Fielding a current idea: exploring the public health impact of electromagnetic radiation

Radio-Absorbing Magnetic Polymer Composites Based on Spinel Ferrites: A Review

Ferrite-containing polymer composites are of great interest for the development of radar-absorbing and -shielding materials (RAMs and RSMs). The main objective of RAM and RSM development is to achieve a combination of efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption methods with advantageous technological and mechanical properties as well as acceptable weight and dimensions in the final product. This work deals with composite RAMs and RSMs containing spinel-structured ferrites. These materials are chosen since they can act as efficient RAMs in the form of ceramic plates and as fillers for radar-absorbing polymer composites (RAC) for electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Combining ferrites with conducting fillers can broaden the working frequency range of composite RAMs due to the activation of various absorption mechanisms. Ferrite-containing composites are the most efficient materials that can be used as the working media of RAMs and RSMs due to a combination of excellent dielectric and magnetic properties of ferrites. This work contains a brief review of the main theoretical standpoints on EMR interaction with materials, a comparison between the radar absorption properties of ferrites and ferrite-polymer composites and analysis of some phenomenological aspects of the radar absorption mechanisms in those composites.

A new precursor to diversify BCN architectures with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption

Hexagonal BCN (h-BCN) is considered to be a promising dielectric ceramic material with a hybrid B-C-N structure and an electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing material with tenable properties. H-BCN bulk and microtube architectures are simultaneously synthesized by precursor pyrolysis method using BCl₃, aniline (AN) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the raw material. By analyzing its electromagnetic parameters, the effective absorption bandwidth of the sample cracking at 900 °C with the proportion of raw materials (DETA:AN = 1:1) can be up to 7.2 GHz, and the minimum reflection loss can reach -43.6 dB at 7.92 GHz with a thickness of 3.5 mm. Moreover, the EMW absorbing property of the ceramic can be tuned by adjusting the ratio of monomers, pyrolysis temperature, and cooling rates.

Effect of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) waves on some blood factors in domestic pigeons: an experimental study

PURPOSE

BTS waves are one of the most important environmental pollutants, but there is inadequate data of its effects on living creatures. Birds have major role in environmental balance and hematologic factors are good describers of animal health. Therefore, we studied hematological factors in pigeons to assess the health effects of BTS waves in urban birds.

METHODS

This experiment has been run on 120 six month-old pigeons. After adaptation to laboratory settings, they divided to six random groups of distance from BTS and daily exposure time. G1: 50 cm/30 min, G2: 100 cm/30 min daily, G3: 150 cm/30 min, G4: 50 cm/60 min, G5: 100 cm/60 min and G6: 150 cm/60 min. Daily exposure done for 30 consecutive days. Hematologic studies done before and after exposure for analysis of WBC, Neut, Mono, Lymph, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCHC and platelets. Results processed statistically by SPSS software.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed a significant difference between the six experimental groups. The results showed distance from the BTS source had the largest effect on PLT followed by HCT, MCV, MCHC, Neut, Hb, RBC, Lymph, WBC, and Mono, respectively. Moreover, the duration of exposure to BTS wave had the largest effect on Mono followed by PLT, Neut, MCV, MCHC, WBC, HCT, Lymph, RBC and Hb, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Study showed that increasing exposure time and decreasing distance from the wave source have significant effect on hematologic factors. The distance has more effect than exposure time. Further investigation on protection and reducing the side effects are recommended.

Electromagnetic field exposure-induced depression features could be alleviated by heat acclimation based on remodeling the gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Electromagnetic pollution cannot be ignored. Long-term low-dose electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure can cause central nervous system dysfunction without effective prevention.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice (6-8 weeks, 17-20 g) were used in this study. Depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors detected by behavioral experiments were compared among different treatments. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics were used to explore the relationship between EMF exposure and heat acclimation (HA) effects on gut microbes and serum metabolites.

RESULTS

Both EMF and HA regulated the proportions of p_Firmicutes and p_Bacteroidota. EMF exposure caused the proportions of 6 kinds of bacteria, such as g_Butyricicoccus and g_Anaerotruncus, to change significantly (p < 0.05). HA restored the balance of gut microbes that was affected by EMF exposure and the proportion of probiotics (g_Lactobacillus) increased significantly (p < 0.01). Serum metabolite analysis suggested that HA alleviated the disturbance of serum metabolites (such as cholesterol and D-mannose) induced by EMF exposure. Both the metabolic KEGG pathways and PICRUSt functional analysis demonstrated that tryptophan metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis were involved.

CONCLUSIONS

EMF exposure not only led to depression-like neurobehavioral disorders, but also to gut microbiota imbalance. HA alleviated the depression features caused by EMF exposure. Based on the analysis of gut microbiota associated with serum metabolites, we speculated that gut microbiota might play a vital role in the cross-tolerance provided by HA.

Sensors for Context-Aware Smart Healthcare: A Security Perspective

The advances in the miniaturisation of electronic devices and the deployment of cheaper and faster data networks have propelled environments augmented with contextual and real-time information, such as smart homes and smart cities. These context-aware environments have opened the door to numerous opportunities for providing added-value, accurate and personalised services to citizens. In particular, smart healthcare, regarded as the natural evolution of electronic health and mobile health, contributes to enhance medical services and people's welfare, while shortening waiting times and decreasing healthcare expenditure. However, the large number, variety and complexity of devices and systems involved in smart health systems involve a number of challenging considerations to be considered, particularly from security and privacy perspectives. To this aim, this article provides a thorough technical review on the deployment of secure smart health services, ranging from the very collection of sensors data (either related to the medical conditions of individuals or to their immediate context), the transmission of these data through wireless communication networks, to the final storage and analysis of such information in the appropriate health information systems. As a result, we provide practitioners with a comprehensive overview of the existing vulnerabilities and solutions in the technical side of smart healthcare.

Emerging Pyroelectric Nanogenerators to Convert Thermal Energy into Electrical Energy

Pyroelectric energy harvesting systems have recently received substantial attention for their potential applications as power generators. In particular, the pyroelectric effect, which converts thermal energy into electrical energy, has been utilized as an infrared (IR) sensor, but upcoming sensor technology that requires a miniscule amount of power is able to utilize pyroelectric nanogenerators (PyNGs) as a power source. Herein, an overview of the progress in the development of PyNGs for an energy harvesting system that uses environmental or artificial energies such as the sun, body heat, and heaters, is provided. It begins with a brief introduction of the pyroelectric effect, and various polymer and ceramic materials based PyNGs are reviewed in detail. Various approaches for developing polymer-based PyNGs and various ceramic materials-based PyNGs are summarized in particular. Finally, challenges and perspectives regarding the PyNGs are described.

Correlation of Blood Oxidative Stress Parameters to Indoor Radiofrequency Radiation: A Cross Sectional Study in Jordan

Background: Electromagnetic pollution is a general health concern worldwide, as cell phone towers are ubiquitous and are located adjacent to or on the roof of schools, and hospitals. However, the health risks are still inconclusive. This cross-sectional study evaluated the potential effect of electromagnetic radiation generated from various resources including cell phone towers on blood glutathione S transferase activity (e-GST) and total antioxidant activity of the Jordanian population. Methods: The power density of three districts in the city of Irbid, Jordan was mapped to generate “outside the houses” and “inside the houses” maps. The effect of categorical variables (gender, using a cell phone, presence of Wi-Fi modem, previous exposure to medical imaging) and continuous variables (distance from the base station, the elevation of the house, the duration of stay in the house, power density outside houses, power density inside houses) on e-GST and total antioxidant activity were investigated. Results: The EMR generated outside the houses—including cell phone towers—did not reach inside the houses at the same power and had no significant influence on e-GST activity. The EMR inside the house, which primarily came from internal resources, has a significant effect on e-GST activity. The duration of stay inside the house, the use of cell phones, and the presence of a Wi-Fi modem had a proportional effect on e-GST activity. The total antioxidant activity was statistically equal between the tested and control groups. Conclusions: Several factors such as building materials restricted the penetration of EMR reaching inside the houses. EMR generated inside rather than outside the houses had a proportional effect on e-GST. The differences in e-GST were compensated successfully by other antioxidant mechanisms. Further research is needed to identify other possible sources of antioxidants, and to evaluate long-term effects and genetic polymorphism.

Tunable and Ultraefficient Microwave Absorption Properties of Trace N-Doped Two-Dimensional Carbon-Based Nanocomposites Loaded with Multi-Rare Earth Oxides

A high efficiency and great tunability of bandwidth and absorption-range electromagnetic wave absorber is proposed without precedent. A series of 2D carbon-based nanocomposites with the loading of cerium oxide (CN-Ce) and other types of rare earth oxides (CN-REOs) can be successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal-sintering method. As-synthesized 2D nanocomposites with local graphite-like C₃ N₄ structure and trace N-doped are identified by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The CN-REOs and polyvinylidene fluoride composite absorbers with reflection loss values above -40 dB are obtained in C-band, X-band, and Ku-band, respectively. The empirical rules on effective bandwidth and frequency range are discovered and summarized, which can be successfully realized by simply tuning the doping amount or type of REO. The mechanism is explained by enhanced attenuation and tunable impedance matching. In addition co-filled samples by two types of CN-REOs nanocomposites are prepared to support these findings and inspire the preparation of absorber with desirable frequency band in the range of 2-18 GHz.

An effective utilization of MXene and its effect on electromagnetic interference shielding: flexible, free-standing and thermally conductive composite from MXene–PAT–poly(p-aminophenol)–polyaniline co-polymer

MXene and conductive polymers are attractive candidates for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) applications. The MXene–PAT-conductive polymer (CP) composites were fabricated by a cost-effective spray coating technique and characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. A new approach has been developed for the synthesis of exfoliated MXene. The MXene–PAT–poly(p-aminophenol)–polyaniline co-polymer composite exhibited good electric conductivity (EC) of 7.813 S cm⁻¹. The composites revealed an excellent thermal properties, which were 0.687 W (m K)⁻¹ thermal conductivity, 2.247 J (g K)⁻¹ heat capacity, 0.282 mm² s⁻¹ thermal diffusivity and 1.330 W s^1/2 m⁻² K⁻¹ thermal effusivity. The composites showed 99.99% shielding efficiency and the MXene–PAT–PANI–PpAP composite (MXPATPA) had EMI shielding effectiveness of 45.18 dB at 8.2 GHz. The reduced form of MXene (r-Ti₃C₂T_x) increased the shielding effectiveness (SE) by 7.26% and the absorption (SE_A) was greatly enhanced by the ant farm like structure. The composites possess excellent thermal and EMI SE characteristics, thus can be applied in areas, such as mobile phones, military utensils, heat-emitting electronic devices, automobiles and radars.

MXene and conductive polymers are attractive candidates for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) applications.

A facile coprecipitation method to synthesize FexOy/Fe decorated graphite sheets with enhanced microwave absorption properties

Fe_xO_y/Fe decorated graphite sheets (DGS) are synthesized using a facile coprecipitation method followed by heat treatment under different conditions. The size and chemical composition of the particles loaded on graphite sheets can be tailored by adjusting the heat treatment temperature and atmosphere. The obtained α-Fe₂O₃ DGS (S₁), Fe₃O₄ DGS (S₂ and S₃), and Fe DGS (S₄) all exhibit excellent electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption when compared with conventional graphite/magnetic-particle composites. The minimum reflection loss (RL) can reach -42.1 dB at 4.16 GHz in the S₂/paraffin composites. The bandwidth of the RL below -10 dB covers 4.4 GHz (11.04-15.44 GHz) with a thickness of 2 mm. A possible EM wave loss mechanism has been proposed in detail. The multiple absorbing mechanisms could control the excellent absorption, resulting in a product with a feasible application in stealth materials.

Effects of long-term exposure to 900 megahertz electromagnetic field on heart morphology and biochemistry of male adolescent rats

The pathological effects of exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF) during adolescence may be greater than those in adulthood. We investigated the effects of exposure to 900 MHz EMF during adolescence on male adult rats. Twenty-four 21-day-old male rats were divided into three equal groups: control (Cont-Gr), sham (Shm-Gr) and EMF-exposed (EMF-Gr). EMF-Gr rats were placed in an EMF exposure cage (Plexiglas cage) for 1 h/day between postnatal days 21 and 59 and exposed to 900 MHz EMF. Shm-Gr rats were placed inside the Plexiglas cage under the same conditions and for the same duration, but were not exposed to EMF. All animals were sacrificed on postnatal day 60 and the hearts were extracted for microscopic and biochemical analyses. Biochemical analysis showed increased levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione and catalase levels in EMF-Gr compared to Cont-Gr animals. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections from EMF-Gr animals exhibited structural changes and capillary congestion in the myocardium. The percentage of apoptotic myocardial cells in EMF-Gr was higher than in either Shm-Gr or Cont-Gr animals. Transmission electron microscopy of myocardial cells of EMF-Gr animals showed altered structure of Z bands, decreased myofilaments and pronounced vacuolization. We found that exposure of male rats to 900 MHz EMF for 1 h/day during adolescence caused oxidative stress, which caused structural alteration of male adolescent rat heart tissue.

Preconception Care: A New Standard of Care within Maternal Health Services

Emerging research suggests that much pediatric affliction has origins in the vulnerable phase of fetal development. Prenatal factors including deficiency of various nutrients and exposure to assorted toxicants are major etiological determinants of myriad obstetrical complications, pediatric chronic diseases, and perhaps some genetic mutations. With recent recognition that modifiable environmental determinants, rather than genetic predestination, are the etiological source of most chronic illness, modification of environmental factors prior to conception offers the possibility of precluding various mental and physical health conditions. Environmental and lifestyle modification through informed patient choice is possible but evidence confirms that, with little to no training in clinical nutrition, toxicology, or environmental exposures, most clinicians are ill-equipped to counsel patients about this important area. With the totality of available scientific evidence that now exists on the potential to modify disease-causing gestational determinants, failure to take necessary precautionary action may render members of the medical community collectively and individually culpable for preventable illness in children. We advocate for environmental health education of maternity health professionals and the widespread adoption and implementation of preconception care. This will necessitate the translation of emerging knowledge from recent research literature, to health professionals, to reproductive-aged women, and to society at large.

Effects of electromagnetic fields on serum lipids in workers of a power plant

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure on levels of serum lipids in workers of an electric power plant. A cross-sectional study was carried out in an electric power plant in Zhejiang province, China, from August to September 2011. All participants were divided into two groups with high occupational EMF exposure and low occupational EMF exposure. The occupational EMF exposure included radiofrequency EMF and extremely low-frequency EMF. Occupational EMF exposure was associated with an increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; β = 0.17 mmol/L, P = 0.022). High EMF exposure group with longer employment duration, longer daily EMF exposure duration, and more mobile phone or electric fee per month had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, or triglyceride than the corresponding reference group. However, significantly decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was only observed in high EMF exposure group with more mobile phone fee per month. Similar results were also found in 544 participants with available data of serum lipids in 2010. The findings showed that chronic EMF exposure was associated with the change of serum lipid levels. EMF exposure might modulate the process of lipid metabolism.

Synthesis of Cu and Ni chalcogenides and evaluation of their properties for electromagnetic wave absorption

Cu and Ni chalcogenides were synthesized by hydrothermal methods and characterized by XRD and SEM.

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation from Smartphones on Learning Ability and Hippocampal Progenitor Cell Proliferation in Mice

OBJECTIVES

Nonionizing radiation is emitted from electronic devices, such as smartphones. In this study, we intended to elucidate the effect of electromagnetic radiation from smartphones on spatial working memory and progenitor cell proliferation in the hippocampus.

METHODS

Both male and female mice were randomly separated into two groups (radiated and control) and the radiated group was exposed to electromagnetic radiation for 9 weeks and 11 weeks for male and female mice, respectively. Spatial working memory was examined with a Y maze, and proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells were examined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine administration and immunohistochemical detection.

RESULTS

When spatial working memory on a Y maze was examined in the 9(th) week, there was no significant difference in the spontaneous alternation score on the Y maze between the two groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation. However, immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein was increased in exposed animals. Next, to test the effect of recovery following chronic radiation exposure, the remaining female mice were further exposed to electromagnetic radiation for 2 more weeks (total 11 weeks), and spontaneous alternation was tested 4 weeks later. In this experiment, although there was no significant difference in the spontaneous alternation scores, the number of arm entry was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that although chronic electromagnetic radiation does not affect spatial working memory and hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation it can mediate astrocyte activation in the hippocampus and delayed hyperactivity-like behavior.

Body-monitoring and health supervision by means of optical fiber-based sensing systems in medical textiles

Long-term monitoring with optical fibers has moved into the focus of attention due to the applicability for medical measurements. Within this Review, setups of flexible, unobtrusive body-monitoring systems based on optical fibers and the respective measured vital parameters are in focus. Optical principles are discussed as well as the interaction of light with tissue. Optical fiber-based sensors that are already used in first trials are primarily selected for the section on possible applications. These medical textiles include the supervision of respiration, cardiac output, blood pressure, blood flow and its saturation with hemoglobin as well as oxygen, pressure, shear stress, mobility, gait, temperature, and electrolyte balance. The implementation of these sensor concepts prompts the development of wearable smart textiles. Thus, current sensing techniques and possibilities within photonic textiles are reviewed leading to multiparameter designs. Evaluation of these designs should show the great potential of optical fibers for the introduction into textiles especially due to the benefit of immunity to electromagnetic radiation. Still, further improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio is often necessary to develop a commercial monitoring system.

Occupational electromagnetic field exposures associated with sleep quality: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phone and other machineries concerns half the world's population and raises the problem of their impact on human health. The present study aims to explore the effects of electromagnetic field exposures on sleep quality and sleep duration among workers from electric power plant.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in an electric power plant of Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 854 participants were included in the final analysis. The detailed information of participants was obtained by trained investigators using a structured questionnaire, which including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle variables, sleep variables and electromagnetic exposures. Physical examination and venous blood collection were also carried out for every study subject.

RESULTS

After grouping daily occupational electromagnetic exposure into three categories, subjects with long daily exposure time had a significantly higher risk of poor sleep quality in comparison to those with short daily exposure time. The adjusted odds ratios were 1.68 (95%CI: 1.18, 2.39) and 1.57 (95%CI: 1.10, 2.24) across tertiles. Additionally, among the subjects with long-term occupational exposure, the longer daily occupational exposure time apparently increased the risk of poor sleep quality (OR (95%CI): 2.12 (1.23∼3.66) in the second tertile; 1.83 (1.07∼3.15) in the third tertile). There was no significant association of long-term occupational exposure duration, monthly electric fee or years of mobile-phone use with sleep quality or sleep duration.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings showed that daily occupational EMF exposure was positively associated with poor sleep quality. It implies EMF exposure may damage human sleep quality rather than sleep duration.

Evaluation of some physical hazards which may affect health in primary schools

AIM

This study was performed with the objective to determine the levels of some physical hazards in primary schools.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional field survey. In this study which was conducted in 31 primary schools selected by appropriate sampling from the district of Keçiören of the province of Ankara, measurements related with temperature, light, electromagnetic field (EMF) and noise levels were done at hundreds of points. Approval was obtained from Gülhane Military Medical Faculty Ethics Committee (2007/97).

RESULTS

Only 47.1% of the classes had a temperature value within the recommended limits (20-21°C). It was found that the illumination levels in 96.8% of the schools were above the standard values. However, the levels of illumination were found to be statistically significantly decreased towards the door and the back line (p<0.05). It was found that electromagnetic field levels were significantly higher in the schools who had a source of electromagnetic field nearby compared to the schools who did not have such a source nearby (p<0.001). It was found that the electromagnetic field levels in computer classes were statistically significantly higher compared to the other classes (p<0.001). Noise levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in classes which had 35 and more students (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in schools near intensive vehicle traffic in terms of noise levels (62.8±5.0 (n=72), 62.0±6.4 (n=79), respectively, p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that primary schools in the region of Keçiören had aspects which had to be improved in terms of building age, building location, brightness, electromagnetic field and noise levels. School health programs directed to improve negative enviromental factors should be developed.

The effects of prenatal exposure to a 900-MHz electromagnetic field on the 21-day-old male rat heart

The growing spread of mobile phone use is raising concerns about the effect on human health of the electromagnetic field (EMF) these devices emit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on rat pup heart tissue of prenatal exposure to a 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF. For this purpose, pregnant rats were divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental group rats were exposed to a 900 MHz EMF (1 h/d) on days 13-21 of pregnancy. Measurements were performed with rats inside the exposure box in order to determine the distribution of EMF intensity. Our measurements showed that pregnant experimental group rats were exposed to a mean electrical field intensity of 13.77 V/m inside the box (0.50 W/m(2)). This study continued with male rat pups obtained from both groups. Pups were sacrificed on postnatal day 21, and the heart tissues were extracted. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase values were significantly higher in the experimental group rats, while glutathione values were lower. Light microscopy revealed irregularities in heart muscle fibers and apoptotic changes in the experimental group. Electron microscopy revealed crista loss and swelling in the mitochondria, degeneration in myofibrils and structural impairments in Z bands. Our study results suggest that exposure to EMF in the prenatal period causes oxidative stress and histopathological changes in male rat pup heart tissue.

Searching for the perfect wave: the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on cells

There is a growing concern in the population about the effects that environmental exposure to any source of “uncontrolled” radiation may have on public health. Anxiety arises from the controversial knowledge about the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure to cells and organisms but most of all concerning the possible causal relation to human diseases. Here we reviewed those in vitro and in vivo and epidemiological works that gave a new insight about the effect of radio frequency (RF) exposure, relating to intracellular molecular pathways that lead to biological and functional outcomes. It appears that a thorough application of standardized protocols is the key to reliable data acquisition and interpretation that could contribute a clearer picture for scientists and lay public. Moreover, specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure might lead to beneficial health effects.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields can impair spermatogenesis recovery after reversible testicular damage induced by heat

Male infertility is often related to reproductive age couples experiencing fertility-related issues. Men may have fertility problems associated with reversible testicular damage. Considering that men have been increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields generated by the production, distribution and use of electricity, this study analyzed whether 60 Hz and 1 mT magnetic field exposure may impair spermatogenesis recovery after reversible testicular damage induced by heat shock using rats as an experimental model. Adult male rats were subjected to a single testicular heat shock (HS, 43 °C for 12 min) and then exposed to the magnetic field for 15, 30 and 60 d after HS. Magnetic field exposure during the spermatogenesis recovery induced changes in testis components volume, cell ultrastructure and histomorphometrical parameters. Control animals had a reestablished and active spermatogenesis at 60 d after heat shock, while animals exposed to magnetic field still showed extensive testicular degeneration. Magnetic field exposure did not change the plasma testosterone. In conclusion, extremely low-frequency magnetic field may be harmful to fertility recovery in males affected by reversible testicular damage.

Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons

Environmental medicine generally addresses environmental factors with a negative impact on human health. However, emerging scientific research has revealed a surprisingly positive and overlooked environmental factor on health: direct physical contact with the vast supply of electrons on the surface of the Earth. Modern lifestyle separates humans from such contact. The research suggests that this disconnect may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and unwellness. Reconnection with the Earth's electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being. Earthing (or grounding) refers to the discovery of benefits—including better sleep and reduced pain—from walking barefoot outside or sitting, working, or sleeping indoors connected to conductive systems that transfer the Earth's electrons from the ground into the body. This paper reviews the earthing research and the potential of earthing as a simple and easily accessed global modality of significant clinical importance.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: fact or fiction?

As the prevalence of wireless telecommunication escalates throughout the world, health professionals are faced with the challenge of patients who report symptoms they claim are connected with exposure to some frequencies of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Some scientists and clinicians acknowledge the phenomenon of hypersensitivity to EMR resulting from common exposures such as wireless systems and electrical devices in the home or workplace; others suggest that electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is psychosomatic or fictitious. Various organizations including the World Health Organization as well as some nation states are carefully exploring this clinical phenomenon in order to better explain the rising prevalence of non-specific, multi-system, often debilitating symptoms associated with non-ionizing EMR exposure. As well as an assortment of physiological complaints, patients diagnosed with EHS also report profound social and personal challenges, impairing their ability to function normally in society. This paper offers a review of the sparse literature on this perplexing condition and a discussion of the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the EHS diagnosis. Recommendations are provided to assist health professionals in caring for individuals complaining of EHS.

What's out there making us sick?

Throughout the continuum of medical and scientific history, repeated evidence has confirmed that the main etiological determinants of disease are nutritional deficiency, toxicant exposures, genetic predisposition, infectious agents, and psychological dysfunction. Contemporary conventional medicine generally operates within a genetic predestination paradigm, attributing most chronic and degenerative illness to genomic factors, while incorporating pathogens and psychological disorder in specific situations. Toxicity and deficiency states often receive insufficient attention as common source causes of chronic disease in the developed world. Recent scientific evidence in health disciplines including molecular medicine, epigenetics, and environmental health sciences, however, reveal ineluctable evidence that deficiency and toxicity states feature prominently as common etiological determinants of contemporary ill-health. Incorporating evidence from historical and emerging science, it is evident that a reevaluation of conventional wisdom on the current construct of disease origins should be considered and that new knowledge should receive expeditious translation into clinical strategies for disease management and health promotion.

An analysis of almost any scientific problem leads automatically to a study of its history.

—Ernst Mayr

Effects of exposure to a 128-mT static magnetic field on glucose and lipid metabolism in serum and skeletal muscle of rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Increasing environmental pollution may participate in the growing incidence of metabolic disorders. Static magnetic fields (SMFs) are an emerging environmental health issue due to increased exposure in residential and commercial areas; however, their metabolic effects in serum and skeletal muscle are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SMF exposure on glucose and lipid metabolism in serum and skeletal muscles of rats.

METHODS

Twelve 6- to 7-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: rats exposed to 128 mT SMF and sham-exposed rats. This moderate-intensity exposure was performed for 1 h/day for 15 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Animals exposed to 128 mT SMF displayed significant changes in both glucose (i.e., increases in plasma glucose and lactate and decrease in plasma insulin levels) and lipid (i.e., increases in plasma glycerol, cholesterol and phospholipids but not triglyceride levels) metabolism. During intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, SMF-exposed rats displayed significantly higher hyperglycemia compared to sham-exposed rats despite similar insulin levels in both groups. In tissues, SMF exposure induced significant alterations in enzyme activities only in glycolytic muscles and caused a significant decrease in quadriceps and liver glycogen content together with increased phospholipid levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that subacute SMF exposure of moderate intensity induces important alterations of glucose and lipid metabolisms, which deserve further investigations to evaluate long-term consequences.

Is static magnetic field exposure a new model of metabolic alteration? Comparison with Zucker rats

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate if the metabolic alterations observed after static magnetic field (SMF) exposure participates in the development of a pre-diabetic state. A comparison study using the insulin resistant animal model, the Zucker rat and the SMF-exposed Wistar rat was carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Zucker rats were compared to Wistar rats either exposed to a 128 mT or 0 mT SMF (sham exposed) and analysed. This moderate-intensity SMF exposure of Wistar rats was performed for 1 h/day during 15 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Wistar rats exposed to the SMF showed increased levels of carbohydrate and lipid metabolites (i.e., lactate, glycerol, cholesterol and phospholipids) compared to sham-exposed rats. Zucker rats displayed a normoglycemia associated with a high insulin level as opposed to Wistar rats which presented hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia after exposure to the SMF. During the glucose tolerance test, unexposed Zucker rats and Wistar rats exposed to the SMF exhibited a significantly higher hyperglycemia compared to sham-exposed Wistar rats suggesting an impairment of glucose clearance. In muscle, glycogen content was lower and phospholipids content was elevated for both unexposed Zucker rats and Wistar rats exposed to the SMF compared to Wistar rats sham control.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that the metabolic alterations following exposure to a static magnetic field of moderate intensity could trigger the development of a pre-diabetic state.

Evolution in pediatric health care

BACKGROUND

There is disturbing evidence of escalating chronic disease among children--a phenomenon that is extracting a heavy toll from individuals, families, and health-care systems.

METHODS

This review was prepared by assessing medical and scientific literature available from Medline, as well as by reviewing numerous books, conference proceedings, and government publications.

RESULTS

Knowledge translation in medical science, the process whereby new research is incorporated into clinical practice, remains lethargic. Nutritional and environmental factors have recently been recognized as common determinants of modern illness, and various diagnostic techniques in molecular medicine are now available to facilitate diagnosis of disease etiology.

CONCLUSIONS

A re-evaluation of the current pediatric clinical paradigm is required in light of emerging research from fields such as epigenetics, molecular medicine and environmental health. Education about these branches of medical science should be integrated into pediatric medical education, and important research information from these disciplines should be incorporated into public health care and clinical practice relating to children.

"Dirty electricity": what, where, and should we care?

Environmental exposure to high-frequency voltage transients (HFVT), also termed dirty electricity, has been advocated among electro(hyper)sensitive interest groups as an important biological active component of standard electromagnetic pollution. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, in which only seven articles were identified. Exposure to HFVT was associated with increased cancer risks, while preferential removal of 4-100 kHz HFVT from 50-60 Hz ELF circuits was linked to a variety of improvements in health (plasma glucose levels in diabetic patients, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and insomnia), well-being (tiredness, frustration, general health, irritation, sense of satisfaction, mood), and student behavior. However, all these published studies were subject to significant methodological flaws in the design of the studies, the assessment of exposure, and the statistical analysis, which prevented valid assessment of a causal link between this exposure metric and adverse effects. Environmental exposure to HFVT is an interesting EMF exposure metric, which might explain the spurious results from epidemiological studies using 'standard' ELF and RF exposure metrics. However, at present, methodological problems in published studies prohibit the valid assessment of its biological activity.

Elimination of persistent toxicants from the human body

There is compelling evidence that various chemical agents are important determinants of myriad health afflictions--several xenobiotics have the potential to disrupt reproductive, developmental, and neurological processes and some agents in common use have carcinogenic, epigenetic, endocrine-disrupting, and immune-altering action. Some toxicants appear to have biological effect at miniscule levels and certain chemical compounds are persistent and bioaccumulative within the human body. Despite escalating public health measures to preclude further exposures, many people throughout the world have already accrued a significant body burden of toxicants, placing them at potential health risk. As a result, increasing discussion is underway about possible interventions to facilitate elimination of persistent toxicants from the human organism in order to obviate health affliction and to potentially ameliorate chronic degenerative illness. An overview of the clinical aspects of detoxification is presented with discussion of established and emerging interventions for the elimination of persistent xenobiotics. Potential therapies to circumvent enterohepatic recirculation and a case report highlighting a clinical outcome associated with detoxification are also presented for consideration.

Toxicant exposure and mental health--individual, social, and public health considerations

Thoughts and moods are the result of biological processes; disordered thoughts and moods may be the result of disordered biological processes. As brain dysfunction can manifest with emotional symptoms or behavioral signs, the etiology of some mental health afflictions and some abnormal conduct is pathophysiological rather than pathopsychological. Various studies confirm that some chemical toxicants which modify brain physiology have the potential to affect mood, cognitive function, and to provoke socially undesirable outcomes. With pervasive concern about myriad chemical agents in the environment and resultant toxicant bioaccumulation, human exposure assessment has become a clinically relevant area of medical investigation. Adverse exposure and toxicant body burden should routinely be explored as an etiological determinant in assorted health afflictions including disordered thinking, moods, and behavior. The impact of toxicant bioaccumulation in a patient with neuropsychiatric symptoms is presented for consideration as an example of the potential benefit of recognizing and implementing exposure assessment.

The environmental burden of disease in Canada: respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and congenital affliction

BACKGROUND

Exposure to environmental hazards contributes to many chronic diseases, yet the magnitude of their contribution to the total disease burden in Canada is not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the environmental burden of disease (EBD) in Canada for respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and congenital affliction. Quantifying the contribution of environmental exposures to the overall burden of disease could play an important role in shaping public health and environmental policy priorities.

METHODS

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently estimated the environmental burden of disease globally by using a combination of comparative risk assessment data and expert judgment to develop environmentally attributable fractions (EAFs) of mortality and morbidity for 85 categories of disease. We use the EAFs developed by the WHO, EAFs developed by other researchers, and data from Canadian public health institutions to provide an initial estimate of the environmental burden of disease in Canada for four major categories of disease.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that: 10,000-25,000 deaths; 78,000-194,000 hospitalizations; 600,000-1.5 million days spent in hospital; 1.1 million-1.8 million restricted activity days for asthma sufferers; 8000-24,000 new cases of cancer; 500-2500 low birth weight babies; and between $3.6 billion and $9.1 billion in costs occur in Canada each year due to respiratory disease, cardiovascular illness, cancer, and congenital affliction associated with adverse environmental exposures.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of illness in Canada resulting from adverse environmental exposures is significant. Stronger efforts to prevent adverse environmental exposures are warranted, including research, education, and regulation.

Ultrastructural alterations and occurrence of apoptosis in developing follicles exposed to low frequency electromagnetic field in rat ovary

Humans are continuously exposed to harmful environmental factors, including Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) produced by home appliances, diagnostic tools and industrial instruments. The present study investigates morphologically the effects of EMF on ovarian follicles. Female Wistar rats were exposed to 3 mili Tesla EMF for 4 h day(-1) for 4 months, the ovaries from both experimental and control groups were processed for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and TUNEL reaction technique. TEM revealed that in the oocytes from experimental group the nuclei were shrunken and zona pellucida appeared narrower than those in the control group. The number of microvilli were decreased significantly and in their cytoplasm there were several lipid droplets and organels were dispersed. Signs of apoptosis such as condensed nuclei, chromatin margination and nuclear membrane dilatation were common in granulosa and corona radiata cells from the EMF-exposed rats than those from the control group. Primary morphological changes in the granulosa cells from this group were retraction of granulosa cells, loss of microvilli and condensation or loss of mitochondrial cristae. The morphological changes in oocytes seem to indicate the cytotoxic effect of EMF and the changes occurred in granulosa cells coincide with initiation of apoptosis in granulosa cells. Present results suggest that EMF exposure may interfere with normal process of folliculogenesis.

Clinical medicine and the budding science of indoor mold exposure

Recent research and increasing discussion in the medical literature have brought attention to public health concerns associated with mold exposure. Many kinds of mold and their mold-associated products have the potential to disrupt human molecular biochemistry and physiology, resulting in various types of acute and chronic affliction. As environmental health has not been a focus for medical education, some clinicians are not fully aware of the scope of mold-related health problems and are inadequately equipped to investigate and manage possible cases of mold exposure. As a result, manifestations of mold-related illness often remain misdiagnosed and ineffectually treated. It is important for physicians to be aware of the pathogenesis, the manifestations, the investigations and the management of possible mold exposure. An overview of mold-related health problems and two case histories are presented for consideration.