by K.T. Weaver, SkyVision Solutions
Radiofrequency (RF) emissions from wireless devices are likely linked to a number of health conditions and diseases, such as cancer and various other disorders, a new study suggests.
“Oxidative Mechanisms of Biological Activity of Low-intensity Radiofrequency Radiation,” an article published in Electromagnetic Biology & Medicine, reviews peer-reviewed scientific literature and concludes that low-intensity RF radiation induces biological effects in living cells at the molecular level.
The conclusion section of the study states:
“The analysis of modern data on biological effects of low intensity RFR leads to a firm conclusion that this physical agent is a powerful oxidative stressor for living [cells].”
“RFR [is] a potentially hazardous factor for human health. We suggest minimizing the intensity and time of RFR exposures, and taking a precautionary approach towards wireless technologies in everyday human life.”
According to the abstract for the study:
“… among 100 currently available peer-reviewed studies dealing with oxidative effects of low-intensity RFR, in general, 93 confirmed that RFR induces oxidative effects in biological systems.”
“A wide pathogenic potential of the induced ROS [reactive oxygen species] and their involvement in cell signaling pathways explains a range of biological/health effects of low intensity RFR, which include both cancer and non-cancer pathologies.”
The study documents the dramatic increase of background radiofrequency radiation (RFR) in the human environment and that “the level of indoor background RFR in industrialized countries increased 5,000-fold from 1985 to 2005. … “Such significant environmental changes may have a serious impact on human biology and health.”
Co-author Dr. Igor Yakymenko explains that oxidative stress due to RFR exposure could explain not only cancer, but also other disorders such as headache, fatigue, and skin irritation, which could develop after long-term RFR exposure. “These data are a clear sign of the real risks this kind of radiation poses for human health,” Yakymenko said.
Supporting statements in the study include:
“It might seem paradoxical that, despite being non-ionizing, RFR can induce significant activation of free radical processes and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells. We believe that the analysis of recent findings will allow recognition of a general picture of the potential health effects of already ubiquitous and ever-increasing RFR.”
“A new medical condition, so-called electrohypersensitivity (EHS), in which people suffer due to RFR exposure, has been described (Johansson, 2006). Typically, these persons suffer from skin- and mucosa-related symptoms (itching, smarting, pain, heat sensation), or heart and nervous system disorders after exposure to computer monitors, cell phones and other electromagnetic devices. This disorder is growing continuously: starting from 0.06% of the total population in 1985, this category now includes as much as 9–11% of the European population (Hallberg and Oberfeld, 2006). … it seems plausible that EHS-like conditions can be attributed at least partially to ROS overproduction in cells due to RFR exposures.”
“During recent years, a number of epidemiological studies indicated a significant increase in incidence of various types of tumors among long-term or ‘heavy’ users of cellular phones … These data, together with the strong experimental evidences … suggest that low-intensity RFR is a multifactorial stress factor for living [cells], a significant feature of which is oxidative effects and potential carcinogenicity as a result.”
According to Yakymenko, most the data showing an increased risk of cancer from cell phones were for phones used by adults. The results at some point in the future could be even worse for people who have used cell phones since childhood, “when their biology is much more sensitive to hazardous factors.”
The new study results are in conflict with the narrative of the telecommunications industry which maintains that RF emissions are “safe” as long as they are below the exposure guidelines based upon the threshold of seeing observable thermal effects in biological tissues. The effects studied for the reviewed article were for low-intensity RF emissions which are well below those thermally based guidelines.
At this website we recently highlighted a new report that described the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as an institutionally corrupt organization that echoing industry “has ignored the growing evidence that wireless technologies pose serious health risks.”
No doubt the FCC will want to ignore the latest study showing serious health risks, but there is no longer for a reason for members of the public to do the same. It is recommended that all members of the public take a precautionary approach and avoid unnecessary RF exposure.
Source Material for this Article
“Oxidative Mechanisms of Biological Activity of Low-intensity Radiofrequency Radiation,” a review article published in Electromagnetic Biology & Medicine, by Igor Yakymenko, et.al.; posted online on July 7, 2015. DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2015.1043557
“Study suggests clear connection between wireless devices and cancer” at http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-07-wireless-devices-cancer.html
“Metabolic imbalance caused by radiation from wireless devices linked to many health risks” at http://www.news-medical.net/news/20150725/Metabolic-imbalance-caused-by-radiation-from-wireless-devices-linked-to-many-health-risks.aspx
“Hold the phone, Central! Cellphone radiation can cause cancer: study,” at http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/cellphone-radiation-cancer-study-article-1.2308509