Electromagnetic fields - do they pose a cardiovascular risk?

A review of effects of electromagnetic fields on ageing and ageing dependent bioeffects of electromagnetic fields

Thanks to the progress of science and technology, human life expectancy has dramatically increased in the past few decades, but accompanied by rapid ageing of population, resulting in increased burden on society. At the same time, the living environment, especially the electromagnetic environment, has also greatly changed due to science and technology advances. The effect of artificial electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted from power lines, mobile phones, wireless equipment, and other devices on ageing and ageing-related diseases are receiving increasing attention. However, the information on the relationship between EMFs and ageing and ageing related susceptibility to EMFs is fragmentary, a review is needed. Only few studies directly investigate the effect of EMFs on ageing, and we reviewed the impact of EMFs on lifespan and cellular senescence to pry whether EMFs have an effect on ageing, and reviewed the age-dependent bioeffects and health impacts of EMFs to see whether ageing would affect biological susceptibility to EMFs. The results indicated that EMFs may have an effect on longevity and cellular senescence, but the results were inconsistent which may depend on EMF types (frequency, intensity, wave shape, etc.), species, and cell lines. Ageing has an impact on the biological or health effects of EMFs; however, the results differ depending on the EMF type and the endpoint or health outcome. Age-dependent changes in free radical metabolism, ion homeostasis, gene expression, enzyme activity, and tissue biophysical properties may be the reason; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated.

Is the sustainability of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation possible?

Technological advances imply an increase in artificially generating sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF), therefore, resulting in a permanent exposure of people and the environment (electromagnetic pollution). Inconsistent results have been published considering the evaluated health effects. The purpose of this study was to review scientific literature on EMF to provide a global and retrospective perspective, on the association between human exposure to non-ionizing radiation (NIR, mainly radiofrequency-EMF) and health and environmental effects. Studies on the health effects of 5G radiation exposure have not yet been performed with sufficient statistical power, as the exposure time is still relatively short and also the latency and intensity of exposure to 5G. The safety standards only consider thermal effects, do not contemplate non-thermal effects. We consider relevant to communicate this knowledge to the general public to improve education in this field, and to healthcare professionals to prevent diseases that may result from RF-EMF exposures.

Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and tracking devices-state of the science and best management practices

This paper discusses the potential health risks and benefits to tagged wildlife from the use of radio tracking, radio telemetry, and related microchip and data-logger technologies used to study, monitor and track mostly wildlife in their native habitats. Domestic pets, especially canids, are briefly discussed as radio-tagging devices are also used on/in them. Radio tracking uses very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and global positioning system (GPS) technologies, including via satellites where platform terminal transmitters (PTTs) are used, as well as geo-locating capabilities using satellites, radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, and passive integrated responder (PIT) tags, among others. Such tracking technologies have resulted in cutting-edge findings worldwide that have served to protect and better understand the behaviors of myriad wildlife species. As a result, scientists, field researchers, technicians, fish and wildlife biologists and managers, plus wildlife and other veterinarian specialists, frequently opt for its use without fully understanding the ramifications to target species and their behaviors. These include negative physiological effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which many nonhuman species are exquisitely sensitive, as well as direct placement/use-attachment impacts from radio collars, transmitters, and implants themselves. This paper provides pertinent studies, suggests best management practices, and compares technologies currently available to those considering and/or using such technologies. The primary focus is on the health and environmental risk/benefit decisions that should come into play, including ethical considerations, along with recommendations for more caution in the wildlife and veterinarian communities before such technologies are used in the first place.