Determining the influence of population variation on compliance with radiofrequency exposure limits

How best to model humans for accurate SAR estimates remains an open question. Much work has been done over the years, attempting to quantify which and how various anatomic parameters such as tissue morphology, size, dielectric properties and relative location, affect energy absorption; and how to incorporate those parameters into models that provide conservative SAR estimates protecting all individuals. Since the available computational models are either highly complex realistic models or simple single tissue models, this issue is not easily explored, since the identified parameters are not easily varied within the models. Attempts have been made in this thesis to overcome these limitations by creating a unique alternative model of the human head termed Geometry Head, incorporating a reduced set of tissues in a semi-homogeneous, simplified geometry for which the key parameters may be varied parametrically. Data was gathered from literature regarding what variations exist in human populations for tissue parameters, and used to populate the model. The computational model was validated using simplified physical models of human heads, custom made for this purpose. The Geometry Head model was used to systematically test what relationships exist between several anatomic variations in adult humans and consequent energy absorption due to RF exposure at a single frequency of 900 MHz, namely: cranial thickness; skin thickness; head size; and dielectric properties of tissues. Overall, results suggest that SAR predictions could not have been anticipated using a priori reasoning, as location and magnitude of SAR maxima were seen to alter in unexpected and irregular ways with variations in tissue parameters. A compromise model like the one proposed here, which provides a point of diminishing returns between the high complexity of the multi-tissue models and the single-tissue homogeneous model, allows increased granularity for determination of SAR maxima in sensitive tissues. Results of this work provide some inroads into establishing the level of complexity necessary for simulating human heads for radiofrequency exposure compliance calculations. Relationships between magnitude and location of regions of high SAR in the head and variables listed above have been quantified and qualified in this thesis. The model proposed here is available for public use upon request. It can easily be amended to incorporate more or fewer tissues with varying levels of complexity; augmented to better resemble anatomy of children's heads; or used in its current state to further explore relationships between anatomic variations and absorption at the same frequency used here, or other RF frequencies

Wireless Signals and Male Fertility

Rapid advances in wireless technology have increased the number of users of mobile devices. As of 2011, the number of cell phone subscribers have reached 5.3 billion worldwide. Mobile devices have saturated our environment with radio frequency (RF) signals. This situation has created public concern over the effect of such signals on human health. This dissertation focuses on the correlation of RF signals emitted by cell phones with male infertility. A thorough discussion is provided on the effects of RF signals on the development of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm, the design of these mobile devices, the range of the RF frequencies they emit, the power with which they operate, their specific absorption rate (SAR), the distance between the user and the device while in use, how and where the devices are used, the duration of usage, and the accumulated exposure associated with the use of multiple RF devices. The results of our reviews and experimental in vitro studies show a significant correlation between the usage of mobile phones and human semen parameters, with a decrease in motility and viability, and an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) score. However, in daily usage, a cell phone kept in proximity to the groin is separated from the testes by multiple layers of tissue. To explore this effect, a computational model of scrotal tissues was designed. Our results show that during in vitro experimentation, an effect equivalent to real-life conditions can be obtained by placing the cell phone a few centimeters farther away from the semen sample. The results of our study can be used to calculate the equivalent distance between a radiation source and a semen sample, and to set up in vitro experiments that mimic real-life condition

Wireless Signals and Male Fertility

Rapid advances in wireless technology have increased the number of users of mobile devices. As of 2011, the number of cell phone subscribers have reached 5.3 billion worldwide. Mobile devices have saturated our environment with radio frequency (RF) signals. This situation has created public concern over the effect of such signals on human health. This dissertation focuses on the correlation of RF signals emitted by cell phones with male infertility. A thorough discussion is provided on the effects of RF signals on the development of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm, the design of these mobile devices, the range of the RF frequencies they emit, the power with which they operate, their specific absorption rate (SAR), the distance between the user and the device while in use, how and where the devices are used, the duration of usage, and the accumulated exposure associated with the use of multiple RF devices. The results of our reviews and experimental in vitro studies show a significant correlation between the usage of mobile phones and human semen parameters, with a decrease in motility and viability, and an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) score. However, in daily usage, a cell phone kept in proximity to the groin is separated from the testes by multiple layers of tissue. To explore this effect, a computational model of scrotal tissues was designed. Our results show that during in vitro experimentation, an effect equivalent to real-life conditions can be obtained by placing the cell phone a few centimeters farther away from the semen sample. The results of our study can be used to calculate the equivalent distance between a radiation source and a semen sample, and to set up in vitro experiments that mimic real-life condition

Wireless phone use by young New Zealanders: Health and policy implications

Over the last decade the use of cellphones has increased dramatically among the young adolescent population. In New Zealand, most children of this age also use a cordless phone. With the rapid proliferation in children‘s use of these devices, there has been increasing concern about whether children are more vulnerable than adults to possible adverse outcomes if such effects do result from wireless phone radiofrequency exposure. This is the first study of young New Zealanders‘ wireless phone habits, focusing particularly on the extent of use, and the relationship of that use with well-being. Two studies were undertaken: a census of schools with Year 7 and 8 classes in the Wellington Region of New Zealand to ascertain what rules were in place regarding cellphones at school, and a cross-sectional survey of students from the same region, using a representative sample of 373 students aged 10.3-13.7years. Both studies were conducted by the author independently from any research group. The primary research appears in Part II. Chapter 5 presents wireless phone user-habits. The large majority of young adolescents were already using cellphones and cordless phones regularly in 2009, although use was generally light or moderate. A small group (5%) was using both phone types extensively (≥ 30 minutes cordless daily plus ≥ 10 cellphone calls weekly); almost a quarter used a cordless phone ≥ 30 minutes daily, and 6% reported, on average, 1¼ hours or more use daily. This extent of use over 4 or more years has been associated in several major studies with an increased risk of glioma. Both the MoRPhEUS data and this study‘s data (Appendix 1 and Chapter 5) showed that use of the two phone types is positively correlated, increasing the comparative and actual radiofrequency exposure in heavy users. Cellphone use during school was compared with school expectations, discussed in chapter 6, showing there was a considerably greater level of illicit use than that of which principals were aware. This use was adjacent to the lower abdomen, and a brief review of relevant fertility literature suggested that cellphone use, or even carriage, in that position may impair sperm quality and duration of use like this appeared consistent with reduced fertility. A novel observation is explored in chapter 7. The mental process in recalling the extent of cellphone use was not linear. It parallels that found in many types of magnitude estimation, using a logarithmic mental number line. This carried implications for epidemiology methods that use recall data, particularly the need to record the geometric rather than arithmetic mean when a range of estimated use is provided. Not doing so put almost 5% of participants in an incorrect category when estimated use was split into tertiles. Recall estimation has a large variance. Chapter 8 presents a Bayesian method of reducing estimation bias in recall data. It should be applicable for use by studies that conform to the method‘s requirements. Chapter 9 presents the results of logistic regression analysis of the participants‘ reported well-being with respect to their wireless phone use. A dose-response relationship with frequent headaches confirmed findings elsewhere. Tinnitus and tiredness results suggested that responses were different depending upon phone type. This is the first study to explore and demonstrate different well-being responses according to cordless phone frequency or modulation. There was a strong association between being woken by the cellphone in the night and being tired at school. This research carries implications for young people‘s wireless phone use, including the advisability of limiting daily use to no more than 15 minutes daily. The relevance of researchers considering cellphone exposures, compared to that of cordless phones, is questioned. Further research on bio-sensitive frequencies, modulations and exposures is needed. An important recommendation is for the inclusion of education about wireless technology in schools and school communities and for child-health practitioners

The Largest Unethical Medical Experiment in Human History

This monograph describes the largest unethical medical experiment in human history: the implementation and operation of non-ionizing non-visible EMF radiation (hereafter called wireless radiation) infrastructure for communications, surveillance, weaponry, and other applications. It is unethical because it violates the key ethical medical experiment requirement for “informed consent” by the overwhelming majority of the participants. The monograph provides background on unethical medical research/experimentation, and frames the implementation of wireless radiation within that context. The monograph then identifies a wide spectrum of adverse effects of wireless radiation as reported in the premier biomedical literature for over seven decades. Even though many of these reported adverse effects are extremely severe, the true extent of their severity has been grossly underestimated. Most of the reported laboratory experiments that produced these effects are not reflective of the real-life environment in which wireless radiation operates. Many experiments do not include pulsing and modulation of the carrier signal, and most do not account for synergistic effects of other toxic stimuli acting in concert with the wireless radiation. These two additions greatly exacerbate the severity of the adverse effects from wireless radiation, and their neglect in current (and past) experimentation results in substantial under-estimation of the breadth and severity of adverse effects to be expected in a real-life situation. This lack of credible safety testing, combined with depriving the public of the opportunity to provide informed consent, contextualizes the wireless radiation infrastructure operation as an unethical medical experiment

SOMATIC AND GENETIC EFFECTS OF LOW SAR 2.45 GHz MICROWAVE RADIATION ON WISTAR RATS

The somatic and genetic effects of 2.45 GHz Microwave radiation (MWR) on male and female Sprague Dawley rats were studied. Two hundred rats were used for this study. They were grouped into control and exposed according to the parameters under consideration. The animals were exposed to various levels of specific absorption rate (SARs) using the microwave generator, model ER660E, Serial No MX704CCR from Toshiba UK Ltd. All animals were kept in healthy, and radiation free environment with water and feed provided ad libitum. The study is divided into three parts; firstly, the effects of MWR on the anxiolytic and exploratory behaviour of the animals. MWR produced dose-dependent significant decrease in the cumulative time spent in the open arms of maze in the first twelve days after exposure and gradually increased towards the control value before the end of two weeks. It also affects the exploratory behavoiur of the animals, for the first two weeks after exposure but by the third week there was no significant difference between the control and the exposed animals. The modifications in the behaviour were not sex dependent as there were no significant differences between male and female rats. Secondly, the effects of MWR on the vital organs of male and female most especially, male reproductive functions were studied. The sperm count, gross motility and sperm morphology were determined using standard methods. The results showed that 2.45 GHz MWR reduced the sperm concentration, gross motility while increasing the percentage abnormal sperm cells. There was a decrease in reproductive organ weights and increased dead sperm cells as large numbers of the sperm cells membranes took up the eosin-nigrosin vital stain in the exposed group. Lastly, the genotoxic effects of MWR were studied using Chromosomal aberrations, single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) and direct amplification of length polymorphisms (DALP). There was a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations between control and xvi xvii exposed groups. The exposure of vital mammalian cells to 2.45 GHz radiation altered the band patterns of the exposed animals, especially in the range 40 – 120 bp. Starting with appearance of additional peaks compared with the control which was not seen in their tail DNA before exposure to MW and these were confirmed through the densitometric gel analysis. There was a statistically significant difference in the Olive moment and % DNA in tail of the exposed animals compared with control (p < 0.05). Thus, these findings support the hypothesis that exposure to 2.45 GHz MWR at studied SARs may have potential somatic and genetic effects

The interplay of mobile phone radiation and psychological effects on psychological and somatic health, behavior and cognition

Wireless media devices, in particular mobile phones, have become ubiquitous companions in our daily life and in particular the younger generation is early adopting new technologies. Simultaneously, public health concerns regarding wireless media use were raised from experts of two different scientific domains. The first concern targets the potential impact of exposure to radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on the health. Hereby, in particular children and adolescents might be prone to any effect of RF-EMF due to their longer life-time exposure and their still developing rain and body. A part from this, psychologists fear a negative impact on emotion, general well-being and cognition through simply using wireless devices and related behavioural changes. Since both of these concerns are related to the same exposure, wireless media use, and often target the same outcomes, they are highly correlated and a typical situation for confounding in epidemiological research. The current thesis focuses on disentangling a potential RF-EMF effect due to wireless media use from the potential behavioural effects. In previous studies in both fields, exposure was mainly measured via quantitative media use, e.g. daily call frequency or duration, which makes it impossible to attribute any result distinctly to RF-EMF or the usage. To overcome this problem, innovative and exclusive exposure approximations were developed for both, the usage behaviour and RF-EMF and finally validated in a longitudinal analysis on adolescents’ memory performance. The thesis presents data from the Swiss HERMES (Health Effects Related to Mobile phonE use in adolescentS) cohort that investigated approximately 950 adolescents in Central Switzerland

Constructing an EMF radiation Hygeia framework and model to demonstrate a public interest override

Scientific views on EMF radiation dosimetry and models increasingly suggest that even a tiny increase in the incidence of diseases resulting from exposure to EMF radiation could have broad¹ implications for public health, social accounting and the economy. In South Africa (SA) there is no national EMF radiation exposure protection standard, statutory monitoring or regulations. Multinational High Court deliberations indicate the need for public interest EMF radiation exposure protection standards in South Africa. Domestic citizens, academics, as well as regulatory and legislative practitioners, are unable to effectively monitor and investigate EMF radiation exposure emissions from infrastructure sources, because industries refuse to provide the required data. Industries have, since 2003, continually obstructed access to the data and the establishment of a national EMF radiation standard, citing that it would be in conflict with their strategic economic interests. The demonstration of a public interest override (PIO) function is legislatively required to gain access to the required data. This study constructed (1) a framework and (2) a model to perform test simulations against the (3) PIO criteria to demonstrate a PIO function and tested one PIO simulation scenario. Testing the PIO scenario firstly required the construction of a public interest framework, drawing input from multiple disciplines. The framework literature review used systematic case law and scientific-technical analysis whilst the framework science sought to understand the connections, feedbacks, and trajectories that occur as a result of natural and human system processes and exchanges. The EMF radiation exposure system functions to support human wellbeing needs and to explore the benefits and losses associated with alternative futures with the goal to uncover the current and future limits thereof. In the second instance a HYGEIA² model was selected as a base investigation and forecast simulation tool. The study had to uncover the key attributes and parameters necessary to construct and to run successful EMF radiation exposure simulations. Thereafter the HYGEIA model was modified to specifically identify and evaluate EMF radiation exposure hazard conditions. Through subsequent simulation runs, the constructed framework was then tested. Requested anthroposphere information was synthesized within a systems model to forecast ecosystem services and human-use dynamics under alternative scenarios. The simulation used the model, the model references and the framework for guidelines, thus allowing multiple simulation / demonstration runs for different contexts or scenarios. The third step was the construction of a PIO checklist which guides criteria testing and provides a means of gaining pertinent information for further studies, based on this dissertation. Framework EMF radiation policy inputs into the model were intersected with identified vulnerable area facilities which were selected based on international criteria. The research output revealed potential EMF radiation violations which served as system feedback inputs in support of a demonstrated PIO function. The research recommends that the identified EMF radiation exposure violations of public health undergo a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) judicial review process to confirm the research findings. The judicial qualification of a PAIA PIO function of ‘substances released into the environment’ and ‘public safety or environmental risk’ would enable access to EMF radiation emissions data essential to future studies

Μελέτη επίδρασης συνδυασμένων ηλεκτρομαγνητικών πεδίων σε υγιή ελληνικό παιδικό πληθυσμό ηλικίας 11-14 ετών

Σκοπός: Η διερεύνηση της επίδρασης της χρήσης κινητού τηλεφώνου στον άξονα Υποθάλαμο-Υπόφυση –Επινεφρίδια (ΥΥΕ) και το αυτόνομο νευρικό σύστημα (ΑΝΣ) παιδιών 11-14 ετών. Υλικό –Μέθοδοι: Συνδυάστηκαν ερωτηματολόγιο κλειστού τύπου (n=353) και προοπτική κλινική μελέτη παρατήρησης σε υγιείς μαθητές 11-14 ετών (n=48). Μετά από 12ωρη νηστεία, στην φάση ηρεμίας αναφοράς μετρήθηκαν στο αίμα δείκτες χρονίου στρες, φλεγμονής, θυρεοειδικής λειτουργίας, μεταβολισμού, ομοιόστασης. 30’ μετά την αιμοληψία, όλοι οι εθελοντές υπεβλήθησαν διαδοχικά στην ψυχοκοινωνική δοκιμασία Trier, παύση/ηρεμία (5’ ή 20’), κλήση κινητού τηλεφώνου (διαρκείας 3’ ή 5’), ηρεμία (0’ ή 20’). Δείγματα κορτιζόλης σιέλου (δείκτης απόκρισης άξονα στρες) ελήφθησαν στην διάρκεια (ΙΙ) και μετά από κάθε ερέθισμα (Ι), ενώ γινόταν συνεχής καταγραφή των δεικτών μεταβλητότητας της καρδιακής συχνότητας ως μέτρο του αυτονόμου νευρικού συστήματος της καρδιάς. Επίσης, με μετα-ανάλυση της βιβλιογραφίας ανιχνεύθηκε η επίδραση της διάρκειας κλήσης ή/και της ηλικίας στη μεταβλητότητα της καρδιακής συχνότητας. Αποτελέσματα: Προγνωστικοί παράγοντες απόκρισης άξονα ΥΥΕ στα ερεθίσματα αναδείχθηκαν οι θυρεοειδικές ορμόνες (περιστασιακούς χρήστες), η hsCRP και η κορτιζόλη πλάσματος (σύνολο εθελοντών). Η hsCRP επηρεάζει τη σημαντική (p&lt;0.001) διαταραχή του μέσου διαστήματος RR κατά την διάρκεια της πεντάλεπτης κλήσης και των 20΄ που ακολουθούν αυτή. Παράλληλα, η ισορροπία συμπαθητικού- παρασυμπαθητικού εξαρτάται από την ηλικία και όχι από την διάρκεια κλήσης. Συμπεράσματα: Ο άξονας ΥΥΕ και το ΑΝΣ βρίσκονται σε ένα νεοφανή εσωτερικό διάλογο με τον άξονα υποθάλαμος-υπόφυση –θυρεοειδή, τα επίπεδα χρονίου στρες και φλεγμονής προκειμένου να αντιμετωπίσουν τα διαδοχικά ερεθίσματα στρες και της ηλεκτρομαγνητικής ακτινοβολίας. Το ΑΝΣ της καρδιάς των εφήβων αντιδρά εντονότερα από των ενηλίκων στο ερέθισμα του κινητού τηλεφώνου, ενώ, δεν επηρεάζεται από την διάρκεια της κλήσης.Aim: To study the potential neurohormonal and inflammatory mechanisms involved in the response of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in children and adolescents of 11-14 years to mobile phone call. Material-Methods: 353 questionnaires have been collected so as to describe the pupils of 11-14 years daily exposure to the cellular phone. Their parents answered also to a short questionnaire. 48 volunteers 11-14 year have been divided in two groups have been successively exposed to Trier Social Stress Test and to a mobile phone call. One group (Ι) of 28 volunteers had a 5 min talk to the mobile phone.The other group (ΙΙ) involved 20 volunteers that talked to the phone for 3 min, while only 5 min interfered between the two stressors. The participants’ health status was confirmed by a careful clinical examination (including weight, height,) and personal history data collection including intrauterine life events. Venous blood sampling was then undertaken after an overnight fasting at 8.00 am for tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin and glucose determination. The participants were kept in supine position during the whole experiment whereas recordings for heart rate variability were also conducted. Salivary cortisol samples were collected in all participants (valid biomarker of HPA response) in baseline. Furthermore, in group (I) in 10 and 20 min after each stimulation, whereas in group (II) upon completion of each stimulation. Autonomic nervous system recordings and heart rate variability components identification in each part of the experiment was also calculated. Results: Salivary cortisol levels varied insignificantly (p&gt;0.05) upon completion of each stimulation (group II) whereas varied significantly after each stimulation (group I). Baseline hsCRP was correlated both to salivary cortisol levels during mental stress and mean RR intervals after mobile phone call. Baseline blood cortisol was correlated to salivary cortisol levels during mobile phone call. Similarly, baseline thyroid hormones levels predicted salivary cortisol 10 and 20 min after the call in occasional users (Group A) (p&lt;0.05). Mean RR was found decreased during a five minutes call (Group I). The finding remained significant 20 minutes later. The two groups (I and II) differ in the calling duration. It seems that if the call lasts more than 3 minutes respectively a subtle response of the autonomic system arises. However, the system seems to counter balance the perturbation as the LF/HF ratio does not change. Yet, the sympathovagal balance as expressed by LF/HF ratio does not alter significantly. No correlation was observed between baseline ACTH, insulin, glucose levels and salivary cortisol levels of all samples. No alteration was also detected in group (I)for any of the questioned variables as well. Baseline thyroid hormones levels seem to predict the cortisol response to mental stress mainly in group A, while HOMA had no impact on salivary cortisol response at any phase of the test, in either group.. Conclusions: HPA axis response to cellular phone after mental stress in children and adolescents (Group (I) follow a different pattern in frequent users than in occasional users that seems to be influenced by the baseline thyroid hormones’ levels. In group (II), the HPA acute response to mental stress and/or cellular phone call was predicted by baseline hsCRP and blood cortisol levels, with different effect over time: hsCRP effect weakened as time evolved, whereas, blood cortisol effect increased. Mean RR was found significantly decreased only during a five minutes call (Group II). The finding persisted 20 minutes later. The two children groups (I and II) differ in the calling duration. It seems that if the call lasts more than 3 minutes respectively a subtle response of the autonomic system arises. The effect is not detected in adults where the mechanism implicated seems to have been adapted to the frequent perturbation as adults are all users for a long time. However, the system seems to counter balance the perturbation as the LF/HF ratio does not change. The result, possibly, might be different if the calling period was longer, which we considered inadvisable in this age group. Our findings suggest further evaluation of the effects of mobile phone calls in children is warranted