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Liu L, Huang B, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Tang X, Shi Y. Interactions between electromagnetic radiation and biological systems. iScience 2024; 27:109201. [PMID: 38433903 PMCID: PMC10906530 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) have been extensively investigated during the past several decades, our understandings of the bioeffects of EMR and the mechanisms of the interactions between the biological systems and the EMRs are still far from satisfactory. In this article, we introduce and summarize the consensus, controversy, limitations, and unsolved issues. The published works have investigated the EMR effects on different biological systems including humans, animals, cells, and biochemical reactions. Alternative methodologies also include dielectric spectroscopy, detection of bioelectromagnetic emissions, and theoretical predictions. In many studies, the thermal effects of the EMR are not properly controlled or considered. The frequency of the EMR investigated is limited to the commonly used bands, particularly the frequencies of the power line and the wireless communications; far fewer studies were performed for other EMR frequencies. In addition, the bioeffects of the complex EM environment were rarely discussed. In summary, our understanding of the bioeffects of the EMR is quite restrictive and further investigations are needed to answer the unsolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin-Ling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yingxian Lu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanyu Zhao
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaping Tang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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Bordarie J, Dieudonné M, Ledent M, Prignot N. A qualitative approach to experiential knowledge identified in focus groups aimed at co-designing a provocation test in the study of electrohypersensitivity. Ann Med 2022; 54:2363-2375. [PMID: 36135790 PMCID: PMC9518295 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2114605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients' experiential knowledge is increasingly recognised as valuable for biomedical research. Its contribution can reveal unexplored aspects of their illnesses and allows research priorities to be refined according to theirs. It can also be argued that patients' experiential knowledge can contribute to biomedical research, by extending it to the most organic aspects of diseases. A few examples of collaboration between medicine and patient associations are promising, even if there is no single, simple methodology to apply. This article provides feedback on a project involving the experiential knowledge of electrohypersensitive persons with a view to developing an experimental protocol to study their condition. It presents the participatory approach with focus groups that was implemented and reflects on ways to take advantage of experiential knowledge. It also demonstrates the complexity of the electrohypersensitivity syndrome and reflects on the difficult transition between the experiential knowledge and the experimental design of provocation studies.KEY MESSAGESExperiential knowledge is a valuable source of information for research and the design of investigation protocols.The participatory approach allows co-designing protocols by drawing on experiential knowledge.The controversial dimension of EHS reveals the complexity of translating experiential knowledge into an experimental protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maël Dieudonné
- Pôle de Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon/Department of Public Health, University Hospital of Lyon; Centre Max Weber, Institut des Sciences de l'Homme, Lyon, France
| | - Maryse Ledent
- Sciensano, Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Bruxelles & Université Libre de Bruxelles, École de Santé Publique, Brussels, Belgique
| | - Nicolas Prignot
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Groupe d'Études Constructivistes, Brussels, Belgique
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Leszczynski D. Review of the scientific evidence on the individual sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EHS). REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:423-450. [PMID: 34229366 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Part of the population considers themselves as sensitive to the man-made electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by powerlines, electric wiring, electric home appliance and the wireless communication devices and networks. Sensitivity is characterized by a broad variety of non-specific symptoms that the sensitive people claim to experience when exposed to EMF. While the experienced symptoms are currently considered as a real life impairment, the factor causing these symptoms remains unclear. So far, scientists were unable to find causality link between symptoms experienced by sensitive persons and the exposures to EMF. However, as presented in this review, the executed to-date scientific studies, examining sensitivity to EMF, are of poor quality to find the link between EMF exposures and sensitivity symptoms of some people. It is logical to consider that the sensitivity to EMF exists but the scientific methodology used to find it is of insufficient quality. It is time to drop out psychology driven provocation studies that ask about feelings-based non-specific symptoms experienced by volunteers under EMF exposure. Such research approach produces only subjective and therefore highly unreliable data that is insufficient to prove, or to disprove, causality link between EHS and EMF. There is a need for a new direction in studying sensitivity to EMF. The basis for it is the notion of a commonly known phenomenon of individual sensitivity, where individuals' responses to EMF depend on the genetic and epigenetic properties of the individual. It is proposed here that new studies, combining provocation approach, where volunteers are exposed to EMF, and high-throughput technologies of transcriptomics and proteomics are used to generate objective data, detecting molecular level biochemical responses of human body to EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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De la contagiosité de l’électrohypersensibilité. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kacprzyk A, Kanclerz G, Rokita E, Tatoń G. Which sources of electromagnetic field are of the highest concern for electrosensitive individuals? - Questionnaire study with a literature review. Electromagn Biol Med 2021; 40:33-40. [PMID: 33100040 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2020.1839489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The primary goal of the study was to identify sources of electromagnetic field (EMF) which are attributed to negative health outcomes by a general population of electrohypersensitive (EHS) individuals. Secondary goal was to investigate the differences in indicated sources in subgroups distinguished based on gender, sex, place of living, place of work and the distance between place of living and the nearest mobile phone base station (MPBS). The cross-sectional study aiming to describe and analyze the population of EHS subjects was performed using a web-based questionnaire. The full survey consisted of 32 questions and concerned participants' baseline characteristics and details on sensitivity to electronic devices. Participants were regarded as EHS if they answered "yes" to the question "Do the electric/electronic/telecommunication devices negatively affect your well-being?" and indicated at least one device which in their opinion had such an impact. We identified 408 EHS subjects, out of which 288 (70.73%) were females and 120 (29.27%) were males. Phones, especially mobile devices, were attributed to negative health outcomes by the highest number of subjects (309, 75.74% and 267, 65.44% for phones and mobile phones, respectively). Additional subgroup analysis indicated that older participants and participants who live closer to MPBS more often complained of physical symptoms attributed to MPBS impact (p = .02 and p < .01, respectively). Phones, especially mobile devices, are the most important source of EMF influencing EHS subjects. People who self-reported living closer to MPBS and older individuals seem to be remarkably more concerned about MPBS health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Kacprzyk
- Department of Biophysics, Chair of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
- School in Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Gabriela Kanclerz
- Students' Scientific Group of Medical Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Eugeniusz Rokita
- Department of Biophysics, Chair of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Tatoń
- Department of Biophysics, Chair of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Cracow, Poland
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Selmaoui B, Touitou Y. Association Between Mobile Phone Radiation Exposure and the Secretion of Melatonin and Cortisol, Two Markers of the Circadian System: A Review. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 42:5-17. [PMID: 33238059 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The extremely important use of mobile phones in the world, at all ages of life, including children and adolescents, leads to significant exposure of these populations to electromagnetic waves of radiofrequency. The question, therefore, arises as to whether exposure to these radiofrequencies (RFs) could lead to deleterious effects on the body's biological systems and health. In the current article, we review the effects, in laboratory animals and humans, of exposure to RF on two hormones considered as endocrine markers: melatonin, a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland and cortisol, a glucocorticosteroid synthesized by the adrenal glands. These two hormones are also considered as markers of the circadian system. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Medline, Web of Sciences (ISI Web of Knowledge), Google Scholar, and EMF Portal. From this review on RF effects on cortisol and melatonin, it appears that scientific papers in the literature are conflicting, showing effects, no effects, or inconclusive data. This implies the need for additional research on higher numbers of subjects and with protocols perfectly controlled with follow-up studies to better determine whether the chronic effect of RF on the biological functioning and health of users exists (or not). Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:5-17. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahim Selmaoui
- Department of Experimental Toxicology, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PériTox Laboratory, UMR-I 01 INERIS, Picardie Jules Verne University, Amiens, France
| | - Yvan Touitou
- Fondation Ophtalmologique A. de Rothschild, Unité de Chronobiologie, Paris, France
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Dieudonné M. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a critical review of explanatory hypotheses. Environ Health 2020; 19:48. [PMID: 32375774 PMCID: PMC7201940 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition defined by the attribution of non-specific symptoms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of anthropogenic origin. Despite its repercussions on the lives of its sufferers, and its potential to become a significant public health issue, it remains of a contested nature. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of symptoms experienced by self-declared EHS persons, which this article aims to review. METHODS As EHS is a multi-dimensional problem, and its explanatory hypotheses have far-reaching implications, a broad view was adopted, not restricted to EHS literature but encompassing all relevant bodies of research on related topics. This could only be achieved through a narrative approach. Two strategies were used to identify pertinent references. Concerning EHS, a complete bibliography was extracted from a 2018 report from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety and updated with more recent studies. Concerning related topics, the appropriate databases were searched. Systematic reviews and expert reports were favored when available. FINDINGS Three main explanatory hypotheses appear in the literature: (1) the electromagnetic hypothesis, attributing EHS to EMF exposure; (2) the cognitive hypothesis, assuming that EHS results from false beliefs in EMF harmfulness, promoting nocebo responses to perceived EMF exposure; (3) the attributive hypothesis, conceiving EHS as a coping strategy for pre-existing conditions. These hypotheses are successively assessed, considering both their strengths and limitations, by comparing their theoretical, experimental, and ecological value. CONCLUSION No hypothesis proves totally satisfying. Avenues of research are suggested to help decide between them and reach a better understanding of EHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maël Dieudonné
- Max Weber Center, Institut des Sciences de l'Homme, 14 avenue Berthelot, F-69007, Lyon, France.
- Health Services and Performance Research, University Hospital of Lyon, 162 avenue Lacassagne, F-69003, Lyon, France.
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Dieudonné M. Becoming electro‐hypersensitive: A replication study. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:188-200. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maël Dieudonné
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Centre Max WeberLyonFrance
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Andrianome S, Yahia-Cherif L, Selmaoui B. Effect of short exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on saliva biomarkers: a study on the electrohypersensitive individuals. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:788-792. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1569776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Soafara Andrianome
- Department of Experimental Toxicology, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Laboratoire PériTox UMR-I 01, UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Lydia Yahia-Cherif
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière (CRICM) et Centre de Neuroimagerie de Recherche (CENIR), Paris, France
| | - Brahim Selmaoui
- Department of Experimental Toxicology, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Laboratoire PériTox UMR-I 01, UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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