Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health

Comparative Analysis of User Exposure to the Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of Wi-Fi Communication Devices

A suitable metric to describe human exposure to microwaves emitted by wireless communication devices is still incomplete. By using both theoretical analysis and experimental validation (in controlled and real deployed networks), we analyze and compare the specificity of exposure due to data transmissions in different configurations of fourth and fifth generation wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) standards in the proximity of a mobile device. Measurements made use of the capability of the amplitude probability density incorporated in a real-time spectrum analyzer, proving its agility of highlighting different user exposure profiles. The results are presented comparatively and indicate that, in Wi-Fi networks, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) should be used together with the duty cycle for an improved exposure assessment. The present work introduces the emitted energy density per bit in describing the user's exposure to Wi-Fi signals and proves its superiority in characterizing the true levels of exposure for the IEEE 802.11n and 802.11ac standards of communication.

Spectral density constraints on wireless communication

Environmental exposure to man-made electromagnetic field (EMF) has been rising as modern technologies have grown and changes in social behavior have generated more synthetic sources. For safety of human health, EMF levels need to be regulated. The level of EMF should be well below levels where there might be harm, hence we do not expect to see any health effects at these levels. Current regulations fail to place a strict limit on EMF in situations where multiple nearby devices transmit simultaneously. The way these regulations are expressed needs great care because it will have an effect on the design of wireless communication systems. In this paper, it is argued that transmitted power constraints on wireless communication devices should be expressed in a different way, namely that devices should limit the EMF spectral density that they generate to the difference between the maximum allowed, by the standard, and the amount currently present, as measured by the device, in the spectral region where it is active. Note that the limit on EMF should be expressed in terms of its EMF spectral density rather than as a total EMF over each of a series of separate bands. If all devices limit their own EMF spectral density, in the spectral region where they are active, in such a way that total EMF spectral density is below the regulated limit in that region, then it is certain that the aggregate EMF spectral density will be below the regulated limit at all frequencies.

Protective Effects of Zinc on 2.45 GHz Electromagnetic Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in HEK293 Cells

Several epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can be harmful to human health. The purpose of this study was to examine oxidative parameters and apoptosis induced by EMR in human kidney embryonic cells (HEK293) and to investigate whether zinc (Zn) has protective effect on EMR-induced apoptosis in HEK293 cells. For our experiment, HEK293 cells were divided into four main groups, control, EMR, 50 μM Zn + EMR, and 100 μM Zn + EMR. HEK293 cells of EMR groups were exposed to 2.45 GHz EMR for 1 h. In Zn groups, HEK293 cells were incubated with different concentrations of Zn for 48 h before EMR exposure. Oxidative stress parameters were determined by spectrophotometric method; bcl-2 and caspase-3 were assessed immunohistochemically and TUNEL method was performed for apoptotic activity. EMR group had higher malondialdehyde (MDA) level and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared with control group. In Zn-applied groups, MDA was decreased and SOD activity was increased compared with EMR group. The number of the apoptotic cells and caspase-3 immunopositive cells at EMR group was increased significantly compared with the control group, whereas bcl-2 was decreased. Besides, Zn-treated groups showed a significant reduction in the number of apoptotic cells and caspase-3 from that of EMR group, whereas there was an increase in bcl-2 immunopositivity. Our findings show that EMR caused oxidative stress and apoptotic activation in HEK293 cells. Zn seems to have protective effects on the EMR by increasing SOD activity and bcl-2 immunopositivity, decreasing lipid peroxidation and caspas-3 immunopositivity.

Georeferencing of Personal Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields from Wi-Fi in a University Area

In the last two decades, due to the development of the information society, the massive increase in the use of information technologies, including the connection and communication of multiple electronic devices, highlighting Wi-Fi networks, as well as the emerging technological advances of 4G and 5G (new-generation mobile phones that will use 5G), have caused a significant increase in the personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF), and as a consequence, increasing discussions about the possible adverse health effects. The main objective of this study was to measure the personal exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from the Wi-Fi in the university area of German Jordanian University (GJU) and prepare georeferenced maps of the registered intensity levels and to compare them with the basic international restrictions. Spot measurements were made outside the university area at German Jordanian University. Measurements were made in the whole university area and around two buildings. Two Satimo EME SPY 140 (Brest, France) personal exposimeters were used, and the measurements were performed in the morning and afternoon, and on weekends and weekdays. The total average personal exposure to RF-EMF from the Wi-Fi band registered in the three study areas and in the four days measured was 28.82 μW/m2. The average total exposure from the Wi-Fi band registered in the ten measured points of the university area of GJU was 22.97 μW/m2, the one registered in the eight measured points of building H was 34.48 μW/m2, and the one registered in the eight points of building C was 29.00 μW/m2. The maximum average values registered in the campus of GJU are below the guidelines allowed by International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The measurement protocol used in this work has been applied in measurements already carried out in Spain and Mexico, and it is applicable in university areas of other countries.

Adverse health effects of 5G mobile networking technology under real-life conditions

This article identifies adverse effects of non-ionizing non-visible radiation (hereafter called wireless radiation) reported in the premier biomedical literature. It emphasizes that most of the laboratory experiments conducted to date are not designed to identify the more severe adverse effects reflective of the real-life operating environment in which wireless radiation systems operate. Many experiments do not include pulsing and modulation of the carrier signal. The vast majority do not account for synergistic adverse effects of other toxic stimuli (such as chemical and biological) acting in concert with the wireless radiation. This article also presents evidence that the nascent 5G mobile networking technology will affect not only the skin and eyes, as commonly believed, but will have adverse systemic effects as well.

Study of the electromagnetic exposure from mobile phones in a city like environment: The case study of Leuven, Belgium

A measuring campaign for the assessment of electromagnetic exposure levels from mobile phones in the city center of Leuven, Belgium, has been carried out. The main objective of the assessment is to study the dependency of the exposure of the user by his own mobile phone in terms of location in the city (very close to base stations and at randomly selected locations). The measurements were performed in both public and private areas in 60 outdoor and 60 indoor locations in Leuven. The campaign was focused on GSM 900 mobile communications. The results show that the exposure is considerably higher for indoor environments compared to outdoor environments, and at the randomly chosen locations compared to locations very close to base stations. However, the most important observation is that the average outdoor exposure in Leuven of the user of a mobile phone is about 8 times higher than the average outdoor exposure by base stations. Indoors, this factor rises to about 30.

The Response of Osteoblasts and Bone to Sinusoidal Electromagnetic Fields: Insights from the Literature

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been proposed as a tool to ameliorate bone formation and healing. Despite their promising results, however, they have failed to enter routine clinical protocols to treat bone conditions where higher bone mass has to be achieved. This is no doubt also due to a fundamental lack of knowledge and understanding on their effects and the optimal settings for attaining the desired therapeutic effects. This review analysed the available in vitro and in vivo studies that assessed the effects of sinusoidal EMFs (SEMFs) on bone and bone cells, comparing the results and investigating possible mechanisms of action by which SEMFs interact with tissues and cells. The effects of SEMFs on bone have not been as thoroughly investigated as pulsed EMFs; however, abundant evidence shows that SEMFs affect the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells, acting on multiple cellular mechanisms. SEMFs have also proven to increase bone mass in rodents under normal conditions and in osteoporotic animals.

Environmental Exposures and Depression: Biological Mechanisms and Epidemiological Evidence

Mental health and well-being are consistently influenced—directly or indirectly—by multiple environmental exposures. In this review, we have attempted to address some of the most common exposures of the biophysical environment, with a goal of demonstrating how those factors interact with central structures and functions of the brain and thus influence the neurobiology of depression. We emphasize biochemical mechanisms, observational evidence, and areas for future research. Finally, we include aspects of contextual environments—city living, nature, natural disasters, and climate change—and call for improved integration of environmental issues in public health science, policies, and activities. This integration is necessary for reducing the global pandemic of depression.

The cellular effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on osteoblasts: A review

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have long been known to interact with living organisms and their cells and to bear the potential for therapeutic use. Among the most extensively investigated applications, the use of Pulsed EMFs (PEMFs) has proven effective to ameliorate bone healing in several studies, although the evidence is still inconclusive. This is due in part to our still-poor understanding of the mechanisms by which PEMFs act on cells and affect their functions and to an ongoing lack of consensus on the most effective parameters for specific clinical applications. The present review has compared in vitro studies on PEMFs on different osteoblast models, which elucidate potential mechanisms of action for PEMFs, up to the most recent insights into the role of primary cilia, and highlight the critical issues underlying at least some of the inconsistent results in the available literature. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;9999:XX-XX. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Comments on "Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health"

This correspondence refers to the Environmental Research article by Martin L. Pall entitled "Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health". Author presented a biased review about 7 potential effects of Wi-Fi exposure. Most of articles cited are in vitro or in animals and lab conditions, not in humans. In this letter to the editor I analyse the articles cited in Pall's work in order to demonstrate that neither the conclusions nor the title are appropriate.

Diplomats' Mystery Illness and Pulsed Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation

Importance: A mystery illness striking U.S. and Canadian diplomats to Cuba (and now China) "has confounded the FBI, the State Department and US intelligence agencies" (Lederman, Weissenstein, & Lee, 2017). Sonic explanations for the so-called health attacks have long dominated media reports, propelled by peculiar sounds heard and auditory symptoms experienced. Sonic mediation was justly rejected by experts. We assessed whether pulsed radiofrequency/microwave radiation (RF/MW) exposure can accommodate reported facts in diplomats, including unusual ones. Observations: (1) Noises: Many diplomats heard chirping, ringing or grinding noises at night during episodes reportedly triggering health problems. Some reported that noises were localized with laser-like precision or said the sounds seemed to follow them (within the territory in which they were perceived). Pulsed RF/MW engenders just these apparent "sounds" via the Frey effect. Perceived "sounds" differ by head dimensions and pulse characteristics and can be perceived as located behind in or above the head. Ability to hear the "sounds" depends on high-frequency hearing and low ambient noise. (2) Signs/symptoms: Hearing loss and tinnitus are prominent in affected diplomats and in RF/MW-affected individuals. Each of the protean symptoms that diplomats report also affect persons reporting symptoms from RF/MW: sleep problems, headaches, and cognitive problems dominate in both groups. Sensations of pressure or vibration figure in each. Both encompass vision, balance, and speech problems and nosebleeds. Brain injury and brain swelling are reported in both. (3) Mechanisms: Oxidative stress provides a documented mechanism of RF/MW injury compatible with reported signs and symptoms; sequelae of endothelial dysfunction (yielding blood flow compromise), membrane damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial injury, apoptosis, and autoimmune triggering afford downstream mechanisms, of varying persistence, that merit investigation. (4) Of note, microwaving of the U.S. embassy in Moscow is historically documented. Conclusions and relevance: Reported facts appear consistent with pulsed RF/MW as the source of injury in affected diplomats. Nondiplomats citing symptoms from RF/MW, often with an inciting pulsed-RF/MW exposure, report compatible health conditions. Under the RF/MW hypothesis, lessons learned for diplomats and for RF/MW-affected civilians may each aid the other.

The Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields to Promote Bone Responses to Biomaterials In Vitro and In Vivo

Implantable biomaterials are extensively used to promote bone regeneration or support endosseous prosthesis in orthopedics and dentistry. Their use, however, would benefit from additional strategies to improve bone responses. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) have long been known to act on osteoblasts and bone, affecting their metabolism, in spite of our poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Hence, we have the hypothesis that PEMFs may also ameliorate cell responses to biomaterials, improving their growth, differentiation, and the expression of a mature phenotype and therefore increasing the tissue integration of the implanted devices and their clinical success. A broad range of settings used for PEMFs stimulation still represents a hurdle to better define treatment protocols and extensive research is needed to overcome this issue. The present review includes studies that investigated the effects of PEMFs on the response of bone cells to different classes of biomaterials and the reports that focused on in vivo investigations of biomaterials implanted in bone.