Cellular and Molecular Responses to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

In recent years, people have been exposed to many kinds of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by domestic electrical appliances and mobile telecommunication devices. There is increasing public concern regarding the health risks of radio-frequency (RF) radiation, particularly that produced by mobile phones. Concern regarding the potential risks of exposure to EMFs has led to many epidemiological investigations, but the effects of EMF exposure on human and other mammalian cells are still unclear. Cellular studies of the effects of RF EMFs have been conducted more often than epidemiological and animal studies. This review provides a summary of the potential cellular effects of RF fields, including those generated by cell phones and their base stations. In vitro studies of the effects of RF fields can mainly be classified into those examining genotoxic and nongenotoxic effects. Genotoxic effects include DNA strand breaks, micronucleus formation, mutation, and chromosomal aberration, i.e., changes involving damage to DNA. Nongenotoxic effects refer to changes in cellular functions, including cell proliferation, signal transduction, and gene expression (mRNA and protein). The results of most recent studies show no marked effects of RF exposure at the cellular and genetic levels. However, some studies have suggested RF effects, and these results require further investigation. As the wireless power transfer technologies are gaining more popularity, it is important that the engineering community participate in the health assessment study with medical and biological research groups. Since the electromagnetic environment due to future wireless power technologies continues to increase, biologists also have to promote the research assessment utilizing advanced technologies in the life sciences. This review paper attempts to provide an insight on the cellular and molecular responses to the RF electromagnetic fields and the understanding of such biological impacts are important for wireless power technology applications.