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Many aspects of chemistry and biology are mediated by electromagnetic field (EMF) interactions. The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly sensitive to EMF stimuli. Studies have explored the direct effect of different EMFs on the electrical properties of neurons in the last two decades, particularly focusing on the role of voltage-gated ion channels (VGCs). This work aims to systematically review published evidence in the last two decades detailing the effects of EMFs on neuronal ion channels as per the PRISM guidelines. Following a predetermined exclusion and inclusion criteria, 22 papers were included after searches on three online databases. Changes in calcium homeostasis, attributable to the voltage-gated calcium channels, were found to be the most commonly reported result of EMF exposure. EMF effects on the neuronal landscape appear to be diverse and greatly dependent on parameters, such as the field's frequency, exposure time, and intrinsic properties of the irradiated tissue, such as the expression of VGCs. Here, we systematically clarify how neuronal ion channels are particularly affected and differentially modulated by EMFs at multiple levels, such as gating dynamics, ion conductance, concentration in the membrane, and gene and protein expression. Ion channels represent a major transducer for EMF-related effects on the CNS.

The hypothesis being tested was that the exposure of female workers to the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by an induction hob (IHb) meeting public exposure limitations (evaluated according to EN/IEC 62233) is also compliant with European Directive 2013/35/EU on workers' protection. The electric field induced in three female models in a realistic ergonomically comfortable posture near IHb was evaluated using numerical models of 25 kHz EMF sources (IHb covered by cooking vessels). It was found that, in analyzed ergonomically comfortable exposure situations, the electric field induced in the user's body may exceed public and workers' limits when the vessels do not match the dimensions of IHb's heating zone. This can even be the case when IHb complies with Conformité Européenne labeling requirements (i.e. EMF exposure falls below public limits 30 cm away from IHb edge). In the 36 exposure scenarios analyzed, statistically significant differences were found when the distances from IHb and vessel dimension, and the height and body mass index of models in exposure scenarios varied, but not between the use of models of pregnant and nonpregnant women. The use of IHb complying with European requirements on general public protection does not ensure that EMF exposure to workers complies with the relevant limits. Adequate protection measures need to address these occupational environmental hazards. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exposure environment is unique due to the mixture and intensity of magnetic fields involved. Current safety regulations are based on well-known acute effects of ...

The etiology of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI-EMF) is controversial. While the majority of studies have indicated that there is no relationship between EMF exposure and symptoms reported by IEI-EMF sufferers, concerns about methodological issues have been raised. Addressing these concerns, the present experiment was designed as a series of individual case studies to determine whether there is a relationship between radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and an IEI-EMF individual's self-reported symptoms. Three participants aged 44-64 were tested during a series of sham and active exposure trials (2 open-label trials; 12 randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced trials), where symptom severity and exposure detection were scored using 100 mm visual analogue scales. The RF-EMF exposure was a 902-928 MHz spread spectrum digitally modulated signal with an average radiated power output of 1 W (0.3 W/m2 incident power density at the participant). In the double-blind trials, no significant difference in symptom severity or exposure detection was found for any of the participants between the two conditions. Belief of exposure strongly predicted symptom severity score for all participants. Despite accounting for several possible limitations, the present experiment failed to show a relationship between RF-EMF exposure and an IEI-EMF individual's symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:132-143, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ubiquitous wireless connectivity has undergone a major transformation in recent years in different sectors of daily life, with a broad and diverse application scope. The number of personal devices operating in the frequency band of 2.4 GHz has especially grown with the use of smart phones, tablets, and laptops equipped with Wi-Fi interfaces. Despite the recognized benefits of this useful form of communication, there are serious concerns about how to ensure safe exposure conditions to electromagnetic fields (EMF), given that compliance tests require an accurate knowledge of elusive influence factors in order to obtain reliable conclusions about exposure conditions. This work focuses particularly on the analysis of the influence of polarization on the level of intensity of the BSE; for this purpose, the BSE is quantified when the incident wave is horizontally polarized following the same protocol used in previous work to compare the results of both polarizations. Sub-Directorate-General for Research Assessment and Promotion (Carlos III Health Institute); Electromagnetic Characterization in Smart Environments of Healthcare, and their involvement in Personal, Occupational, and Environmental Health”; grant number: DGPY-1285/15 (PI14CIII/ 00056); “Assessment of Exposure to Non Ionizing Radiation from Wireless Communication Technologies and its Relation to the Health of Humans”; grant number: DGPY-1064/13 (CA12/00038)

Optimal therapeutics for hyperthyroidism-induced osteoporosis are still lacking. As a noninvasive treatment, electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been proven to be effective for treating osteoporosis in non-hyperthyroidism conditions. We herein systematically evaluated the reduced effects of EMF on osteoporosis in a hyperthyroidism rat model. With the use of Helmholtz coils and an EMF stimulator, 15 Hz/1 mT EMF was generated. Forty-eight 5-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four different groups: control, levothyroxine treated (L-T4), EMF exposure + levothyroxine (EMF + L-T4), and EMF exposure without levothyroxine administration (EMF). All rats were treated with L-T4 (100 mg/day) except those in control and EMF groups. After 12 weeks, the results obtained from bone mineral density analyses and bone mechanical measurements showed significant differences between L-T4 and EMF + L-T4 groups. Micro CT and bone histomorphometric analyses indicated that trabecular bone mass and architecture in distal femur and proximal tibia were augmented and restored partially in EMF + L-T4 group. In addition, bone thyroid hormone receptors (THR) expression of hyperthyroidism rats was attenuated in EMF + L-T4 group, compared to control group, which was not observed in L-T4 group. According to these results, we concluded that 15 Hz/1 mT EMF significantly inhibited bone loss and micro architecture deterioration in hyperthyroidism rats, which might occur due to reduced THR expression caused by EMF exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:137-150, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Workers in certain occupations such as the military may be exposed to technical radiofrequency radiation exposure above current limits, which may pose a health risk. The present investigation intended to find the effect of chronic electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from radar on plasma catecholamines in the military workforce. In the study, 166 male personnel selected randomly were categorized into three groups: control (n = 68), exposure group-I (X-band, 8–12 GHz, n = 40), and exposure group-II (Ku-band, 12.5–18 GHz, n = 58). The three clusters were further divided into two groups according to their years of service (YOS) (up to 9 years and ≥10 years) to study the effect of years of radar exposure. Enzyme immunoassay was employed to assess catecholamine concentrations. EMF levels were recorded at different occupational distances from radar. Significant adrenaline diminution was registered in exposure group-II with no significant difference in exposure group-I when both groups were weighed against control. Nor-adrenaline and dopamine levels did not vary significantly in both exposure groups when compared to controls. Exposure in terms of YOS also did not yield any significant alteration in any of the catecholamines and in any of the exposure groups when compared with their respective control groups. The shift from baseline catecholamine values due to stress has immense significance for health and well-being. Their continual alteration may prove harmful in due course. Suitable follow-up studies are needed to further strengthen these preliminary observations and for now, exposures should be limited as much as possible with essential safeguards. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:444–450, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In this study, we investigated subjective and objective effects of mobile phones using a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA)-like system on human sleep. Subjects were 19 volunteers. Real or sham electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures for 3 h were performed before their usual sleep time on 3 consecutive days. They were exposed to real EMF on the second or third experimental day in a double-blind design. Sleepiness and sleep insufficiency were evaluated the next morning. Polysomnograms were recorded for analyses of the sleep variables and power spectra of electroencephalograms (EEG). No significant differences were observed between the two conditions in subjective feelings. Sleep parameters including sleep stage percentages and EEG power spectra did not differ significantly between real and sham exposures. We conclude that continuous wave EMF exposure for 3 h from a W-CDMA-like system has no detectable effects on human sleep.

The possible adverse effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from mobile phones present a major public concern. Biological electrical activities of the human body are vulnerable to interference from oscillatory aspects of EMF, which affect fundamental cellular activities, in particular, the highly active development process of embryos. Some studies highlight the possible health hazards of EMF, while others contest the hypothesis of biological impact of EMF. The present study was designed to observe the histomorphological effects of EMF emitted by a mobile phone on the retinae of developing chicken embryos. Fertilized chicken eggs were exposed to a ringing mobile set on silent tone placed in the incubator at different ages of development. After exposure for the scheduled duration the retinae of the embryos were dissected out and processed for histological examination. The control and experimental embryos were statistically compared for retinal thickness and epithelial pigmentation grades. Contrasting effects of EMF on the retinal histomorphology were noticed, depending on the duration of exposure. The embryos exposed for 10 post-incubation days exhibited decreased retinal growth and mild pigmentation of the epithelium. Growth retardation reallocated to growth enhancement on increasing EMF exposure for 15 post-incubation days, with a shift of pigmentation grade from mild to intense. We conclude that EMF emitted by a mobile phone cause derangement of chicken embryo retinal differentiation.

Electromagnetic sensibility refers to the ability to perceive the electromagnetic field (EMF) without necessarily developing health symptoms attributed to EMF exposure. A large sample of young healthy adults (n = 84) performed two forced-choice tasks on the perception of the GSM mobile phone EMF (902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz), “Was the field on?” and “Did the field change?” (3 conditions × 100 trials for each task, n = 600 trials in total). A monetary prize was announced for good performance (correct response rate ≥75%, n = 600 trials). The performance was no better than expected by chance, and thus none of the participants won the prize. Two participants showed extraordinary performance in one of the task conditions (“Was the field on?”, n = 100 trials), with correct response rates of 97% (P = 1.28 × 10−25) and 94% (P = 9.40 × 10−22), but they failed to replicate the result in the retest of six blocks of the same condition 1 month later. Six participants had reported being able to perceive the mobile phone EMF in the preliminary inquiry, but they performed no better than the others. This study provides empirical evidence against the existence of electromagnetic sensibility to the mobile phone EMF, demonstrating the necessity for replication in EMF studies. Bioelectromagnetics 29:154–159, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The in vitro cytomolecular technique, sister chromatid exchange (SCE), was applied to test the clastogenic potentiality of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs). SCE frequencies were scored in dividing peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from six healthy male blood donors in two rounds of experiments, R1 and R2, to determine reproducibility. Lymphocyte cultures in the eight experiments conducted in each round were exposed to 50 Hz sinusoidal (continuous or pulsed) or square (continuous or pulsed) MFs at field strengths of 1 microT or 1 mT for 72 h. A significant increase in the number of SCEs/cell in the grouped experimental conditions compared to the controls was observed in both rounds. The highest SCE frequency in R1 was 10.03 for a square continuous field, and 10.39 for a square continuous field was the second highest frequency in R2. DNA crosslinking at the replication fork is proposed as a model which could explain the mechanistic link between ELF EMF exposure and increased SCE frequency.

In a large matched population-based case-control study of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), we did not find incident AML in Los Angeles County (1987-1994) to be associated with previous exposure to electric blankets, electrically heated waterbeds, or occupations with presumed high exposure to electromagnetic fields.

In this study, we demonstrate that electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure results in protection from heat induced apoptosis in human cancer cell lines in a time dependent manner. Apoptosis protection was determined by growing HL-60, HL-60R, and Raji cell lines in a 0.15 mT 60 Hz sinusoidal EMF for time periods between 4 and 24 h. After induction of apoptosis, cells were analyzed by the neutral comet assay to determine the percentage of apoptotic cells. To discover the duration of this protection, cells were grown in the EMF for 24 h and then removed for 24 to 48 h before heat shock and neutral comet assays were performed. Our results demonstrate that EMF exposure offers significant protection from apoptosis (P

Summary There is increasing pressure from the public to study the effects of electromagnetic field exposure and reduce this exposure for future networks or, at the least, keep it at a constant level. According to the World Health Organization, no link has been found between low levels of exposure to radio waves (as emitted by WiFi devices or mobile phones) and adverse health effects, but reducing exposure has other benefits besides public acceptance, such as reduced interference and improved network performance. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have rarely been studied from an exposure point of view, but their continuing expansion as part of the new Internet of Things vision is slowly bringing them to the spotlight. This work presents a novel evaluation of WSN emissions, using the Exposure Index proposed by the Low EMF Exposure Future Networks (LEXNET) project. Together with this evaluation, a method of reducing exposure by intelligently scheduling WSN transmissions is also proposed. The scheduling method is evaluated using a proposed scenario (compatible with evaluations of other technologies performed in LEXNET) both from a theoretical perspective and in a practical implementation, and results are compared with a baseline solution. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The controversy over the possible association between magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia has led several researchers to summarize the literature using meta-analysis. This paper reviews these previous meta-analyses and extends them by adding results from four studies published since the most recent analysis. The analyses include odds ratio calculations based on both dichotomous and continuous exposure models, heterogeneity analysis including subgroup summaries and meta-regression, "leave one out" influence analyses, and publication bias assessments. In addition, there is a review of some of the considerations of the exposure assessments used in the studies and their implications for cross-study comparisons. Finally, the results of the analyses using dichotomous and continuous exposure model are combined with national exposure data to estimate the population attributable risk of childhood leukemia among children in the US. If an association exists, as many as 175-240 cases of childhood leukemia in the US may be due to magnetic field exposure.

This study was designed to assess the effect of exposure to long-term extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF–EMF) from a 500 kV transmission line on IL-1 and IL-2 activity in sheep. The primary hypothesis was that the reduction in IL-1 activity observed in our two previous short-term studies (10 months) was due to EMF exposure from this transmission line. To repeat and expand these studies and to characterize the components of EMF responsible for the previously observed reduction in IL-1 activity, the current experiment examined not only the effect of exposure to electric and magnetic fields, but also the magnetic field component alone. In the current study, IL-2 was examined to characterize the effects of EMF exposure on an indicator of T cell responses. 45 Suffolk ewe lambs were randomized into three groups of 15 animals each. One group of animals was placed in the EMF pen, located directly beneath the transmission line. A second group was placed in the shielded MF (magnetic field only) pen, also directly beneath the transmission line. The third group of animals was placed in the control pen located several hundred meters away from the transmission line. During the 27 month exposure period, blood samples were taken from all animals monthly. When the data were analyzed collectively over time, no significant differences between the groups were found for IL-1 or IL-2 activity. In previous studies ewe lambs of 8–10 weeks of age were used as the study animals and significant differences in IL-1 activity were observed after exposure of these animals to EMF at mean magnetic fields of 3.5–3.8 μT (35–38 mG) and mean electric fields of 5.2–5.8 kV/m. At the start of the current study EMF levels were reduced as compared to previous studies. One interpretation of the current data is that magnetic field strength and age of the animals may be important variables in determining whether EMF exposure will affect IL-1 activity. Bioelectromagnetics 22:170–177, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Recently published studies indicate that having worked in occupations that involve moderate to high electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. In these studies, the occupational groups most over-represented for EMF exposure comprised seamstresses, dressmakers, and tailors. Future epidemiologic studies designed to evaluate the possibility of a causal relationship between exposure to EMF and a neuro degenerative disease endpoint such as incidence of Alzheimer's disease, will benefit from the measurement of electromagnetic field metrics with potential biological relevance. Data collection methodology in such studies would be highly dependent upon how the metrics are defined. In this research the authors developed and demonstrated (1) protocols for collecting EMF exposure data suitable for estimating a variety of exposure metrics that may have biological relevance, and (2) analytical methods for calculation of these metrics. The authors show how exposure might be estimated under each of the three prominent EMF health-effects mechanism theories and evaluate the assertion that relative exposure ranking is dependent on which mechanism is assumed. The authors also performed AC RMS magnetic flux density measurements, confirming previously reported findings. The results indicate that seamstresses, as an occupational group, should be considered for study of the possible health effects of long-term EMF exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 21:57–67, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

This investigation provides evidence that a 60-Hz electromagnetic field (EMF) at 1 gauss (G) can drive differentiation of cultured hematopoietic progenitor cells. HL-60 cells are known to differentiate from a nonphagocytic suspension culture to an attached fibroblast-like culture with high phagocytic activity in the presence of the tumor-promoting phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbal-13-acetate (TPA). The effect of 60-Hz EMF at 1 G on differentiation is approximately equivalent to treatment of the cells with 250-500 pg/ml TPA. Furthermore, the effect of both EMF and TPA treatment on differentiation is additive at low TPA concentrations. The results strongly suggest similarities between the effects of TPA treatment and EMF exposure and thus provide an approach for tracing the origins of the molecular effects of EMF exposure, as many transduction pathways in the differentiative process are defined.

The hypothesis that exposure to a certain combination of static and alternating electromagnetic fields (EMFs) results in an increase in motility of the marine diatom Amphora coffeaeformis was tested. Diatom motility in three strains of A. coffeaeformis was positively correlated with extracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration. The test apparatus consisted of two pairs of Helmholtz coils supported around the stage of a microscope linked to a video recorder and monitor. This system allowed real-time in vivo recordings of diatom speed under EMF and control exposures. The EMFs were calculated at calcium resonance values, previously found to cause enhanced motility. Computerised image analysis was used to calculate the distance moved by individual diatoms in 2-min periods before, during and after EMF or sham-EMF (control) exposure. The addition of EMF caused no significant increase in diatom motility. The results are discussed in relation to the use of diatom motility to measure EMF exposure effects.

In spite of a large number of investigations, there is little evidence in support of the hypothesis that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) cause birth defects or genetic abnormalities. Exposure to magnetic fields has, however, been associated with development of brain tumors in both childhood residential and adult occupational studies. Risk ratios are low, but meta-analyses show a statistically significant relationship. Recent reports implicate EMF exposure in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. While EMF exposure does not appear to be a major factor in neurodevelopmental diseases, further investigations are warranted on nervous system disorders such as brain tumors and Alzheimer's disease. MRDD Research Reviews 1997;3:270–274. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) is ubiquitous, and a body of epidemiologic studies has produced evidence suggestive of a possible link between EMF exposure and cancer of several types. This paper provides a perspective that holds key findings in the EMF literature against the background of important models and established principles in cancer biology. It is intended primarily for scientists whose expertise lies outside of cancer biology and animal bioassays. Current thinking holds that carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires at least two genotoxic events in its critical path but that is facilitated by nongenotoxic proliferative effects on target cells. EMF, which itself is not believed to be genotoxic, could influence carcinogenesis if it exerted either direct or indirect effects on target cell turnover. Such effects could operate through receptor-mediated or nonreceptor-mediated pathways. However, effects relevant to carcinogenesis have not been confirmed, and a mode of action for EMF has not been determined. Chronic bioassays in rodents are in progress to examine the potential carcinogenicity of EMFs. EMF research has the opportunity to capitalize on the recent major advances in our understanding of carcinogenic processes.

Anyone who has attempted to organize and synthesize the results of research on biological effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMF) has experienced frustration when trying to evaluate the comparability of EMF exposures among separate studies. Reporting of exposure characteristics is often incomplete, and some investigators focus on particular nuances of exposure, which in other laboratories go unrecorded because they are not regarded as important. The obstacles encountered when comparing studies, when designing replication studies, and when evaluating research proposals could be reduced were a more standardized approach taken in describing “EMF exposure.” To this end, a numerical listing of 18 separate parameters important to EMF exposure characterization is proposed. Although the goal of this list is primarily to expedite the description of EMF exposure, references are provided to examples of EMF exposures and to detailed discussions of EMF exposure systems. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The authors examined the effects of combined 60 Hz electric and magnetic field (EMF) exposure on performance of delayed match-to-sample (MTS) procedure involving the flash rate of a light as the stimulus. Six baboons (Papio cynocephalus) fully acquired the task; four others functioned accurately only when cued. All ten subjects were assigned to EMF-exposed or sham-exposed groups of five and were used to test for a work-stoppage effect that was previously observed with initial exposure to electric fields (EF) of 30 or 60 kV/m. Here, the authors report the results of two experiments, each consisting of 6 week preexposure, exposure, and postexposure periods. They found no evidence of work stoppage with fields of 6 kV/m and 50 {micro}T (0.5 G) or with 30 kV/m and 100 {micro}T (1.0 G). In neither experiment was there evidence of an adverse effect of 60 Hz EMF exposure on MTS performance.