 in 45.90%. ANOVA test was performed to assess the
relationship between using blue light filter applications and sleep
quality (p-value = 0.925). The findings of this study indicate a
connection between the use of blue light filter apps and habitual sleep
efficiency in the 31–40 age group. However, our results align only to
some extent with prior research, as we did not observe sustained
positive effects on all parameters of sleep quality from the long-term
use of blue light filtering apps. Several studies have found that blue
light exposure can suppress melatonin secretion, exacerbating sleep
problems. Some studies have reported that physical blue light filters,
such as lenses, can affect melatonin secretion and improve sleep
quality. However, the impact of blue light filtering applications
remains unclear and debatable.
Plain Language Summary
Using
smartphones before bedtime and being exposed to its blue light can make
it harder to fall asleep and disrupt your sleep. Some smartphone makers
have introduced a night mode feature claiming it can help improve your
sleep. In this study, we wanted to find out if using these blue light
filters on smartphones really makes a difference. We asked people how
often they used blue light filters on their phones and also had them
fill out a questionnaire about their sleep quality. Only about 10% of
people said they used blue light filters regularly, another 10% used
them occasionally, and the majority, around 80%, never used them. When
we looked at the results, more than half of the participants had sleep
scores higher than 5, indicating they might have sleep problems. Less
than half had sleep scores lower than 5, suggesting better sleep
quality. We used some statistical tests to see if using blue light
filters had any link to sleep quality, and the results showed that there
was only a connection between the use of blue light filter apps and
habitual sleep efficiency in the 31–40 age group. Our findings matched
what other studies have found before, that using blue light filters on
smartphones may not significantly help improve sleep. So, while it might
be a good idea to limit smartphone use before bed, using a blue light
filter app may not be the magic solution for better sleep.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15368378.2024.2327432
--
Mobile phone radiation disturbs cytokinesis and
causes cell death in buccal cells:
Results of controlled human intervention study
Kundi M, Nersesyan A, Schmid G, Hutter HP, Eibensteiner F, Mišík M,
Knasmüller S. Mobile phone specific radiation disturbs cytokinesis and
causes cell death but not acute chromosomal damage in buccal cells:
Results of a controlled human intervention study. Environ Res. 2024 Mar
5:118634. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118634.
Abstract
Several human studies indicate that mobile phone specific
electromagnetic fields may cause cancer in humans but the underlying
molecular mechanisms are currently not known. Studies concerning
chromosomal damage (which is causally related to cancer induction) are
controversial and are based on the use of questionnaires to assess the
exposure. We realized the first human intervention trial in which
chromosomal damage and acute toxic effects were studied under controlled
conditions. The participants were exposed via headsets at one randomly
assigned side of the head to low and high doses of a UMTS signal (n =
20, to 0.1 W/kg and n = 21 to 1.6 W/kg Specific Absorption Rate) for 2h
on 5 consecutive days. Before and three weeks after the exposure buccal
cells were collected from both cheeks and micronuclei (MN, which are
formed as a consequence of structural and numerical chromosomal
aberrations) and other nuclear anomalies reflecting mitotic disturbance
and acute cytotoxic effects were scored. We found no evidence for
induction of MN and of nuclear buds which are caused by gene
amplifications, but a significant increase of binucleated cells which
are formed as a consequence of disturbed cell divisions, and of
karyolitic cells, which are indicative for cell death. No such effects
were seen in cells from the less exposed side. Our findings indicate
that mobile phone specific high frequency electromagnetic fields do not
cause acute chromosomal damage in oral mucosa cells under the present
experimental conditions. However, we found clear evidence for
disturbance of the cell cycle and cytotoxicity. These effects may play a
causal role in the induction of adverse long term health effects in
humans.
Final paragraph of paper:
As mentioned in the introduction, evidence is accumulating that exposure to HF-EMF is associated with specific brain tumors (Brabant et al., 2023; Carlberg et al., 2017; Coureau et al., 2014; Hardell and Carlberg, 2015; Hardell et al., 2013; IARC, 2013; INTERPHONE Study Group, 2010). The results of the present investigation indicate that molecular mechanisms other than chromosomal damage may cause neoplastic transformation of the cells as a consequence of exposure to mobile phone specific HF-EMF. As described in the result section, we found in the present study clear evidence for induction of acute toxicity and disturbance of the cell cycle (cytokinesis) as a consequence of exposure to a high radiation dose (1.6 W/kg). It is possible that these effects cause inflammatory responses and/or release of ROS, which were seen in a number of laboratory studies (e.g. Alipour et al., 2022; Benavides et al., 2023; IARC, 2013; Yakymenko et al., 2016). These processes may possibly lead to formation of neoplastic cells.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124005383?via%3Dihub
--
Evaluation of neonatal outcomes according
to the specific absorption rate values of phones used during pregnancy
Büyükeren M, Karanfil Yaman F. Evaluation of neonatal outcomes according to the specific absorption rate values of phones used during pregnancy. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2024 Mar 6;25(1):7-12. doi: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-10-1.
Abstract
Objective: The aim was to compare neonatal outcomes according to cell phone specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and daily time spent on cell phones by pregnant women.
Material and methods: Women who gave birth at Konya City Hospital between September 2020 and February 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Gestational ages, birth weight, birth length, head circumference, sex, 5-minute APGAR scores, neonate postpartum resuscitation requirement, delivery type, the model of phone used by the pregnant women, and the average time spent on the phone during a day were recorded. To determine the relation between the SAR values of the phones used and delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) baby, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed.
Results: In total 1495 pregnant women were included. The rate of delivering a SGA fetus was significantly higher in women who used phones with higher SAR values (p=0.001). The cut-off value for the SAR level was 1.23 W/kg with 69.3% sensitivity and 73.0% specificity (area under the curve: 0.685; 95% confidence interval: 0.643-0.726). No correlation was found between time spent on the phone and SGA birth rate. Although both phone SAR values and time spent on the phone were higher in the symmetrical SGA group compared to the asymmetrical SGA group, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Although the women who had preterm delivery had higher phone SAR values and had spent more time on the phone compared to those who had term deliveries, the difference was again not significant (p>0.05).
Conclusion: As the SAR values of cell phones used during pregnancy increased, there was a trend towards delivering a SGA baby.
Open access paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10921072/
--
Do somatic symptom distress and attribution predict
symptoms associated with environmental factors?
Köteles F, Nordin S. Do somatic symptom distress and attribution predict
symptoms associated with environmental factors? J Psychosom Res. 2024
Mar 1;179:111637. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111637.
Abstract
Objective: Not much is known on the development of symptoms associated with environmental factors (SAEF), also known as (idiopathic) environmental intolerances. Findings from qualitative studies suggest that appearance of symptoms might be the first step, followed by the acquisition of a specific attribution. The current study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal (three years) associations between attribution and symptoms with respect to symptoms associated with chemical substances, certain indoor environments (buildings), sounds, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Methods: We used data from the first two waves of the population-based Västerbotten Environmental Health Study (n = 2336). Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Scale (PHQ-15), the Environmental Symptom-Attribution Scale, and answered single questions on the four aforementioned SAEFs.
Results: Using binary logistic regression analyses, all four SAEFs showed significant cross-sectional associations with somatic symptom distress and the respective attribution. In the longitudinal analysis, development of SAEF-Sound and SAEF-Chemicals were predicted by both somatic symptom distress and attribution. SAEF-EMFs was predicted only by attribution, whereas neither somatic symptom distress nor attribution forecasted SAEF-Buildings.
Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that attribution (i.e., a specific expectation) plays a substantial role in the development and maintenance of many SAEFs.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399924000497?via%3Dihub
--
Micro-environmental personal radio-frequency electromagnetic
field exposures in Melbourne: A longitudinal trend analysis
Bhatt CR, Henderson S, Sanagou M, Brzozek C, Thielens A, Benke G,
Loughran S. Micro-environmental personal radio-frequency electromagnetic
field exposures in Melbourne: A longitudinal trend analysis. Environ
Res. 2024 Mar 13:118629. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118629.
Abstract
Background: A knowledge gap exists regarding longitudinal assessment of personal radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures globally. It is unclear how the change in telecommunication technology over the years translates to change in RF-EMF exposure. This study aims to evaluate longitudinal trends of micro-environmental personal RF-EMF exposures in Australia.
Methods: The study utilised baseline (2015-16) and follow-up (2022) data on personal RF-EMF exposure (88 MHz-6 GHz) measured across 18 micro-environments in Melbourne. Simultaneous quantile regression analysis was conducted to compare exposure data distribution percentiles, particularly median (P50), upper extreme value (P99) and overall exposure trends. RF-EMF exposures were compared across six exposure source types: mobile downlink, mobile uplink, broadcast, 5G-New Radio, Others and Total (of the aforementioned sources). Frequency-specific exposures measured at baseline and follow-up were also compared. Total exposure across different groups of micro-environment types were also compared.
Results: For all micro-environmental data, total (median and P99) exposure levels did not significantly change at follow-up. Overall exposure trend of total exposure increased at follow-up. Mobile downlink contributed the highest exposure among all sources showing an increase in median exposure and overall exposure trend. Of seven micro-environment types, five of them showed total exposure levels (median and P99) and overall exposure trend increased at follow-up.
Excerpt
The assessment of change in total personal RF-EMF exposure distribution at follow-up across all micro-environments and those for different micro-environment types showed inconsistent changes in the exposure levels and overall exposure trend. The median and upper extreme total RF-EMF exposure levels across the micro-environments showed no significant change; whilst overall trend of total exposure at follow-up increased during the study period. Mobile downlink, the largest exposure source, median exposure and overall exposure trend increased (26.7%, up to 34.3%, respectively) at follow-up. The observed increase in median and upper extreme exposure levels as well as overall total exposure trend at follow-up remained consistent for the majority of micro-environment types.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124005334?via%3Dihub
--
New-generation electronic appliances and cardiac
implantable electronic devices: a systematic literature review of
mechanisms and in vivo studies
Kewcharoen J, Shah K, Bhardwaj R, Contractor T, Turagam MK, Mandapati R,
Lakkireddy D, Garg J. New-generation electronic appliances and cardiac
implantable electronic devices: a systematic literature review of
mechanisms and in vivo studies. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2024 Mar
5. doi: 10.1007/s10840-024-01777-z.
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) functions are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electromagnetic fields (EMF). Data on EMI risks from new-generation electronic appliances (EA) are limited.
Objective: We performed a systematic literature review on the mechanisms of EMI, current evidence, and recently published trials evaluating the effect of EMF on CIEDs from electric vehicles (EV), smartphone, and smartwatch technology and summarize its safety data.
Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed and EMBASE, were searched for in vivo studies evaluating EMF strength and incidence between CIEDs and commercial EVs, new-generation smartphones, and new-generation smartwatches.
Results: A total of ten studies (three on EVs, five on smartphones, one on smartphones, one on smartphones and smartwatches) were included in our systematic review. There was no report of EMI incidence associated with EVs or smartwatches. Magnet-containing smartphones (iPhone 12) can cause EMI when placed directly over CIEDs - thereby triggering the magnet mode; otherwise, no report of EMI was observed with other positions or smartphone models.
Conclusion: Current evidence suggests CIED recipients are safe from general interaction with EVs/HEVs, smartphones, and smartwatches. Strictly, results may only be applied to commercial brands or models tested in the published studies. There is limited data on EMI risk from EVs wireless charging and smartphones with MagSafe technology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38443707/
--
Electric vehicles
and health: A scoping review
Pennington AF, Cornwell CR, Sircar KD, Mirabelli MC. Electric vehicles
and health: A scoping review. Environ Res. 2024 Mar 16:118697. doi:
10.1016/j.envres.2024.118697.
Abstract
Background: The health impacts of the rapid transition to the use of electric vehicles are largely unexplored. We completed a scoping review to assess the state of the evidence on use of battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles and health.
Methods: We conducted a literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Scopus, and Environmental Science Collection databases for articles published January 1990 to January 2024. We included articles if they presented observed or modeled data on the association between battery electric or hybrid electric cars, trucks, or buses and health-related outcomes. We abstracted data and summarized results.
Results: Out of 897 reviewed articles, 52 met our inclusion criteria. The majority of included articles examined transitions to the use of electric vehicles (n = 49, 94%), with fewer studies examining hybrid electric vehicles (n = 11, 21%) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (n = 8, 15%). The most common outcomes examined were premature death (n = 41, 79%) and monetized health outcomes such as medical expenditures (n = 33, 63%). We identified only one observational study on the impact of electric vehicles on health; all other studies reported modeled data. Almost every study (n = 51, 98%) reported some evidence of a positive health impact of transitioning to electric or hybrid electric vehicles, although magnitudes of association varied. There was a paucity of information on the environmental justice implications of vehicle transitions.
Conclusions: The results of the current literature on electric vehicles and health suggest an overall positive health impact of transitioning to electric vehicles. Additional observational studies would help expand our understanding of the real-world health effects of electric vehicles. Future research focused on the environmental justice implications of vehicle fleet transitions could provide additional information about the extent to which the health benefits occur equitably across populations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38499224/
--
Electromagnetic exposure analysis of the subway
passenger under the civil communication system radiation
Zhou WY, Zhang XY, Lu M. Electromagnetic exposure analysis of the subway
passenger under the civil communication system radiation. PLoS One.
2024 Mar 11;19(3):e0300049. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300049.
Abstract
In order to assess the electromagnetic exposure safety of passengers
under the civil communication system of the subway, the radio-frequency
(RF) electromagnetic environment of subway carriage is established by
using COMSOL Multiphysics software, it includes a 1-1/4 " leaky coaxial
cable (LCX1) and a 1-5/8" leaky coaxial cable (LCX2), which are designed
to be the exposure sources, and twelve passengers at different
position. The electromagnetic environment model has been verified
through field measurement. The exposure dose distribution of twelve
passengers is compared and analyzed, when LCX1 and LCX2 works
respectively. The simulated results show that, to compare with LCX2, the
electromagnetic dose absorbed by the passengers is reduced by 9.19% and
22.50% at 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz respectively. The specific absorption
rate (SAR) of passengers obtains the maximum value of 1.91×10−4
W/Kg and the temperature rise to 0.214 K when the LCX1 works at 3400
MHz. By comparing with the public exposure limitation of the
International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP),
it demonstrates the electromagnetic exposure safety of the passengers
under the civil communication system. More importantly, the proposed
LCX1 not only could add the 5G signal cover but also lower the SAR
absorbed by the passengers, which indicates that the public
electromagnetic exposure dose could be reduced by adjusting the
radiation performances of exposure source, which provide a new way for
electromagnetic protecting.
Open access paper: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0300049
--
Impact of specific
electromagnetic radiation on wakefulness in mice
Deng H, Liu L, Tang X, Lu Y, Wang X, Zhao Y, Shi Y. Impact of specific
electromagnetic radiation on wakefulness in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S
A. 2024 Apr 9;121(15):e2313903121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2313903121.
Abstract
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the environment, particularly in the
microwave range, may constitute a public health concern. Exposure to 2.4
GHz EMR modulated by 100 Hz square pulses was recently reported to
markedly increase wakefulness in mice. Here, we demonstrate that a
similar wakefulness increase can be induced by the modulation frequency
of 1,000 Hz, but not 10 Hz. In contrast to the carrier frequency of 2.4
GHz, 935 MHz EMR of the same power density has little impact on
wakefulness irrespective of modulation frequency. Notably, the
replacement of the 100 Hz square-pulsed modulation by sinusoidal-pulsed
modulation of 2.4 GHz EMR still allows a marked increase of wakefulness.
In contrast, continuous sinusoidal amplitude modulation of 100 Hz with
the same time-averaged power output fails to trigger any detectable
change of wakefulness. Therefore, alteration of sleep behavior by EMR
depends upon not just carrier frequency but also frequency and mode of
the modulation. These results implicate biological sensing mechanisms
for specific EMR in animals.
Significance
Increased
wakefulness in mice was previously found to be a direct result of
prolonged exposure to 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with 100
Hz square-pulsed modulation at 1/8 duty cycle. Several key issues remain
unaddressed. Does the frequency of the square-pulsed modulation matter?
Are the sharp edges of the square pulses a major contributor to
sleep/wakefulness alteration? Can carrier frequencies other than 2.4 GHz
induce sleep/wakefulness alteration? Does the duty cycle matter? In
this study, we answer these questions by demonstrating the dependency of
sleep/wakefulness alteration on EMR modulation frequency, carrier
frequency, and modulation mode.
Excerpts
Modeling and experimental assessment of human exposure to 935 MHz or
2.14 GHz EMR at a dose level of 3.6 W/kg local SAR revealed a maximal
skin temperature increase of 0.31 °C and a brain temperature elevation
of <0.1 °C (21).
In our case, the maximum local SAR value measured with the cSAR3D
testing system is 3.6 W/kg and the averaged SAR is 2.81 ± 0.15 W/kg.
Hence, the observed EMR impact on sleep in our study is most likely
nonthermal....
In conclusion, our study reveals distinct specificity of EMR. Prolonged
exposure to the carrier frequency 2.4 GHz EMR with square pulse
modulation of different frequencies induces varying changes of
wakefulness in mice. In contrast to 2.4 GHz, the carrier frequency 935
MHz has little impact on wakefulness or NREM sleep. Then, 2.4 GHz EMR
with sinusoidal pulse modulation, but not continuous sinusoidal
modulation of 100 Hz, results in an increase in wakefulness. These
findings link specific biological responses to specific parameters of
EMR, namely carrier frequency, modulation frequency, and modulation
mode. The underlying mechanisms for these observations remain to be
unveiled.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38557178/
--
Effect of 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation on the Inner Ear: A
Histopathological Study on 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation and Cochlea
Tahir E, Akar Karadayı A, Gülşen Gürgen S, Korunur Engiz B, Turgut A.
Effect of 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation on the Inner Ear: A
Histopathological Study on 2.45 GHz Microwave Radiation and Cochlea. J
Int Adv Otol. 2024 Jan;20(1):35-43. doi: 10.5152/iao.2024.231142.
Abstract
Background: The present study aims to determine the possible low dose-dependent adverse effects of 2.45 GHz microwave exposure and Wi-Fi frequency on the cochlea.
Methods: Twelve pregnant female rats (n=12) and their male newborns were exposed to Wi-Fi frequencies with varying electric field values of 0.6, 1.9, 5, 10 V/m, and 15 V/m during the 21-day gestation period and 45 days after birth, except for the control group. Auditory brainstem response testing was performed before exposure and sacrification. After removal of the cochlea, histopathological examination was conducted by immunohistochemistry methods using caspase (cysteine-aspartic proteases, cysteine aspartates, or cysteine-dependent aspartate-directed proteases)-3, -9, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests and multivariate analysis of variance were used.
Results: Auditory brainstem response thresholds in postexposure tests increased statistically significantly at 5 V/m and above doses. When the number of apoptotic cells was compared in immunohistochemistry examination, significant differences were found at 10 V/m and 15 V/m doses (F(5,15)=23.203, P=.001; Pillai's trace=1.912, η2=0.637). As the magnitude of the electric field increased, all histopathological indicators of apoptosis increased. The most significant effect was noted on caspase-9 staining (η2 c9=0.996), followed by caspase-3 (η2 c3=0.991), and TUNEL staining (η2 t=0.801). Caspase-3, caspase-9, and TUNEL-stained cell densities increased directly by increasing the electric field and power values.
Conclusion: Apoptosis and immune activity in the cochlea depend on the electric field and power value. Even at low doses, the electromagnetic field in Wi-Fi frequency damages the inner ear and causes apoptosis.
Open access paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10895889/
--
Ashwagandha Diminishes Hippocampal Apoptosis
Induced by Wi-Fi Radiation in Male Quails
Gupta V, Srivastava R. Ashwagandha Diminishes Hippocampal Apoptosis
Induced by Microwave Radiation by Acetylcholinesterase Dependent
Neuro-Inflammatory Pathway in Male Coturnix coturnix Japonica. Neurochem
Res. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.1007/s11064-024-04127-7.
Abstract
Microwave radiation (MWR) has been linked to neurodegeneration by
inducing oxidative stress in the hippocampus of brain responsible for
learning and memory. Ashwagandha (ASW), a medicinal plant is known to
prevent neurodegeneration and promote neuronal health. This study
investigated the effects of MWR and ASW on oxidative stress and
cholinergic imbalance in the hippocampus of adult male Japanese quail.
One control group received no treatment, the second group quails were
exposed to MWR at 2 h/day for 30 days, third was administered with ASW
root extract orally 100 mg/day/kg body weight and the fourth was exposed
to MWR and also treated with ASW. The results showed that MWR increased
serum corticosterone levels, disrupted cholinergic balance and induced
neuro-inflammation. This neuro-inflammation further led to oxidative
stress, as evidenced by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD,
CAT and GSH. MWR also caused a significant decline in the nissil
substances in the hippocampus region of brain indicating
neurodegeneration through oxidative stress mediated hippocampal
apoptosis. ASW, on the other hand, was able to effectively enhance the
cholinergic balance and subsequently lower inflammation in hippocampus
neurons. This suggests that ASW can protect against the
neurodegenerative effects of MWR. ASW also reduced excessive ROS
production by increasing the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes.
Additionally, ASW prevented neurodegeneration through decreased
expression of caspase-3 and caspase-7 in hippocampus, thus promoting
neuronal health. In conclusion, this study showed that MWR induces
apoptosis and oxidative stress in the brain, while ASW reduces excessive
ROS production, prevents neurodegeneration and promotes neuronal
health.
Excerpt
Birds were exposed to 2.45 GHz of MW irradiation using Ruckus R310 Wi-fi
router with maximum transmission strength of 25dbm at the middle of the
cage. Average power density obtained within each partition of cage was
found to be 0.1264 mw/cm2 and overall specific absorption rate (SAR) obtained per bird was determined to be 0.9978 W/Kg.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38506951/
--
Does Microwave Exposure at Different Doses in the Pre/Postnatal Period
Affect Growing Rat Bone Development?
Karadayi A, Sarsmaz H, Çigel A, Engiz B, Ünal N, Ürkmez S, Gürgen S.
Does Microwave Exposure at Different Doses in the Pre/Postnatal Period
Affect Growing Rat Bone Development? Physiol Res. 2024 Mar
11;73(1):157-172.
Abstract
Effects of pre/postnatal 2.45 GHz continuous wave (CW),
Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Microwave (MW) irradiation on bone have yet to
be well defined. The present study used biochemical and histological
methods to investigate effects on bone formation and resorption in the
serum and the tibia bone tissues of growing rats exposed to MW
irradiation during the pre/postnatal period. Six groups were created:
one control group and five experimental groups subjected to low-level
different electromagnetic fields (EMF) of growing male rats born from
pregnant rats. During the experiment, the bodies of all five groups were
exposed to 2.45 GHz CW-MW for one hour/day. EMF exposure started after
fertilization in the experimental group. When the growing male rats were
45 days old in the postnatal period, the control and five experimental
groups' growing male and maternal rats were sacrificed, and their tibia
tissues were removed. Maternal rats were not included in the study. No
differences were observed between the control and five experimental
groups in Receptor Activator Nuclear factor-kB (RANK) biochemical
results. In contrast, there was a statistically significant increase in
soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor-kB Ligand (sRANKL) and
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) for 10 V/m and 15 V/m EMF values. Histologically,
changes in the same groups supported biochemical results. These results
indicate that pre/postnatal exposure to 2.45 GHz EMF at 10 and 15 V/m
potentially affects bone development.
Excerpt
In the present study, the effects of 2.45 GHz MW radiation on the bone of healthy rat tibia exposed to different doses of EMF during the prenatal and postnatal period were investigated using biochemical methods such as RANK, RANKL, OPG, and histopathological methods such as Tunel and immunohistochemical straining. Our findings showed that 2.45 GHz low-level MW radiation at 10 V/m (the peak SAR 10g value 14.4 mW/kg) and 15 V/m (the peak SAR 10g value 33.8 mW/kg) could cause changes in the bone. To our knowledge, our study seems to be the first investigation in literature focusing on effects on the bone of 2.45 GHz low-level MW radiation at different EMF values. Additionally, this research is the first article to determine the level of thermal and non-thermal effects on bone.
Open access paper: https://www.biomed.cas.cz/physiolres/pdf/73/73_157.pdf
--
The neuroprotective effects of baobab and
black seed on the rat hippocampus exposed to a 900-MHz electromagnetic
field
Mohamed H, Deniz OG, Kaplan S. The neuroprotective effects of baobab and
black seed on the rat hippocampus exposed to a 900-MHz electromagnetic
field. J Chem Neuroanat. 2024 Mar 4;137:102405. doi:
10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102405.
Abstract
This study investigated the potential effects on the hippocampus
of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) disseminated by mobile phones and the
roles of baobab (Adansonia digitata) (AD) and black seed (Nigella
sativa) (BS) in mitigating these. Fifty-six male, 12-week-old Wistar
albino rats were divided into eight groups of seven animals each. No EMF
exposure was applied to the control, AD or BS groups, while the rats in
the Sham group were placed in an EMF system with no exposure. A 900-MHz
EMF was applied to the EMF+AD, EMF+BS, EMF+AD+BS and EMF groups for 1
hour a day for 28 days. Pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus were
subsequently counted using the optical fractionator technique, one of
the unbiased stereological methods. Tissue sections were also evaluated
histopathologically under light and electron microscopy. The activities
of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also
determined in blood serum samples. Analysis of the stereological data
revealed no statistically significant differences between the EMF and
control or sham groups in terms of pyramidal neuron numbers (p>0.05).
However, stereological examination revealed a crucial difference in the
entire hippocampus between the control group and the AD (p<0.01) and
BS (p<0.05) groups. Moreover, exposure to 900-MHz EMF produced
adverse changes in the structures of neurons at histopathological
analysis. Qualitative examinations suggest that a combination of herbal
products such as AD and BS exerts a protective effect against such EMF
side-effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38447905/
ConclusionWe
suggest that using appropriate quantities of natural antioxidants in
combination with foodstuffs can inhibit or reduce the harmful effects of
EMF radiation on the neurons of the brain. The human population, and
especially children, should also be protected against exposure to
radiation, especially that emitted from mobile phones. To the best of
our knowledge, no prior study has demonstrated the effect of AD and BS
in the EMF exposed rat hippocampus. Further studies focusing on the
effect mechanism of antioxidants, especially AD and BS, that may
represent novel protective substances against the side-effects of EMF
radiation in the hippocampus, are now needed. Research involving
different methods, durations and doses is therefore required.
--
Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and
tracking devices—state of the science and best management practices
Manville AM, Levitt BB, Lai HC. Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and tracking devices—state of the science and best management practices. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. 2024. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1283709.
Abstract
This paper discusses the potential health risks and benefits to tagged wildlife from the use of radio tracking, radio telemetry, and related microchip and data-logger technologies used to study, monitor and track mostly wildlife in their native habitats. Domestic pets, especially canids, are briefly discussed as radio-tagging devices are also used on/in them. Radio tracking uses very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and global positioning system (GPS) technologies, including via satellites where platform terminal transmitters (PTTs) are used, as well as geo-locating capabilities using satellites, radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, and passive integrated responder (PIT) tags, among others. Such tracking technologies have resulted in cutting-edge findings worldwide that have served to protect and better understand the behaviors of myriad wildlife species. As a result, scientists, field researchers, technicians, fish and wildlife biologists and managers, plus wildlife and other veterinarian specialists, frequently opt for its use without fully understanding the ramifications to target species and their behaviors. These include negative physiological effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which many nonhuman species are exquisitely sensitive, as well as direct placement/use-attachment impacts from radio collars, transmitters, and implants themselves. This paper provides pertinent studies, suggests best management practices, and compares technologies currently available to those considering and/or using such technologies. The primary focus is on the health and environmental risk/benefit decisions that should come into play, including ethical considerations, along with recommendations for more caution in the wildlife and veterinarian communities before such technologies are used in the first place.
Open access paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1283709
--
Electromagnetic fields
regulate iron metabolism in living organisms: A review of effects and
mechanism
Zhen C, Zhang G, Wang S, Wang J, Shang P. Electromagnetic fields
regulate iron metabolism in living organisms: A review of effects and
mechanism. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2024 Mar 4:S0079-6107(24)00023-3. doi:
10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.03.001.
Abstract
The emergence, evolution, and spread of life on Earth have all occurred
in the geomagnetic field, and its extensive biological effects on living
organisms have been documented. The charged characteristics of metal
ions in biological fluids determine that they are affected by
electromagnetic field forces, thus affecting life activities. Iron
metabolism, as one of the important metal metabolic pathways, keeps iron
absorption and excretion in a relatively balanced state, and this
process is precisely and completely controlled. It is worth paying
attention to how the iron metabolism process of living organisms is
changed when exposed to electromagnetic fields. In this paper, the
processes of iron absorption, storage and excretion in animals (mammals,
fish, arthropods), plants and microorganisms exposed to electromagnetic
field were summarized in detail as far as possible, in order to
discover the regulation of iron metabolism by electromagnetic field.
Studies and data on the effects of electromagnetic field exposure on
iron metabolism in organisms show that exposure profiles vary widely
across species and cell lines. This process involves a variety of
factors, and the complexity of the results is not only related to the
magnetic flux density/operating frequency/exposure time and the
heterogeneity of the observed object. A systematic review of the
biological regulation of iron metabolism by electromagnetic field
exposure will not only contributes to a more comprehensive understanding
of its biological effects and mechanism, but also is necessary to
improve human awareness of the health related risks of electromagnetic
field exposure.
Open access paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079610724000233?via%3Dihub
--
0.263 terahertz irradiation induced genes expression changes in Caenorhabditis elegans (roundworm)
Shang S, Gao F, Zhang Q, Song T, Wang W, Liu D, Gong Y, Lu X. 0.263 terahertz irradiation induced genes expression changes in Caenorhabditis elegans. iScience. 2024 Mar 2;27(4):109391. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109391.
Abstract
The biosafety of terahertz (THz) waves has emerged as a new area of
concern with the gradual application of terahertz radiation. Even though
many studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of THz
radiation on living organisms, the biological effects of terahertz waves
have not yet been fully revealed. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)
was used to evaluate the biological consequences of whole-body exposure
to 0.263 THz irradiation. The integration of transcriptome sequencing
and behavioral tests of C. elegans revealed that high-power THz
irradiation damaged the epidermal ultrastructures, inhibited the
expression of the cuticle collagen genes, and impaired the movement of C. elegans.
Moreover, the genes involved in the immune system and the neural system
were dramatically down-regulated by high-power THz irradiation. Our
findings offer fresh perspectives on the biological impacts of
high-power THz radiation that could cause epidermal damage and provoke a
systemic response.
Open access paper: https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)00612-6
--
Environmental Pollution and Risk of Childhood Cancer: A Scoping Review of Evidence from the Last Decade
Navarrete-Meneses MdP, Salas-Labadía C, Gómez-Chávez F, Pérez-Vera P.
Environmental Pollution and Risk of Childhood Cancer: A Scoping Review of Evidence from the Last Decade. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024; 25(6):3284. doi: 10.3390/ijms25063284.
Abstract
The long-term effects of environmental pollution have been of concern as
several pollutants are carcinogenic, potentially inducing a variety of
cancers, including childhood cancer, which is a leading cause of death
around the world and, thus, is a public health issue. The present
scoping review aimed to update and summarize the available literature to
detect specific environmental pollutants and their association with
certain types of childhood cancer. Studies published from 2013 to 2023
regarding environmental pollution and childhood cancer were retrieved
from the PubMed database. A total of 174 studies were eligible for this
review and were analyzed. Our search strategy brought up most of the
articles that evaluated air pollution (29%) and pesticides (28%). Indoor
exposure to chemicals (11%), alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
(16%), electromagnetic fields (12%), and radon (4%) were the subjects of
less research. We found a particularly high percentage of positive
associations between prenatal and postnatal exposure to indoor (84%) and
outdoor (79%) air pollution, as well as to pesticides (82%), and
childhood cancer. Positive associations were found between leukemia and
pesticides and air pollution (33% and 27%); CNS tumors and neuroblastoma
and pesticides (53% and 43%); and Wilms tumor and other rare cancers
were found in association with air pollution (50%). Indoor air pollution
was mostly reported in studies assessing several types of cancer (26%).
Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the
potential associations between indoor/outdoor air pollution and
pesticide exposure with childhood cancer risk as more preventable
measures could be taken.
Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/6/3284
--
A broadband multi-frequency microwave combined biological exposure setup
Zhao X, Li Z, Liu X, Wang Y, Dong G, Liu Q, Wang C. A broadband multi-frequency microwave combined biological exposure setup. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 1 April 2024; 95 (4): 044702. doi: 10.1063/5.0196908
Abstract
With the rapid popularization of wireless electronic devices, there has
been an increasing concern about the impacts of the electromagnetic
environment on health. However, most research reports on the biological
effects of microwaves have focused on a single frequency point. In
reality, people are exposed to complex electromagnetic environments that
consist of multiple frequency microwave signals in their daily lives.
It is important to investigate whether multi-frequency combined
microwave energies have different biological effects compared with
single frequency microwave energy. Unfortunately, there are limited
reports on this topic due to the lack of suitable platforms for research
on multi-frequency microwave energy combined with biological exposure.
To address this issue, this study presents a setup that has a very wide
working frequency bandwidth and can be compatible with single frequency
and multi-frequency microwave combined exposure. Moreover, it can
achieve relatively equal exposure to multiple biological samples at any
frequency point in the working frequency range, which is crucial for
electromagnetic biology research. The experimental results are in good
agreement with the simulation results, confirming its capability to
facilitate the study of complex electromagnetic environment effects on
organisms.
Open access paper: https://pubs.aip.org/aip/rsi/article/95/4/044702/3280194/A-broadband-multi-frequency-microwave-combined
