Review: Genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Review: Genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields Henry Lai. Genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. Published online: 04 Feb 2021. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2021.1881866 Abstract This is a review of the research on the genetic effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic field (EMF), mainly on radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and static and extremely low frequency EMF (ELF-EMF). The majority of the studies are on genotoxicity (e.g., DNA damage, chromatin conformation changes, etc.) and gene expression. Genetic effects of EMF depend on various factors, including field parameters and characteristics (frequency, intensity, wave-shape), cell type, and exposure duration. The types of gene expression affected (e.g., genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and stress responses, heat-shock proteins) are consistent with the findings that EMF causes genetic damages. Many studies reported effects in cells and animals after exposure to EMF at intensities similar to those in the public and occupational environments. The mechanisms by which effects are induced by EMF are basically unknown. Involvement of free radicals is a likely possibility. EMF also interacts synergistically with different entities on genetic functions. Interactions, particularly with chemotherapeutic compounds, raise the possibility of using EMF as an adjuvant for cancer treatment to increase the efficacy and decrease side effects of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. Other data, such as adaptive effects and mitotic spindle aberrations after EMF exposure, further support the notion that EMF causes genetic effects in living organisms. tandfonline.com For excerpts from this paper see: saferemr.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This review summarizes research on genetic effects of non-ionizing EMF, mainly radiofrequency radiation and static and extremely low frequency EMF. It states that many studies report genotoxicity and gene expression changes, including effects consistent with genetic damage, and notes reports of effects in cells and animals at intensities similar to public and occupational environments; mechanisms are described as basically unknown, with free radicals suggested as a likely possibility.

Outcomes measured

• genotoxicity
• DNA damage
• chromatin conformation changes
• gene expression
• mitotic spindle aberrations
• adaptive effects
• synergistic interactions (e.g., with chemotherapeutic compounds)

Limitations

• Mechanisms by which effects are induced are described as basically unknown.
• Genetic effects are described as depending on multiple factors (field parameters, cell type, exposure duration), implying heterogeneity across studies.

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.35)
  Review mentions effects reported at intensities similar to those in occupational environments.

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    },
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    "outcomes": [
        "genotoxicity",
        "DNA damage",
        "chromatin conformation changes",
        "gene expression",
        "mitotic spindle aberrations",
        "adaptive effects",
        "synergistic interactions (e.g., with chemotherapeutic compounds)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "This review summarizes research on genetic effects of non-ionizing EMF, mainly radiofrequency radiation and static and extremely low frequency EMF. It states that many studies report genotoxicity and gene expression changes, including effects consistent with genetic damage, and notes reports of effects in cells and animals at intensities similar to public and occupational environments; mechanisms are described as basically unknown, with free radicals suggested as a likely possibility.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Mechanisms by which effects are induced are described as basically unknown.",
        "Genetic effects are described as depending on multiple factors (field parameters, cell type, exposure duration), implying heterogeneity across studies."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.66000000000000003108624468950438313186168670654296875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "non-ionizing electromagnetic fields",
        "EMF",
        "radiofrequency radiation",
        "RFR",
        "static fields",
        "ELF-EMF",
        "genotoxicity",
        "DNA damage",
        "gene expression",
        "free radicals",
        "synergistic interactions",
        "chemotherapeutic compounds"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.34999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Review mentions effects reported at intensities similar to those in occupational environments."
        }
    ]
}

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