Recent Research on EMF and Health Risk, Twelfth report from SSM's Scientific Council on Electromagnetic Fields, 2017

Background: The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority's (SSM) Scientific Council on Electromagnetic Fields monitors current research on potential health risks with a correlation to exposure to electromagnetic fields, and provides the Authority with advice on assessing possible health risks. The Council gives guidance when the Authority must give an opinion on policy matters when scientific testing is necessary. The Council is required to submit a written report each year on the current research and knowledge situation. Objective: The report has the objective of covering the previous year's research in the area of electromagnetic fields (EMF). The report gives the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority an overview and provides an important basis for risk assessment. Results: The present annual report is the twelfth in this series and covers studies published from October 2015 up to and including March 2017. The report covers different areas of EMF (static, low frequency, intermediate, and radio frequency fields) and different types of studies such as biological, human and epidemiological studies. No new health risks have been identified. Whether mobile phone use causes brain tumours or not was mainly addressed using time trends studies in the last two years. The results were not entirely consistent but mainly point towards a lack of association. Some cell and animal studies indicate that EMF exposure may cause oxidative stress even at low exposure levels. It is unclear what relevance this may have when it comes to direct health effects in humans. A striking result was that some studies showed a stronger association between memory functions and radio wave exposure than other usage variables. The annual report also has a section covering other relevant scientific reports published recently

Excessive whole-body exposure to 28 GHz quasi-millimeter wave induces thermoregulation accompanied by a change in skin blood flow proportion in rats

IntroductionLimited information is available on the biological effects of whole-body exposure to quasi-millimeter waves (qMMW). The aim of the present study was to determine the intensity of exposure to increase body temperature and investigate whether thermoregulation, including changes in skin blood flow, is induced in rats under whole-body exposure to qMMW.MethodsThe backs of conscious rats were extensively exposed to 28 GHz qMMW at absorbed power densities of 0, 122, and 237 W/m2 for 40 minutes. Temperature changes in three regions (dorsal and tail skin, and rectum) and blood flow in the dorsal and tail skin were measured simultaneously using fiber-optic probes.ResultsIntensity-dependent temperature increases were observed in the dorsal skin and the rectum. In addition, skin blood flow was altered in the tail but not in the dorsum, accompanied by an increase in rectal temperature and resulting in an increase in tail skin temperature.DiscussionThese findings suggest that whole-body exposure to qMMW drives thermoregulation to transport and dissipate heat generated on the exposed body surface. Despite the large differences in size and physiology between humans and rats, our findings may be helpful for discussing the operational health-effect thresholds in the standardization of international exposure guidelines

Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics

Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some other studies indicate no relationship. In this review, after an introduction on the MF definition and a description of natural/anthropogenic sources, the epidemiology of residential/domestic and occupational exposure to MFs and cancer is reviewed, with reference to leukemia, brain, and breast cancer. The in vivo and in vitro effects of MFs on cancer are reviewed considering both human and animal cells, with particular reference to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MF application on cancer diagnostic and therapy (theranostic) are also reviewed by describing the use of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications for the detection of several cancers. Finally, the use of magnetic nanoparticles is described in terms of treatment of cancer by nanomedical applications for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs, nanosurgery by magnetomechanic methods, and selective killing of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia. The supplementary tables provide quantitative data and methodologies in epidemiological and cell biology studies. Although scientists do not generally agree that there is a cause-effect relationship between exposure to MF and cancer, MFs might not be the direct cause of cancer but may contribute to produce ROS and generate oxidative stress, which could trigger or enhance the expression of oncogenes

Effects of Radiation on Neurite Morphology and Cytoskeleton Structure

Long-term manned space exploration to the moon, Mars, and other areas beyond Earth\u27s protective magnetic field poses possible acute and late central nervous systems (CNS) risks. Of particular concern for astronauts is exposure to high atomic number, high energy particles known as HZE particles, a component of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). Although NASA has radiation safety requirements, the possible effects of GCR and HZE particles on the central nervous systems of astronauts remains unknown. Understanding the risks and effects of galactic cosmic radiation and HZE particles on the central nervous system will allow for safer space exploration. Additionally, and perhaps more relevant, are the effects on the CNS of patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer treatment or for medical procedures like CT scans. Radiation (using x-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles), along with chemotherapy, is widely used to treat primary and metastatic brain tumors. Despite advances in radiation therapy, significant negative impacts on the CNS still remain. In this study, our aim was to understand the effects of x-ray radiation on neurite morphology and cytoskeleton structure using human SH-SYSY cells, a neuroblastoma cell line commonly used for neurite outgrowth studies. In addition, we monitored cytotoxicity via a metabolic proliferation assay in neuronal cells lines, as well as a primary glial cell line and glial cell line derived from a glioma. Immunocytochemistry results suggests that neurite length of differentiated SHSYSY cells decreases with increases in radiation dose and exposure time. Phase contrast microscopy results are contradictory; suggesting no significant differences between treated and control groups with regards to dose and time. Phase contrast microscopy does reveal neurite complexity decreases in differentiated SH-SYSY cells with select dosages and times of exposure. Cytotoxicity results are wildly disparate between cells lines. Data indicate radiation dose and time post-treatment affect metabolic activity. However, metabolic activity between cell lines and within a cell line can either increase or decrease in response to dose and time

HENVINET. Second annual review of research and best practice.

The aim of this report is to present an overview of the framework for assessment of knowledge quality and identification of knowledge gaps within the HENVINET project. The focus is on four priority health end points as defined in the European Health Action Plan (EHAP); asthma and allergies, cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders and endocrine disruptors. This report is structured into two parts, where Part A introduces the HENVINET methodology, and Part B gives an example of how it is implemented through the different steps. The available results are furthermore presented in the Annexes