Daily Dose of Radiation: The Impact of Electronic Gadgets on Human Health: A Review

Shelly Rajput*

Department of Applied Sciences, Delhi Global Institute of Technology, Haryana, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: shelly.rajput@rediffmail.com

Abstract:

All electronic devices such as televisions, computers, laptops, mobile phones, heaters, washing machines, air conditioners etc. emit electromagnetic radiation. The types and levels of radiation emitted from device varies. All electronic products that increase in temperature, emit thermal radiation. Electronic devices in which high voltage components are used produce X- rays. Many studies have reached the same conclusion that the emissions of all types of electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays, ultra violet (UV), visible (light), radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) radiation, including microwaves doesn’t have an enough high frequency, so they are environmental healthy. As the frequency of electromagnetic radiation increases, they become more dangerous and causes harmful effect on human health. The present article is the study of electromagnetic radiation and also the effects of electromagnetic fields from daily used electronic gadgets on human body are reviewed. For the same purpose work of several researchers have been studied. During study it has been observed that some research gaps remain in understanding radiation’s effect on human health, necessitating additional studies.

KEYWORDS: Electronic gadgets, Electromagnetic radiations, Radio Frequency (RF), Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), Ultraviolet Radiation (UV), Electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

INTRODUCTION:

It is well known that electromagnetic waves are produced by the motion of electrically charged particles. These waves are also called electromagnetic radiation because they are radiated from the electrically charged particles. These waves can travel through vacuum, as well as through air and other materials. EM waves can travel through long distances; hence they play very important role in day-to-day life. EM waves can be generated naturally and artificially. All electronic devices produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs); thus, we are surrounded by electromagnetic radiation all day, every day. We can easily see a person of any age including children using electronic gadgets. For most people, exposure to electromagnetic radiation occurs daily, as the fields are present everywhere. These fields can come from natural sources such as thunderstorms, lightning, or man- made source such as are X-rays, microwaves, radio waves, ultra violet rays etc. Many researchers have found that manufactured sources such as radio waves, microwaves, are not harmful for human health at the level of exposure that people experience on a daily basis.

Generally, there are two broad categories of electromagnetic frequencies on the spectrum depending on its wavelength and frequency, namely ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. Non- ionizing radiation is low energy radiation, thought to be harmless to human health. Non-ionizing radiation, simply pass through the body without causing any harm to tissues and organs. Almost all electronic devices such as computers, laptops, heaters, mobile phones, microwave oven, tablets etc. emits longer wavelength, low energy non-ionizing radiation. Such radiation doesn’t have high energy to break chemical bond and thus, unable to knock out an electron. Ionizing radiation have higher frequencies due to which it can break the chemical bond of a molecule. This radiation is very harmful to all living beings because it breaks the chemical bond of DNA by entering inside our body and may cause transformation in the cells which increase the risk of cancer.

LITERURE REVIEW:

SSM’S Scientific Council on Electromagnetic Field and Health Risk in 15th report (2020) observed, different areas of EMF (static, low frequency, intermediate and RF fields) and different types of studies such as biological, human and epidemiological studies and, found no relationships between EMFs exposure and health risks. Mobile phone use has been linked to various non-specific symptoms such as headache, and mental health problems have been studied in epidemiological studies. World Health Organization (WHO) report on Shaping Research Agenda in the wake of 5G tech (2019)¹⁴ concluded that, following the standard health risk assessment process, public exposure to extremely low frequency EMFs poses significant health concerns.

Pandey (2022)⁷, observed during his work that there is no evidence, that the radiation emitted from various electronic devices used in our normal life, may penetrate into the body, as such radiation have very low energy, hence cannot change the structure of DNA in living organism. Tukmin and Mahadi (2011)⁹ in their research on the ELF EMF radiation exposure level at multistorey apartment located adjacent to 275KV transmission lines at Klang Valey area, observed that the magnetic field near the transmission lines are higher but still below the permissible exposure limit.

Matthew et al. (2020)⁵ studied the impact of EMF radiation on human health and Eco- system. They observed that EMF radiation can interfere with the natural way of how our body works, it can affect our body at cellular level. The impact of EMF radiation on our eco-system is serious, because of broadcasting antennas, mobile communication base stations etc. Kivrak et al. (2017)³ studied the impact of EMFs exposure on the antioxidant system of human body and found in their observation that the exposure to EMF waves results in oxidative stress on antioxidant defense system. Many other studies and Kivrak et al. (2017)³ clearly demonstrated that EMF exposure triggers oxidative stress in various tissues and can cause significant change in levels of blood antioxidant markers. Fatigue, headache, decrease in learning ability are some common symptoms caused by EMFs. Therefore, human body should be protected against long time exposure to EMFs radiation.

There is a significant scientific evidence suggesting that developing organisms such as fetus, infant, children are more susceptible to harm from various environmental factors including radiation. The recent studies demonstrate elevation in risk of brain cancer for mobile phone users. David (2010)² studied in his research the effect of electromagnetic fields and observed that the existing standards of RF electromagnetic fields exposure are not adequate. If there are real risks and especially if children are more susceptible, we may be facing an epidemic of brain and other forms of cancer. While the evidence at present is less to proof a relationship between radiation exposure and elevated risk of cancer, especially childhood leukemia and brain cancer. In his study he found that, it is not clear whether other kinds of cancer are also at increased risk following exposure. Kundi (2008)⁴ has hypothesized that use of mobile phones may increase rates of some forms of brain cancer. Even if this is true, this does not mean that every exposed person will develop brain cancer.

Report of WHO, on the possible health effect of exposure to extremely low frequency radiation(0Hz-100Hz) electric and magnetic fields (2007)¹², concluded that, there is no evidence to support the fact that, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields are harmful to human. But long-time exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic field can lead to health risk. However, some studies have also shown that long time exposure to ELF magnetic fields might be a cause of childhood leukemia, cancer, but there is no known mechanism by which non-ionizing EMFs can damage DNA or cell directly. There is need to study more on relation between ELF fields and diseases affecting the brain and the spinal cord.

TYPES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (EMFs):

As discussed earlier, electromagnetic frequencies on the spectrum depending on its wavelength and frequency are categories into two types non-ionizing and ionizing radiation. The non-ionizing fields have a longer wavelength and lower frequency while ionizing radiation have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths.

Non-ionizing fields are present in both natural and man-made sources. Some common sources of non-ionizing EMFs are; Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), Radio Frequency (RF), Microwaves (MW), Ultraviolet (UV), Visible and Infrared (IR) Radiations.

Extremely Low Frequency

Extremely low frequency (ELF) fields include alternating current (AC) and other electromagnetic, non-ionizing radiation from 1Hz to 300Hz. ELF fields at 60 Hz are produces by power lines, electrical wiring and electrical equipment. ELF electromagnetic fields are invisible wave that can travel through space ELF can be produced by natural sources like lightning and thunderstorm. There is on scientific evidence that extremely low frequency EMFs are harmful to human health in normal daily life exposure. High levels of ELF EMFs can affect the human nervous system.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of wavelength of 10-400nm. UV radiation can come from both natural source such as sun and manufactured source such as sunlamps, halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lights. The health risk of UV radiation has been reviewed in an environment health Criteria document of the World Health Organization (1978)¹¹. This report and Parrish et al. (1978)⁸; Sliney and Wolbarsht (1980)¹⁰ explained that UV radiation effect strongly depends on the wavelength; radiation of less than 320nm is far more hazardous than UV radiation from 320nm to 400nm. Thus, it was noted that the short wave length UV radiation are the most damaging.

Visible and Infrared Radiation

Visible and Infrared radiation can be emitted from natural and artificial sources. The sun emits radiation including visible light, infrared and ultraviolet. Hot objects, electrical equipment such as light bulbs, heat lamps, lasers emit infrared radiation. The effects from visible and near infrared radiation are largely limited to the retina, where the radiation is focused. Sliney and Wolbarsht (1980)¹⁰ found that the visible radiation levels required to cause retinal injury are lowest at 440 nm (blue light), the wavelength at which the radiation exposure is 30J/cm² in one day can cause a retinal lesion. Exposure to infrared radiation in the 700nm-1400nm can cause IR cataracts, these levels are found only in heavy industries.

Micro Waves and Radio Frequency Radiation

Radio frequency (RF) and Micro waves radiation can emit from both the natural as well as manufactured source. The sun, the earth and the ionosphere all emit low level RF radiations. Mobile phones, radio, television, wi-fi etc. are some common manufactured sources of RF radiation. Antennas emit micro wave and RF radiation into environment. A World Health Organization (1981)¹³ criteria document on Microwave and Radio frequency radiations concluded that human exposure to RF and microwave radiation exposure fields between 0.1 to 1.0mW/cm² do not lead to the health risk. There is currently no evidence that the long-term human exposure to field intensities around 10m W/cm² can induce cataract. Czerski et al. (1974)¹ studied that exposure to microwave radiation can cause teratogenic effects (birth defects) at level exceeding 10m W/cm².

Ionizing fields have higher frequencies and shorter wave lengths. The energy from this type of radiation can remove electrons from atom, including those comprising water and living tissues, which break chemical bonds. Thus, ionizing radiation is directly harmful to cells and it can easily ionize atom. Atomic bomb is an example of ionizing radiation. Some common sources of ionizing EMFs are sunlight, X-rays, some gamma rays and ultraviolet rays. Ionizing radiation emits when the atomic nucleus of an unstable atom decays and starts releasing ionizing particles, and when these particles come in contact with organic substance, like human tissue, they will damage if levels are high enough, in a short period of time, which can lead to burns, problems with the blood, cardiovascular system, cancer and sometimes death. It has been studied by many researchers that ionizing radiation is harmful, as it can break chemical bonds and change the molecular and chemical structures of human tissue.  A person can experience damage if he/she is exposed to high level of radiation over a longer period of time. High dose of ionizing radiation can cause immediate health issue such as burns, hair loss, skin rashes, damage to a developing fetus, damage to bone marrow, to long -term health problems like fertility complications, cancer, oxidative damage, and effect on organs. This type of radiation can also cause long term health problems, even when a person has no immediate symptoms. Exposure to ionizing radiation can be a serious risk to health. People should take steps to limit their exposure to ionizing EMFs.  Doctors and health care workers can minimize the risk of exposure by using shields to protect body parts which are not target for radiation. It is important to note that ionizing radiation from X-rays, CT scans and in cancer therapy plays a crucial role in medical science.

Electrical Products that Emit EMF Radiation

Almost all electrical and electronic gadgets we use in our day-to-day life emit radiation. During the lockdown of covid -19 we have seen that the whole world was dependent on electronic devices. Electronic devices emit two different types of radiations: Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Radio Frequency (RF) radiations. Extremely low frequency emissions have frequency in range between 3 to 3000 Hz. Electronic device has either a battery or a plug that led to an electric current to power the components of the device. This power source develops low level of radiation called ELF radiation. Such radiation doesn’t travel far, so are not able to cause health problems.

Radio frequency (RF) EMFs have frequency between 30KHz to 300GHz. When an electronic device communicates to another device, it sends a wireless signal. This signal is converted into audio, texts, images and video. RF emission are also referred to Microwave signals. These frequencies include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and cellular networks like 3G, 4G,5G. Such radiations can enter the body and create health problems especially in pregnant women, children and patients.

We have investigated the effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by few electronic devices on the human body.

Power lines and Electrical products: Power lines and electrical equipment’s emits extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. Power lines that distribute electricity emit ELF electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields are strongest at their source. The intensity of EMFs decreases rapidly by the inverse square of the distance from the source. It means that as we move away from the source, the level of exposure will decrease. The electric field intensity from transformer boxes and high voltage power lines becomes weaker as the distance from them increases. The long -time exposure to ELF frequency EMF may cause harm to health doesn’t have any scientific evidence.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a device which allows computers, smart phones, video games consoles and other smart device to communicate data wirelessly. Wi-Fi equipment emits RF electromagnetic fields (EMFs). It has been studied that there are no health risks from exposure to RF EMFs emitted from Wi-Fi. Cordless phones, Bluetooth device also emit RF electromagnetic fields. These devices must meet the standard to ensure that they do not exceed RF electromagnetic fields exposure limits. Some RF EMFs emitted by Wi-Fi can be absorbed in our body depending on the strength of the signal and how close the Wi-Fi enabled device is to the user’s body. Based on the scientific study the level of RF EMFs emitted from Wi-Fi is not harmful to health.

Video display terminals: Most electronic products, including video display terminals (VDTs) are designed to emit visible radiations. VDTs that use a cathode- ray tube (CRT) display produce internal X-radiation. The levels of radiation emitted by VDTs are highly unlikely to be hazardous to health. Sliney and Wolbarsht (1980)¹⁰ observed that the emission level from VDTs is far below those emitted by many common electronic devices. Even if a large number of VDTs are arranged, the summed levels of radiation would be less than the levels of radiation from other sources. Zaret (1980a, 1980b)¹⁵ in his study claimed that VDT use can cause cataracts, although there is no scientific study or data available to support the claim.

Mobile phones and cellular device: Now a days almost everyone have cellular device. Mobile phone emits EMF radiation. Mobile phone, use RF EMFs to send and receive information. The RF EMFs emitted by mobile phones are non -ionizing radiation. The excess use of mobile phone can heat the area where the phone is held like ear or head, which doesn’t increase body temperature. There is no scientific evidence that mobile phone radiation is harmful to human health. But, when one use mobile phone close to his/her body over long time, the exposure to EMF radiation can become harmful. Cell phones emit RF radiation from wireless internet, while the batteries emit ELF RF electromagnetic fields. Several studies have found that such EMFs exposure for long time can cause minor health concerns like headache and skin rashes to more severe conditions like fertility problems, DNA fragmentation, cell damage and cancerous tumors. The main concern is that as cell phone advance, the EMF emissions will continue to increase.

5G Technology, Cell phone Towers and Antennas: 5G is the 5^th generation of wireless communication technology used by mobile devices and antenna installations. The RF EMFs emitted by cell phone towers, antennas and 5G technology are type of non-ionizing radiation. On the basis of available scientific evidence, there are no health risk from exposure to the low levels of RF EMFs which people are exposed, from cell phone towers, antennas and 5G technology. The occurrence of health effect like skin rashes, nerve stimulation etc. may cause due to the long-time exposure and the closeness of one’s body from the source.

Smart meters: Smart meters are wireless devices that transmit information using RF electromagnetic field. The RF EMF emitted by smart meters is a non- ionizing radiation. There are no health risks from the exposure to radio frequency EMF from smart meters. The exposure to RF EMF from smart meters is very low, as they emit low power signals, they transmit data in short bursts, there is always a distance between human body and smart meters and also when they are not transmitting a signal, they do not emit RF EMFs.

Microwave oven: Microwave ovens provide a convenient way to cook and reheat food. The microwave generated by a microwave oven do not cause food or oven itself to become radioactive. When the device is off the microwaves disappear. They do not remain in either the food or the oven. Several studies indicates that microwave oven emit non-ionizing radiation, which can raise health concerns like reproductive issue, sleeping disturbance, headache, fatigue, but scientific evidence is still limited and in conclusive. Microwave energy does not pose any health risk, as long as the oven is properly maintained.

CONCLUSION:

The increasing number of electronic devices raises significant concerns, since all the electronic devices are used in very close positions to human body. Almost all electronic device emits extremely low frequency and Radio frequency non -ionizing radiation. Emissions of visible, IR and RF radiation could not be detected even when the most sensitive detector scales on the measurement instrument are used. The radiation from various electronic devices is reflected, scattered and absorbed by the epidermis of skin. This radiation cannot even reach the lower part (papillary dermis) of our skin. But if electronic devices for used continuously for more than half an hour, the thin layer (called basal layer) just below the epidermis layer of our skin will heat up and may cause pain, this pain will go away as soon as we stop the use of that device. It has been studied that skin cancer has increased due to long time exposure to UV rays of high levels. Study have observed the data from users of mobile phones and similar devices which indicates non- specific symptoms during and after use of EMFs emitting devices. Scientists believe that exposure to non-ionizing radiation over long period, such as years, may cause stress and cellular damage, which may lead to many health issues. When human uses electronic devices, the affect RF EMFs on one’s health occurs which is a measure of rate, at which the energy is absorbed by the human body. The most common complications seen in people are: headache, sleeping disorder, irritability, concentration problem, depression, hair loss, memory loss etc. severe complications include paralysis, hypertension, miscarriage, infertility and cancer. Children and pregnant women are more effected. Many studies talked about the diseases caused by radiation and some it has also been said that it has no side effects. General opinion is that there is no direct evidence of any hazardous effects on human health due to extremely low frequency and radio frequency waves emitted by commonly used electronic device if they are used for short time. Also, further investigation is crucial to unravel the complex interaction between radiation and human health.

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Received on 10.11.2024      Revised on 24.11.2024 Accepted on 03.12.2024   Published on 14.12.2024 Available online on December 05, 2024 Research J. Science and Tech. 2024; 16(4):325-330. DOI: 10.52711/2349-2988.2024.00048
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