Non-Thermal Effects and Mechanisms of Interaction Between Electromagnetic Fields and Living Matter (An ICEMS Monograph)

“Non-Thermal Effects and Mechanisms of Interaction Between Electromagnetic Fields and Living Matter”, a monograph edited by Livio Giuliani and Morando Soffritti for the “European Journal of Oncology” – Library Vol. 5 of the National Institute for the Study and Control of Cancer and Environmental Diseases “Bernardo Ramazzini”, Bologna, Italy, 2010, RAMAZZINI INSTITUTE Eur. J.Oncol. Library Volume 5 Technical Editor - Erica Tommasini Editorial Staff - Damiano Accurso - Luciano Bua - Daniela Chiozzotto - Laura Falcioni - Michelina Lauriola - Marco Manservigi - Eva Tibaldi Preface Morando Soffritti Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center, Ramazzini Institute, Bologna, Italy Electromagnetic fields are waves that transport energy through space. They are characterized by wavelength and frequency, the two of which are inversely correlated. The shorter the wavelength, the greater the frequency. Electromagnetic fields include the following (in order of decreasing wavelength and increasing frequency): electromagnetic fields of extremely low frequency (from electric sources), electromagnetic fields of low frequency, electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency and microwaves (from mobile telephones, television antennas etc), ultrasounds, infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, X rays and gamma rays. Gamma rays, given their energy charge, are also defined as ionizing radiation, and are capable of altering genetic cellular material. Indeed, the carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation have been known for decades. Scientific data regarding the long-term effects, in particular carcinogenic risk,of the exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields were not reported in the literature until the 1970s. In 1979 two American researchers, Wertheimer e Leeper, published for the first time the results of an epidemiological study that demonstrated an increased carcinogenic risk, specifically leukemic, in children residing in close proximity to electric installations and therefore exposed to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields from electrical current at extremely low frequency. As was to be expected, concern about the possible carcinogenic risks of non-ionizing radiation has now expanded beyond electricity to include other types of non-ionizing radiation, such as electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency and microwaves from cellular telephones and other wireless technologies such as cordless telephones, computers etc. The expansion of mobile telephone technologies in the last 10 years is without precedent. In 1996 the number of cellular telephones in Italy was circa 4 million, today this figure is estimated to be 40 million. In the US, cellular telephones in the 1990s numbered 9 million, today more than 150 million Americans use cell phones, including children. It is estimated than more than 2 billion people use cell phones worldwide. In addition, many citizens are exposed to electromagnetic fields originating from the antennas of radio base stations that transmit cellular signals. Indeed, exposure to electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency and microwave, in both the work and general environment, has never before experienced this type of growth. For this reason it is fundamentally important to address the issue of safety, using all available tools to evaluate the potential risks of exposure. These tools include both epidemiological and experimental laboratory studies, as well as basic research. This book provide updated information concerning mechanism of interaction between non ionising radiation fields and living matter, with particular reference to potential nonthermal toxic effects.