EHP: e-m-f studies – reviews of the research

Prasad M., et al. “Mobile phone use and risk of brain tumours: a systematic review of association
between study quality, source of funding, and research outcomes.” Neurological Sciences, 2017, pp. 1-
14.
• This paper aims to investigate whether methodological quality of studies and source of funding
can explain the variation in results.
• Relationship between source of funding and log OR for each study was not statistically
significant (p < 0.32, 95% CI 0.036–0.010). We found evidence linking mobile phone use and
risk of brain tumours especially in long-term users (≥10 years). Studies with higher quality
showed a trend towards high risk of brain tumour, while lower quality showed a trend towards
lower risk/protection.

Yakymenko, Igor, et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency

radiation.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine vol. 35, no. 2, 2016, pp. 186-202.
• This review aims to cover experimental data on oxidative effects of low-intensity
radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in living cells.
• Analysis of the currently available peer-reviewed scientific literature reveals molecular effects
induced by low-intensity RFR in living cells; this includes significant activation of key
pathways generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of peroxidation, oxidative
damage of DNA and changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
• In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates that low-intensity RFR is an expressive oxidative
agent for living cells with a high pathogenic potential and that the oxidative stress induced by
RFR exposure should be recognized as one of the primary mechanisms of the biological activity
of this kind of radiation.

Balmori, Alfonso. “Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to

wildlife orientation.” Science of the Total Environment, vol. 518-519, 2015, pp. 58-60.
• Current evidence indicates that exposure at levels that are found in the environment (in urban
areas and near base stations) may particularly alter the receptor organs to orient in the magnetic
field of the earth. These results could have important implications for migratory birds and
insects, especially in urban areas, but could also apply to birds and insects in natural and
protected areas where there are powerful base station emitters of radiofrequencies. Therefore,
more research on the effects of electromagnetic radiation in nature is needed to investigate this
emerging threat.

Panagopoulos, Dimitris J., Olle Johansson, and George L. Carlo. “Polarization: A Key Difference
between Man-made and Natural Electromagnetic Fields, in regard to Biological Activity.” Scientific
Reports, vol. 5, no. 12914, 2015.
• In the present study we analyze the role of polarization in the biological activity of
Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)/Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR).
• All types of man-made EMFs/EMR – in contrast to natural EMFs/EMR – are polarized.
Polarized EMFs/EMR can have increased biological activity, due to: 1) Ability to produce
constructive interference effects and amplify their intensities at many locations. 2) Ability to
 force all charged/polar molecules and especially free ions within and around all living cells to
oscillate on parallel planes and in phase with the applied polarized field. Such ionic forced-
oscillations exert additive electrostatic forces on the sensors of cell membrane electro-sensitive
ion channels, resulting in their irregular gating and consequent disruption of the cell’s
electrochemical balance.
• Thus, polarization seems to be a trigger that significantly increases the probability for the
initiation of biological/health effects.

Redmayne, M. International policy and advisory response regarding children’s exposure to radio
frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 2015.
• Over twenty countries and municipalities have issued policy or advisories on reducing exposure
to electromagnetic fields.
• There are a wide variety of approaches which I have categorized and tabulated ranging from
ICNIRP/IEEE guidelines and “no extra precautions needed” to precautionary or scientific much
lower maxima and extensive advice to minimize RF-EMF exposure, ban advertising/sale to
children, and add exposure information to packaging. Precautionary standards use what I term
an exclusion principle. The wide range of policy approaches can be confusing for parents/carers
of children. Some consensus among advisory organizations would be helpful acknowledging
that, despite extensive research, the highly complex nature of both RF-EMF and the human
body, and frequent technological updates, means simple assurance of long-term safety cannot be
guaranteed. Therefore, minimum exposure of children to RF-EMF is recommended. This does
not indicate need for alarm, but mirrors routine health-and-safety precautions. Simple steps are
suggested. ICNIRP guidelines need to urgently publish how the head, torso, and limbs’ exposure
limits were calculated and what safety margin was applied since this exposure, especially to the
abdomen, is now dominant in many children.”

Sangün Ö, et al. “The Effects of Electromagnetic Field on the Endocrine System in Children and
Adolescents.” Pediatric Endocrinology Review, vol. 13, no. 2, 2015, pp. 531-45.
• Children are exposed to various kind of non-ionizing radiation in their daily life involuntarily.
The potential sensitivity of developing organism to the effects of radiofrequency (RF) signals,
the higher estimated specific absorption rate (SAR) values of children and greater lifetime
cumulative risk raised the scientific interest for children’s vulnerability to electromagnetic fields
(EMFs). In modern societies, children are being exposed to EMFs in very early ages.
• There are many researches in scientific literature investigating the alterations of biological
parameters in living organisms after EMFs. Although the international guidelines did not report
definite, convincing data about the causality, there are unignorable amount of studies indicating
the increased risk of cancer, hematologic effects and cognitive impairment. Although they are
less in amount; growing number of studies reveal the impacts on metabolism and endocrine
function. Reproductive system and growth look like the most challenging fields. However there
are also some concerns on detrimental effects of EMFs on thyroid functions, adrenal hormones,
glucose homeostasis and melatonin levels. It is not easy to conduct a study investigating the
effects of EMFs on a fetus or child due to ethical issues. Hence, the studies are usually
performed on virtual models or animals. Although the results are conflicting and cannot be
totally matched with humans; there is growing evidence to distress us about the threats of EMF
on children.
Volkow, Nora D., et al. “Effects of Cell Phone Radiofrequency Signal Exposure of Brain Glucose
Metabolism.” JAMA, vol. 305, no. 8, 2011, pp. 808-13.
• The objective of this study was to evaluate if acute cell phone exposure affects brain glucose
metabolism, a marker of brain activity.
• In healthy participants and compared with no exposure, 50-minute cell phone exposure was
associated with increased brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the antenna.

Carpenter, DO. “Human disease resulting from exposure to electromagnetic fields.”. Reviews on
Environmental Health, vol. 28, no. 4, 2013, pp. 159-72.
• This review summarizes the evidence stating that excessive exposure to magnetic fields from
power lines and other sources of electric current increases the risk of development of some
cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, and that excessive exposure to RF radiation increases
risk of cancer, male infertility, and neurobehavioral abnormalities.
• In summary, current extensive evidence shows that exposure to excessive levels of ELF and RF
EMFs results in elevated rates of cancer and some other diseases, and such evidence is rapidly
growing.

Cucurachi S, et al. “A review of the ecological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-
EMF).” Environment International, vol. 51, 2013, pp. 116-40.
• In about two third of the reviewed studies ecological effects of RF-EMF was reported at high as
well as at low dosages.
• “We propose in future studies to conduct more repetitions of observations and explicitly use the
available standards for reporting RF-EMF relevant physical parameters in both laboratory and
field studies.”

Davis DL, et al. “Swedish review strengthens grounds for concluding that radiation from cellular and
cordless phones is a probable human carcinogen.” Pathophysiology, vol. 20, no. 2, 2013, pp. 123-9.
• Recent analyses not considered in the IARC review find that brain tumor risk is significantly
elevated for those who have used mobile phones for at least a decade. Studies carried out in
Sweden indicate that those who begin using either cordless or mobile phones regularly before
age 20 have greater than a fourfold increased risk of ipsilateral glioma.
• High resolution computerized models based on human imaging data suggest that children are
indeed more susceptible to the effects of EMF exposure at microwave frequencies. If the
increased brain cancer risk found in young users in these recent studies does apply at the global
level, the gap between supply and demand for oncology services will continue to widen.
• Brain cancer is the proverbial “tip of the iceberg”; the rest of the body is also showing effects
other than cancers.

Herbert MR, Sage C., Autism and EMF? Plausibility of a pathophysiological link – Part I.
Pathophysiology, vol. 20, no. 3, 2013, pp. 191-209.
• Part I of this paper will review the critical contributions pathophysiology may make to the
 etiology, pathogenesis and ongoing generation of core features of ASCs. We will review
pathophysiological damage to core cellular processes that are associated both with ASCs and
with biological effects of EMF/RFR exposures that contribute to chronically disrupted
homeostasis.
• Many studies of people with ASCs have identified oxidative stress and evidence of free radical
damage, cellular stress proteins, and deficiencies of antioxidants such as glutathione. Elevated
intracellular calcium in ASCs may be due to genetics or may be downstream of inflammation or
environmental exposures. Cell membrane lipids may be peroxidized, mitochondria may be
dysfunctional, and various kinds of immune system disturbances are common. Brain oxidative
stress and inflammation as well as measures consistent with blood-brain barrier and brain
perfusion compromise have been documented.

Herbert MR and Sage C. “Autism and EMF? Plausibility of a pathophysiological link part II.”
Pathophysiology, vol. 20, no. 3, 2013, pp. 211-34.
• Part II of this paper documents how behaviors in ASCs may emerge from alterations of
electrophysiological oscillatory synchronization, how EMF/RFR could contribute to these by
de-tuning the organism, and policy implications of these vulnerabilities. It details evidence for
mitochondrial dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, neuroinflammation and brain blood
flow alterations, altered electrophysiology, disruption of electromagnetic signaling, synchrony,
and sensory processing, de-tuning of the brain and organism, with autistic behaviors as
emergent properties emanating from this pathophysiology.
• The evidence is sufficient to warrant new public exposure standards benchmarked to low-
intensity (non-thermal) exposure levels now known to be biologically disruptive, and strong,
interim precautionary practices are advocated.

Martin Pall. “Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce
beneficial or adverse effects.” Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, vol. 17, no. 8, 2013, pp.
958-65.
• This paper reviews 24 different studies in which EMF exposures produce biological effects that
can be blocked by using calcium channel blockers, drugs that block the action of voltage-gated
calcium channels (VGCCs).
• EMF exposures act by partially depolarizing the electrical charge across the plasma membrane
of cells, activating the VGCCs and it is the increased intracellular calcium levels that are
responsible for the reaction to EMF exposure.
• This review explains a mechanism for non-thermal biological effects from EMFs whereby
voltage-gated calcium channels are opened up in the cell membrane, allowing calcium to leak
into the cells.

Markov M and Y.G. Grigoriev. “Wi-Fi technology – an uncontrolled global experiment on the health of
mankind.” Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, vol. 32, no. 2, 2013, pp. 200-8.
• “For the first time in the history of mankind, because of aggressive use of mobile phones
children are exposed to harmful non ionizing radiation and potentially are subject of larger risk
than adults. Even if the dose received by the children’s brain is the same as for adults, due to the
specificity of the body size and physiological development, children are in greater danger.”
 • We should stop telling the science, politicians and general population that Wi-Fi is harmless…
We should better be honest and say that “we do not know what long-term effects might be.”
• “the continuous non-controlled exposure of the entire civilization to low-intensity EMFs
represents now more serious problem for the mankind than ionizing radiation where the sources
of radiation are under strict control and are well localized”

Panagopoulos D, O. Johansson and G. Carlo. “Analysing the Health Impacts of Modern

Telecommunications Microwaves.” PLoS One, vol. 8, no. 6, 2013.
• “In the present study we showed that microwave radiations used in modern mobile
telecommunications can damage DNA and induce cell death or heritable mutations which may
in turn result in reproduction decreases, degenerative diseases, or cancer. We analyzed the
biophysical and biochemical mechanism underlying this biological impact, and discussed
dosimetry and protection issues.
• All healthy organisms have defense mechanisms in order to repair biological damages. But
defense mechanisms are weaker in children and old individuals, and become also weaker during
sickness or during stress conditions. Although even the most serious biological effects may not
necessarily lead to health effects in an exposed individual, all health effects are initiated by
corresponding biological ones. Thereby, biological effects-especially the most serious ones as is
DNA damage or cell death induction-may potentially lead to health effects.

Goldsworthy, Andrew. “The Biological Effects of Weak Electromagnetic Fields: Problems and
Solutions.”2012
• In this article, he explains how weak electromagnetic fields from cell phones, cordless phones
and WiFi can have serious effects on our health. These include damage to glands resulting in
obesity and related disorders, chronic fatigue, autism, increases in allergies and multiple
chemical sensitivities, early dementia, DNA damage, loss of fertility and cancer.

Giuliani, Livio and Morando Soffritti. The ICEMS’ Monograph: “Non-Thermal Effects and
Mechanisms of Interaction Between Electromagnetic Fields and Living Matter.” European Journal of
Oncology, vol. 5, 2010.
Download the Summary (Adobe Acrobat PDF format)
Download Part I (Adobe Acrobat PDF format)
Download Part II (Adobe Acrobat PDF format)

Blank M and R. Goodman. “Electromagnetic fields stress living cells.” Pathophysiology, vol. 16, no. 2-
3, 2009, pp. 71-8.
• Electromagnetic fields (EMF), in both ELF (extremely low frequency) and radio frequency
(RF) ranges, activate the cellular stress response, a protective mechanism that induces the
expression of stress response genes, e.g., HSP70, and increased levels of stress proteins, e.g.,
hsp70.
• While low energy EMF interacts with DNA to induce the stress response, increasing EMF
energy in the RF range can lead to breaks in DNA strands. It is clear that in order to protect
living cells, EMF safety limits must be changed from the current thermal standard, based on
energy, to one based on biological responses that occur long before the threshold for thermal
changes.