Health Implications of Electromagnetic Fields, Mechanisms of Action, and Research Needs

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been implicated to influence a range of bodily functions. Given their ubiquitous nature, widespread applications, and capability to produce deleterious effects, conclusive investigations of the health risks are critical. Accordingly, this paper has been constructed to weigh the bioeffects, possible biointeraction mechanisms, and research areas in bioelectromagnetics seeking immediate attention. The several gaps in the existing knowledge do not permit one to reach a concrete conclusion but possibility for harmful effects cannot be underestimated in absence of consistent findings and causal mechanisms. Several studies with appropriate methodologies reflect the capacity of electromagnetic radiations to cause adverse health effects and there are several credible mechanisms that can account for the observed effects. Hence, need of the hour is to activate comprehensive well-coordinated blind scientific investigations, overcoming all limitations and demerits of previous investigations especially replication studies to concretize the earlier findings. Furthermore, appropriate exposure assessment is crucial for identification of dose-response relation if any, and the elucidation of biological interaction mechanism. For the time being, the public should follow the precautionary principle and limit their exposure as much as possible.

Electromagnetic Fields Exposure From Extra High Voltage Transmission On Public Health: A Case-Control Study in Three Districts In Central Java

“…The establishment of EHVT has long caused concern among the surrounding population because of the possible negative influence of electromagnetic fields produced by 500 kV EHVT on their health. The empirical evidences from scholarly publications of several studies on the influence of electromagnetic fields on health to date is inconclusive (Anies, 1997;Kumar, Behari, & Sisodia, 2013;Singh & Kapoor, 2014;Maziarz et al, 2016). The publication of the results of a study conducted by Wertheimer and Leeper (1979) in the United States, illustrates an association of increased risk of death from blood cancer (leukemia) in children with distance from their home network high-voltage electrical transmission.…”

The Effect of Repeated Electromagnetic Fields Stimulation in Biological Systems

“…Living organisms interact with and adapt to the EMF environment. This discovery has ignited interest in the analysis of the EMF-biological systems [1][2][3][4]. Researchers imagine that precise tuning of experimental and clinical REMFS exposure could lead to favorable health results including the development of treatment and diagnostic devices [5,6].…”

Occupational EMF exposure from radar at X and Ku frequency band and plasma catecholamine levels

“…Researchers have investigated effects of RF exposure on oxidative stress [Garaj-Vrhovac et al, 2011], fertility [Mollerlokken and Moen, 2008], general health [Goldoni et al, 1993], the endocrine system [Djeridane et al, 2008;Augner et al, 2010;Eskander et al, 2012;Singh et al, 2015] and cytogenetic parameters [Garaj-Vrhovac and Orescanin, 2009]. These radiations have been reported to affect several other aspects of health [Kheiffets et al, 1995;Pfluger and Minder, 1996;Kliukiene et al, 2003;Forssen et al, 2005;Henshaw and Reiter, 2005;Singh and Kapoor, 2014]. The work force deployed in the vicinity of radar usually faces elevated EMFs and is threatened with increased incidence of hemolymphatic tumors [Degrave et al, 2009].…”