Posted:
30 July 2000
Evidence that Electromagnetic Radiation is
Genotoxic: The implications for the
epidemiology of cancer and cardiac, neurological and reproductive effects
Dr Neil Cherry
June 2000
For presentations in May to
NZ Parliament
and June 2000 in Italy, Austria,
Ireland and at the
European Parliament in Brussels.
Neil.Cherry@ecan.govt.nz
Environmental Management and
Design Division
P.O. Box 84
Lincoln University
Canterbury, New Zealand
Evidence that Electromagnetic
Radiation is Genotoxic: The implications for the epidemiology of cancer
and cardiac, neurological and reproductive effects
Dr Neil Cherry
Lincoln University, New Zealand
June 2000
"Our frame of reference determines
what we look at and how we look. And as a consequence, this determines
what we find."
Burke J, The Day the Universe
Changed, 1985.
Introduction:
The way we perceive things determines how
we make decisions. To move from picturing ourselves as physical beings
to biological beings significantly changes our view of health and fitness.
Too much exercise and oxygen free radicals really damage our cells. To
move from biological to bioelectrical incorporates intelligence and emotion
and leads to a radically fundamental change in our way of seeing things
that it forms the basis of a new paradigm.
Principles of Approach:
This paper attempts to follow basic classical
scientific principles to counter the dismissive and biased approach of
industry and many government and international authorities, including
the WHO and ICNIRP.
The principles found to be important are
that biology reveals that brains, hearts and cells use electromagnetic
signals, charged ions, voltage-gated ion channels, ion regulated gap junctions,
all of which can be interfered with by external electromagnetic fields
in subtle but vital ways in relation to health.
A primary physical principle of resonant
absorption explains why external and internal signals that share the same
part of the spectrum, resonantly exchange energy at levels well below
the thermal threshold. This is also true for radio and TV receivers. It
involves tuned circuits and resonant absorption.
Laboratory experiments provide evidence of
effects. Replicated and/or extended studies provided confirmation and
establish an effect. Multiple studies confirm and strengthen the cause
and effect relationship.
In assessing genotoxicity, any evidence of
genetic damage, cell death or neoplastic transformation is evidence of
genotoxicity. The genetic material is fundamentally the double helix of
the DNA molecule. During the cell cycle the helix unwinds and clones itself.
They then fold themselves into the set of chromosomes that are so large
that they can be seen in powerful microscopes. In the second half of the
cell cycle the chromosomes clone themselves so that at mitosis, cell division,
each cell has a full set of chromosomes. They then unfold themselves to
form the DNA strands.
Any substance that damages DNA or chromosomes,
or changes genetic activity, is genotoxic because it is acting on the
same material, i.e. the DNA molecule. A genotoxic substance is mutagenic,
carcinogenic and teratogenic.
Strength of evidence for public health has
a classical hierarchy that has dose-response relationship at the top and
biological mechanism at the bottom, Hill (1965). This is seen by considering
Sir Austin Bradford Hill's descriptions of his 'view points' from which
the question of cause and effect is being considered. Of dose-response
he says:
"The simple dose-response curve admits
of a simple explanation and obviously puts the case in a clearer light",
i.e. cause and effect.
Sir Austin considers many other forms of
evidence from which cause and effect can be decided in the absence of
a dose-response. These include strength of association and consistency,
although he points out that the lack of strength and apparent inconsistency,
is not necessarily arguments against cause and effect. Of biological mechanism,
or plausibility, he states:
"It will be helpful if the causation we
suspect is biologically plausible. But this is a feature I am convinced
we cannot demand. What is biologically plausible depends upon the biological
knowledge of the day."
Thus biological plausibility has a low status
and dose-response has a very high status.
When epidemiological evidence is available
it should be used to set public health standards, where possible, using
the dose-response relationships. In the absence of these, the level of
lowest observed effect, with a safety margin to allow for uncertainly,
the vulnerable, the size of the population at risk, are appropriate.
Dose response relationships for epidemiological
studies of cancer are likely to be linear because of the cumulative cell
damage/repair/mistake mechanism. At very high levels approaching lethal
levels the curve become asymptotic. At very low levels, around the optimum
homeostatic levels, curves can become "U" shaped. Thus, with the great
sensitivity of the brain the neurological effects at extremely low exposure
levels might be curved.
EMR Spectrum Principle:
It is observed that both biological effects
and epidemiological effects appear to be the same or very similar from
ELF exposure and from RF/MW exposures, including calcium ion efflux, melatonin
reduction, DNA strand breakage, chromosome aberrations, leukaemia, brain
cancer, breast cancer, miscarriage and neurological effects.
A frequently used method for falsely dismissing
evidence of effects is to consider effects in small frequency and intensity
bands. In fact, biophysics shows that the dielectric constant decreases
monotonically with carrier frequency across the EMR spectrum, Schwan (1985).
Vignati and Giuliani (1997) show that for a unit field exposure, the induced
current increases significantly as a function of frequency, Figure 1.
The EMR Spectrum Principle predicts that
effects that are associated with ELF exposure are very probably found
with low intensity RF/MW exposure.
Figure 1: Capacitive current density
in a toroid of human muscle tissue of unitary radius, to a unitary
magnetic induction, Vignati and Giuliani (1997).
Bawin and Adey (1976) show that a 56 V/m
ELF field induces a tissue gradient of 10-7 V/cm, whereas a
56 V/m 147 MHz signal induces a tissue gradient of 10-1 V/cm,
a million times higher. This is a large factor but smaller than that given
by Figure 1.
These biophysical observations show that
the impacts of RF/MW fields are higher than those of ELF fields of the
same external intensity. It also indicates that the impact rises with
carrier frequency. All of the EMR genetic damage effects are shown to
occur with ELF and RF/MW frequencies, including cell phone frequencies.
As the high frequencies couple more strongly with tissue, the depth of
penetration decreases.
While this paper is primarily about RF/MW
exposures, confirmation of effects is given by studies involving mixed
and ELF exposure.
The Bioelectrical nature of biology:
The bioelectrical nature of brains, hearts
and cells is poorly appreciated but it is extremely well documented. Frey
(1993, 1995) advocates a change in mind-set from that which he describes
as the toxicological approach of treating EMR as an external disease agent,
to one that considers EMR as an intrinsic feature of cells and bodies.
Neurological Electrical Sensitivity:
Coherent thoughts and synchronized biological
processes involve a structured set of low frequency electrical signals
that are monitored as the electroencephalogram (EEG). Figure 2 shows the
spectrum of an awake EEG signal.
Figure 2: A typical EEG spectrum, with
the Schumann Resonance peaks superimposed.
Figure 3: Daytime Schumann Resonance
Spectrum, Polk (1982).
It is proven, but not well known, that human
brains detect, use and react to natural low frequency signals, the Schumann
Resonances, König (1974). They have a similar
frequency range to that of the EEG, Figure 3.
The Schumann Resonances are global signals
that radiate from tropical thunderstorms. They propagate around the world
within the cavity created by the earth and the ionosphere. The intensity
and spectrum of the Schumann Resonances vary markedly from day to night
and with solar activity. At night both the EEG and the Schumann Resonances
are dominated by very low frequencies (<5 Hz). With the coincidence
of the frequency ranges, some of the high frequency peaks and the diurnal
variation of the EEG and Schumann Resonances, it is biologically plausible
that there is a resonant interaction between, and EEG reaction to the
changing Schumann Resonance signals.
This biological plausibility is significantly
strengthened by the observation that mammal brains contain and use phase-locked
loop circuitry to detect and react to incoming ELF signals, Ahissar et
al. (1997). Hence our brains contain a highly efficient, tuned FM receiver,
Motluk (1997).
Konig (1974) reports on the results of an
experiment carried out at the Munich Transport Exhibition of 1953, Figure
4. About 49,500 people were recorded in a visual reaction time experiment.
Their reaction times were extremely highly correlated with the intensity
of the Schumann Resonance signals.
Figure 4: Human reaction times are
causally correlated with natural variations in the Schumann Resonance
Intensity, Konig (1974). The mean Schumann intensity (Relative
Schumann Intensity =0.5) is 0.65mV/m or 0.1pW/cm2.
The range is 0.2 to 1.2 mV/m (0.01 to 0.4pW/cm2).
This result was confirmed by laboratory experiments
that showed that 10 Hz signals significantly and consistently increase
the reaction speed and 3 Hz signals slowed them down, Konig (1974). These
results were independently confirmed by Hamer (1966, 1969). Hamer observed
that human reaction times were significantly altered at exposure levels
down to 4mV/m, 4.2 pW/cm2. This is approaching the level of
the Schumann Resonance signal, which averages about 0.08mV/m, 0.1pW/cm2.
These experiments give substantial proof
that extremely small natural and artificial ELF signals interact significantly
with human brains. The signal level of this interaction is 2,000,000,000
times below the ELF standard. This standard is based on avoiding acute
shocks and not on avoiding proven neurological effects. The maintenance
of the standard is obtained by ignoring or rejecting any and all evidence
that contradicts it.
This early German research, done at the Technical
University of Munich and the Max Planck Institute, König (1974) and Wever (1974), respectively. This gives a very
strong basis for this paradigm shift that recognizes the exquisite sensitivity
of the human brain and its regulation and synchronization by these very
weak naturally occurring signals.
Electromagnetic activity in cells:
Cells consist of a nucleus surrounded by
the fluid cytoplasm that is contain within the cell membrane. The cell
membrane consist of a bimolecular layer which is penetrated by many complex
structures, Figure 5.
Figure 5: A schematic diagram of the
cell membrane, showing the alpha helix of the signal transduction
apparatus, with its "Y" shaped receptors.
The outside surface of the cell membrane,
its receptors and ion channels, is negatively charged, and the inside
is positively charged. This creates a membrane potential. The negative
charge on the receptors helps to attract positively charged first messengers
to them, Figure 5. A first messenger entering its specific receptor, y-shaped
protein on the alpha-helix protein. This initiates an amplification process
that generates a cascade of second messengers into the cell. The signal
is amplified with a gain of between 100,000 and 1 million.
One of the types of structures that helps
to regulate cell activity is the voltage-gated ion channels. They act
like transistors, regulating a current flow of ions within voltage ranges,
Figure 6.
Figure 6: Voltage-gated ion channel
within the cell membrane, acts like a transistor to control the
ion current flow into and out of the cell, Catterall (1992).
The primary cellular ion is the calcium ion
Ca2+. It is ubiquitous and carries out a host of cellular communication
and regulatory functions. It is a signal transduction first and second
messenger.
One of the first biological mechanisms to
be identified, confirmed and established is calcium ion efflux (positive
and negative), Blackman (1990). One of the early results, Bawin and Adey
(1976), is shown in Figure 7.
Calcium ions were induced to flow out of
or into cells, depending of the combination of exposure conditions. These
combinations are known as "windows" because nearby conditions have markedly
different effects. Figure 7 shows RF induced Ca2+ efflux which
is associated with enhanced programmed cell death (Apoptosis). The ELF
induced and Ca2+ influx is associated with enhanced cell survival
of damaged cells, i.e. it enhances cancer.
Gap junctions are protein bridges between
cells. They are fundamental to the cell-to-cell communication that is
necessary to maintain healthy cells, Figure 8.
Figure 7: ELF induced calcium ion efflux
from (A) an ELF modulated 147 MHz signal and (B) an ELF signal,
Bawin and Adey (1976).
Figure 8: A Gap Junction structure,
a six-element protein bridge that allows selective molecules to
pass between cells as part of the cell-to-cell communication to
coordinate cell regulation.
Figure 9: Gap junction flow as a function
of 50 Hz magnetic field strength, Li et al. (1999).
Gap junction opening is regulated by calcium
ions and pH, Alberts et al. (1994). Li et al. (1999) observed that when
a 50 Hz magnetic field was combined with the application of the cancer
promoter TPA then the gap junction flow was impaired in a significant
dose-response manner as a function of the magnetic field exposure, Figure
9. Li at al. conclude that 50 Hz fields act similarly to the cancer promoter
TPA, in closing the gap junction, and therefore 50 Hz fields may act as
cancer promoters by doing this.
As shown in Figure 1 above, RF signals couple
more strongly to cells and produce far higher induced fields than ELF
fields. Hence RF fields are much more likely to alter Gap Junction functions
at far lower intensities than ELF fields.
Given the fundamental bioelectrical nature
of cells and the ability of imposed electrical signals to alter the voltage
of the outsides of cells, the opening or closing the ion channels, is
an obvious biological mechanism for altering the nature and future of
every cell. Calcium ion efflux from pinealocytes is a plausible mechanism
for EMR induced melatonin reduction. In this, and other ways, alteration
of cellular calcium ions and melatonin reduction both strongly suggest
that EMR is likely to be genotoxic.
Cardiac Electrical Sensitivity:
Hearts are obviously bioelectrical organs.
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental monitoring tool of cardiologists
in diagnosing the state of the heart muscle. The heart-beat occurs as
a series of regular electrical pulses Each electric pulse initiates a
cascade of calcium ions to flood the heart muscle and cause it to contract.
Interference with this regular electrical pulse leads to heart disease
and heart attack of the Arrhythmic kind. We would therefore expect electromagnetic
radiation to cause arrhythmia and heart attack.
Genotoxicity:
Substances that damage cellular genetic material,
such as DNA and chromosomes, are called "genotoxic". Genotoxic substances
cause cancer, reproductive health effects and neurological damage. Chromosome
aberrations are visible through powerful microscopes. Chromosomes are
formed from folded segments of DNA. Damage to chromosomes is therefore
evidence of damage to DNA.
DNA is frequently damaged by natural processes,
such as oxygen free radicals. Gey (1993) comments that free radicals may
be involved in the etiology of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In
epidemiological studies poor plasma levels of antioxidants (free radical
scavengers) are associated with increased relative risks of cancer and
ischemic heart disease. Cells have elaborate DNA repair mechanisms because
DNA stability is vital for species survival. Uncorrected DNA damage is
mutation, Alberts et al. (1994). Alberts et al. outline many DNA repair
mechanisms, including Repair Enzymes. They also outline the way apoptosis
can digest and destroy damaged cells by internal "programming" of the
process. The Immune System has B lymphocytes that produce antibody proteins
to protect against 'foreign' cells, such as mutated cells. Natural Killer
(NK) cells kill some types of tumours and some virus-infected cells, Alberts
et al.
Enhanced DNA strand breakage leads to enhanced
DNA repair. Hence enhanced DNA repair rates are also used as evidence
of DNA damage, Meltz (1995).
Many studies have shown that radiofrequency/microwave
(RF/MW) radiation and extremely low frequency (ELF) fields cause increased
DNA strand breakage and chromosome aberrations. This has been shown in
cell lines, human blood, animals and living human beings. This means that
epidemiological studies of people exposed to electromagnetic radiation
(EMR) are likely to show increased cancer, miscarriage and reproductive
adverse effects. In fact many epidemiological studies have shown these
effects, Goldsmith (1995, 1996, 1997, 1997a), Szmigielski (1991, 1996).
Two plausible biological mechanisms involving
free radicals are involved in this effect. The first involves increased
free radical activity and genetic damage as a response to exposure. The
second involves increased free radical activity and genetic damage because
of an induced reduction of a free radical scavenger, e.g. reduced melatonin,
Reiter (1994). It is clear however, that both mechanisms have the same
effect of damaging the DNA and chromosomes. Another established biological
mechanism, EMR-induced alteration of cellular calcium ion homeostasis,
Blackman (1990), is also involved in cell regulation, cell survival and
apoptosis, DNA synthesis and melatonin regulation.
Direct measurements of Chromosome aberrations:
Direct evidence that EMR induces significant
increases in chromosome damage, with significant dose response relationships,
is evidence of a causal effect when replicated or extended by independent
laboratories.
Chromosome damage from RF/MW exposure:
The first identified study that showed that
pulsed RF radiation cause significant chromosome aberrations was Heller
and Teixeira-Pinto (1959). Garlic roots were exposed to 27 MHz pulsed
at 80 to 180 Hz. for 5 min and then they were examined 24 hrs later. The
concluded that this RF signal mimicked the chromosomal aberration produced
by ionizing radiation and c-mitotic substances. No increased temperature
was observed.
Blood samples were taken from the staff of
the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. They had been chronically exposed to a low
intensity radar signal. Significant increases in chromosome damage was
reported, Tonascia and Tonascia (1966) cited in Goldsmith (1997a).
Garaj-Vrhovac et al. (1990) noted the differences
and similarities between the mutagenicity of microwaves and VCM (vinyl
chloride monomer). They studied a group of workers who were exposed to
10 to 50 m W/cm2 of radar produced microwaves.
Some were also exposed to about 5 ppm of VCM, a known carcinogen. Exposure
to each of these substances (microwaves and VCM) produced highly significant
(p<0.01 to p<0.001) increases in Chromatid breaks, Chromosome breaks,
acentric and dicentric breaks in human lymphocytes from blood taken from
exposed workers. The results were consistent across two assays, a micronucleus
test and chromosome aberration assay.
Chromosome aberrations and micronuclei are
significantly higher than the controls, (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.0001),
for each of the exposure intensity.
Garaj-Vrhovac, Horvat and Koren (1991) exposed
Chinese hamster cells to 7.7 GHz microwave radiation to determine cell
survival and chromosome damage. They assayed chromosome aberrations and
micronuclei and found that microwaves increased these in a dose response
manner, Figure 10, to levels that were highly significantly elevated (p<0.02
to p<0.01).
Figure 10: Chromosome aberrations
in V79 Chinese hamster cells exposed to 7.7 GHz microwaves at
30 mW/cm2, Garaj-Vrhovac, Horvat and Koren (1991).
An exposure level of 30 mW/cm2 is
usually able to slightly raise the temperature over an hour. This experiment
was undertaken under isothermal conditions, with samples being kept within
0.4° C of 22° C. The consistency of the time exposure
and the survival assay at non-thermal exposure levels, confirms that this
is a non-thermal effect.
This is very strong evidence of genotoxic
effects from RF/MW exposures. When chromosomes are damaged one of the
primary protective measures is for the immune system natural killer cells
to eliminate the damaged cells. Alternatively the cells can enter programmed
cell suicide, apoptosis. Garaj-Vrhovac, Horvat and Koren (1991) measured
the cell survival rates. They found that cell survival reduced and the
cell death increased in a time dependent and exposure dose response manner,
Figure 11.
Figure 11 shows that cell death varies with
time and intensity of exposure, down to very low exposure levels. An apparent
'saturation' at high levels also becoming evident. This is probably because
of the lethal effect of high intensity microwaves. Since this is an isothermal
experiment it raised important questions about the reasons for the cell
death as acute genetic damage which is continuously related to microwave
exposure down to non-thermal levels.
Figure 11: Cell death percentage of
Chinese hamster cells exposed to 7.7 GHz microwaves (CW) for 30
minutes and 60 minutes in an isothermal exposure system, Garaj-Vrhovac,
Horvat and Koren (1991).
Note that the general public ICNIRP guideline
for microwaves above 2 GHz is 1 mW/cm2, and for workers is
5 mW/cm2. Even at 100 times below the public exposure guideline
a 60 minute exposure kills 28% of the cells and 30 minutes kills 8 % of
the cells. Garaj-Vrhovac et al. (1992) exposed human lymphocytes and showed
that microwave radiation produced a dose response increase in chromosome
aberrations, Figure 12.
Figure 12: The relation of total
chromosome aberrations. micronuclei and specific chromosome aberrations
for each cell in human lymphocyte cultures in the dose of microwave
radiation in vitro, Garaj-Vrhovac et al. (1992).
Having established that microwave exposure
damaged chromosomes, this research group were asked to analyze blood samples
from workers who had been exposed to pulsed microwaves generated by air
traffic control radars while they were repairing them. Garag-Vrhovac and
Fucic (1993) analysed the chromosome aberration (CA) in 6 technical staff
who had experienced accidental exposure to the radar. The initial CA percentage
ranged from 3% to 33%, all being significantly higher than unexposed people.
The repair rate over time was monitored. Figure 10 shows the man who had
33 % CA which was followed over 30 weeks following this exposure. The
repair rate follows a significant linear rate (r=0.98), dropping from
33% to 3% over 30 weeks, 1 %/week.
Figure 13: The time-dependent decrease
in the number of chromosome aberrations for subjects with high
numbers of chromosomal impairments, y = 0.318 - 0.010x, r=0.98.
Garaj-Vrhovac and Fucic (1993).
CA Repair rates in other workers are shown
in Figure 14.
Figure 14: Decreases in human blood
Chromosome Aberrations over time from microwave exposed radar
repair workers, Garag-Vrhovac and Fucic (1993).
Two different rates are evident. Two at 0.6
to 1.1 %/week and two at 0.25 to 0.35 %/week. The authors note that Sagripanti
and Swicord (1986) showed that microwave radiation damaged single-strand
DNA and the Szmigielski (1991) showed that out of 29 epidemiological studies
in the previous decade, 22 suggested a relationship between various neoplasms
and exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Garaj-Vrhovac (1999) found that 12 workers
occupationally exposed to microwave had significantly increased chromosome
damage as well as disturbances in the distribution of cells over the first,
second and third mitotic divisions.
Quite independently, Maes et al. (1993) found
highly significant (p<0.001) increases is the frequency of chromosome
aberrations (including dicentric and acentric fragments) and micronuclei
in human blood exposed to 2.45 GHz microwaves to 30 to 120 minutes in
vitro. The micronuclei assay showed a dose response with time, Figure
15.
Figure 15: Micronuclei in microwave
exposed human lymphocytes, the average of 4 donors, Maes et
al. (1993). Exposure was to 75 W/kg, 2.45 GHz microwaves pulsed
at 50 Hz, under controlled isothermal conditions
Timchenko and Ianchevskaia (1995), Balode
(1996), Haider et al. (1994) and Vijayalaxmi et al. (1997) have reported
significant chromosome aberrations from RF/MW exposures. In the Mar/Apr
1999 edition of Microwave News it is reported that Drs Tice, Hook and
McRee showed chromosome damage from all cell phones tested, all being
statistically significant and all but one highly significant with dose-response
relationships up to a factor of three increase in chromosome aberrations.
Vijayalaxmi et al. (1997) chronically exposed
cancer prone mice to 2.45 GHz CW microwaves at an SAR of 1 W/kg for 20
hr/day, 7 days/week for 18 months. Their aim was to determine whether
microwaves were genotoxic through determining if there was significant
chromosome damage. They found highly significant increases in micronuclei
in peripheral blood, from 8 per 2000 cells in sham exposed mice to 9 per
2000 cells microwave exposed mice, and increase of 12.5 %, p<0.001.
There was a significant increase of 6.6%, p<0.025, of micronuclei in
the bone marrow. They also observed a significant 41 % increase in tumours
in the exposed mice compared to the sham exposed mice.
This was a totally unexpected result from
this group. A great deal of effort was put into playing down the implications.
They describe the increase in peripheral blood as a 0.05%, by dividing
the increase of 1 by 2000. This is not a significant increase and this
is not the right comparison. It is a deliberate attempt to disguise their
true result that shows that microwaves are genotoxic.
Multiple independent studies, in 15 papers,
show significant increases in chromosome aberrations from RF/MW exposure.
Four studies show dose-response relationships. This is more than adequate
to classify RF/MW radiation as genotoxic.
Chromosome damage from ELF exposure:
El Nahas and Oraby (1989) observed significant
dose-response dependent micronuclei increase in 50 Hz exposed mice somatic
cells. Elevated CA have been recorded in a number of workers in electrical
occupations. In Sweden Nordenson et al. (1988) found significant CA in
400 kV-substation workers and with 50 Hz exposures to peripheral human
lymphocytes, Nordenson et al. (1984) and human amniotic cells, Nordenson
et al. (1994). Significant CA in human lymphocytes exposed to 50 Hz fields
are also reported by Rosenthal and Obe (1989), Khalil and Qassem (1991),
Garcia-Sagredo and Monteagudo (1991), Valjus et al. (1993) and Skyberg
et al. (1993). Skyberg et al. collected their samples from high-voltage
laboratory cable splicers and Valjus et al. from power linesmen.
Hence chromosome damage has been recorded
from exposes across the EMR spectrum from ELF to RF/MW exposures, in plants,
mammal and human cells, animals and human beings, and from many independent
laboratories. This confirms that EMR does damage chromosomes and establishes
EMR induced chromosome aberrations as a biological effect. For a neoplastic
cell to survive it must have an altered genetic structure to store the
damage and to hide this from the immune system so that NK cells do not
kill the neoplasm transformed cells.
Chromosome Aberrations Conclusions:
Many studies, from independent laboratories,
have shown that ELF, RF/MW and cell phone radiation, significantly increases
chromosome aberrations in exposed cells, including cells taken from human
beings who have been exposed to EMR in occupational situations. Even at
very low intensity radar exposures that were experienced at the U.S. Embassy
in Moscow, significant increases in chromosome damage was measured from
human blood samples. This evidence shows conclusively that across the
EMR spectrum, EMR is genotoxic. Hence it is carcinogenic and teratogenic.
Direct evidence of neoplasm in microwave
exposed cells:
Balcer-Kubiczek and Harrison (1991) observed
a significant dose response increase of neoplastic transformation in a
standard cell set (C3H/10T1/2) from a 24 hr exposure to 2.45 GHz microwaves.
The transformation was assayed after 8 weeks of exposure to a known cancer
promoter chemical TPA, Figure 16. The method was confirmed with a positive
control using X-rays. This also showed that 60Hz magnetic fields also
significantly increased neoplasmic transformation.
Figure 16: Dose-response relationship
for induction of neoplasmic transformation in C3H/10T1/2 cells
by a 24h exposure to 2.45 GHz microwaves at the specific absorption
rate (SAR) with and without TPA post-treatment for 8 weeks, Balcer-Kubiczek
and Harrison (1991).
Direct evidence of DNA strand breakage:
Sarkar, Ali and Behari (1994) investigated
the effect on DNA of exposures accepted a safe by the Non-ionizing Radiation
Committee of IRPA (International Radiation Protection Association - the
predecessor of ICNIRP).
Figure 17: Densitometric analysis of
the brain DNA, a and b are control DNA, c to g are DNA from exposed
animals. Peak 1 is present in both control and exposed animals while
peak 2 appears only in all of the exposed animals.
The exposure regime was a 2 hr exposure to
2.45 GHz CW microwaves at 1 mW/cm2, SAR = 1.18 W/kg. They observed
significant alterations in the DNA from rat brains and testis in the 7
to 8 kb region of the DNA in the hybridization profile and in a densitometric
analysis, Figure 17.
The Comet Assay Method:
A very advanced assay of DNA strand breakage
has been developed by Dr N.P. Singh at the University of Washington. This
is called the microgel electrophoresis or Comet Assay, Singh et al. (1994).
The Comet Assay involves migration of segments of DNA down an electric
field gradient, Figure 18.
Figure 18: Photographs of double-strand
break DNA migration pattern of individual brain cells from rats
exposed to (a) bucking condition (0.1 mT), (b) magnetic fields of
0.1 mT, (c) 0.25 mT and (d) 0.5 mT, Lai and Singh (1997a). The "bucking
mode" is the condition to reverse the field to cancel the magnetic
fields with all else remaining constant.
The modified microgel electrophoresis assay
or Comet Assay for single DNA-strand breaks, involves extraction of a
sample of tissue, washing it several times to remove blood, snipping the
tissue with sharp scissors to reduce the sample sizes and further washing
to remove blood. Single cell suspensions are mixed with agarose to make
a microgel on a slide that is cooled to form a gel. Slides are immersed
in an ice-cold lysing solution and then stored in the dark at 4 °
C.
DNA is closely associated with protein and RNA.
They help to fold the DNA. To release DNA from these bonds, one has to
use Proteinase K to digest proteins and RNAase A to digest RNA. Hence
in the morning the slides were treated with DNAase-free proteinase K for
2 hr at 37 ° C to remove the bound protein from the
DNA. They were then places on the horizontal slab of an electrophoretic
assembly. An electrophoresis buffer is added and the sample is left for
20 min to allow the DNA to unwind. The buffer includes antioxidants to
counter the free radicals produced by electrophoresis.
The electrophoresis was then carried out
for 60 minutes with 0.4 V/m, 250 mA. During this process the fluid in
the assembly is re-circulated at the rate of about 100 ml/min. The negatively
charged segments of DNA migrate down the electric field gradient, forming
a comet-like tail, the mass of which is proportional to the amount of
damaged DNA material and the electric field gradient and time of exposure.
For DNA double-strand breaks the microgel
preparation is the same as above. Slides are then treated with ribonuclease
A for 2 hr and then proteinase K for 2 hr. They are then placed in the
neutral electrophoresis buffer (pH 9) for 20 mins and then electrophorezed
for 1 hr at 0.4 V/cm. For both single- and double- strand assays the sample
are stained with an intense florescent dye solution of YOYO-1 and then
examined in a vertical florescent microscope.
The proteinase K treatment is vital. It removes
the bound protein from the DNA strands. DNA and protein have the opposite
charge and so for the electric field to cause migration, the protein must
be removed. Four slides were prepared for each animal, two for single
and two for double-strand assays. Fifty representative cells were scored
off each slide, giving 100 cells scored for each of the single and double-strand
DNA breaks. Frequency distributions for the 100 assayed cells are presented,
Figure 19, and the comet tail moment calculated.
Figure 19: Single- and double-strand
DNA breaks frequency distribution for percentage of cells of a given
tail length from pulsed RFR and sham exposed brain cells, from 8
animals and 100 cells per animal, Lai and Singh (1996).
Figure 19 clearly shows significant increases
in single- and double-strand DNA breaks from the pulsed microwave exposed
animal brains compared with the sham exposed animals. The tail DNA fragments
extend out to 250 microns. The Comet tails in the Malyapa et al. assay
extend to less than 40 microns. This clearly documents how less sensitive
their method is.
Motorola Funded Counter Research on DNA
breakage:
Motorola funded Dr Joseph Roti Roti's group
at Washington University, St Louis, to replicate the Lai/Singh DNA damage
research and to extend it to cell phone frequencies. "Replication" requires
the work to be very closely following the method and conditions of the
earlier study. While both groups used 2.45 GHz microwaves for exposure,
the follow up study used a cell line (C3H/10T1/2) compared to living rats,
and they used a very different DNA damage assay based on Olive et al.
(1992) not Singh et al. (1994). This follow up study used a much weaker
fluorescent stain, an overall weaker electrophoresis field (0.6 V/cm for
25 mins c.f. 0.4 V/cm for 60 mins) and did not use proteinase K to separate
the bound protein from the DNA strands. It is therefore understandable
why they didn't observe DNA stand breakage from MW exposure.
Figure 20: Frequency Distribution
of Comet tail lengths for 2.45GHz exposed C3H10T1/2 cells, Malyapa
et al. (1998).
Differences between Lai and Singh and
Malyapa et al.:
There are five primary differences between
the Lai and Singh Comet Assay method derived from Singh at al. (1994)
used at the University of Washington and the Comet assay method used at
Washington University by Malyapa et al, derived from Olive et al. (1992).
The following factors make the Lai/Singh
Assay more sensitive than that of Malyapa et al.:
- Complete lysis using highly concentrated
salt and two detergents.
- The use of proteinase K to remove the
positively charges bound protein from the negatively charged DNA stands
so that the electrophoresis field produces more migration.
- The use of antioxidants during electrophoresis.
- Electrophoresis for a longer time to allow
longer tails to form in the "Comet". Lai and Singh have 250 micron tails
while Malyapa et al. have 40 micro tails.
- The use of the YOYO-1 dye. YOYO-1 is 100-fold
more sensitive when bound to DNA than propidium iodide.
Hence there are basic practical scientific
reasons why Lai and Singh observe EMR-induced DNA strand breaks with RF/MW
exposures, whereas Malyapa et al. don’t. Two independent laboratories
have shown that EMR, including cell phone radiation at extremely low intensities,
causes DNA strand breaks. They are Verschaeve et al. (1994) and Phillips
et al. (1998), who used the Lai/Singh method.
The Comet Assay and EMR effects:
Drs Lai and Singh have now shown that ELF
and RF/MW radiation both cause single and double strand DNA breakage and
are associated with free radical and reduced melatonin in living exposed
rats. Lai and Singh (1995) observed a dose response increase in Single-strand
DNA breakage in the rat’s brain and hippocampus that increased significantly
after 4 hours, Figure 21. The increases in DNA single-strand breakage
after 4 hrs is highly significant, p<0.001 and they show a dose-response
relationship.
Figure 21: DNA single-strand breakage
in cells from the rat brain and hippocampus, immediately after
a 2 hr exposure to a whole body SAR of 0.6 and 1.2 W/kg to 2.45
GHz microwave radiation, pulsed at 500 pps. N is the number of
rats studied. Lai and Singh (1995).
The assay method was extended to measure
DNA double-strand breakage. Lai and Singh (1996) reported that both continuous
wave (CW) and pulsed microwaves caused significant (p<0.01) increased
single-strand DNA breakage, and double-strand breakage, CW, p<0.05)
and pulsed, p<0.01), Figure 22.
This shows that both continuous and pulsed
microwaves cause single and double DNA strand breakage, but pulsed microwaves
cause more than continuous waves. Hence pulsed cell phone signals and
radar signals are highly likely to cause DNA damage. This has been confirmed
for radar and chromosome aberrations above and for cell phones by Phillips
et al. (1998).
Figure 22: Single-strand (left) and
double-strand (right) breaks in brain cells of rat after exposure
to pulsed or continuous-wave RFR. Each bar represents data from
8 rats, Lai and Singh (1996).
In the mean time Lai and Singh (1997) investigated
the mechanism which is involved with this genotoxic effect of RF/MW radiation.
They treated the microwave exposed rats with melatonin and a spin-trap
compound (PBN) to determine the role of free radicals. They showed that
both melatonin and PBN eliminated the microwave induced DNA damage. Figure
23 shows the effect of melatonin for single- and double- strand DNA breaks
and Figure 24 the same for PBN.
Figure 23: Effect of treatment with
melatonin for RFR-induced increase in DNA single-strand (left)
and double-strand (right) breaks in rats brain cells. Data was
analysed using the one-way ANOVA, which showed a significant treatment
effect (p<0.001) for both cases. "vehicle" involves injecting
with the physiological saline without the active substance. Lai
and Singh (1997)
Lai and Singh (1997) conclude that if free
radicals are involved in the RFR-induced DNA strand breaks in brain cells,
the results of their study could have an important implication of the
health effects of RFR exposure. Involvement of free radicals in human
diseases, such as cancer and atherosclerosis, have been suggested. Free
radicals also play an important role in aging processes, Reiter, (1995).
They also point out that both melatonin and PBN can have other actions
on cells in the brain that can decrease DNA damage. Therefore further
support is necessary to interpret these results.
Figure 24: Effect of treatment with
PBN for RFR-induced increase in DNA single-strand (left) and double-strand
(right) breaks in rats brain cells. Data was analysed using the
one-way ANOVA, which showed a significant treatment effect (p<0.001)
for both cases. "vehicle" involves injecting with the physiological
saline without the active substance. Lai and Singh (1997).
Phelan et al. (1992) exposed B-16 melanoma
cell line to pulsed 2.45 GHz, 100 pps, 1hr exposure SAR = 0.2 W/kg. This
resulted in changes of membrane ordering. Their data indicated that a
significant, specific alteration of the cell-membrane ordering followed
microwave exposure and that the alteration was due at least part, to the
generation of oxygen radicals. Hence there is independent support for
the generation of free radicals by microwaves, as well as the Lai/Singh
evidence that PBN and Melatonin reduce the RFR induced DNA damage.
Two other laboratories have recorded RF/MW produced
significant DNA stands breaks. Verschave et al. (1994), who used a GSM
cell phone signal to expose human and rat peripheral blood lymphocytes,
found significantly increased strand breaks at high, but non-thermal exposure
levels. Phillips et al. (1998) exposed Molt-4 T-lymphoblastoid cells the
a range of cell phone radiation in the SAR range 0.0024 W/kg to 0.026
W/kg for both iDEN and TDMA signals. Using the basic equations, these
SARs at the 813-836 MHz range [SAR = s E2/2r , s =1 S/m, r =800 kg/m3, and S = E2/3.77
m W/cm2, E: the electric field gradient in V/m and S the exposure
in m W/cm2]
result in 1.0 to 11.0m W/cm2. A 2 hr exposure to these
low levels of cell phone radiation significantly increased (p<0.0001)
or decreased (p<0.0001) the DNA damage. Decreased DNA damage is evidence
of increased repair that is evidence of damage, Meltz (1995).
Hence RF/MW radiation has been confirmed
to enhance DNA damage under RF/MW exposure from radar-like and cell phone
exposures, including an exposure level which is 0.22% of the ICNIRP guideline.
ELF Exposure and DNA strand breakage:
Four independent laboratories have also published
data on ELF induced DNA strand breaks confirming that ELF EMR damages
DNA strands; Lai and Singh (1997a), Svedenstal et al. (1998), Phillips
et al. (1998a), and Ahuja et al. (1997). Lai and Singh (1997a) also demonstrate
the involvement of free radicals and the protective effect of melatonin.
With the evidence above that EMR reduces melatonin this confirms that
reduced melatonin causes higher concentrations of free radicals which
produce more DNA strand breaks from EMR exposure from ELF to RF/MW frequencies.
Increased DNA strand breaks will result in increased chromosome aberrations.
Multiple evidence from independent laboratories
established that EMR from ELF to RF/MW causes DNA single- and double-strand
breaks at very low, non-thermal exposure levels. This extends and confirms
the genotoxic evidence from chromosome aberration studies.
EMR Altered Gene Activity
There is also evidence that EMR not only
can damage chromosomes and DNA strands, but it is observed to alter cellular
calcium ions and the activity levels of proto oncogenes (cancer genes).
Blackman (1990) concluded that there was overwhelming
evidence that EMR can alter normal calcium ion homeostasis and lead to
changes in the response of biological systems to their environment. On
of these changes is altered gene transcription and expression. The lowest
published exposure level associated with significant EMR-induced alteration
of cellular calcium ions occur is reported by Schwartz et al. (1990).
It was 0.00015 W/kg in a 30 min exposure to a 240 MHz signal modulated
at 16 Hz. The medium was frog hearts. This is equivalent to an exposure
level of about 0.06 m W/cm2.
Calcium ion fluxes occur in "windows" of
exposure parameter combinations. Two studies associate EMR exposure alteration
of gene transcription with exposure windows. Litovitz et al. (1990) identified
amplitude (intensity) windows, and Wei et al. (1990) frequency windows
in the range 15 to 150 Hz. They observed a peak effect in c-myc gene transcription
at 45 Hz. Liburdy et al. (1993) show that c-myc induction occurs in a
direct sequence from calcium ion influx. Increased c-myc gene transcripts
by 50/60 Hz fields has also been observed, Goodman et al. (1989, 1992)
and Lin et al. (1994). Phillips et al. (1992, 1993) observed time-dependent
changes in the transcription of c-fos, c-jun, c-myc and protein kinase
C, from 60 Hz exposure and a linear reduction in ras p21 expression by
a 72 Hz signal. 50/60 Hz signals altered c-jun and c-fos gene expression
as observed by and Lagroye and Poncy (1998) and c-fos expression by Rao
and Henderson (1996) and Campbell-Beachler et al. (1998). The ppSom gene
is very important in human neurological disorders, and is regulated by
calcium ions Capone, Choi and Vertifuille (1998).
Cell phone radiation (836.55 MHz) significantly
altered c-jun transcript levels, Ivaschuk et al. (1997). Cell phone radiation
significantly enhances the proto oncogene c-fos activity in C3H 10T 1/2
cells, from a 40 % (p=0.04) increase from a digital cell phone and a 2-fold
increase (p=0.001) from an analogue cell phone, Goswami et al. (1999).
Hence proto oncogene activity is altered
and enhanced in multiple independent experiments from ELF and RF/MW exposure,
including cell phone radiation.
Immune system impairment by EMR
Impairment of the immune system is related
to calcium ion efflux, Walleczek (1992) and to reduced melatonin, Reiter
and Robinson (1995). Cossarizza et al. (1993) showed that ELF fields increased
both the spontaneous and PHA and TPA- induced production of interleukin-1
and IL-6 in human peripheral blood. Rats exposed to microwaves showed
a significant reduction in splenic activity of natural killer (NK) cells,
Nakamura et al. (1997).
Dmoch and Moszczynski (1998) found that microwave
exposed workers had decreased NK cells and a lower value of the T-helper/T-suppressor
ratio was found. Moszczynski et al. (1999) observed increased IgG and
IgA and decreased lymphocytes and T8 cells in TV signal exposed workers.
Quan et al. (1992) showed that microwave heating of human breast milk
highly significantly suppressed the specific immune system factors for
E.Coli bacteria compared with conventional heating. Chronic, 25 year,
exposure to an extremely low intensity (<0.1m
W/cm2) 156-162 MHz, 24.4 Hz pulse frequency, radar signal in
Latvia produced significant alterations in the immune system factors of
exposed villagers, Bruvere et al. (1998).
EMR Reduces Melatonin in Animals and People
DNA strand breaks, Chromosome Aberrations,
impaired immune system competence and many other biological and health
effects, are caused by reduced melatonin, Reiter and Robinson (1995).
Light-at-night and electromagnetic radiation, are proven to reduce melatonin
and hence pose significant adverse health effects.
The evidence for EMR reduction of melatonin is
summarized here. Rosen, Barber and Lyle (1998) state that seven different
laboratories have reported suppression of nighttime rise in pineal melatonin
production in laboratory animals. They show that a 50 m T, 60 Hz field with a 0.06m T DC field, over 10 experiments, averages
a 46% reduction in melatonin production from pinealocytes. Stark et al.
(1997) observed a significant increase in salival melatonin in a group
of 5 cows when the short-wave radio transmitter at Schwarzenberg, Switzerland,
was turned off for three days, compared to 5 cows that had much lower
RF exposure. Hence there are now nine independent observations of melatonin
reduction in animals from ELF and RF exposure.
Fifteen studies from show that ELF and RF/MW
exposure reduces melatonin and enhances serotonin in people. Evidence
that EMR reduced melatonin in human beings commenced with Wang (1989)
who found that workers who were more highly exposed to RF/MW had a dose-response
increase in serotonin, and hence indicates a dose-response reduction in
melatonin. Fourteen studies have observed significant EMR associated melatonin
reduction in humans. They involve a wide range of exposure situations.
This includes 16.7 Hz fields, Pfluger et al. (1996); 50/60 Hz fields,
Wilson et al. (1990), Graham et al. (1994), Wood et al. (1998), Karasek
et al. (1998), Burch et al. (1997, 1998, 1999a, 2000), Juutilainen et
al. (2000) and Graham et al. (2000a); combination of 60 Hz fields and
cell phone use, Burch et al. (1997,1999a); VDTs ELF/RF exposures, Arnetz
et al. (1996), and a combination of occupational 60Hz exposure and increased
geomagnetic activity around 30nT, Burch et al. (1999b).
The fourteenth human melatonin reduction
study is from 6.1-21.8 MHz SW RF exposure as reported during the shutting
down process of the Schwarzenburg shortwave radio tower, Professor Theo
Abelin (seminar and pers.comm.). Urinary melatonin levels were monitored
prior to and following the closing down of the Schwarzenburg short wave
radio transmitter. This showed a significant rise in melatonin after the
signal was turned off.
Fifteen studies is sufficient to establish
that EMR reduces melatonin in people from exposures across the EMR spectrum,
and at extremely low mean exposure levels.
Genotoxicity Conclusions:
There is more than sufficient evidence of
chromosome aberrations, DNA strand breakage altered oncogene activity
and neoplastic transformation if cells to conclude that EMR across the
spectrum from ELF to RF/MW is genotoxic. This is independently confirmed
by the established biological mechanisms of calcium ion efflux and melatonin
reduction.
His is also totally independent of over a
hundred occupational groups showing elevated cancer from EMR exposure,
scores showing significantly to extremely significantly elevated cancer
incidence and mortality, and dozens of dose response relationships.
Epidemiological dose-response relationships
from RF/MW exposures:
Dose-response relationships are shown here
because they are very strong evidence of cause and effect and they give
guidance as to the exposure levels involved. It should be noted however,
that many other studies show significant increases in all of the cancer,
cardiac, neurological and reproductive effects reported here. All occur
at long-term mean exposure levels more than 100 times below the ICNIRP
guideline, and residential studies involve mean exposures more than 1000
times lower than the public exposure guideline.
The guidance given by Sir Austin Bradford
Hill, Hill (1965) shows that even a consistent non-significant relationship
can be assessed as a causal effect. When a dose response relationship
is obtained then it is very strong evidence of a causal effect.
"Classic" RF/MW studies:
Two U.S. radar exposure studies are classically
quoted as showing no effects. This is not true to the data contained in
Lilienfeld et al. (1978) and Robinette et al. (1980). Both show significantly
elevated mortality and morbidity for a range of diseases, including cancer,
cardiac and neurological diseases. Some symptoms also occur with significant
dose-response relationships.
Lilienfeld et al. (1978) report on the health
effects of staff and dependents exposed to low level radar signals during
tours of duty at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Dose-response relationships as a function
of years of exposure to these radar signals are shown in Figure 25 for
Present Health Summary (p=0.05), Arthritis/Rheumatism (p=0.02), Back Pain
(p=0.04), Skin and Lymphatic disease (p=0.02) and Vaginal Discharge (p=0.04).
Figure 26 shows the dose-responses for Vascular System disease (p=0.004)
and Ear Problems (p=0.02).Hence this study suggests that chronic exposure
to extremely low intensity RF/MW radiation from radar produces a wide
range of illnesses in a dose-response manner.
Figure 25: Rates of sickness increases
significantly with years of exposure, in the people chronically
exposed to low intensity radar at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow,
Lilienfeld et al. (1978).
Figure 26: Rates of sickness increases
significantly with years of exposure, in the people chronically
exposed to low intensity radar at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow,
Lilienfeld et al. (1978).
Robinette et al. (1980) studied the health
effects of radar exposed naval technical personnel who had served on ships
during the Korean War. When a 5% sample of servicemen were assessed for
personal exposure in a job-matrix exposure survey, they were shown to
have a significant dose-response increase in Total Mortality and Respiratory
Cancer as a function of exposure level as assessed by the Hazard Number.
Figure 27 shows the dose-response relationships for these mortalities
with the lowest exposure range used as a reference with RR=1.0.
Figure 27: Dose-response relationships
of mortality from all causes and respiratory cancer for radar exposure
assessed personnel, Robinette et al. (1980).
Figure 28: Naval occupations grouped
by exposure category, showing dose response increases in mortality
for all mortality, all disease, cancer and Lymphatic/Leukaemia.
Low exposure (RM+RD), Intermediate exposure ET+FT), High exposure
(AT).
Grouping occupational groups according to
exposure levels also reveals dose-response increases for Total Death,
All Disease, All Cancer and Lymphatic/hematopoietic Cancer, Figure 28.
Hence it is shown that these are not "no effects" studies. Rather they
show significant dose response increases in death, cancer and a wide range
of diseases. They also show significant increases of many mortality and
morbidity health effects.
Global Leukaemia dose response for RF/MW
exposure:
Leukaemia is frequently significantly raised
in RF/MW exposed populations. Table 1 summarizes several studies that
are ranked in mean exposure order. Military, occupational and residential
studies shows a global dose response relationship for increased adult
leukaemia and RF/MW exposure with a dose-response threshold close to zero.
When actual residential exposures are considered,
dose responses for residential cancer are also shown by Dolk et al. (1997
a,b) and Michelozzi et al. (1998). These show a causal effect of adult
and childhood leukaemia are levels of residential exposure involving exposure
levels produced by cell sites out to over 500m.
Table 1: A summary of epidemiological
studies involving adult leukaemia mortality or incidence, ranked
by probable RF/MW exposure category.
Study Reference Exposure Leukaemia Risk 95%
Confidence
Category Type Ratio Interval
Polish Military Szmigielski (1996) High ALL
5.75 1.22-18.16
(Mortality) CML 13.90 6.72-22.12
CLL 3.68 1.45-5.18
AML 8.62 3.54-13.67
All Leuk. 6.31 3.12-14.32
Korean War Robinette et al. (1980) High Leuk/Lymp
2.22 1.02-4.81
Radar Exposure (Mortality) AT/ET
Radio and TV Milham (1985) Moderate Acute
Leuk. 3.44
Repairmen Leuk. 1.76
Amateur Radio Milham (1988) Moderate AML
1.79 1.03-2.85
(Mortality)
UK Sutton Dolk et al. (1997a) Moderate Leuk
1.83 1.22-2.74
Coldfield <=2km
North Sydney Hocking et al.(1996) Low All
Leuk. 1.17 0.96-1.43
TV/FM towers ALL+CLL 1.39 1.00-1.92
(Mortality) AML+CML 1.01 0.82-1.24
Other Leuk 1.57 1.01-2.46
UK TV/FM Dolk et al. (1997b) Low Adult Leuk.
1.03 1.00-1.07
(Incidence)
Note: ALL : Acute Lymphatic Leukemia; CLL:
Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia; AML Acute Myeloid Leukaemia; CML: Chronic
Myeloid Leukaemia; and All Leuk.: All Adult Leukaemia.
Childhood Cancer in the vicinity of the
Sutra Tower, San Francisco:
Many studies have identified elevated childhood
leukaemia for children living in the vicinity of high voltage powerlines,
Hardell et al. (1995), including a dose-response relationships, Wertheimer
and Leeper (1979), Savitz et al. (1988), London et al. (1991) and Feychting
et al. (1995). These should be sufficient for a causal relationship.
Figure29: Two early childhood leukaemia
studies show dose response relationships for the Wire Category
which is the best estimate of the long-term mean magnetic field.
Selvin et al. (1992) studied the spatial
distribution of 4 childhood cancers in relation to the Sutra Tower in
San Francisco. When measured and practical radial exposure patterns are
compared with the radial cancer rates a highly significant dose response
relationship results, Figure 30.
Figure 30: The measured and estimated
power density (exposure in m W/cm2) with distance
from the Sutra Tower. Circles show measurements. The line follows
measurement points and the radial pattern of a typical UHF transmission
beyond 3 km. From Hammett and Edison (1997) and readings taken by
the author in 1999.
Because of the complex nature of residential
radial broadcast tower exposure patterns, Figure 30, the chance of confounding
effects are extremely small. Thus this indicates a causal relationships
Plotting the radial residential mean exposure and the "All Cancer" Risk
Ratio gives the pattern in Figure 31. The match shows that no other factor
can explain this result than the RF exposure from the Sutra Tower.
Figure 31: The radial All Cancer
Risk Ratio and the mean residential RF exposure (times 20 to fit
on the scale).
Figure 32: All Cancer Risk Ratio for
Childhood Cancer as a function of estimated radial group mean personal
exposure to RF/MW radiation from the Sutra Tower, San Francisco,
using the spatial childhood cancer data presented in Selvin et al.
(1992). The dose-response relationship is extremely significant
(p<0.0001).
Within the data uncertainty, the dose-response
threshold is zero. Hence RF/MW is causally associated with adult and childhood
cancer, including leukaemia with a dose-response relationship with a zero
exposure threshold.
Neurological effects:
Brains are very electromagnetically sensitive
because our sight, thoughts, memories, learning and emotions use complex
electromagnetic signals. Research in Germany in the post war period proved
that human brains detect and use extremely small natural low frequency
(ELF) EMR signals, Wever (1974), Konig (1974). Since RF/MW signals induce
higher currents in human tissues and low frequency signals it is inevitable
that we will observe neurological effects from chronic RF/MW exposures.
Recent studies have revealed some neurological
dose response relationships for sleep disturbance, Multiple Sclerosis
and Suicide at extremely low exposures to RF and ELF exposures. Beale
et al. (1997) found significant dose response for psychological symptoms,
including anxiety and depression, living in proximity to high voltage
powerlines. This strongly confirms the sensitivity of human brains to
EMR exposure.
These studies have early roots in U.S. Embassy
in Moscow study. Lilienfeld et al. (1978), showed significant neurological
effects from chronic low level radar exposure, including Depression (p=0.004),
Irritability (p=0.009), Memory Loss (p=0.008) and Difficulty in Concentrating
(p=0.001).
These are all symptoms related to melatonin
reduction. The Korean War Study, Robinette et al. (1980) also found increased
neurological health effects from personnel who were exposed to radar on
ships during the Korean War. These symptoms between a high exposure group
(FT+AT) and a low exposure group (ET), Mental Conditions, RR = 1.68, 95%CI:
1.13-2.50, p<0.01 and Neurological illness, RR = 1.42, 95%CI: 0.74-2.72.
Mild et al. (1998) show significant dose-response
relationships for cell phone usage and headaches, dizziness, memory loss,
discomfort, fatigue, and loss of concentration. Dose responses were shown
for both calls/day and minutes/day. Figures 33 and 34 show the minutes/day
graphs for Norway and Sweden, respectively. Norway is dominantly analogue
and Sweden digital.
The analogue phones used in Norway typically
have higher SAR levels than the digital phones used in Sweden. The sensation
of warmth on an behind the ear is much stronger in Norway. The symptoms
reported in Norway are somewhat more prevalent than in Sweden. For example,
the Fatigue prevalence in Norway for more than 60 mins per day is 28%
and in Sweden it is 20%. The difference is quite marked for all symptoms
except Concentration and Memory Loss. These are the same symptoms that
have frequently been reported as "Microwave Sickness Syndrome" or "Radiofrequency
Sickness Syndrome", Baranski and Czerski (1976) and Johnson-Liakouris
(1998).
Figure 33: Prevalence of symptoms for
Norwegian mobile phone users, mainly analogue, with various categories
of length of calling time per day, Mild et al. (1998).
Figure 34: Prevalence of symptoms for
Swedish mobile phone users, mainly digital, with various categories
of length of calling time per day, Mild et al. (1998).
Sleep Disturbance near a Shortwave Radio
Tower, Schwarzenburg, Switzerland:
The Schwarzenburg Study, Alpeter et al. (1995)
and Abelin (1999) showed a causal relationship of sleep disturbance with
exposure to a short wave radio signal. The effect is assessed as causal
because of the significant dose response relationship, the variation of
sleep disturbance in two experiments, one involving changing the beams
and one turning the transmitter off, and the identification of significant
melatonin reduction. Professor Abelin told seminars in Christchurch that
they had measured a significant increase in melatonin after the tower
transmission was turned off permanently compared to the levels while it
was on.
Groups B, R and C are all exposed to a mean RF
signal of less than 0.1m
W/cm2 and they experienced highly significant sleep disturbance
and reduced melatonin. Since sleep disturbance, Mann and Roschkle (1995),
and melatonin reduction, Burch et al. (1997), has been observed with cell
phone exposure. Hence these observations also apply to cell phones and
cell sites.
Figure 35: Adult Sleep Disturbance
with RF exposure at Schwarzenburg, Switzerland, Abelin (1999).
Sleep disruption occurs in a dose-response
manner with a threshold below 0.1nW/cm2. ie. very close to
zero, Figure 36.
Figure 36: Dose-response relationship
for Sleep Disturbance at Schwarzenburg with exposure in nW/cm2.
Note: 1nW/cm2= 0.001m W/cm2
Multiple Sclerosis in Danish Electric
Utility Workers:
A study of 26,124 men working in Danish utility
companies were studied for their incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS)
in relation to average work-related exposure to electromagnetic fields.
A small group of 15 men were shown to have a dose-response incidence of
MS as a function of EMF exposure, Figure 37. The lowest group is used
as a reference (RR=1.0).
Figure 37: Dose response relationship
of Multiple Sclerosis for a small group (N=15) of men occupationally
exposed to typical peak magnetic fields in a Danish utility company,
Johansen et al. (1999).
The authors conclude that they find no support
for the hypothesis. In fact, despite the small sample size, their data
shows very strong support for the hypothesis that EMR is associated with
adverse neurological effects at extremely low mean exposure levels.
Suicide in U.S. Electric Utility Workers:
A very large study of men working in U.S.
electric utility companies included monitoring time weighted average ELF
exposures of 2842 people and the identification of 536 deaths from suicide
and 5348 controls. For recent exposure and 1 to 5 years of recent exposure
there were significant dose-response relationships with cumulative exposure
to electromagnetic fields. The recent exposure result is shown in Figure
38.
This confirms the results of Perry et al.
(1981) who found a highly significant association between suicide and
the exposure to magnetic fields from High Voltage Powerlines. Baris and
Armstrong (1990) also found RF exposure shows a significant 53% increase
in suicide or British Radio and Radar Mechanics, and 156 % increase for
Telegraph radio operators.
Figure 38: Dose response relationship
of Suicide after recent monitored exposure to cumulative 50 Hz
magnetic fields for men <50 years, adjusted for work, class,
location and exposure to sunlight and solvents, Wijngaarden et
al. (1999).
Non-linear response for neurological effects
at extremely low exposure levels are evident in the three studies presented
here for sleep disturbance, multiple sclerosis and suicide
Brain Tumour with VDT exposure:
Beall et al. (1997) found significant increases
in brain tumour, especially glioma, among long-term workers using computers
who are exposed to a mix of ELF and RF radiation from the VDTs. For long-term
computer users, Engineering/technical users show a non-significant dose
response, but computer programmers show a significant dose-response relationship,
Figure 39.
Figure 39 Dose-response increases
in brain tumour from years of working with computers, Beall
et al. (1997).
Melatonin reduction, clinical depression
(Verkasalo et al., 1997), and suicide are all significantly and/or dose
response related to EMR exposure. Along with sleep disruption and brain
tumour, this constitutes a very strong and coherent set of data supporting
a causal relationship between ELF to RF/MW exposure, including cell phone
usage, and neurological illness and death.
GABA is a primary neurotransmitter that is
involved in many neurological processes. Many neurological systems have
up to 60% of the synapses that are regulated by GABA (gamma-amino butyric
Acid). Substances that alter GABA can cause abnormal pathologies. Kolomytkin
et al. (1995) conclude that GABA systems are very sensitive to microwaves.
GABA indicator molecules are altered in a dose-response manner by microwaves
in living rat brains, Figure 40.
Figure 40: Exposure related alteration
of GABA related molecules in rat brains exposed to 915 MHz microwaves,
pulsed at 16 pps. Differences from controls are still significant
at 10m W/cm2, Kolomytkin et al. (1995)
Natural EMR Sensitivity of the Human brain:
Since human brains detect and use naturally
occurring ELF signals under 1pW/cm2 then our brains can detect
and react to signals many orders of magnitude higher than this. Interactions
include resonant absorption of signals with particular ELF signal or modulation
frequency ranges, and interference with the natural signals so that they
cannot reliably perform their functions. These functions include regulations
of hormones such as melatonin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Both
of these have been shown to be reduced by cell phone exposures. Reduced
melatonin leads to increased DNA strand breaks and chromosome aberrations.
These in turn lead to cancer and reproductive effects.
Cardiac Effects of EMR:
Hearts use natural electric pulses to produce
heart-beats. An electric pulse produces a cascade of calcium ions that
cause the heart muscle to contract. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) is used
to monitor heart activity and can detect heart disease through the altered
electrical signals. Hence it is biologically plausible that electric signals,
that are shown to interfere with artificial pacemakers, can also interfere
with the natural heart-beat. This has been shown in several studies in
relation to reduction of the heart rate variability (HRV). This is a known
risk factor for heart disease.
Satre, Cook and Graham (1998) observed significantly
reduced heart rate variability (HRV) in volunteers sleeping in 60Hz fields.
Extrinsic EMR signals interfere with hearts and cause heart disease and
death. Bortkiewicz et al. (1995, 1996, 1997) and Szmigielski et al. (1998)
found that RF exposure altered heart rate variability and blood pressure.
Forman et al.(1982) present case studies of microwave exposed personnel
with induced hypertension. Braune et al. (1998) showed that cell phone
significantly increased blood pressure. Savitz et al. (1999) found a highly
significant dose response relationship for mortality from Arrhythmia related
heart disease and heart attack (Acute Myocardial Infarction) for exposed
electrical occupations and for individual occupations of electrician,
lineman and power plant operator.
Hamburger, Logue and Silverman (1983) observed
significant dose responses for heart disease for male physiotherapists
as a function of treatments per month with microwaves, OR = 2.51 (1.09-5.78),
Trend p<0.05); shortwave, OR = 3.40 (1.56-7.39), trend p=0.005; and
Combined Microwave and Shortwave, OR = 2.88 (1.21-6.70), trend p=0.025.
This is a powerful set of epidemiological
evidence showing that EMR across the spectrum increases the incidence
and mortality from arrhythmia related heart disease and from heart attack.
The following graph shows the dose-response curve for Acute Myocardial
Infarction (Heart Attack) in electric utility workers, Figure 41.
Figure 41: Acute Myocardial Infarction
as a function of cumulative exposure to 60 Hz fields in U.S. electricity
utility workers, Savitz et al. (1999).
Savitz et al. (1999) show crude dose responses
for Cardiac Arrhythmia related heart disease and a highly significant
dose-response, Figure 41, for Heart Attack.
Miscarriage in microwave exposed Physiotherapists,
United States:
Physiotherapists have been exposed to microwaves
and shortwave radiation in the course of diathermy of patients. From a
large survey group 6,684 women reported using microwave or shortwave radiation
at some time during their work history. A total of 1753 pregnancies involving
first trimester miscarriage were matched to 1753 control pregnancies.
This revealed a 7%, but non-significant rise in miscarriage associated
with shortwave exposure and a significant 28% increase in first trimester
miscarriage for those exposed to microwaves, including a highly significant
(p<0.005) dose response relationship, Figure 42.
Exposure levels were based on 3 minutes exposure
per treatment to 600m
W/cm2, a peak exposure level near the middle of the reported
range. This gives 0.042m
W/cm2 per treatment per month, to give a month mean dose response
based on treatments per month.
Figure 41: Microwave exposure associated
miscarriage for pregnant physiotherapists, Ouellet-Hellstrom and
Stewart (1993).
Figure 42: ELF/RF/MW exposure from
VDT usage increases miscarriage in a dose-response manner, Lindbohm
et al. (1992).
Occupational usage of computers, with their
mixed RF/ELF exposures, have also shown a dose-response increase in miscarriage,
Lindbohm et al. (1992), Figure 43.
Reproductive effects in mice has been shown in
residential RF exposures by Magras and Xenos (1997). Mice became totally
infertile after 3 generations in 1.05m
W/cm2 and after 5 generations exposed to 0.17m W/cm2, Figure 44. This shows
a dose-response for RF induced infertility. Youbicier-Simo et al. (1998)
showed that mobile phone significantly increased the mortality of chicken
embryos.
Figure 44: Reproductive rates in two
groups of mice exposed to extremely low intensity radio signals,
showing a dose response in the time taken to achieve full infertility
of 3 matings for 1.503m W/cm2 and 5 matings for 0.168m
W/cm2.
This supports the adverse reproductive effects
and very low exposure levels shown by Ouellet-Hellstrom and Stewart. And
Lindbohm et al. Youbicier-Simo et al. (1999) showed that cell phone radiation
caused more mortality of embryonic chickens showing that cell phone radiation
is significantly associated with reproductive effects.
Conclusions:
Many multiple independent laboratories have
shown the ELF and RF/MW radiation causes chromosome aberrations and DNA
single- and double-strand damage. These include many dose response relationships
and extremely low RF/MW exposure levels including cell phone radiation.
Multiple studies also show significantly altered proto oncogenes expression
and activity with ELF and RF/MW exposure. This also includes cell phone
radiation. Several studies show impairment of the immune system health.
Since calcium ion efflux and melatonin reduction
are established biological effects of EMR exposure from ELF to RF/MW,
impair immune systems should be observed in EMR exposures. Multiple independent
evidence is available for RF exposures, down to extremely low chronic
mean levels, and many dose response relationships are established to prove
that these biological effects from EMR exposure is genotoxic. Significant
DNA strand breakage has been observed down to 1 m
W/cm2, Phillips et al. (1998), with elevated DNA damage below
this. Therefore there is extremely strong evidence that EMR across the
spectrum is genotoxic, even at very low exposure levels found in the vicinity
of cell sites, Figure 45.
Figure 45: Summary of observed effects,
and the mean levels of the exposure for human studies of exposure
to electromagnetic radiation. All epidemiological studies occur
below the ICNIRP and New Zealand Standard of allowable exposure.
These genotoxic biological mechanisms strongly
support the large number of epidemiological studies that show significant
increases of cancer, neurological, cardiac and reproductive health effects
from ELF and RF/MW exposure in military, occupation, and residents studies.
Altogether they show a causal relationship from EMR exposure and wide-spread
adverse health effects. All of these adverse health effects are shown
to be significantly increased in multiple epidemiological studies, including
many with significant dose-response relationships. This data puts the
situation in a very clear light. There are causal relationships between
extremely low mean EMR exposures across the spectrum and a wide range
of serious adverse health effects.
Cell Phone Conclusions:
Cell phones will high probably increase many
neurological diseases and brain tumours over the next 10 to 20 years
Cell sites will highly probably increase
miscarriage, many cancers, many diseases, significant neurological and
cardiac diseases and death.
Thousands of cell sites being installed in
communities, are significantly raising the exposure of millions of people
to RF/MW at levels that are know to cause serious adverse health effects.
The problems are going to increase unless
rapid, drastic and determined moves are made to reverse the trend and
only install new sites in locations that produce extremely low mean residential
exposures,
somewhat less than 10 nW/cm2
(0.01m W/cm2).
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