Saturday, October 03, 2015
The implications of non-linear biological oscillations on human electrophysiology for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
Rev Environ Health. 2015 Sep 12. pii: /j/reveh.ahead-of-print/reveh-2015-0007/reveh-2015-0007.xml. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0007. [Epub ahead of print]
The implications of non-linear biological oscillations on human electrophysiology for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).
Abstract
- PMID:
- 26368042
- [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Friday, October 02, 2015
Health and Environment Alliance: Electromagnetic Fields
Health and Environment Alliance: Electromagnetic Fields
Exposure to EMF has been linked to a variety of health problems and diseases ranging from sleeping disorders and allergies to childhood and breast cancer.
Increasing scientific evidence demonstrates that electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones and Wi-Fi connections are becoming an issue of growing health concern. The regular use of cell phones for 10 years or more is found to double the risk of malignant brain tumours. Power line EMF exposure is likely responsible for hundreds of new cases of child leukaemia every year.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has warned of possible health risks and long-term effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields and has called for immediate action to reduce exposure. The agency warns that a further delay in taking precautionary measures could lead to a health crisis similar to those caused by asbestos, smoking, and lead in petrol.
HEAL advocates for regulatory and preventative actions to be taken as soon as possible by the EU. In particular, HEAL calls for a review of all EMF regulations.
Take Action
- Submit comments to scientific opinion on potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) The European Commission opened a public consultation as part of an upcoming scientific opinion by the EU Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks SCENIHR on the potential health effects of exposure to EMF. The call is now closed, but if you still wish to share these with HEAL, we are happy to discuss them. Take action...
Hundreds of angry customers pull ‘smart’ meters (video)
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Last week, hundreds of Edenorte customers in the Dominican Republic removed so-called 'smart' meters from their homes and businesses.
Thursday, October 01, 2015
Some Countries Banning WiFi in Schools, should we?
Some Countries Banning WiFi in Schools, should we?
By Al Sunshine, SouthFloridaReporter.com, Consumer Investigator, Sept. 23, 2015 – While U-S, and school systems around South Florida, are expanding wireless networks in schools to expand Internet Access, some countries are doing the opposite. Italy and Israel Public Health Officials just recommended cutting back the use of wireless networks near small children. That includes their schools too.
Some international research suggests Wireless Network Exposure can have a possibly negative impact on cells. Though U-S Research, usually funded by the wireless industry itself, has not found a direct cause-effect between EMF’s ( electro-magnetic fields) and cancer. But there is still enough concern that recent unofficial advisories here recommend against carrying an active cellphone in tight jeans next to a man’s scrotum or tucked in a woman’s bra next to their breasts.
Berkeley, California, just instituted a mandatory public health warning for cell phones, virtually no health warnings are required anywhere else in the country. U-S Officials do list numerous health advisories for safer cell-phone use. But it is NOT posted in stores or generally provided by the the phone-makers to customers.
Several years ago, a developer sold an App in the Apple Stores promoting the ability to read cellular radiation emissions in IPhones. Apple pulled it from their online store.
Tuesday the Environmental Health Trust (EHT) issued the following release:
Teton Village, WY — (SBWIRE) — 09/22/2015 — As of this fall, Israel and Italy are officially recommending schools reduce children’s exposures to wireless radiation. The Israeli Ministry of Health has initiated a major public awareness effort to reduce wireless and electromagnetic radiation exposures to children. In similar action, the Italian State Parliament of South Tyrol voted to allow the application of the precautionary principle to replace existing wireless networks whenever possible with wired networks or those that emit less radiation.
The Israeli Ministry of Health (MoH) recommendations are published in the Environmental Health in Israel Report 2014 which states that
“Precautions should be strictly enforced with regard to children, who are more sensitive to developing cancer.”
The Report makes the following points:
Cell Phones: “The MoH recommends sensible use of cellular and wireless technology, including: considering alternatives like landline telephones” MoH recommendations include: use a speaker or hands-free phone accessory or (non-wireless) personal earphone in order to distance the telephone from the body, reduce the amount and duration of calls, and in areas of weak reception reduce calls because of higher radiation.
Children: MoH recommends: “refraining from installing the base of wireless phones in a bedroom, work room, or children’s room.”
Schools: Levels of non-ionizing radiation were measured in 25 schools nation-wide and “based on these findings, the MoEP recommends that students remain at a distance of at least 1.5 meters from electrical cabinets and that use of wireless communication networks in schools be reduced.”
Reduce Exposure in Cars: The MoH recommends not using cellphones in closed places like cars or elevators, buses, and trains unless there is an external antenna “due to amplified radiation in such places.” “When driving, a hands-free device should be used for calls. It is recommended to install an antenna outside the vehicle and to use a line connection between the telephone and the speaker as opposed to using Bluetooth.”
Research: Previous research findings in Israel “clearly indicated a link between cellphone use for more than 10 years and the development of tumors in the salivary glands.” Israel is currently a partner in two additional international studies: (1) MOBI-Kids, a multi-center study involving experts from 16 countries who are examining potential associations between use of communication devices and other environmental factors and risk of brain tumors, and (2) the GERoNiMO (Generalised EMF Research using Novel Methods) project, which uses an integrated approach and expertise from 13 countries to further the state of knowledge on EMF and health.
The Report concludes with a chapter by Linda S. Birnbaum, Director of the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program, who states, “Israel is a world leader in research on the health effects of non-ionizing radiation. If some of the studies turn out to be harbingers of things to come, we may have major health consequences from the nearly ubiquitous presence of wireless equipment.”
The recently published ISRAEL 2015 RF Safety Report details current actions on EMFS such as:
New Public Education Website: The Israeli government launched the public education website TNUDA (http://www.tnuda.org.il) of the National Information Center for Non-Ionizing Radiation to guide the public and decision-makers on the educated use of technology.
Guidelines for the installation and operation of Wi-Fi networks in schools: Following a petition seeking an outright ban on Wi-Fi in Schools, the government is banning Wi-Fi in kindergartens and restricting hours of use in schools, installing equipment with exposures to be set as low as possible, and monitoring radiofrequency (RF) radiation levels.
Government Testing Finds that Mobile Phones Violate Manufacturers’ Reported SAR: In a study conducted by the Ministry for Environmental Protection and the Holon Institute of Technology, the SAR of 10 models of mobile phones was measured using phantoms. The measured SAR exceeded the SAR declared by the manufacturer, when the phone was held close to the head and in bad reception mode (100% of the maximum power).
ELF EMF limits are recommended at numbers far below international limits. These recommendations were set to account for research showing links to leukemia. “The Ministry of Health (MoH) jointly recommend a threshold of two milligauss on an average annual basis when planning an electrical facility or four milligauss on a daily average.” A study performed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and by the Education Ministry has found that in more than 60% of the schools in Israel at least one classroom had magnetic fields exceeding 0.4 ?T. Action was taken to reduce exposure in these schools.
Headsets and safety information required with every new mobile phone: According to a settlement agreement accepted by the Tel Aviv-Yafo District Court in February 2014, cellular operators must inform buyers of new mobile phones about the radiation safety instructions as formulated by the manufacturer, provide a hands-free kit with every new mobile phone, and provide information on the safe use of mobile phones on its website.
National radiofrequency monitoring program: The Ministry of Environmental Protection is operating a national RF monitoring system with stations that continuously measure the entire range of RF and transmit the data to a central computer that analyzes and displays online the results of measurements.
On June 10, 2015, the Italian State Parliament of South Tyrol voted to allow the application of the precautionary principle to cell phones mandating the state government to:
1. To replace existing wireless networks whenever possible with networks that emit less radiation at schools, preschools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other public facilities.
2. Establish a working group whose mandate it is to assess these new technologies and their exposure levels. With regard to wireless communication technologies, mobile Internet access, and public health, the working group shall clarify which technologies emit less radiation and provide sustainable technology options and
3. To start an education and awareness campaign that informs about possible health risks, especially regarding the unborn, infants, children, and adolescents and that develops guidelines for a safer use of cell phones, smartphones, and Wi-Fi.
Environmental Health Trust (EHT) educates individuals, health professionals and communities about controllable environmental health risks and policy changes needed to reduce those risks. Currently EHT is raising health concerns about wireless in schools and recommending safer hardwired internet connection installations. The foundation’s website is the go-to place for clear, science-based information to prevent disease. Please visit EHtrust.org and on Facebook.
Joel Moskowitz Many of the harmful effects researchers are finding occur with very low intensity exposure to EMF. See my Electromagnetic Radiation Safety web site http://www.saferemr.com/…/opposition-to-los-angeles… and FB page https://www.facebook.com/SaferEMR.
WiFi in schools & other public places; Wi-Fi health effects.
Forum on smart meters draws large crowd
Forum on smart meters draws large crowd
By April Lehmbeck
September 23, 2015
HARPER WOODS — More than 80 people attended a forum on smart meters Sept. 2, some with questions and concerns, but a representative from DTE Energy, while invited, didn’t attend.
DTE Energy told City Manager Randolph Skotarczyk that it is no longer participating in town hall meetings, Skotarczyk said.
“We have discussed advanced meters with the city prior to the meeting,” DTE representative Scott Simons said in an email. “Our position stands that we are confident in the safety, security and benefits provided by the meters. We have now reached 2.7 million meters installed.”
The event included the showing of “Take Back Your Power,” a film that focuses on concerns about smart meters. Resident Regina Steiger moderated the forum, which also included state Rep. Brian Banks and David Sheldon, of michiganstopsmartmeters.com.
Council member Cheryl Costantino said the city had hoped that DTE would have sent a representative to answer questions and quell concerns.
“It seemed somewhat suspicious that DTE has been trying to rush through the meter changes, and they wouldn’t show up to talk to the public,” she said in a text message after the forum.
“The main thing seemed to me that people felt powerless against the Michigan Public Service Commission,” Costantino said.
While some have raised concerns about the smart meters, including health and safety issues, DTE has denied that there are safety issues and said that customers would gain new benefits from the technology.
“As with any electric device that utilizes (radio frequency), advanced meters have been monitored, tested and certified to ensure they meet national safety standards. The Federal Communications Commission sets health standards for RF exposure based on extensive reviews of biological and health studies,” Simons said prior to the night of the forum.
At that time, Simons also said that the advanced meters would allow for remote reading and would eliminate a reliance on estimated bills. The meters could reduce the length of power outages because DTE would be able to more quickly recognize electrical system issues, he said. Another benefit would be reductions in operating costs, which could keep rate increases down in the future, he said. The advanced meters also work with the DTE Insight app for people who want to monitor their energy usage in real time.
Costantino credited Steiger as the driving force that led to the forum.
“I recognized a lot of the residents who were there,” Costantino said. “Black and white, young and old, Democrat and Republican, rich and poor — the issue seems to concern all constituencies.”
Skotarczyk said everyone at the meeting was respectful and orderly.
“Many people expressed their concern over the opt-out program in Michigan, specifically people not being permitted to keep their analog meters and, of course, the fee charged by DTE to opt out,” Skotarczyk said in an email. “There were individuals at the meeting who are interveners in the current lawsuit against the MPSC decision and the opt-out program who present some of their personal issues.
“Mr. Sheldon informed everyone that he is filing a lawsuit on the cancelation of his power for refusing to allow the smart meter on his home and asked people to join the suit as interveners,” he said. “Rep. Banks made suggestions that residents contact their representatives in the Michigan Legislature regarding opposition to the opt-out program and stated that there is legislation that is being drafted to change the opt-out, but that he was concerned that it would not even make it to committee.”
Skotarczyk said Banks also suggested petitions.
During a recent meeting, the mayor and council asked the city administration to put together a resolution to support allowing residents to have a choice in meters without a fee.
The council was scheduled to consider that resolution at its meeting Sept. 21, which occurred after press time.
“DTE has worked collaboratively with the city of Harper Woods, informing it of the advanced meter transition occurring within the community,” Simons said in an email. “DTE’s opt-out program, including fees required by the program, has been approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Customers who opt out will receive new digital meters that do not wirelessly transmit usage information. Meter readers will continue to read meters each month for customers who participate in the opt-out program.”
Steiger said many of those in attendance Sept. 2 expressed frustration that DTE didn’t send someone to the forum to answer questions.
She believed they should have been there.
“If Michigan residents aren’t happy with being denied a choice in the type of meter that is installed on our homes … then DTE should face their consumers and explain themselves,” she said in an email. “They are, after all, only a utility. They provide a service, which we pay for. And if we’re not happy with their service or their heavy-handed tactics to install something on our own private dwellings that we’re concerned about (including shutting off power to those who refuse the so-called “smart meters”), then they need to show up and answer to their customers.”
Steiger said there are things residents can do if they are concerned about the issue.
She said Rep. Gary Glenn, vice chair of the Michigan House’s Committee on Energy Policy, is going to introduce a bill in the next couple of weeks that would allow residents to keep their analog meters if they chose to do so.
“Every Michigan resident of voting age needs to contact Rep. Glenn, and their own state representative, to let them know that we want that choice,” she said. “In addition, every Michigan resident of voting age needs to contact Aric Nesbitt, the chair of the House Committee on Energy Policy and tell him the same.
“We want that bill to make it out of committee and get voted on, and every representative in the Michigan House needs to know not only are we asking for that, we expect it,” she said.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
NEWSFLASH: Consumer Reports Advises Keep Phones Out of Pockets
Echoing EHT Advice, Consumer Reports November 2015 Issue Recommends Reducing Cell Phone Radiation Exposure
Home / Breaking News / Current Page
“The evidence so far doesn’t prove that cell phones cause cancer, and we definitely need more and better research,” says Michael Hansen, Ph.D., a senior scientist at Consumer Reports. “But we feel that the research does raise enough questions that taking some common-sense precautions when using your cell phone can make sense.” Specifically, CR recommends these steps:
Try to keep the phone away from your head and body. That is particularly important when the cellular signal is weak—when your phone has only one bar, for example—because phones may increase their power then to compensate.
Text or video call when possible.
When speaking, use the speaker phone on your device or a hands-free headset.
Don’t stow your phone in your pants or shirt pocket. Instead, carry it in a bag or use a belt clip.
Read the full article here.
Consumer Reports issues cell phone safety recommendations
Consumer Reports issues cell phone safety recommendations
Consumer Reports (CR) published an article today (Sept. 24, 2015) entitled, "Does Cell-Phone Radiation Cause Cancer?"
In the article, CR advises cell phone users take safety precautions, government strengthen cell phone radiation regulations, and manufacturers prominently display "steps that cell-phone users can take to reduce exposure to cell-phone radiation."
CR discusses the positions of the International EMF Scientist Appeal, the Berkeley cell phone ordinance, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the FDA and the FCC on cell phone cancer risks.
After a review of the animal and human studies, CR has issued precautionary health warnings about cell phone use and makes several policy recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission and to cell phone manufacturers:
• "The Federal Communications Commission’s cell-phone radiation test is based on the devices’ possible effect on large adults, though research suggests that children’s thinner skulls mean they may absorb more radiation.
• Consumer Reports agrees with concerns raised by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Government Accountability Office about the tests, and thinks that new tests should be developed that take into account the potential vulnerability of children.
• We think that cell-phone manufacturers should prominently display advice on steps that cell-phone users can take to reduce exposure to cell-phone radiation."
A summary of the article is available on my Electromagnetic Radiation web site along with summaries of CR's past coverage about the health risks from cell phone use at http://bit.ly/
Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Students Discover Microwaves from WiFi in Ontario Schools may Cause Infertility
Students Discover Microwaves from WiFi in Ontario Schools may Cause Infertility
BRAMPTON, ON, Sept. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Students from Peel District School Board will reveal evidence tonight about dangerous levels of microwave radiation discovered in their classrooms.
The school Board measured radiation from WiFi and other devices and discovered microwaves strong enough to cause reproductive damage.
"Both male and female students have a right to know that we can be harmed by this," said sixteen year old Apurva Dixit, a grade 11 student who helped to organize an information meeting tonight open to all students in the Peel District School Board.
"Both male and female students have a right to know that we can be harmed by this," said sixteen year old Apurva Dixit, a grade 11 student who helped to organize an information meeting tonight open to all students in the Peel District School Board.
"Now that they've measured the radiation, if the school Board won't protect us then we have to start protecting ourselves," she said. "Students are more exposed to wireless devices than any other group."
The Peel Board has declared classroom microwave levels to be lower than federal safety limits. But last spring the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health called those limits into question for triggering a range of health effects, including cancer and infertility.
The Peel Board has declared classroom microwave levels to be lower than federal safety limits. But last spring the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health called those limits into question for triggering a range of health effects, including cancer and infertility.
"This Board of education is misleading its students because those high levels of radiation were measured with only four wireless devices operating. By their own admission there are normally 50 devices in use," said Frank Clegg CEO of Canadians for Safe Technology.
Clegg, who was president of Microsoft Canada for 15 years, now leads C4ST which educates Canadians about how to use emerging technologies more safely. He will speak to the students at tonight's event.
The students have also invited an international expert on cancer, Dr. Anthony Miller, who is professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. Dr. Miller recently consulted the Canadian Parliamentary Health Committee, as well as the World Health Organization on the risks of cancer from common wireless devices like cell phones and WiFi.
In 2011 the W.H.O. declared microwave radiation from Wi-Fi and cell phones to be a "possible carcinogen", along with formaldehyde and car exhaust.
"This is twenty first century science," said Dixit about cell phones and infertility. "It might be the most relevant science a high school student can learn."
The students meet tonight at 7 pm in Brampton.
Event: Fellowship Hall, Grace Place Community Centre,
156 Main St North, Brampton, ON
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. 7 pm.
156 Main St North, Brampton, ON
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. 7 pm.
SOURCE C4ST: Canadians For Safe Technology
Cell phone use while charging the device may impair sperm concentration
Habits of cell phone usage and sperm quality – does it warrant attention?
Ariel Zilberlicht, Zofnat Wiener-Megnazi, Yulia Sheinfeld, Bronislava Grach, Shirly Lahav-Baratz, Martha Dirnfeld. Habits of cell phone usage and sperm quality – does it warrant attention? Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 31(3):421-426. September 2015
Abstract
Male infertility constitutes 30–40% of all infertility cases. Some studies have shown a continuous decline in semen quality since the beginning of the 20th century. One postulated contributing factor is radio frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phones. This study investigates an association between characteristics of cell phone usage and semen quality.
Questionnaires accessing demographic data and characteristics of cell phone usage were completed by 106 men referred for semen analysis.
Results were analysed according to WHO 2010 criteria. Talking for ≥1 h/day and during device charging were associated with higher rates of abnormal semen concentration (60.9% versus 35.7%, P < 0.04 and 66.7% versus 35.6%, P < 0.02, respectively). Among men who reported holding their phones ≤50 cm from the groin, a non-significantly higher rate of abnormal sperm concentration was found (47.1% versus 11.1%). Multivariate analysis revealed that talking while charging the device and smoking were risk factors for abnormal sperm concentration (OR = 4.13 [95% CI 1.28–13.3], P < 0.018 and OR = 3.04 [95% CI 1.14–8.13], P < 0.027, respectively).
Our findings suggest that certain aspects of cell phone usage may bear adverse effects on sperm concentration. Investigation using large-scale studies is thus needed.
http://1.usa.gov/1FG7ujI
Excerpts
The prevalence of infertility among couples of reproductive age, defined as a failure to conceive for 12 months, is 15% (Chandra et al., 2014). In 34% of the cases, the aetiology is related to male factor (Odisho et al., 2014).
Men exposed to higher degrees of RF-EMR during their military service were found to be at higher risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.86) of being infertile after 1 year (Baste et al., 2008). Another study found a higher rate of reduced semen quality after occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (OR = 3.22) (Irgens et al., 1999). However, the above-mentioned studies did not sufficiently take into account the many possibly confounding factors such as lifestyle, demographic characteristics, aspects of device usage and occupational and health background.
A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that two variables, talking while the device is being charged and smoking, were associated with increased risk for abnormal sperm concentration (OR = 4.13 [95% CI 1.28–13.3], P < 0.018 and OR = 3.04 [95% CI 1.14–8.13], P < 0.027, respectively).
No association was found between other usage-related characteristics (i.e. use of accessories, talking in a low reception area) and between sperm parameters (data not shown). No associations were found between age, residential area, occupation, number of children or years of education and semen parameters. The use of accessories such as hands-free devices, wired and non-wired earphones and duration of charging time were not analysed due to a small sample size.
Talking on a cell phone for more than one hour per day was associated with an elevated rate of abnormal sperm concentration. This concurs with the results of Agarwal et al., who reported that talking for a duration of more than 4 h/day on a cell phone was associated with a lower sperm count, as well as a lower number of viable sperm, motility and morphology ( Agarwal et al., 2008). Similarly, longer daily transmission time on cell phones was associated with a lower proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm ( Fejes et al., 2005).
The lack of association found between cell phone usage and sperm motility, a finding that has been demonstrated in previous studies, may be due to differences in criteria for sperm motility between WHO 1999 and 2010 manuals for reference values for semen parameters.
During charging of cell phones, two changes occur: (i) the external power source by itself emits energy; and (ii) due to the continuous supply of energy from the external source, the device transmits at a higher power, without the need for energy saving, in contrast to the usual talking mode.
Participants who constantly carry the device at a distance ≤50 cm from the groin were found to have a higher rate of abnormal sperm concentration. Although the association did not reach statistical significance, it appears that sperm parameters may be affected, even during a stand-by mode (when RF-EMR is emitted from the device for short durations). Similarly, Kilgallon and Simmons reported that men who carried a cell phone in a hip pocket or on their belts had 11% fewer motile sperm than men who kept a phone elsewhere on their body (Kilgallon and Simmons, 2005). Another study showed that men who carried a cell phone on their belt ≥6 h/day for 5 days, had a 19% drop in highly motile sperm from their previous concentrations (Davoudi et al., 2002).
Similar to this study, four other reports have used questionnaires to address cell phone usage and possible associations with sperm quality. In their assessment of 304 males, Wdowiak et al. (2007) classified and analysed the study population according to three categories of cell phone usage: non-users, sporadic users for a period of 1–2 years and regular users for >2 years. Analysis of sperm quality was also based solely on users and non-users, although in a much larger population (Gutschi et al., 2011). In the study by Agarwal et al. (2008), participants were classified by users versus non users. The user category was further subdivided according to one aspect of usage: daily talking duration (<2 2="" and="" day="" h="">4 h/day). They found that daily use ≥4 h was associated with abnormal sperm count (Agarwal et al., 2008). Fejes et al. (2005) considered three aspects of cell phone usage: duration of possession (in months), daily standby possession (in centimetres) and daily transmission time (in minutes). They reported changes in the characteristics of motile sperm, but no change in the total motility.
The prevalence of infertility among couples of reproductive age, defined as a failure to conceive for 12 months, is 15% (Chandra et al., 2014). In 34% of the cases, the aetiology is related to male factor (Odisho et al., 2014).
Men exposed to higher degrees of RF-EMR during their military service were found to be at higher risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.86) of being infertile after 1 year (Baste et al., 2008). Another study found a higher rate of reduced semen quality after occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (OR = 3.22) (Irgens et al., 1999). However, the above-mentioned studies did not sufficiently take into account the many possibly confounding factors such as lifestyle, demographic characteristics, aspects of device usage and occupational and health background.
A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that two variables, talking while the device is being charged and smoking, were associated with increased risk for abnormal sperm concentration (OR = 4.13 [95% CI 1.28–13.3], P < 0.018 and OR = 3.04 [95% CI 1.14–8.13], P < 0.027, respectively).
No association was found between other usage-related characteristics (i.e. use of accessories, talking in a low reception area) and between sperm parameters (data not shown). No associations were found between age, residential area, occupation, number of children or years of education and semen parameters. The use of accessories such as hands-free devices, wired and non-wired earphones and duration of charging time were not analysed due to a small sample size.
Talking on a cell phone for more than one hour per day was associated with an elevated rate of abnormal sperm concentration. This concurs with the results of Agarwal et al., who reported that talking for a duration of more than 4 h/day on a cell phone was associated with a lower sperm count, as well as a lower number of viable sperm, motility and morphology ( Agarwal et al., 2008). Similarly, longer daily transmission time on cell phones was associated with a lower proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm ( Fejes et al., 2005).
The lack of association found between cell phone usage and sperm motility, a finding that has been demonstrated in previous studies, may be due to differences in criteria for sperm motility between WHO 1999 and 2010 manuals for reference values for semen parameters.
During charging of cell phones, two changes occur: (i) the external power source by itself emits energy; and (ii) due to the continuous supply of energy from the external source, the device transmits at a higher power, without the need for energy saving, in contrast to the usual talking mode.
Participants who constantly carry the device at a distance ≤50 cm from the groin were found to have a higher rate of abnormal sperm concentration. Although the association did not reach statistical significance, it appears that sperm parameters may be affected, even during a stand-by mode (when RF-EMR is emitted from the device for short durations). Similarly, Kilgallon and Simmons reported that men who carried a cell phone in a hip pocket or on their belts had 11% fewer motile sperm than men who kept a phone elsewhere on their body (Kilgallon and Simmons, 2005). Another study showed that men who carried a cell phone on their belt ≥6 h/day for 5 days, had a 19% drop in highly motile sperm from their previous concentrations (Davoudi et al., 2002).
Similar to this study, four other reports have used questionnaires to address cell phone usage and possible associations with sperm quality. In their assessment of 304 males, Wdowiak et al. (2007) classified and analysed the study population according to three categories of cell phone usage: non-users, sporadic users for a period of 1–2 years and regular users for >2 years. Analysis of sperm quality was also based solely on users and non-users, although in a much larger population (Gutschi et al., 2011). In the study by Agarwal et al. (2008), participants were classified by users versus non users. The user category was further subdivided according to one aspect of usage: daily talking duration (<2 2="" and="" day="" h="">4 h/day). They found that daily use ≥4 h was associated with abnormal sperm count (Agarwal et al., 2008). Fejes et al. (2005) considered three aspects of cell phone usage: duration of possession (in months), daily standby possession (in centimetres) and daily transmission time (in minutes). They reported changes in the characteristics of motile sperm, but no change in the total motility.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that a few small changes in cell phone usage, such as avoidance of talking while it is being charged, reducing the total time of conversations and keeping the device away from the groin may be highly beneficial for men seeking fertility. From a practical point of view, men who seek fertility are advised to turn off their devices while charging or, if not possible, to keep the device at least 50 cm from the groin during daily activities and while sleeping. Users are advised to carry the device a distance from the groin, for example in the shirt pocket, and to talk using earphones or to use a speaker whenever possible. A large scale study is needed to assess these and other possible effects of cell phone usage on sperm quality.
http://1.usa.gov/1FG7ujI
--
Other studies on cell phone use and sperm damage:
http://bit.ly/spermdamage
http://bit.ly/spermdamage
--
Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety
Website: http://www.saferemr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaferE
News Releases: http://pressroom.prlog.org/
Twitter: @berkeleyprc
Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation
Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation
Luisa Nascimento Medeiros, Tanit Ganz Sanchez. Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. Available online 21 September 2015.
Abstract
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition and its prevalence has increased on the past decades. The worldwide progressive increase of the use of cell phones has exposed the peripheral auditory pathways to a higher dose of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation (EMRFR). Some tinnitus patients report that the abusive use of mobiles, especially when repeated in the same ear, might worsen ipsilateral tinnitus.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the available evidence about the possible causal association between tinnitus and exposure to electromagnetic waves.
A literature review was performed searching for the following keywords: tinnitus, electromagnetic field, mobile phones, radio frequency, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. We selected 165 articles that were considered clinically relevant in at least one of the subjects.
EMRFR can penetrate exposed tissues and safety exposure levels have been established. These waves provoke proved thermogenic effects and potential biological and genotoxic effects. Some individuals are more sensitive to electromagnetic exposure (electrosensitivity), and thus, present earlier symptoms. There may be a common pathophysiology between this electrosensitivity and tinnitus.
Tinnitus is characterized by sound perception in the absence of an external source.1 Its prevalence has been increasing considerably in epidemiological studies, thus several international scientific events and publications have been devoted to explore this subject. Among adults from the United States, Shargorodsky2 found a prevalence of 25.3% for tinnitus, as opposed to 15% for the same population, published 15 years previously (National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 1995).
In the present study, although the authors found little statistically significant evidence of the influence of EMRFR on tinnitus, the association between these conditions should not be neglected, either.
The peripheral auditory pathway has the ability to capture sound waves from the environment and transmit them actively to the cortex. Since EMRFR also presents diverse frequencies (starting at 3 kHz) and amplitudes, similar to that which occurs with sound waves, it is plausible to accept that certain frequencies and amplitudes of EMRFR can be captured by the peripheral auditory system.
This study collected evidence for the association between exposure to EMRFR and tinnitus in some patients, particularly those suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. While it is not fully confirmed, the authors consider it appropriate to direct more attention to cell phone use in the diagnostic investigation of patients with hearing disorders, especially tinnitus.
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Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety
Website: http://www.saferemr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaferE
News Releases: http://pressroom.prlog.org/
Twitter: @berkeleyprc
Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety
Website: http://www.saferemr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaferE
News Releases: http://pressroom.prlog.org/
Twitter: @berkeleyprc
Occupational Exposure to Electric Shocks and Magnetic Fields and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Sweden
Occupational Exposure to Electric Shocks and Magnetic Fields and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Sweden
Fischer H, Kheifets L, Huss A, Peters TL, Vermeulen R, Ye W, Fang F, Wiebert P, Vergara XP, Feychting M. Occupational Exposure to Electric Shocks and Magnetic Fields and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Sweden. Epidemiology. 2015 Nov;26(6):824-830.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been consistently related to "electric occupations," but associations with magnetic field levels were generally weaker than those with electrical occupations. Exposure to electric shock has been suggested as a possible explanation. Furthermore, studies were generally based on mortality or prevalence of ALS, and studies often had limited statistical power.
METHODS: Using two electric shock and three magnetic field job-exposure matrices, we evaluated the relationship of occupational magnetic fields, electric shocks, electric occupations, and incident ALS in a large population-based nested case-control study in Sweden. Subanalyses, specified a priori, were performed for subjects by gender and by age (less than and more than 65 years).
RESULTS: Overall, we did not observe any associations between occupational magnetic field or electric shock exposure and ALS. For individuals less than 65 years old, high electric shock exposure was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03, 1.43). The corresponding result for the age group 65 years or older was OR = 0.92 (95% CI = 0.81, 1.05). Results were similar regardless which job exposure matrices, exposure definitions, or cutpoints were used. For electric occupations, ORs were close to unity, regardless of age. For welders, no association was observed overall, although for welders <65 1.52="" 2.21="" b="" ci="1.05," or="" the="" was="" years="">
CONCLUSIONS: In this very large population-based study based on incident ALS case subjects, we did not confirm previous observations of higher risk of ALS in electrical occupations, and provided only weak support for associations between electric shocks and ALS.
http://1.usa.gov/1O5KkGe
Excerpts
Within the study base, we conducted a nested case–control study. We defined ALS cases as those with a discharge record of either an inpatient or outpatient clinic visit in the Patient Register with ALS as the underlying or a secondary diagnosis (ICD-9: 335C and ICD-10: G12.2). Date of first ALS diagnosis was defined as the case index date. Using incidence density sampling, we randomly selected five control subjects per ALS case subject from the study base, individually matched by birth year and sex. Control subjects had to be alive, living in Sweden, and have no diagnosis of ALS as of the case index date.
We identified a total of 5,020 ALS cases and initially selected 25,100 controls for the analysis. Only case and control subjects employed during at least one census were included in the analysis, leaving 4,709 case subjects and 23,335 control subjects.
Our results indicate that the working population less than 65 years old, with high or medium occupational exposure to electric shocks, may have a slightly higher risk of ALS. Our results were similar regardless which job-exposure matrices, exposure definitions, or cutpoints were used.
While we did not see any relationship between ALS and electric occupations, we found an increased risk of ALS among welders, but only restricted to those less than 65 years. However, we still observed a raised OR associated with electric shock exposure in this age group after excluding welders; thus, they do not explain the observed relationship between ALS and electric shock exposure.
There are several possible explanations for a higher risk in the younger age group. Exposure misclassification might be reduced when restricting to age groups that have not yet retired. Older persons (65 years or more) may be considered retired in the most recent censuses, and may be classified as unexposed even if they had been exposed before the first available census. In addition, their cumulative exposure will be lower for the same reason. There is also a possibility that timing of exposure is critical, if electric shocks are of importance mainly for early onset ALS. We found some evidence that exposure in the 1980s conferred higher risk, although the OR was still slightly raised for those exposed in 1990 but not 1980. An alternative explanation is random variation, especially considering that some of the ORs in the older age group were slightly reduced.
Earlier studies, which mainly focused on electromagnetic fields, have consistently found an increased risk of ALS associated with “electric occupations,” but not with magnetic fields.7 Many of these studies were, however, limited by the use of occupational and outcome information from death certificates and limited control of confounding, or were based on small numbers of case subjects occurring among workers in the utility industry. Two clinically-based studies included prevalent ALS case subjects, and control subjects were not population based,12,27 while the only previous population-based study with incident case subjects was very small (four cases in electricity work).28 The latter study found no association with electric shock assessed through questionnaires.
Within the study base, we conducted a nested case–control study. We defined ALS cases as those with a discharge record of either an inpatient or outpatient clinic visit in the Patient Register with ALS as the underlying or a secondary diagnosis (ICD-9: 335C and ICD-10: G12.2). Date of first ALS diagnosis was defined as the case index date. Using incidence density sampling, we randomly selected five control subjects per ALS case subject from the study base, individually matched by birth year and sex. Control subjects had to be alive, living in Sweden, and have no diagnosis of ALS as of the case index date.
We identified a total of 5,020 ALS cases and initially selected 25,100 controls for the analysis. Only case and control subjects employed during at least one census were included in the analysis, leaving 4,709 case subjects and 23,335 control subjects.
Our results indicate that the working population less than 65 years old, with high or medium occupational exposure to electric shocks, may have a slightly higher risk of ALS. Our results were similar regardless which job-exposure matrices, exposure definitions, or cutpoints were used.
While we did not see any relationship between ALS and electric occupations, we found an increased risk of ALS among welders, but only restricted to those less than 65 years. However, we still observed a raised OR associated with electric shock exposure in this age group after excluding welders; thus, they do not explain the observed relationship between ALS and electric shock exposure.
There are several possible explanations for a higher risk in the younger age group. Exposure misclassification might be reduced when restricting to age groups that have not yet retired. Older persons (65 years or more) may be considered retired in the most recent censuses, and may be classified as unexposed even if they had been exposed before the first available census. In addition, their cumulative exposure will be lower for the same reason. There is also a possibility that timing of exposure is critical, if electric shocks are of importance mainly for early onset ALS. We found some evidence that exposure in the 1980s conferred higher risk, although the OR was still slightly raised for those exposed in 1990 but not 1980. An alternative explanation is random variation, especially considering that some of the ORs in the older age group were slightly reduced.
Earlier studies, which mainly focused on electromagnetic fields, have consistently found an increased risk of ALS associated with “electric occupations,” but not with magnetic fields.7 Many of these studies were, however, limited by the use of occupational and outcome information from death certificates and limited control of confounding, or were based on small numbers of case subjects occurring among workers in the utility industry. Two clinically-based studies included prevalent ALS case subjects, and control subjects were not population based,12,27 while the only previous population-based study with incident case subjects was very small (four cases in electricity work).28 The latter study found no association with electric shock assessed through questionnaires.
--
Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., Director
Center for Family and Community Health
School of Public Health
University of California, Berkeley
Electromagnetic Radiation Safety
Website: http://www.saferemr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaferE
News Release: http://pressroom.prlog.org/
Twitter: @berkeleyprc