Study Claims Risk When Exposed To RFR From Charging Cell Phone Wirelessly

External RF-EMF Alters Cell Number and ROS Balance Possibly via the Regulation of NADPH Metabolism and Apoptosis

JULY 24, 2024

Is This Technology for Cell Phone Charging Wirelessly?

Yes, the technology being discussed is primarily for wireless power transfer (WPT), which includes applications such as wirelessly charging cell phones. The 6.78 MHz ISM band is being promoted by the AirFuel Alliance specifically for mid-range wireless power transfer, which can wirelessly charge devices like mobile phones, tablets, and other consumer electronics. This technology aims to provide a convenient and efficient way to charge devices without the need for physical connectors.

As wireless charging technology for cell phones and other devices becomes more prevalent, it is essential to consider both the thermal and non-thermal biological effects of RF-EMF exposure. The recent study on HUVEC highlights the need for updated safety guidelines and more rigorous engineering controls to ensure the safe use of 6.78 MHz for mid-range wireless power transfer. Public health guidelines must also be adjusted to reflect these new findings, ensuring that the benefits of wireless charging do not come at the expense of public health.

Study Overview

The study titled “External RF-EMF Alters Cell Number and ROS Balance possibly via the Regulation of NADPH Metabolism and Apoptosis” investigates the non-thermal effects of weak radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on living organisms, specifically focusing on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

What are HUVEC?

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are a specific type of endothelial cell that lines the interior surface of blood vessels. These cells are derived from the vein of the human umbilical cord and are commonly used in scientific research due to their accessibility and relevance in studying various aspects of vascular biology.

Key Findings

Non-Thermal Effects of RF-EMF:

The study demonstrates that weak RF-EMF can influence cellular functions without causing significant temperature changes. This challenges the current safety standards that primarily consider thermal effects.

Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis:

RF-EMF exposure was found to promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. This indicates that RF-EMF can affect the cell cycle and survival mechanisms at a molecular level.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Balance:

The study observed that RF-EMF exposure deregulates ROS balance within cells. ROS are crucial signaling molecules, and their imbalance can lead to oxidative stress and affect various cellular processes.

Signaling Pathways and NADPH Metabolism:

Alterations in several signaling pathways and key enzymes involved in NADPH metabolism were identified. NADPH plays a critical role in maintaining cellular redox balance and supporting biosynthetic reactions.

Ferroptosis:

The study highlighted the involvement of ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death associated with iron and lipid peroxidation, in response to RF-EMF exposure.

Role of Bioelectricity

Bioelectricity is deeply intertwined with the findings of this study in several ways:

Regulation of Cellular Functions:

Bioelectric signals are known to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The study’s findings that RF-EMF promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis suggest that RF-EMF might be influencing bioelectric pathways that control these processes.

ROS Balance and Bioelectricity:

The balance of ROS is closely linked to bioelectric states of cells. Bioelectric fields can influence redox reactions and vice versa. The deregulation of ROS balance observed in the study could be a consequence of altered bioelectric signals induced by RF-EMF.

NADPH Metabolism and Bioelectricity:

NADPH is essential for maintaining the bioelectric gradient across cell membranes by supporting ion pump activities. Changes in NADPH metabolism could directly affect cellular bioelectricity, altering cell behavior and function.

Signaling Pathways:

Many signaling pathways that respond to bioelectric cues are also involved in the response to RF-EMF. For instance, pathways related to ion channel regulation, membrane potential changes, and intracellular signaling cascades can be modulated by both bioelectricity and RF-EMF.

Ferroptosis and Bioelectric Signals:

Ferroptosis involves changes in cellular iron levels and lipid peroxidation, processes that are influenced by bioelectric fields. The study’s identification of ferroptosis as a response to RF-EMF highlights a potential intersection with bioelectric regulation mechanisms.

Supporting Evidence from Major Studies

The findings from this study align with a significant body of research indicating potential health risks associated with cell phone-level electromagnetic radiation. Notable studies and reports supporting these claims include:

• Interphone Study: A large-scale international study investigating the potential health effects of mobile phone use.
• Hardell Group Studies: Research led by Dr. Lennart Hardell indicating an increased risk of brain tumors associated with cell phone use.
• CERENAT Study: A French study that found a higher risk of brain tumors among heavy mobile phone users.
• U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP): Research showing clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in rodents exposed to cell phone radiation.
• Ramazzini Institute Study: An Italian study replicating NTP findings and showing similar cancer risks at lower exposure levels.
• REFLEX Project: A European study demonstrating DNA damage in human cells exposed to EMF.
• BioInitiative Report: A comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on EMF health risks, advocating for more stringent exposure limits.
• Research by Dr. Henry Lai: Pioneering work revealing DNA damage and other biological effects of EMF exposure.

These studies collectively point towards an increased health risk from cell phone-level electromagnetic radiation and suggest the need for caution in dismissing potential risks.

Recognizing Therapeutic Potential of RF-EMF

While there is growing concern about the potential health risks, it’s important to acknowledge recent reviews highlighting the therapeutic potential of RF-EMF treatment. A recent review states, “Existent literature points toward a yet untapped therapeutic potential of RF-EMF treatment which might aid in damaging cancer cells through bioelectrical and electromechanical molecular mechanisms while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissue cells.”

Advancements in RF Radiation Research

Advancements in RF radiation research have demonstrated biological interactions beyond thermal effects. For example, the FDA-approved TheraBionic treatment employs RF radiation at power levels up to 1000 times lower than those emitted by cell phones. This treatment effectively targets inoperable liver cancer through non-thermal interactions at the cellular or molecular level, including resonance effects, disruption of cellular signaling, and potential modulation of the immune system. These findings challenge the traditional view that non-ionizing cell phone radiation is biologically inert except for its heating properties.

Conclusion

The study on HUVEC and RF-EMF, alongside supporting evidence from major studies, underscores the need to reconsider current safety standards that primarily address thermal effects. At the same time, the recognition of RF-EMF’s therapeutic potential invites a balanced perspective on its applications in medicine. As research progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that non-thermal biological interactions of RF-EMF warrant further investigation to fully understand their implications for both health risks and therapeutic benefits.