The effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields
The effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on the human body are a matter of concern. Our bodies, like sensitive electrochemical systems, can experience interference from the radiation associated with electromagnetic pollution. Soviet scientists have demonstrated that electromagnetic fields within the frequency range of 30 MHz to 300 GHz can affect the human circulatory system by altering heart rhythm and blood pressure, even at low radiation intensity levels that do not produce thermal effects.
According to experts such as David O. Carpenter, a leading authority on the subject and director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the State University of New York, RF radiation has various biological effects that have been observed in animals and cell systems. While the negative effects on humans cannot be conclusively determined, indications suggest that there could be significant and serious effects.
Research conducted in China in 2005 revealed that relatively low-intensity radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation can cause disruptions in DNA. The REFLEX project, conducted by 12 research groups in seven European countries in 2004, reported that radiofrequency radiation can increase the number of DNA breaks in exposed cells and activate a stress response, resulting in the production of protective proteins known as "heat shock proteins."
It is now known that radio frequency electromagnetic radiation promotes oxidative stress, which is implicated in the development of cancer, acute and chronic diseases, and disturbances in vascular homeostasis. Recent studies have also suggested reproductive, metabolic, and neurological effects of radio frequencies, as well as the potential to alter resistance to bacterial antibiotics. The accumulated evidence is sufficient to demonstrate the existence of biomedical effects.
The risks associated with electromagnetic radiation have increased significantly in recent decades due to the widespread use of telecommunications devices. Over a billion people worldwide own cell phones, and in Italy, the number of mobile contracts surpasses the population. The expansion of 4G and 5G technologies aims to provide coverage to 98% of the country, eliminating areas with poor reception. This wave-saturated wireless environment is unprecedented in human history, particularly for the new "digital" generation immersed in wireless devices.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as "possible human carcinogens" (group 2B). In May 2011, IARC, followed by the World Health Organization (WHO) a few years later, identified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as potentially increasing the risk of developing malignant brain tumors, particularly glioma, which is primarily associated with cell phone use.
The well-known and general biological effects of high-frequency electromagnetism include carcinogenic, reproductive, neurological, and metabolic effects. In 2018, two significant ten-year studies—the National Toxicology Program in the United States and the Ramazzini Institute in Bologna—reduced doubts about the carcinogenicity of radio frequencies. These studies exposed rats to radiation from mobile phones (near-field) and telephony base radio stations (far-field) at levels 15 to 1000 times lower. The results showed an increase in glial cell tumors in the brain, similar to those found in humans.
Based on these findings, Fiorella Belpoggi, director of research at Ramazzini, stated that the results provide enough evidence to re-evaluate the IARC's conclusions and consider radio frequencies as a "probable" or even "known" human carcinogen. Precautionary measures should be taken, vulnerable individuals should be identified, and existing limits should be reviewed.
Furthermore, preliminary scientific evidence has shown that exposure to frequencies above 30 GHz (close to the 26 GHz band used in 5G) can impact cellular gene expression, increase skin temperature, stimulate cell proliferation, affect cellular properties, and modulate the synthesis of proteins involved in inflammatory and immunological processes, potentially leading to systemic effects.