Electronic Radiation - Problems or not?

The debate over whether radiation exposure leads to cancer has been a topic of considerable discussion for many years. Various forms of radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, have long been examined for their potential carcinogenic effects. Natural sources such as radon gas, as well as man-made sources like cell phone towers, power lines, and various electrical devices, contribute to the spectrum of radiation that people are exposed to daily. The complexity of understanding the exact relationship between radiation and cancer risk remains a significant challenge in the scientific community, as researchers strive to unravel the nuances of this critical health concern.

The evidence that X-rays and gamma rays can cause cancer comes from various significant sources. Studies of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, individuals exposed during the Chernobyl nuclear accident, and workers exposed to high levels of radiation, such as uranium miners, have all contributed to our understanding. Much of what we know about the cancer risks associated with radiation is based on extensive research conducted on the survivors of the atomic bombs in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These studies revealed that this population had higher risks of certain cancers, though not all. The increased risks were particularly notable for most types of leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia), multiple myeloma, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer (excluding rectal cancer), esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma, and skin cancer (excluding melanoma).

Some studies have estimated the risk of radiation exposure from imaging tests based on the risks observed in atomic bomb survivors. However, studying cancer risks from imaging tests that use radiation is challenging. A study would need to include tens of thousands of people and follow them for decades, as cancers caused by radiation take many years to develop. Studies that have found an increased risk of cancer after imaging tests involving radiation often focus on individuals who have undergone numerous imaging tests or high-dose procedures.

For instance, research has shown that women who underwent frequent fluoroscopic imaging as teens or young adults during tuberculosis treatment have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Similarly, teens and young women who had multiple spinal X-rays to monitor scoliosis have also been found to have an increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, people with meningioma, a usually benign brain tumor, are more likely to have had certain types of dental X-rays annually. Some studies suggest a link between higher doses of radiation from CT scans in children and increased risks of leukemia and brain tumors, although the overall risk remains low.

Cell phones emit a form of energy known as radiofrequency (RF) waves, which has raised concerns about their safety. The primary worry is whether cell phones might increase the risk of brain tumors or other tumors in the head and neck area. RF waves from cell phones lack the energy needed to directly damage DNA or heat body tissues. Consequently, it remains unclear how cell phones could potentially cause cancer. Some studies have observed possible increased rates of certain tumors in lab animals exposed to RF radiation. However, the results of these studies have not yet provided definitive answers.

The INTERPHONE study, the largest case-control study to date, investigated cell phone use among over 5,000 individuals who developed brain tumors (gliomas or meningiomas) and a comparable group without tumors. Overall, the study found no connection between brain tumor risk and the frequency of calls, duration of calls, or long-term cell phone use. There was a slight indication of an increased risk of glioma and a smaller suggestion of an increased risk of meningioma among the top 10% of cell phone users. However, this finding was difficult to interpret due to some participants reporting implausibly high cell phone usage. The researchers emphasized that the study's limitations prevented them from drawing firm conclusions and highlighted the need for further research.

Additionally, another segment of the INTERPHONE study compared over 1,000 people with acoustic neuromas to more than 2,000 matched controls without tumors. Similar to the findings for gliomas and meningiomas, there was no overall link between cell phone use and acoustic neuromas. Again, a potential increased risk was noted in the top 10% of cell phone users, but the interpretation was complicated by reports of unrealistically high usage. Although the INTERPHONE study did not find a definitive link between cell phone use and brain tumors, the potential risks for heavy users require more research to provide clearer answers. The current evidence underscores the need for continued investigation into the long-term health effects of cell phone radiation.

References:

1. Do cell phones cause cancer?: Cellphones and cancer. Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? | Cellphones and Cancer | American Cancer Society. (n.d.-a). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html

2. Do X-rays and Gamma Rays cause cancer?. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/radiation-exposure/x-rays-gamma-rays/do-xrays-and-gamma-rays-cause-cancer.html

3. Committee on the Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations near Nuclear Facilities-Phase I. (2012, March 29). Radiation as a carcinogen. Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities: Phase I. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK202000/

   
   

Electromagnetic radiation is a result of the rapid development of technological advancements over the past few decades, as electronics have been widely used in many areas related to human production and life. As a result, the radiation that comes with this technology used in our everyday lives has become a new source of significant pollution in today's society. Some products that expose us to radiation include various electrical systems, such as mobile phones, microwave ovens, communication base stations, high-voltage lines, electronic instruments and other electromagnetic equipment. In many cases this pollution is a lot stronger compared to any natural sources of electromagnetic fields or radiation. The impact of this pollution remains uncertain as there is no conclusive evidence definitively proving its adverse effects on human health.

Due to the extensive pollution from our technology, the FDA is responsible for regulating the radiation emitting from electronic products to prevent the unnecessary exposure from these products. All radiation-emitting electronic products must adhere to specific requirements to comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. If the product additionally qualifies as a medical device, it must also meet the regulations applicable to medical devices.

Furthermore, there are biological effects of electromagnetic radiation that have gained attention worldwide, and the interaction that the radiation could have with the human body and its organs currently has the focus of recent studies. For example, the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on neurotransmitters in the brain has been studied. While a multitude of studies have already shown that the nervous system is a target organ system sensitive to radiation, a growing body of research has focused on the neurobiological effects of electromagnetic radiation on the brain, including the metabolism and transport of neurotransmitters. Electromagnetic radiation also produces electromagnetic waves that vary in frequency, intensity, and power of radiation. As a result, the effects of the radiation on the body depends on these factors and poses a challenge for literature review.

Neurotransmitters are messengers of synaptic transmission and therefore greatly contribute to cognitive and emotional behavior, as the neural circuit is the structural basis of brain function. Being a precursor of norepinephrine, dopamine plays a pivotal role as a neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It primarily governs brain activities related to reward, learning, emotion, motor control, and executive functions. Additionally, dopamine is associated with psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Multiple studies reported the effects of radiation on dopamine. In one study, adult rats were undergoing daily radiation exposure which induced a significant decrease in dopamine in the hippocampus after two months of exposure and one month after cessation of exposure. The findings of this study suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation could potentially diminish dopamine production in the hippocampus, influence rat arousal, and contribute to a decline in learning and memory capabilities following radiation exposure.

Overall, studies on the synthesis, metabolism, and transport of neurotransmitters in the brain under electromagnetic radiation are gradually increasing. However, due to variations in electromagnetic radiation parameters, experimental subjects, and conditions, the results obtained are not highly consistent or comparable. Consequently, the impact of EMR on neurotransmitter metabolism and transport remains unclear. Further studies are needed, however it is important to be aware of the radiation that surrounds us and make a conscious effort to limit the exposure we face by simply limiting time to certain radiation sources, increasing distance from certain sources, or using barriers of lead, concrete, or water provide protection from penetrating radiation such as gamma rays and neutrons.

References:

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/classify-your-medical-device/does-product-emit-radiation

https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.jerome.stjohns.edu/pmc/articles/PMC8415840/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25811025/

https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/protects-you/protection-principles.html

Exposure to radiation is inevitable currently due to the sources being part of our daily lives. Some everyday sources of radiation are electronic devices, drinking water, natural gas, consumer products, soil, radon, plane travel, medical imaging, and cigarette smoking. These are all pollutants that give off radiation and there isn’t much anyone can do about it. Radiation is expressed using mrem, which is a unit that measures the health effect of low levels of ionizing radiation on the human body.

One of the everyday electronics that emit radiation are televisions, which can be found in about every household in America. Television sets and computer monist contain a cathode ray that are capable of creating low level x-rays. Luckily for us, the FDA regulates any radiation emitting electronic products. The purpose of this is to prevent unnecessary exposure due to electronic devices. Medical devices must also comply with these regulations. Different types of radiation that the FDA check for are ionizing electromagnetic radiation, particulate radiation, ultraviolet rays, visible rays, infrared, microwaves, radio and low frequency, laser, maser, infrasonic, sonic, and ultrasonic waves.

Drinking water also emits radiation due to nuclear plants being located near large bodies of water. This can lead to water contamination and are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consumer products such as cell phones, watches, clocks, lamps, etc. can also emit radiation. However, this radiation isn’t strong enough to have a known effect on a person’s health. This is what is known as of today and can change with more research and testing. Soil is also capable of emitting radiation because of radioactive particles found in soil. High levels of radionuclides in soil can contaminate water and food, but there are many agencies that regularly test supplies for radioactivity.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is not visible and cannot be smelled, but it can be found in homes due to decay of uranium in the ground and gets trapped within buildings. This can also be present in construction materials. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It can also be ingested with water or as dust particles. This is a dangerous form of radiation compared to what was already mentioned. Radon emits about 200 mrem in a year.

Medical imaging can also emit a major amount of radiation, but it depends on the type. X-rays generally emit about 10 mrem per screening. Mammograms can deliver about 138 per image. CT scans are the strongest as they emit about 1,000 mrem per scan.

It is important to keep in mind that radiation is something that exists as many people can often forget about its existence. There isn’t much we can do to change the emission of radiation, but it is good to stay mindful of the sources of radiation so we can try and limit them in our own lives.

References:

1. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Does the Product Emit Radiation?” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/classify-your-medical-device/does-product-emit-radiation.

2. “9 Everyday Sources of Radiation.” Health.com, https://www.health.com/mind-body/9-everyday-sources-of-radiation?slide=eeb5541e-9d20-4924-9a5d-74f37b31529a#eeb5541e-9d20-4924-9a5d-74f37b31529a.