The frequency-dependent effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field and mechanical vibration at infrasound frequency on the growth, division and motility of Escherichia coli K-12

The aim of this work was to investigate the frequency-dependent effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and mechanical vibration at infrasound frequency (MV at IS frequency or MV) on growth and development of Escherichia coli K-12, by using classical microbiological (counting colony forming units), isotopic, spectrophotometric and electronmicroscopic methods. The frequency-dependent effects of MV and ELF-EMF were shown that they could either stimulate or inhibit the growth and the division of microbes depending on the periods following exposure. However, the mechanism through which the MV and ELF-EMF effects affect the bacteria cell is not clear yet. It was suggested that the aqua medium could serve a target through which the biological effect of MV and ELF-EMF on microbes could be realized. To check this hypothesis, the frequency-dependent effects (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Hz) of both MV and ELF-EMF on the bacterial growth, division and their motility in cases of exposure, the preliminary treated microbes-free medium and microbes containing medium were studied. Both MV and ELF-EMF effect on microbes have frequency and post-exposure period duration-dependent characters. The [ ³ H]-thymidine involving experiments shown that EMF at 4 Hz exposure has pronounced stimulation effect on cell proliferation while 4 Hz MV has inhibition effect. But at 8–10 Hz, the both EMF and MV have inhibitory effects on cell proliferation. It is suggested that 4 and 8 Hz EMF have different biological effects on microbes.     

Signal processing and wavelet analysis of simultaneously registered blood pressure and laser Doppler flow signals during extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure in humans in vivo

Regulation of microcirculation and other physiological processes have strong non-linear character and involves complex of different processes, every process with own hierarchy in time and different frequencies. Traditional Fourier analysis does not provide sufficient power and resolution to elucidate characteristic of low vasomotor frequencies. Therefore, we apply a Time–frequency (wavelet) analysis on the signal obtained by Laser Doppler flow meter (LDF) at 25 healthy volunteers, exposed at the same time to low frequency electromagnetic fields, used for physiotherapy. Signal processing include Matlab based algorithms for digital signal processing (DSP) and Matlab Spectral analysis toolbox of simultaneous registered variations in Blood Pressure (BP), Laser Doppler Flow (LDF), and Intravital microscopy (IVM). It provides useful information about regulatory mechanisms and vegetative nervous system regulation of peripheral blood flow. Continuous changes in blood pressure variations and perfusion of extremities were measured prior and after 10, 20, and 30 min ELF-EMF (10, 16, 20, and 30 mT), exposure. After wavelet analysis of the blood flow signals and vasomotion changes signals, several frequency bands were distinguished: 0.0095–0.02 Hz; (α), 0.02–0.06 Hz; (β), 0.06–0.15 Hz; (γ), 0.15–0.4 Hz; (δ), and 0.4–1 Hz; (θ) for LDF data and 0.0095–0.4 Hz; (α), 0.4–0.75 Hz; (β), 0.75–0.9 Hz; (γ), 0.9–1.2 Hz; (δ), and 1.2–2 Hz; (θ) for IVM data. In this study, overlapping of some frequency bands between IVM and LDF data were found. Overlapping of the frequency bands has two ways of interpretation, one related with similarity of the structures and tissues and other related with output of ELF-EMF stimulation. We used also correlation and cross-correlation analysis to compare non-invasive (BP measurements and LDF) data, with invasive intravital microscopy (IVM) data (obtained on animals in vivo), during ELF-EMF stimulation. IVM data were used as a reference value, for certain information of possible mechanisms of biological response at the tissue and blood vessel level after ELF-EMF exposure with frequency in the range from 10 to 50 Hz and magnetic flux density of 20 mT. Comparative analysis of IVM and LDF, frequency bands show that they have statistical significant changes after ELF-EMF stimulation. Five subintervals were confirmed (α-, β-, γ-, δ-, and θ). The findings indicate that local ELF-EMF exposure at the constant temperature of the media increases skin blood flow at the upper extremities which have a contribution to the α-frequency band at IVM.     

Magnetically treated water at 4?Hz and 2.5?mT as a modulator of cisplatin effect on cell hydration and ouabain binding of sarcoma-180 tissue

There are many data about the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) therapeutic use, especially in the field of oncology. Recent data suggest that 4 Hz EMF having dehydration effect on tissues has a pronounced antitumor activity on sarcoma-180 in mice. It was shown that 4 Hz EMF have pronounced effects on physicochemical properties of water and water solution. Therefore, the aim of the present work was the comparative study of the modulation effect of ELF-EMF on cisplatin-induced changes cell hydration and number of ouabain receptors in membrane of sarcoma-180 tumor tissues. Tissue hydration was measured as wet weight/dry weight and expressed as a water content of g/g in dry weight. The number of ³H-ouabain receptors in membrane was counted by isotope scintillation counter. In conclusion, ELF-EMF can be a possible tool for stimulation of cisPt antitumor effect.     

Influence of the Interaction of a 900 MHz Signal with Gender on EEG Energy: Experimental Study on the Influence of 900 MHz Radiation on EEG

Summary The effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by cellular phones on human electroencephalogram (EEG) were studied during an auditory memory task. The experimental method and the experimental setup are introduced as a credible measurement method of EEG. 19 normal subjects (10 women and 9 men) performed the memory task both with and without exposure to a 900 MHz signal, emitted by a dipole antenna placed near the subjects' head. The energy of the EEG signals was calculated at the time domain. A Fourier transform of the EEG signals was done and the EEG energy was also calculated at the frequency domain. As the Parseval's theorem anticipates the energies were identical. The EEG energy was found concentrated at the four basic bands (α (8–13 Hz), β(14–30 Hz), δ (0–4 Hz) and θ(5–7 Hz)). The primary concern of the present study was the gender related influence of EMF on the spectral energy of EEG. The results show evidence of a strong gender—radiation interaction effect on the EEG energy and on the peak amplitudes within each of the four rhythms. Without radiation the spectral power of males is greater than of females, while under exposure the situation is reversed. Under the influence of EMF the spectral power of the males EEG is decreased while that of the females is increased. In conclusion both the baseline EEG and the changes effected to the EEG power spectrum under the influence of EMF seem to be gender dependent.     

Immune stimulation in fish and chicken through weak low frequency electromagnetic fields

A hypothesis is proposed how Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (LF EMF) exposure can stimulate an immune response, based on recent insights in immunology. We hypothesize that the Immunent EMF treatment induces mild stress to cells, which then produce cytokines that function as alarms or so called danger signals for the immune system. In this way EMF treatment takes the place of multiplying pathogens, and the damage these cause, in the triggering of an immune response. In a first series of experiments in␣vitro common carp head kidney-derived phagocytes were used to determine ROS production as a measure for immune activation. Exposure to LF EMF signals (200–5,000 Hz) at 5 μT or 1.5 mT led to 42 or 33% increase in immune activity, respectively, compared to negative control values. EMF could also additionally stimulate chemically pre-stimulated samples up to 18% (5 μT) or 22% (1.5 mT). Significance of increase in ROS production in the total series was: p < 0.0001. In a second series of experiments in␣vitro commercial goldfish were used. Groups of fish were housed under equal conditions in at least four control tanks and 8–16 EMF-exposed tanks. Exposure was done with a predominantly vertical field at field strengths (rms) between 0.15 and 50 μT. Without treatment mortality was about 50% after 18 days, while the treatment at 5 μT reduced it to 20% on average. At field strengths 0.15, 0.5, 1.5, 5, 15 and 50 μT an equally strong effect was found. Reducing the field strength to 0.05, 0.06, 0.01 and 0.003 μT showed a gradually decreasing effect, which only at 0.003 μT is no longer statistically significant. Finally, in␣vitro experiments were done with 560 commercial broiler chickens exposed to infection pressure from coccidiosis. EMF exposure at 6.5 μT reduced intestinal lesions by 40% and improved feed conversion by 8%.     

Influence of a 1,800 MHz electromagnetic field on the EEG energy

The present study investigated the influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF), similar to that emitted by mobile phones, on brain activity. Ten women and ten men, matched for age and educational level, performed a short memory task (Wechsler test), with simultaneous Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings at 15 scalp electrodes, both without (baseline) and with exposure to an 1,800 MHz signal. The EEG energy was found concentrated at the four basic EEG bands [α (8–13 Hz), β (14–30 Hz), δ (0–4 Hz), and θ (5–7 Hz)]. The analysis revealed that in the presence of EMF, the energy of the β band was significantly greater for females than for males at the majority of the electrodes. Since beta oscillation is associated with the shift of attention during the perception, these findings may indicate that the particular EMF (1,800 MHz signal) exerts an influence on this brain activity, which appears to be gender-related.     

Safe alternative cancer therapy using electromagnetic fields

This article highlights recent research on the beneficial use of selected low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a safe alternative therapy for treatment of cancer and other health problems. It is shown that EMF therapy provides a safe alternative and adjunct modality for the treatment of cancer and other health problems, and therefore, research in this field deserves more support. The paper also discusses some reports and hypothesis of potential risk of human exposure to low frequency EMF, mainly to the power line frequency of 60 Hz.     

Individual changes in human EEG caused by 450 MHz microwave modulated at 40 and 70 Hz

This study was aimed to investigate the changes in the human electroencephalographic (EEG) signal caused by modulated low-level microwaves. The 450 MHz microwave exposure modulated at 40 Hz and 70 Hz frequencies was applied to a group of 15 volunteers. The field power density at the scalp was 0.16 mW/cm². Ten cycles of the exposure (1 min on and 1 min off) at both modulation frequencies were applied. Analysis of the EEG signal was performed using three different methods: nonlinear method of scaling analysis for length distribution of low variability periods (LDLVP), relative changes in EEG energy (S-parameter) and beta ratio (H-parameter). The analysis revealed significant changes caused by microwave for the whole group (H-parameter method). The exposure caused increase of the EEG beta power (S-parameter method). Statistically significant changes in EEG were detected for four subjects (26.7%) at 40 Hz modulation frequency (LDLVP method).     

Reduction of Pain in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Associated with Objective Biochemical Changes in Circulating Lymphocytes

Summary In an effort to explain the benefit of therapeutic use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) a systemic effect has been proposed by us. To assess the efficacy of this approach, an objective biochemical approach was developed. Ten patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) were clinically evaluated, and lymphocytes were isolated from their blood samples obtained before and after exposure of the uninvolved limb to an EMF. Utilizing a SpectraCell method that includes radio labeled molecules and protein-free media for culturing the lymphocytes, an elevation of the content of fructose, serine, glycine, and calcium cellular metabolic uptake were found following in the culture to EMF in comparison with non-exposed lymphocytes (p < 0.01). In addition, the pain level was determined by a conventional visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after EMF exposure, evidencing a significant pain relief. Specifically, after exposure to 120 pps semi sinewave, 1500Gauss EMF, generated by a THERAMAG^∘ledR device, an improvement in the flexibility of the limb and a reduction in swelling of the affected extremity were detected clinically. These findings are in concert with the new hypothesis that, with relief of pain, lymphocytes are predominately altered in their cell cycle from M phase to S phases associated with increased structuring of intracellular water. A consideration of the basic understanding of the role lymphocytes may be inferred from this preliminary study. An extensive review of the literature on the basic science and therapeutic use of magnetic fields in humans is provided in an attempt to understand the relevance of magnetic therapy of specific pain syndromes.     

Electromagnetic fields in clinical practice of physical and rehabilitation medicine: a health hazard assessment of personnel

The importance of the assessment of the electromagnetic fields /EMF/ background as a health risk factor for the physiotherapy personnel is discussed in this paper. Wide frequency and amplitude ranges as well as large variety of design prescribed in the rehabilitation program form complicated work conditions. In this paper, we attempt to present and classify this specific work environment, i.e., low intensive EMF background with non homogenous frequency and modulation characteristics, stochastic changes running during day, ground or even underground units’ placement and professional specifics, i.e., chronic EMF expositions, personnel’s trunk and hands exposure, dose-measurement absence, lack of program for prevention and prophylaxis for the assessment of the relatively insufficiently elucidated potential of EMF as a harmful factor for medical staff. Our “Study of the biological effects of the EMF among medical staff from PRM wards—potential of risk reduction”/initialized in 1999/and the original survey card structure are presented in general here first. It has been shown the importance to extend the “native” studies among homogenous professional groups, two of them presented there, as well as the study of the biological effects of EMF in their different aspects, especially taking into account the elevated levels of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in the environment. This includes the special attention on the exposure of medical staff from PRM units and creation of adequate methods for prevention of unnecessary exposure to these physical factors.     

The EMF-induced changes in aqua medium’s properties depend on background ionizing radiation, illumination and temperature

The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) and ELF-modulated millimeter waves (MMW) on physicochemical properties of physiological solution (PS) at different environmental medium were studied. The existence of frequency “windows” at 4 Hz and 8 Hz frequencies of ELF EMF and ELF-modulated MMW which have different effects on heat fusion period (HFP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) formation and oxygen (O₂) content of water solution and different dependency on temperature, background radiation (BGR) and illumination was shown. The obtained data allow us to suggest that cell bathing medium serving as a target through which the biological effects of ELF EMF and ELF-modulated MMW on cells are realized is extra sensitive to environmental factors. Therefore, the variability of experimental data on EMF biological effects, obtained in different laboratories can be explained by different environmental conditions of experiments, which very often are not considered adequately.     

Effects of in vitro exposure to GSM900 electromagnetic field on human erythrocytes

High frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used for transmitting of radio and TV signals, in wireless communications, etc. A huge number of people are exposed so the possible risk to human health from telecommunication technologies could be significant even if biological effects are slight. The study of the biological effects of RF EM radiation could contribute to better understanding of the possible health hazards. The levels of released hemoglobin serve as an indicator of hemolysis, caused by increased membrane fragility. This study was designed to investigate the alterations in hemoglobin release after in vitro exposure of human erythrocytes to GSM900 electromagnetic field. Erythrocyte suspensions with two different cell concentrations (hematocrit 20% and 40%) were exposed to EM radiation from GSM mobile phone (carrier frequency 902 MHz, 2 W output power in pulse) for 20 min in two different positions in relation to telephone antenna: Position 1 is in the centre of the major lobe of the azimuth antenna pattern and Position 2 is between major and back lobes. Alterations in hemolysis were registered 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after the treatment. Hemolysis was determined by measuring the absorbance of hemoglobin at 413 nm in the supernatant obtained by centrifuging the suspensions. Hemolysis was expressed as hemoglobin concentration. Our data indicated decrease in the hemoglobin level in irradiated suspensions. The GSM900 EMF exposure probably stabilized erythrocyte membrane and caused reduction in the hemolysis depending on the EMF parameters, on the suspension water content (hematocrit) and on the time elapsed after irradiation.     

Mobile communications and health of population: the risk assessment, social and ethical problems

Today world population lives in a new electromagnetic environment, characterized with (i) around the clock enforcement of chronic exposure of all age and gender groups to a wide range of modulated electromagnetic fields (EMF) from base stations; (ii) daily, repeated from early childhood throughout entire life exposure to EMF RF mobile phone the brain and vestibular receptor apparatus and auditory analyzers, located directly “under the EMF beam” in the inner ear. On the other hand, the world science and epidemiology is missing well-planned and executed research results of prolonged exposure of EMF RF on the brain. International recommendations and domestic guidelines do not include changing conditions of RF EMF on the population: the brain has become a critical organ, and the children entered the risk group. The population continues to actively use the mobile phone. In this situation the problem of assessing the risk of mobile communications has become a social and ethical.     

Exposure to electromagnetic fields in the magnetic resonance imaging environment in South Africa

Occupational exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and static magnetic fields at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites is of continuing concern to personnel who routinely work in this environment. Questions regarding the levels of occupational RF and static field exposure have increased with the increasing demand for anesthetics to be administered in this environment. The present study was thus designed towards addressing the above-mentioned problem by gaining information regarding exposure levels of clinical personnel at MRI units in South Africa. Three 1.5 MRI units in Bloemfontein, South Africa were utilized to evaluate the exposure of clinical personnel to the electromagnetic fields present in the MRI environment over a period of time and during different clinical MRI procedures. Three rounds of measurements of RF fields in the MRI environment were done. All the three measurement rounds were focused on the low frequencies, 5 Hz–32 kHz, as well as on the high frequencies, 300 kHz–40 GHz. First round measurements were done to establish the background of the RF fields in and around the magnet room during an MRI examination. Second round RF field measurements were done at a specific location, 1 m away from the bore on the right-hand side of the bed, in the MRI room. The third round measurements were of the same format as the second round, but the specific location was against the magnet bore. Two pieces of Narda Safety Test Solution instruments, the EFA-300 and EMR-300, were used to measure the electromagnetic and magnetic exposure fields generated from the MRI scanners. Results of the measurements indicate that the electromagnetic fields measured during different clinical procedures do not exceed the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2000) guidelines in these units. Results from round two and three showed that the RF and gradient exposure 1 m and up against the bore entrance does not exceed these guidelines (rms average over 6 min). Ongoing new developments in MRI scanning create the need for continuously monitoring exposure of patients and workers to the EMF fields in the MRI environment.     

On experimental setup in bioelectromagnetics

Bioeffects created by electromagnetic field (EMF) are the subject of intensive studies. This paper critically considers estimations of exposure to EMF in bioelectromagnetic experiments. Results of calculations presented herein show the significant role of the presence of conducting bodies (the exposure system) near an object under test on EMF energy absorption as well as mutual interactions between simultaneously exposed objects. Our aims herein are twofold: firstly to find a way to refer measurement results to free-space conditions in order to enable comparison of results obtained in different laboratories, and secondly to show that EMF energy absorption in any exposed object is different and that this difference is a function of the size of the exposure system, the number of exposed objects, and the particular properties (i.e., the electromagnetic structure) of the objects. In the authors’ opinion the existence of interactions caused by the presence of the exposure system and other exposed objects is a reason why remarkable differences are observed between experiments performed even under supposedly identical conditions. The presented considerations and conclusion suggest wider participation of physicists and engineers in bioelectromagnetic experiments in order to ensure the correctness of metrological aspects of these experiments.     

Needs of communications with general public about the potential risk of electromagnetic fields and methods for achieving this goal

In the recent years concerns whether exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from base station antennae can cause adverse health effects are grown. Great attention is paid on risk of EMF exposure to people living in a close proximity of base stations. In this issue, a point of interest is the personnel mounting, adjusting and maintaining base stations. Their working tasks require stay in high EMF levels’ conditions. There are only few studies concerning this specific occupational group. The results from our previous investigation (Zaryabova and Israel 2006) show that in␣many cases on performing some specific tasks operators are overexposed according to our national legislation, and ICNIRP guidelines. Here, we present an extended study covering more base stations and more precise scenario for performed tasks and working positions. Results of exposure assessment are presented. They include energetic load calculations on the basis of Bulgarian national legislation, and the corresponding SAR values. Data are used to determine permissible time duration for each particular work operation and served as a base for limiting the exposure and proposal for protective measures for the personnel.     

EMF risk for operators mounting,adjusting and maintaining base stations

In the recent years concerns whether exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from base station antennae can cause adverse health effects are grown. Great attention is paid on risk of EMF exposure to people living in a close proximity of base stations. In this issue, a point of interest is the personnel mounting, adjusting and maintaining base stations. Their working tasks require stay in high EMF levels’ conditions. There are only few studies concerning this specific occupational group. The results from our previous investigation (COST 281—Graz, 2006) show that in many cases on performing some specific tasks operators are overexposed according to our national legislation, and ICNIRP guidelines. Here, we present an extended study covering more base stations and more precise scenario for performed tasks and working positions. Results of exposure assessment are presented. They include energetic load calculations on the basis of Bulgarian national legislation, and the corresponding SAR values. Data are used to determine permissible time duration for each particular work operation and served as a base for limiting the exposure and proposal for protective measures for the personnel.     

Study of high-frequency electromagnetic field effect on some somatic and neuro-behavioral characteristics in healthy and neurodefective mice

The effect of long-term exposure to high frequency electromagnetic field (HF EMF) on some somatic and neural characteristics was studied in neurodefective Lurcher mutant (+/Lc) and normal wild type mice (+/+). Both newborn and young adult (3 months) animals derived from two strains (C3H, B6CBA) were exposed to HF EMF (870 MHz) from 1st to 21st day or from 91st to 120th day respectively. In animals of both groups and controls we observed the development of body weight. Moreover, in the HF EMF exposed adult B6CBA animals we studied spatial learning ability, motor functions and the CNS excitability. To investigate specific energy absorption rate (SAR) in experimental animals we have done the basic 3D calculations of the electromagnetic energy distribution in the simplified model of the mouse. The HF EMF exposed animals exhibited mild differences of body weight between them and unexposed controls. The long-term exposure to HF EMF did not significantly influence the ability to learn in the Morris water maze. However, significant lower swimming speed was found in the irradiated +/Lc as well as lower motor activity of +/+ in the open field when compared to controls. No significant differences were found between HF EMF irradiated animals and controls in examination of the CNS excitability and motor functions.     

Evaluation of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) in Schools in Cyprus

Summary This paper deals with the evaluation of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) produced by high tension wires on pylons and substations, which were preliminarily investigated by taking measurements in schools (on behalf of the Environmental Committee of Limassol). It publicizes the level of EMF from the above sources and makes an attempt to compare them with various exposure limits. Finally, certain measures to be taken by the responsible authorities are suggested, as possible actions aiming at the protection of the Cypriot people from any EMF health risk.     

Electromagnetic field levels in the working environment in radio and TV stations

Electromagnetic field sources used for communication always have been subject of serious interest. There are many publications concerning exposure and risk assessment of the working in such environment. Results of epidemiological study performed in Bulgaria in the 1990's show exceeding of the maximal permissible values especially in radio stations for the personnel in 24 h working shift [Israel et al. (1992). Study of the electromagnetic in its influence on personnel working in radio and TV stations, Report, National Centre of Hygiene, Medical Ecology and Nutrition; Israel and Tomov (2001). Epidemiological study of the effects of radiofrequency radiation on operators in radio, TV and relay stations, Proceeding of the Eastern European Regional Meeting and Workshop “Measurements and Criteria for Standard Harmonization in the field of EMF Exposure” and WHO EMF Standards Harmonization Meeting, Varna, Bulgaria, 28 April—3 May, 2001, pp.145–153]. In the last years the situation is strongly influenced by the development of the technology which leads to changes in equipment in radio and TV stations, using lower power, facilitate the working regime. The paper presents data of exposure assessment of different professional groups in selected radio and TV stations. Assessment is being performed on basis of EMF parameters values and energetic load calculations according to the national legislation. Data are compared with the results of previous investigation to evaluate the new situation in this branch. Exposure levels are much lower than those in the previous study, and lower compared to the exposure limits, as well [Israel et al. (1992). Study of the electromagnetic in its influence on personnel working in radio and TV stations, Report, National Centre of Hygiene, Medical Ecology and Nutrition; Israel and Tomov (2001). Epidemiological study of the effects of radiofrequency radiation on operators in radio, TV and relay stations, Proceeding of the Eastern European Regional Meeting and␣Workshop “Measurements and Criteria for Standard Harmonization in the field of EMF Exposure” and WHO EMF Standards Harmonization Meeting, Varna, Bulgaria, 28 April—3 May, 2001, pp.145–153].