Rat lymphocytes in cell culture exposed to 2450 MHz (CW) microwave radiation

Radiofrequency (RF) effects on blood cells, cardiac, endocrine, and immunological functions

Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RFEMF) on the pituitary adrenocortical (ACTH), growth (GH), and thyroid (TSH) hormones have been extensively studied, and there is coherent research on reproductive hormones (FSH and LH). Those effects which have been identified are clearly caused by heating. The exposure thresholds for these effects in living mammals, including primates, have been established. There is limited evidence that indicates no interaction between RFEMF and the pineal gland or an effect on prolactin from the pituitary gland. Studies of RFEMF exposed blood cells have shown that changes or damage do not occur unless the cells are heated. White cells (leukocytes) are much more sensitive than red cells (erythrocytes) but white cell effects remain consistent with normal physiological responses to systemic temperature fluctuation. Lifetime studies of RFEMF exposed animals show no cumulative adverse effects in their endocrine, hematological, or immune systems. Cardiovascular tissue is not directly affected adversely in the absence of significant RFEMF heating or electric currents. The regulation of blood pressure is not influenced by ultra high frequency (UHF) RFEMF at levels commonly encountered in the use of mobile communication devices.

The biological effects of radiofrequency radiation: a critical review and recommendations

Exposure of the general public and in particular certain occupational groups to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) is ubiquitous and of growing concern. No clear and widely accepted understanding of the biological effects and health implications of such RFR exposure has emerged. This paper reviews the data available, including reports of RFR effects on single cells or cell components, on genetic composition or development, on developed organs, tissues, or cell systems, and on integrative and regulatory biological systems. Reports of RFR effects on the immunological system, with consideration of the influence of neuroendocrine responses, are critically reviewed in greater detail to illustrate important points regarding data acquisition and assessment, and understanding and application of the RFR bioeffects literature in general. Factors affecting RFR bioeffects research are reviewed, and recommendations for future studies are provided.

Modulation of mammalian immunity by electromagnetic radiation

There have been reports that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) alters the function of the immune system; however, these reports are often contradictory. This review reexamines the literature and attempts to evaluate the data on potential mechanisms of interaction of EMR on mammalian immune function. This report concludes that there is no convincing evidence that EMR effects on the human immune system are a health hazard. It was suggested by some authors that long-term EMR exposure may impair immune surveillance, and hypothetically thus facilitate tumor growth. Additional research is needed to prove or disprove this hypothesis. Available data indicate that EMR exposure does not affect the ability of cells of the immune system to respond to a subsequent challenge. However, the time-course and magnitude of the response may be affected by exposure following stimulation. Research to date provided evidence that at least at some frequencies and/or amplitude and pulse modulations, the site of primary interaction of EMR is at the cell membrane. However, it was shown that one specific response, the increase in B complement-receptor positive lymphocytes (Cr+) in the mouse is under genetic control by a single gene localized on chromosome 5. It is suggested that cells of the immune system are a convenient model for further studies on mechanisms of EMR interaction with living systems. Future research should be directed at exploring beneficial medical applications of EMR modulation of immune responses.