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Weller S, McCredden JE. Understanding the public voices and researchers speaking into the 5G narrative. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1339513. [PMID: 38283297 PMCID: PMC10820716 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1339513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The many different voices speaking into the current narrative surrounding the health effects of 5G technologies necessitate an exploration of the background of the various published author-spokespersons and their potential motives. This has been attempted recently by de Vocht and Albers. However, that opinion piece used a narrow investigative lens, resulting in an undermining of both the rationality of the concerned general public and the motives of specific researchers. At the same time, biases, conflicts of interest, and flaws found in "independent" reviews were not considered. To address these oversights, an evidence-based appraisal of public opinion and the scientific caliber of authors involved in the 5G health discussion is warranted. Subsequently, this review article presents an analysis of the available Australian data representing public voices, while also conducting a broader investigation of the level of expertise of recent author-spokespersons based on their experience as scientists, particularly in the area of health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. This review thus attempts to more clearly illustrate for the reader the caliber and motives of the voices speaking into the 5G narrative. The article concludes with a set of questions that need to be answered to enable scientists to advise policy makers more effectively on matters of 5G and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Weller
- Centre for Environmental and Population Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association Inc. (ORSAA), Scarborough, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie E. McCredden
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association Inc. (ORSAA), Scarborough, QLD, Australia
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Chung SI, Kang TW, Kim PK, Ha TG, Hong YP. Highly Transparent Ka-/W-Band Electromagnetic Shielding Films Based on Double-Layered Metal Meshes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:56612-56622. [PMID: 37988133 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
An electromagnetic (EM) wave-shielding film exhibiting high performance in high-frequency bands, such as the Ka- and W-bands, was fabricated by using double-layered metal meshes. The double-layered shielding (DLS) film consists of metallic micromesh and nanomesh electrodes (NMEs) on the upper and lower surfaces of a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film, respectively. The micromesh electrodes (MMEs) were fabricated such that they possessed a thickness higher than the line width, and they thus exhibited excellent electromagnetic wave-shielding performance in addition to optical transmittance. Moreover, the nanomesh electrodes helped prevent the deterioration of the shielding performance owing to the increase in frequency, which was possible by decreasing the aperture size of the mesh-type electrodes. The shielding effectiveness (SE) of the double-layered metal-mesh film was evaluated by using a shielding measurement system that is optimized for high frequencies. In addition, optical transmittance and flexibility tests were conducted. The results confirm that the double-layered shielding film exhibited a shielding effectiveness of more than 50 dB at an optical transmittance of 90% and a stable bending resistance of up to 5000 cycles at a radius of curvature of 6 mm. Double-layered metal-mesh films with such excellent performance are expected to be widely used in diverse applications such as the automobile, medical, and military industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Il Chung
- Nano Hybrid Technology Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon 51543, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Weon Kang
- Electromagnetic Wave Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Pan Kyeom Kim
- Nano Hybrid Technology Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon 51543, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Gyu Ha
- Nano Hybrid Technology Research Center, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon 51543, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Pyo Hong
- Electromagnetic Wave Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
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Jamal L, Yahia-Cherif L, Hugueville L, Mazet P, Lévêque P, Selmaoui B. Assessment of Electrical Brain Activity of Healthy Volunteers Exposed to 3.5 GHz of 5G Signals within Environmental Levels: A Controlled-Randomised Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6793. [PMID: 37754652 PMCID: PMC10530694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Following the recent deployment of fifth-generation (5G) radio frequencies, several questions about their health impacts have been raised. Due to the lack of experimental research on this subject, the current study aimed to investigate the bio-physiological effects of a generated 3.5 GHz frequency. For this purpose, the wake electroencephalograms (EEG) of 34 healthy volunteers were explored during two "real" and "sham" exposure sessions. The electromagnetic fields were antenna-emitted in an electrically shielded room and had an electrical field root-mean-square intensity of 2 V/m, corresponding to the current outdoor exposure levels. The sessions were a maximum of one week apart, and both contained an exposure period of approximately 26 min and were followed by a post-exposure period of 17 min. The power spectral densities (PSDs) of the beta, alpha, theta, and delta bands were then computed and corrected based on an EEG baseline period. This was acquired for 17 min before the subsequent phases were recorded under two separate conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). A statistical analysis showed an overall non-significant change in the studied brain waves, except for a few electrodes in the alpha, theta, and delta spectra. This change was translated into an increase or decrease in the PSDs, in response to the EO and EC conditions. In conclusion, this studhy showed that 3.5 GHz exposure, within the regulatory levels and exposure parameters used in this protocol, did not affect brain activity in healthy young adults. Moreover, to our knowledge, this was the first laboratory-controlled human EEG study on 5G effects. It attempted to address society's current concern about the impact of 5G exposure on human health at environmental levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Jamal
- Department of Experimental Toxicology and Modeling (TEAM), Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique Alata, BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France;
- PériTox Laboratory (UMR_I 01), INERIS/UPJV, INERIS, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | - Lydia Yahia-Cherif
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Center for NeuroImaging Research (CENIR), Sorbonne University, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France; (L.Y.-C.); (L.H.)
| | - Laurent Hugueville
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Center for NeuroImaging Research (CENIR), Sorbonne University, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France; (L.Y.-C.); (L.H.)
| | - Paul Mazet
- Technical Centre for Mechanical Industries (CETIM), 52 Avenue Félix Louat, 60300 Senlis, France;
| | - Philippe Lévêque
- XLIM Research Institute, University of Limoges, UMR CNRS 7252, 123 Avenue Albert Thomas, 87000 Limoges, France;
| | - Brahim Selmaoui
- Department of Experimental Toxicology and Modeling (TEAM), Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique Alata, BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France;
- PériTox Laboratory (UMR_I 01), INERIS/UPJV, INERIS, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
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Qin T, Liu L, Wang X, Guo L, Lin J, Du J, Xue Y, Lai P, Jing Y, Ding G. Combined effects of EMP and RF field on emotional behavior in mice. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1087161. [PMID: 37006533 PMCID: PMC10061096 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1087161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRecently, concerns about the combined effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) in daily living and occupational environment are rapidly growing.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the combined effects of 1-week exposure to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) at 650 kV/m for 1,000 pulses and 4.9 GHz radiofrequency (RF) at 50 W/m2 for 1 h/d in male mice. Open field test, tail suspension test and Y-maze were applied to evaluate anxiety, depression-like behaviors and spatial memory ability, respectively.ResultsIt was found that compared with Sham group, combined exposure to EMP and RF induced anxiety-like behavior, increased the level of serum S100B and decreased the level of serum 5-HT. The results of quantitative proteomic and KEGG analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins in hippocampus were enriched in Glutamatergic and GABAergic synapse after combined exposure group, which were verified by western blot. In addition, an obvious histological alteration and autophagy-associated cell death were observed in amygdala instead of hippocampus after combined exposure to EMP and 4.9 GHz RF.ConclusionCombined exposure to EMP and 4.9 GHz RF could induce emotional behavior alteration, which might be associated with Glutamatergic and GABAergic synapse system of hippocampus and autophagy in amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongzhou Qin
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Liyuan Liu
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiajin Lin
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Junze Du
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yizhe Xue
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Panpan Lai
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuntao Jing
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Guirong Ding
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
- *Correspondence: Guirong Ding
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Linet MS, Applegate KE, McCollough CH, Bailey JE, Bright C, Bushberg JT, Chanock SJ, Coleman J, Dalal NH, Dauer LT, Davis PB, Eagar RY, Frija G, Held KD, Kachnic LA, Kiess AP, Klein LW, Kosti O, Miller CW, Miller-Thomas MM, Straus C, Vapiwala N, Wieder JS, Yoo DC, Brink JA, Dalrymple JL. A Multimedia Strategy to Integrate Introductory Broad-Based Radiation Science Education in US Medical Schools. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:251-264. [PMID: 36130692 PMCID: PMC10578400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
US physicians in multiple specialties who order or conduct radiological procedures lack formal radiation science education and thus sometimes order procedures of limited benefit or fail to order what is necessary. To this end, a multidisciplinary expert group proposed an introductory broad-based radiation science educational program for US medical schools. Suggested preclinical elements of the curriculum include foundational education on ionizing and nonionizing radiation (eg, definitions, dose metrics, and risk measures) and short- and long-term radiation-related health effects as well as introduction to radiology, radiation therapy, and radiation protection concepts. Recommended clinical elements of the curriculum would impart knowledge and practical experience in radiology, fluoroscopically guided procedures, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and identification of patient subgroups requiring special considerations when selecting specific ionizing or nonionizing diagnostic or therapeutic radiation procedures. Critical components of the clinical program would also include educational material and direct experience with patient-centered communication on benefits of, risks of, and shared decision making about ionizing and nonionizing radiation procedures and on health effects and safety requirements for environmental and occupational exposure to ionizing and nonionizing radiation. Overarching is the introduction to evidence-based guidelines for procedures that maximize clinical benefit while limiting unnecessary risk. The content would be further developed, directed, and integrated within the curriculum by local faculties and would address multiple standard elements of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency of the Association of American Medical Colleges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha S Linet
- Chief and Senior Investigator, Radiation Epidemiology Branch (retired) and currently NIH Scientist Emerita, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Kimberly E Applegate
- Division Chief and Professor of Pediatric Radiology (retired), University of Kentucky Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, and currently Chair of Committee 3 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cynthia H McCollough
- Brooks-Hollern Professor of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Janet E Bailey
- Professor of Radiology and Associate Chair for Education in Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cedric Bright
- Associate Dean for Admissions and Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, East Carolina's Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Jerrold T Bushberg
- Clinical Professor of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, and Vice President, National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stephen J Chanock
- Director and Chief of the Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jenna Coleman
- Executive Director of the Medical Educational Council of Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida
| | - Nicole H Dalal
- Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Lawrence T Dauer
- Attending Physicist, Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Pamela B Davis
- Dean School of Medicine (emerita) and Arline H. and Curtis F. Garvin Research Professor, Center for Community Health Integration, and Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Robert Y Eagar
- Diagnostic Radiology Resident, Department of Radiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Guy Frija
- Professor of Radiology (Emeritus), Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kathryn D Held
- President of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Bethesda, Maryland, and Associate Radiation Biologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa A Kachnic
- Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ana P Kiess
- Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences and Director of the Residency Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lloyd W Klein
- Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Ourania Kosti
- Senior Program Officer at the Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Charles W Miller
- Chief (retired) Radiation Studies Branch, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, and currently a Consultant in Nuclear and Radiological Environmental Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michelle M Miller-Thomas
- Associate Professor of Radiology and Director of Medical Student Education at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher Straus
- Associate Professor of Radiology and Director of Medical Student Education, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Neha Vapiwala
- Professor and Vice Chair of Education, Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica S Wieder
- Director of the Center for Radiation Information and Outreach, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
| | - Don C Yoo
- Director of Nuclear Medicine, Miriam Hospital and Professor of Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Educator, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - James A Brink
- Chair, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John L Dalrymple
- Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology and Associate Dean for Medical Education Quality Improvement, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and Associate Chair and Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Faculty Affairs and Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Prasad D, Kudva V, Singh A, Hegde RB, Rukmini PG. Role of 5G Networks in Healthcare Management System. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 51:1-25. [PMID: 37602445 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2023047013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The present-day healthcare system operates on a 4G network, where the data rate needed for many IoT devices is impossible. Also, the latency involved in the network does not support the use of many devices in the network. The 5G-based cellular technology promises an effective healthcare management system with high speed and low latency. The 5G communication technology will replace the 4G technology to satisfy the increasing demand for high data rates. It incorporates higher frequency bands of around 100 MHz using millimetre waves and broadband modulation schemes. It is aimed at providing low latency while supporting real-time machine-to-machine communication. It requires a more significant number of antennas, with an average base station density three times higher than 4G. However, the rise in circuit and processing power for multiple antennas and transceivers deteriorates energy efficiency. Also, the data transmission power for 5G is three times higher than for 4G technology. One of the advanced processors used in today's mobile equipment is NVIDIA Tegra, which has a multicore system on chip (SoC) architecture with two ARM Cortex CPU cores to handle audio, images, and video. The state-of-the-art software coding using JAVA or Python has achieved smooth data transmission from mobile equipment, desktop or laptop through the internet with the support of 5G communication technology. This paper discusses some key areas related to 5G-based healthcare systems such as the architecture, antenna designs, power consumption, file protocols, security, and health implications of 5G networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasad
- NITTE (Deemed to be University), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte - 574110, Karnataka, India
| | - Vidya Kudva
- NITTE (Deemed to be University), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte - 574110, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashish Singh
- NITTE (Deemed to be University), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte - 574110, Karnataka, India
| | - Roopa B Hegde
- NITTE (Deemed to be University), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte - 574110, Karnataka, India
| | - Pradyumna Gopalakrishna Rukmini
- NITTE (Deemed to be University), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte - 574110, Karnataka, India
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7
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de Vocht F, Albers P. The population health effects from 5G: Controlling the narrative. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1082031. [PMID: 36600933 PMCID: PMC9806221 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1082031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Frank de Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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8
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Status of the Neuroendocrine System in Animals Chronically Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields of 5G Mobile Network Base Stations. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 174:277-279. [PMID: 36598666 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We studied the biological effect of chronic exposure to multifrequency electromagnetic fields simulating the effects of 5G NR/IMT-2020 mobile communication systems. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 24-h radiation (250 μW/cm2) for 4 months. The exploratory activity of the animals and blood concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone were evaluated at the end of each month of exposure and 1 month after exposure. The results suggest that exposure to multifrequency electromagnetic field simulating the effects of 5G systems affected functional activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and was stressful in nature.
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Bonato M, Tognola G, Benini M, Gallucci S, Chiaramello E, Fiocchi S, Parazzini M. Assessment of SAR in Road-Users from 5G-V2X Vehicular Connectivity Based on Computational Simulations. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22176564. [PMID: 36081025 PMCID: PMC9460500 DOI: 10.3390/s22176564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITS) will soon operate using 5G New-Radio (NR) wireless communication, overcoming the limitations of the current V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) wireless communication technologies and increasing road-safety and driving efficiency. These innovations will also change the RF exposure levels of pedestrians and road-users in general. These people, in fact, will be exposed to additional RF sources coming from nearby cars and from the infrastructure. Therefore, an exposure assessment of people in the proximity of a connected car is necessary and urgent. (2) Methods: Two array antennas for 5G-V2X communication at 3.5 GHz were modelled and mounted on a realistic 3D car model for evaluating the exposure levels of a human model representing people on the road near the car. Computational simulations were conducted using the FDTD solver implemented in the Sim4Life platform; different positions and orientations between the car and the human model were assessed. The analyzed quantities were the Specific Absorption Rate on the whole body (SARwb), averaged over 10 g (SAR10g) in specific tissues, as indicated in the ICNIRP guidelines. (3) Results: the data showed that the highest exposure levels were obtained mostly in the head area of the human model, with the highest peak obtained in the configuration where the main beam of the 5G-V2X antennas was more direct towards the human model. Moreover, in all configurations, the dose absorbed by a pedestrian was well below the ICNIRP guidelines to avoid harmful effects. (4) Conclusions: This work is the first study on human exposure assessment in a 5G-V2X scenario, and it expands the knowledge about the exposure levels for the forthcoming use of 5G in connected vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bonato
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tognola
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Benini
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Gallucci
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Emma Chiaramello
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Serena Fiocchi
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Parazzini
- Institute of Electronics, Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (IEIIT), CNR, 20133 Milano, Italy
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10
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Stam R. Occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:201-215. [PMID: 34789598 PMCID: PMC9171125 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2021-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
High exposures to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) are possible in workplaces involving sources used for broadcasting, telecommunication, security and identification, remote sensing and the heating and drying of goods. A systematic literature review of occupational RF EMF exposure measurements could help to clarify where more attention to occupational safety may be needed. This review identifies specific sources of occupational RF EMF exposure and compares the published maximum exposures to occupational exposure limits. A systematic search for peer-reviewed publications was conducted via PubMed and Scopus. Relevant grey literature was collected via web searches. For each publication, the highest measured electric field strength, magnetic flux density or power density was extracted. Maximum exposures exceeding the limits were reported for dielectric heating, scanners for security and radiofrequency identification, plasma devices and broadcasting and telecommunication transmitters. Occupational exposure exceeding the limits was rare for microwave heating and radar applications. Some publications concerned cases studies of occupational accidents followed by a medical investigation of thermal health effects. These were found for broadcasting antennas, radar installations and a microwave oven and often involved maintenance personnel. New sources of occupational exposure such as those in fifth generation telecommunication systems or energy transition will require further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Stam
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the Netherlands
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11
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Rahman MM, Khatun F, Sami SI, Uzzaman A. The evolving roles and impacts of 5G enabled technologies in healthcare: The world epidemic COVID-19 issues. ARRAY 2022; 14:100178. [PMID: 35571870 PMCID: PMC9085442 DOI: 10.1016/j.array.2022.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest 5G technology is being introduced the Internet of Things (IoT) Era. The study aims to focus the 5G technology and the current healthcare challenges as well as to highlight 5G based solutions that can handle the COVID-19 issues in different arenas. This paper provides a comprehensive review of 5G technology with the integration of other digital technologies (like AI and machine learning, IoT objects, big data analytics, cloud computing, robotic technology, and other digital platforms) in emerging healthcare applications. From the literature, it is clear that the promising aspects of 5G (such as super-high speed, high throughput, low latency) have a prospect in healthcare advancement. Now healthcare is being adopted 5G-based technologies to aid improved health services, more effective medical research, enhanced quality of life, better experiences of medical professionals and patients in anywhere–anytime. This paper emphasizes the evolving roles of 5G technology for handling the epidemiological challenges. The study also discusses various technological challenges and prospective for developing 5G powered healthcare solutions. Further works will incorporate more studies on how to expand 5G-based digital society as well as to resolve the issues of safety–security–privacy and availability–accessibility–integrity in future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh 2224, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Khatun
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Islam Sami
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh 2224, Bangladesh
| | - Ashik Uzzaman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh 2224, Bangladesh
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:81-122. [PMID: 34047144 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last 80 years, creating a novel energetic exposure that previously did not exist. Most recent decades have seen exponential increases in nearly all environments, including rural/remote areas and lower atmospheric regions. Because of unique physiologies, some species of flora and fauna are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that may surpass human reactivity. There is limited, but comprehensive, baseline data in the U.S. from the 1980s against which to compare significant new surveys from different countries. This now provides broader and more precise data on potential transient and chronic exposures to wildlife and habitats. Biological effects have been seen broadly across all taxa and frequencies at vanishingly low intensities comparable to today's ambient exposures. Broad wildlife effects have been seen on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and longevity and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have been observed. The above issues are explored in three consecutive parts: Part 1 questions today's ambient EMF capabilities to adversely affect wildlife, with more urgency regarding 5G technologies. Part 2 explores natural and man-made fields, animal magnetoreception mechanisms, and pertinent studies to all wildlife kingdoms. Part 3 examines current exposure standards, applicable laws, and future directions. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Blake Levitt
- National Association of Science Writers, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC Campus, USA
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Cavezzi A, Menicagli R, Troiani E, Corrao S. COVID-19, Cation Dysmetabolism, Sialic Acid, CD147, ACE2, Viroporins, Hepcidin and Ferroptosis: A Possible Unifying Hypothesis. F1000Res 2022; 11:102. [PMID: 35340277 PMCID: PMC8921693 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.108667.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: iron and calcium dysmetabolism, with hyperferritinemia, hypoferremia, hypocalcemia and anemia have been documented in the majority of COVID-19 patients at later/worse stages. Furthermore, complementary to ACE2, both sialic acid (SA) molecules and CD147 proved relevant host receptors for SARS-CoV-2 entry, which explains the viral attack to multiple types of cells, including erythrocytes, endothelium and neural tissue. Several authors advocated that cell ferroptosis may be the core and final cell degenerative mechanism. Methods: a literature research was performed in several scientific search engines, such as PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Chemical Abstract Service. More than 500 articles were retrieved until mid-December 2021, to highlight the available evidence about the investigated issues. Results: based on COVID-19 literature data, we have highlighted a few pathophysiological mechanisms, associated with virus-based cation dysmetabolism, multi-organ attack, mitochondria degeneration and ferroptosis. Our suggested elucidated pathological sequence is: a) spike protein subunit S1 docking with sialylated membrane glycoproteins/receptors (ACE2, CD147), and S2 subunit fusion with the lipid layer; b) cell membrane morpho-functional changes due to the consequent electro-chemical variations and viroporin action, which induce an altered ion channel function and intracellular cation accumulation; c) additional intracellular iron concentration due to a deregulated hepcidin-ferroportin axis, with higher hepcidin levels. Viral invasion may also affect erythrocytes/erythroid precursors, endothelial cells and macrophages, through SA and CD147 receptors, with relative hemoglobin and iron/calcium dysmetabolism. AB0 blood group, hemochromatosis, or environmental elements may represent possible factors which affect individual susceptibility to COVID-19. Conclusions: our literature analysis confirms the combined role of SA molecules, ACE2, CD147, viroporins and hepcidin in determining the cation dysmetabolism and final ferroptosis in the cells infected by SARS-CoV-2. The altered ion channels and electrochemical gradients of the cell membrane have a pivotal role in the virus entry and cell dysmetabolism, with subsequent multi-organ immune-inflammatory degeneration and erythrocyte/hemoglobin alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Cavezzi
- Eurocenter Venalinfa, San Benedetto del Tronto, AP, 63074, Italy
| | | | - Emidio Troiani
- Cardiology Unit, Social Security Institute, State Hospital, Cailungo, 47893, San Marino
| | - Salvatore Corrao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine Division,, ARNAS Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli Hospital Trust, Palermo, Italy
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Assessment of Human Exposure Levels Due to Mobile Phone Antennas in 5G Networks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031546. [PMID: 35162566 PMCID: PMC8835459 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The recent deployment of 5G networks is bringing benefits to the population but it is also raising public concern about human RF-EMF exposure levels. This is particularly relevant considering the next 5G mobile devices, which are placed in close proximity to the subjects. Therefore, the aim of the following paper is focused on expanding the knowledge of the exposure levels in 5G exposure scenarios, specifically for mobile applications, using computational methods. The mobile antenna was designed considering the 5G technology innovations (i.e., mm-wave spectrum, beamforming capability, high gain and wide coverage), resulting in a phased-array antenna with eight elements at the working frequency of 27 GHz. To assess the exposure levels, different types of skin models with different grades of details and layers were considered. Furthermore, not only was the presence of a mobile phone user simulated, but also that of a person in their proximity, who could be hit by the main beam of the phased-array antenna. All the simulations were conducted in Sim4Life platform, where the exposure levels were assessed in terms of absorbed power density averaged over 4 cm2 and 1 cm2, following the ICNIRP guidelines. The results highlighted that the use of the homogeneous skin model led to the absorbed power density peaks being greatly underestimated, with respect to those obtained in multilayer skin models. Furthermore, interestingly, we found that the exposure levels obtained for the person passing nearby were slightly higher than those experienced by the mobile phone user himself. Finally, using the allowed input power for real mobile applications, all the values remained below the limits indicated by the ICNIRP guidelines.
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Bonato M, Dossi L, Chiaramello E, Benini M, Gallucci S, Fiocchi S, Tognola G, Parazzini M. Application of Stochastic Dosimetry for assessing the Human RFEMF Exposure in a 5G indoor Scenario. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:595-599. [PMID: 34891364 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years the introduction of 5G networks is causing a drastically change of human exposure levels in the radio frequency range. The aim of this paper is on expanding the knowledge on this issue, assessing the exposure levels for a particular case of indoor 5G scenario, where the presence of an Access Point (AP) was simulated. Coupling the traditional deterministic computational method with an innovative stochastic approach, called Polynomial Chaos Kriging, allowed to evaluate the exposure variability of an user considering the 3D beamforming capability of the antenna. The exposure levels, expressed in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR) in specific tissues, showed low values compared to ICNIRP guidelines.
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