In 2003, RWY Habash. LM Brodsky and W Leiss performed an exhaustive assessment of the health consequences from electromagnetic fields (EMF), paying particular attention to magnetic and radiofrequency (RF) fields and their supposed associations with cancer. The research denoted the growing agitation by the masses on the effects of EMF exposure owing to wireless technology advancement and electrical network development. The investigation aimed to evaluate the possible biological consequences of long-term exposure to magnetic and RF fields and their possible cotoxications by evaluating the carcinogenic potential of these fields.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF): Magnetic, and Radiofrequency Fields

EMF includes various frequency ranges all the way from extremely low frequency (ELF) fields to high frequency RF fields utilized in telecommunications. Proximity to power lines, electrical wires and appliances are a source of magnetic fields while wireless devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers and broadcasting antennas are a source of RF fields.

Two categories were the focus of Habash and his counterparts:

• One of the categories was magnetic fields; namely extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields that are both occupational and residential in nature and are a result of electrical infrastructure.
• Radiofrequency fields formed the second category and are frequency fields that are rather brought about by technologies for wireless communication such as mobile phones as well as radio and television transmitters.

Investigation and Findings of Habash Brodsky and Leiss (2003)

The authors Habash, Brodsky, and Leiss 2003 research brought significant contribution to the scientific knowledge about the risks that come as a result of EMF exposure; in this case, cancer.

1.    Strength of Medical Evidence: Epidemiological Evidence of Cancer Risk

Particular attention was paid to evaluation of epidemiological studies concerning the possibility of developing cancer as a result of exposure to EMF. The authors of the research analyzed a number of works which reported increased level of cancer, in particular leukemia and brain tumors, among high ELF magnetic field exposure groups. Most of these studies involved subjects like employees of electrical utilities and telecommunication industries with high EMF exposure.

As for ELF, there was relatively stronger evidence; there was weaker… but still data concerning RF. Even so though there were some studies that stated that long term exposure to RF fields, including those emitted from mobile phones may increase the risk of brain tumours, such as gliomas and acoustic neuromas. The authors called attention to the growing numbers of wireless devices and studies on their long-term health effects.

2.    Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis

Habash and his associates also sought to understand the biological mechanisms that underlie cancer as a possible consequence of EMF exposure. These researchers have proposed several pathways through which cancer development may occur due to exposure to magnetic and RF fields:

• Oxygene Stress: It was also noted that the exposure of cells to both ELF and RF fields resulted in the development of oxidative stress in these cells and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These reactive species can cause cellular damage, including to DNA, lipids, and proteins, which may set the stage for cancer.
• Damage to the DNA: The study proposed that while bacteria and commercial microwave-radio frequencies have the potential to become universal pesticides primarily through mechanistic induction of DNA damage, Transformation does not directly occur even though integrated life forms frequently utilize ionizing radiation that cleaves DNA directly.
• Disturbances in Cell Interactions: Specific attention as well should be paid to the interference of radio frequency fields with some cell signaling pathways, including cell growth and apoptosis regulatory pathways. Disruption of these pathways may result in uncontrolled cell growth and division, which is a feature of cancer.

3.    Magnetic Fields and Leukemia Cases in Children

Leukemia particularly childhood leukemia which is probably the cancer that has been studied most with respect to exposure to magnetic fields was also further investigated in this study. The researchers have reviewed several epidemiological studies and these studies indicated that there could be an increased risk of childhood leukemia among those who live near high voltage power lines, which are sources of ELF magnetic fields. This was an important finding as it helped to support the case for future studies on how magnetic fields exposure on the environmental context could brouch irreversible changes to sensitive populations.

Radio Frequency Fields & Mobile Phones Use associated with Brain Tumors

While evaluating the available data on RF fields especially from mobile phones, the authorswere of the opinion that the data was not as such conclusive to make a firm definite statement on the risk towards cancer. Nonetheless some of them have indicated a long term risk of mobile phones in heavy users to activate tumor growing processes particularly in the brain. The authors in fact called for long term cohort studies regarding risks of RF exposure especially with increased usage of mobile phones worldwide.

Public health implications

In their study, Habash, Brodsky, and Leiss raised doubts about the skulls and the sufficiency of the existing safety standards and called for further study. Their findings proposed that whilst the immediate impacts of EMF exposure are clear, the possibility of developing long term cancers especially due to magnetic and rf fields is still to be studied adequately.

1. Precautionary measures: Because of the possible risks, the researchers called for precautionary measures aimed at reducing the EMF exposure especially among children and other susceptible groups. Their advice was to refrain from exposing the general population to environments with high-EMF for longer durations and the adoption of the technologies that have low radiation levels.
2. Research Priorities: The study raised a number of research questions in particular the need for epidemiological studies that look into the risks associated with long term RF field exposure due to mobile phones and other wireless gadgets. In addition, the study recommended that further research on biological pathways that EMF exposure may use to promote cancer disease be conducted.

Conclusion

The work of RWY Habash, LM Brodsky, and W Leiss in 2003 is important in studying the possible risks of cancer related to magnetic and RF fields. Even though the evidence for a direct association between exposure to the EMF and the occurrence of cancer was, at that time, inconclusive, the above-mentioned study made it clear that research should go on. Particularly against the background of the active promotion of wireless technologies. With a growing number of people exposed to both magnetic fields and RF fields, there is an urgent need to understand the effects on health in general and EMF exposure in particular.

References

Habash, R.W.Y., Brodsky, L.M., & Leiss, W. (2003). Health risks of electromagnetic fields with a focus on magnetic and radiofrequency fields and cancer. Journal of Electromagnetic Research, 27(1), 45-61.

Kheifets, L., & Repacholi, M.H. (1999). Public health responses to emerging concerns about RF exposure and cancer. Bioelectromagnetics, 20(4), 133-136.

Ahlbom, A., & Feychting, M. (2001). Electromagnetic fields and health: Review of evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 109(S6), 911-933.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2013). Non-ionizing radiation, part 2: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, 102, 1-461.