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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:327-406. [PMID: 34243228 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species - including in aquatic environments - that rely on the Earth's natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. 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. 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 - a subject explored in Part 3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - 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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Mortazavi SMJ, Taheri M, Paknahad M, Khandadash S. Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi Router on the Growth Rate and Susceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis to Antibiotics. J Biomed Phys Eng 2022; 12:387-394. [PMID: 36059281 PMCID: PMC9395628 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decade, people have been dramatically exposed to radiation emitted from widely-used radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) generating devices. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to RF-EMF emitted from smart phones and Wi-Fi routers on the growth rate and antibiotic sensitivity of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) as a pathogen in the root canals of teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this experimental study, E. faecalis ATCC 19115 was used, characterized and confirmed by morphological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was measured for several common antibiotics. To perform antibiotic susceptibility tests, disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates was used before and after exposure to RF-EMFs emitted from a commercial Wi-Fi router or a mobile phone simulator. Moreover, we measured the optical density at 625 nm after different exposure times using a calibrated UV-visible spectrophotometer to evaluate the effect of RF-EMF exposure on the bacterial growth rate. RESULTS Exposure to RF-EMF significantly altered the antimicrobial sensitivity of the E. faecalis. While, the susceptibility of the bacteria decreased significantly after 6 h of exposure, longer exposure time (e.g. exposure for 24 h) increased the susceptibility of the bacteria to all antibiotics. Furthermore, it was found that the bacteria tended to regress to their early state. Moreover, the non-exposed E. faecalis showed a slower growth rate than the bacteria exposed to RF-EMFs. CONCLUSION Exposure to RF-EMF emitted by Wi-Fi routers or mobile phone simulator can significantly change the antibiotic susceptibility and growth rate of E. faecalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
- PhD, Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- PhD, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- PhD, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Paknahad
- DDS, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- DDS, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Salar Khandadash
- MSc, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Pegios A, Kavvadas D, Ζarras K, Mpani K, Soukiouroglou P, Charalampidou S, Vagdatli E, Papamitsou T. The Effect of Electromagnetic Radiation Transmitted from Routers on Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacterial Pathogens. J Biomed Phys Eng 2022; 12:327-338. [PMID: 36059284 PMCID: PMC9395630 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2111-1433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation has both thermal and non-thermal outcomes on biological systems, such as humans, animals, and bacteria. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation, emitted by Wi-Fi routers, on bacterial strains and the modification of their susceptibility to modern antibiotics. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this case-control paired study, four bacteria were selected, and one colony from each bacterial strain was exposed to Wi-Fi radiation forming the exposure group. Another set of colonies was not exposed to Wi-Fi radiation, forming the control group. Eight different antibiotic disks were set on the bacterial plates, and the inhibition zone was measured every 3 h for each colony. RESULTS Electromagnetic radiation affects bacterial colonies and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Analysis revealed statistically significant differences, correlated with the bacterial strain, the antibiotic agent, and the time of the exposure, in the inhibition zones, mostly after 6 and 24 h (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION A correlation was observed between antibiotic susceptibility and non-ionizing radiofrequency exposure. Studying the effects of radiofrequency radiation on prokaryotic organisms could clarify more complicated cell structures and organisms, such as eukaryotic. Further experiments, in vitro and in vivo, could provide more information about these outcomes and cause experts to discuss the current guidelines of exposure limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Pegios
- MD, Pediatric Surgeon, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kavvadas
- PhD Candidate, Histology and Embryology Laboratory, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Ζarras
- MD, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
| | - Konstantia Mpani
- MD, Department of Biopathology and Microbiology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Prodromos Soukiouroglou
- MD, Department of Biopathology and Microbiology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Charalampidou
- MD, Department of Biopathology and Microbiology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Vagdatli
- PhD, Department of Biopathology and Microbiology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodora Papamitsou
- PhD, Histology and Embryology Laboratory, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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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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Biological Effects of a Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Yeast Cells of the Genus Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. ACTA MEDICA MARTINIANA 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/acm-2021-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Although the scientific community is extensively concerned with the effects of the EMF, the unambiguous explanation of its effects on living structures is still lacking.
Goals: The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of a low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the growth and multiplication of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Methods: Yeast cells were exposed to a frequency of 900 Hz and a magnetic flux density of 2.3 mT. The duration of each experiment was 8 hours, in the beginning of the measurement the value of frequency, rms (root mean square) value of electric current (2 A), and magnetic flux density were fixed set on the exposure device. A paired experiment was performed, a sample exposed to EMF, and a sample shielded from the field. Subsequently, samples were taken every two hours, the number of cells was recorded, and then the concentration of the yeast cells was evaluated at time points. The time points reflected the exposure time of the samples exposed to EMF.
Results: The results indicate that LF EMF at given parameters has an inhibitory effect on the growth and multiplication of yeast cells.
Conclusion: Exposure to EMF can cause the differences in growth dynamics between cells exposed to the field and the unexposed ones.
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Olawale SI, Busayo OOM, Olatunji OI, Mariam M, Olayinka OS. Plasmid profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from abattoirs wastewater within Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 12:547-555. [PMID: 33613909 PMCID: PMC7884279 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v12i6.5029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Waste water from abattoirs could harbour bacteria some of which are pathogenic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of wastewater from some abattoirs in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The counts of viable bacteria, total coliform, faecal coliform, enterococci, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella/Shigella spp. of the wastewater was determined using selective media. The sanitary condition appraisal, antibiotic susceptibility test and plasmid profile of the isolates were assessed using standard methods. Results: The highest count of viable bacteria and total coliform obtained were 9.0 × 107 and 3.0 × 107 CFU/ml respectively. Faecal coliform and enterococcal count had the same highest value of 3.0 × 105 CFU/ml. The highest count of pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella spp. were 2.5 × 108, 1.9 × 107 and 3.0 × 104 CFU/ml respectively. The abattoirs sanitary scores ranged from 28.6–57.1%. The isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging from 0.5–1.0. Plasmid curing with 0.1 mg/ml of acridine orange solution led to reduction in the MAR index of most of the Gram negative bacteria. Pseudomonas stutzeri was susceptible to all the antibiotics while Proteus vulgaris was resistant to all the antibiotics after curing. Most of the Gram negative bacteria isolated belong to the families Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae while the Gram positive bacteria belong to the families Staphylococcaceae, Enterococcaceae and Streptococcaceae. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that wastewaters from the abattoirs were contaminated by bacteria with high MAR index. Most of these bacteria borne their antibiotic resistant factors in their plasmid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Ismaila Olawale
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Muhammed Mariam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria
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Lai YF, Wang HY, Peng RY. Establishment of injury models in studies of biological effects induced by microwave radiation. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:12. [PMID: 33597038 PMCID: PMC7890848 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microwave radiation has been widely used in various fields, such as communication, industry, medical treatment, and military applications. Microwave radiation may cause injuries to both the structures and functions of various organs, such as the brain, heart, reproductive organs, and endocrine organs, which endanger human health. Therefore, it is both theoretically and clinically important to conduct studies on the biological effects induced by microwave radiation. The successful establishment of injury models is of great importance to the reliability and reproducibility of these studies. In this article, we review the microwave exposure conditions, subjects used to establish injury models, the methods used for the assessment of the injuries, and the indicators implemented to evaluate the success of injury model establishment in studies on biological effects induced by microwave radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fei Lai
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hao-Yu Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Rui-Yun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
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