Biological issue of electromagnetic fields and waves
Abstract
Overview
In the past few decades, the use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) has become prevalent throughout the world, and we no longer intend to stop using this technology. The widespread use of electromagnetic sources in daily life has induced an inevitable exposure to EMF.
Recently, the rapid introduction of EMF has witnessed an upsurge in the use of EMF for telecommunication. Mobile phone use has become ubiquitous. Wireless communication devices emit nonionizing electromagnetic radiofrequency (RF) fields in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz, raising public concern regarding the increasing use of mobile phones and their potential health-related risks.
The intermediate frequency (IF) EMF (300 Hz to 10 MHz) is also now widely used for wireless power transmission (WPT) or domestic kitchen appliances such as induction heating (IH) cooking. Unfortunately, although plenty of research has been conducted on RF, little information exists on the potential health effects associated with the exposure to IF magnetic fields.
With growing concerns regarding the potential health hazards, it has become necessary to investigate the risks of IF magnetic fields in more detail.
Findings
- Only a handful of cellular studies exist on IF exposure, despite its growing use worldwide.
- Research on IF is deemed urgent, but current evidence suggests the low-power intensity of IF might not induce any adverse effects on cellular response.
- No general conclusions can currently be drawn about IF exposure.
- There are contradictory results about the effects of RF exposure on cellular response.
- Most genotoxicity studies of RF do not indicate direct DNA damage, but some positive findings at high SARs are mainly related to thermal effects.
- Effects such as heat shock proteins (HSP) expression and apoptosis have been observed and warrant further validation.
- Further studies on RF effects using improved biotechnological methods are necessary for precise conclusions.
Conclusion
The chapter underscores the importance of continuing investigations into both intermediate and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, noting the existing gaps in health risk knowledge, particularly at commonly experienced exposure levels. While some adverse biological responses have been reported, results remain inconclusive, highlighting an ongoing need for caution, especially as EMF exposure continues to rise globally.