In their 2014 study, Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi focused on the biological and health impacts of radiofrequency (RF) fields with special emphasis on the potential risk of cancer. With more people adopting wireless technology, these concerns over the health issues likely caused by RF fields from such devices as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and other wireless communication technologies also grew. In their study, Scarfi and Vijayalaxmi sought to alleviate those concerns by reviewing the available literature and explaining the biological impact of RF fields, including the risk of RF fields for carcinogenic processes.

Radiofrequency Fields: Definition and Characteristics

Radiofrequency fields make up a portion of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum and are a form of non-ionizing radiation in the frequency range 3 kHz-300GHz. Such fields are, inter alia, generated by mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and television transmitters. Unlike ionizing radiation (for example, X-rays), radiofrequency fields are not energetic enough to ionize atoms and break chemical bonds or damage DNA directly. However, this increased use and saturation of devices emitting RF fields has created the debate on the potential long-term health effects and adverse outcomes such as cancer.

Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi (2014) Findings in a Nutshell

The paper by Vijayalaxmi and MR Scarfi on the health effects of RF fields contains a considerable detail both on epidemiological as well as experimental studies. Their findings were relevant to the still ongoing discussion as to whether RF radiation, if present for prolonged periods, increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers like the brain ones.

1.    Epidemiological Evidence

Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi consulted a number of epidemiological investigations that sought to find out whether, among other things, exposure to radio frequencies resulted in cancer. The most frequently investigated of such conditions was that of brain cancer, especially gliomas and acoustic neuromas, since such tumors grow in regions of the brain that are most RF-field affected by mobile phones. Although some studies showed that the risk rate of getting brain cancer increased for heavy mobile phone users, almost all the epidemiological information was unable to support such a correlation to sustain the strong association.

However, the researchers pointed out that the inconsistencies in the data are attributed to other factors including the nature of the assessment that was conducted, the design of the study and the length of treatment. However, the modestly increased risk of developing brain cancer among those who are habitual and heavy users of mobile phones for several years can be fully ignored.

2.    Experimental Studies and Biological Mechanisms

Along with epidemiological data revision, Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi also took into account some of the experiments which aimed at the biological effects of RF fields on cells and animal models as well. Such studies offered some suggestions as to the possible ways by which RF exposure may be related to the development of cancer tumors:

• Oxidative Stress: In some studies RF exposure has been shown to lead to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Since ROS are capable of causing damage to biological molecules including DNA, lipids, and proteins, then over a period of time, the accumulation of such damage may influence the development of cancer through stimulating the occurrence of mutations and abnormal proliferation of cells.
• Heat Generation: The generation of heat has been described as the most recognized biological effect of RF frequency exposure, especially at high frequencies and power level. Nevertheless, the amount of RF exposure from the routine use of wireless devices such as cell phones is not quite adequate to produce any heating effects. NON-thermal factors such as oxidative stress or the effects on various cell signaling pathways are what these researchers think to be the cause of any cancerous effect that could arise.
• DNA Repair and Gene Expression: Some of the studies which were reviewed by Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi showed that exposure to RF electromagnetic energy could also modify some gene expression dynamics and components of cellular crosslink repair. Such alterations would tend to favour the accumulation of mutations and could foster carcinogenesis.

3.    Mobile Telephone Use Pattern and its association with cancer minimally invasive technics of impact

Another aspect of the mobile phone study which was quite important was the possible exposure to mobile phone radiation and risk of cancer and particularly brain tumors seen in frequent users. Relatively mobile phones are one of the most often used devices emitting RF radiation and therefore questions have arisen whether such devices, if used often, could have a negative effect on one’s health, namely, could one develop a tumor in the brain. As the epidemiological studies could not strongly suggest a conclusion it was felt that there might be some correlation between chronic severe usage of mobile phones and developing gliomas and acoustic neuromas.

However, they added that the evidence from the studies was not strong enough to conclude that one factor caused the other. They stressed the importance of carryon doing research, especially of prolonged cohort type studies where realistic exposure to RF is registered, in order to clarify the health effects.

Public Health Aspects

Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi’s study in 2014, however, contributed to the understanding of the health effects of RF exposure, including the risk of cancer. And although causation between RF exposure and cancer was not obtained, the authors argued for further investigation and protective actions to be taken.

1. Precautionary Measures: Because of the uncertainty that still exists in the present context, the investigators suggested several precautionary measures against mobile phone radiation that include more hands-free mobile use, reducing head exposure by using hands-free devices, and limiting the mobile phone usage time.
2. Future Research: These incorporated voice over the Internet protocols significantly higher integration of wireless technologies into daily life,” write Vijayalaxmi and Scarfi, “gives the need for comprehensive long-term epidemiological studies to evaluate the cancer risk posed by RF radiation. Further research is also needed to explain the biological pathways by which RF signals could promote cancer.

Conclusion

Vijayalaxmi and MR Scarfi 2014 emphasized the biological and health impacts of radiofrequency fields, especially in relation to cancer risk. Although data did not explicitly prove RF exposure and elevated cancer risk, a concern concerning the possibility of long-term health repercussions immediately comes to mind for heavy mobile phone users. Since the world’s dependence on wireless technologies keeps on increasing, looking into potential health hazards associated with RF exposure is an important direction for further studies.

References

Vijayalaxmi, & Scarfi, M.R. (2014). Biological and health effects of radiofrequency fields: Cancer risks and non-cancer concerns. Bioelectromagnetics, 35(6), 457-469.

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

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

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.