Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress—Biological Effects and Consequences for Health

Abstract

Overview

The proliferation of electrical devices and mobile communication systems has escalated public and occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), spotlighting them as potential environmental health hazards. Both radiofrequency (RF) EMF and extremely-low-frequency (ELF) MF are noted as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Findings

• Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in cellular or systemic oxidative stress has been frequently observed in animal and cell studies under the influence of EMF exposure.
• This review aggregates critical experimental findings from the last decade concerning oxidative stress correlated with EMF exposure in animal and cell studies.
• Studies have displayed increased oxidative stress particularly targeting neurological functions, genome stability, immune responses, and reproductive capabilities.
• Most animal studies and numerous cell studies noted increased oxidative stress due to RF-EMF and ELF-MF exposure.
• Types of cells studied include neurons, immune cells, cancer cells, and cells from the skin and epithelia among others, with various exposure durations and strengths within regulatory limits.

Conclusion

Oxidative stress induced by EMF has been consistently evidenced in specific organs of animal models and various cell types. The observed oxidative imbalances suggest a tangible health risk, necessitating further standardized studies to understand and validate these effects thoroughly.