Radiofrequency radiation: carcinogenic and other potential risks

Lee

et al. 2020

IJMS

With the rapid growth of wireless communication devices, the influences of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health are gathering increasing attention. Since the skin is the largest organ of the body and is located at the outermost layer, it is considered a major target for the health effects of EMF. Skin pigmentation represents one of the most frequent symptoms caused by various non-ionizing radiations, including ultraviolet radiation, blue light, infrared, and extremely low frequency (ELF). Here, we investigated the effects of EMFs with long-term evolution (LTE, 1.762 GHz) and 5G (28 GHz) bandwidth on skin pigmentation in vitro. Murine and Human melanoma cells (B16F10 and MNT-1) were exposed to either LTE or 5G for 4 h per day, which is considered the upper bound of average smartphone use time. It was shown that neither LTE nor 5G exposure induced significant effects on cell viability or pigmentation. The dendrites of MNT-1 were neither lengthened nor regressed after EMF exposure. Skin pigmentation effects of EMFs were further examined in the human keratinocyte cell line (MNT-1-HaCaT) co-culture system, which confirmed the absence of significant hyper-pigmentation effects of LTE and 5G EMFs. Lastly, MelanoDerm™, a 3D pigmented human epidermis model, was irradiated with LTE (1.762 GHz) or 5G (28 GHz), and image analysis and special staining were performed. No changes in the brightness of MelanoDerm™ tissues were observed in LTE- or 5G-exposed tissues, except for only minimal changes in the size of melanocytes. Collectively, these results imply that exposure to LTE and 5G EMFs may not affect melanin synthesis or skin pigmentation under normal smartphone use condition.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Electromagnetic Waves with LTE and 5G Bandwidth on the Skin Pigmentation In Vitro

Lee

et al. 2020

IJMS

“…A similar tendency was observed in a systematic review, where pooled risk estimates for lung cancer after exposures to amphiboles were higher in the neighborhood-1.74 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.57) than chrysotile-0.99 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.25), while the overall risk was higher in intermediate-quality rather than in high-quality studies (no poor-quality group was observed): 1.86 vs. 1.21 (P<0.05) [67]. Significant differences between results obtained in high-quality studies compared to low-quality studies indicate bias due to conflicts of interest [68], as it is easier to find support for preconceived ideas in poorquality and manipulated studies than in high-quality research. The questionable conclusions by Bernstein et al in favor of chrysotile vs. amphiboles, as well as support by the Québec Chrysotile Institute, have been pointed out [69,70].…”

Section: Chrysotile Vs Amphibolesmentioning

confidence: 88%

Asbestos-related Lung Diseases: A Brief Update

Jargin

2022

J Inflamm Dis

Health risks from asbestos exposures have been evaluated, considering past professional histories when exposures at workplaces were higher than today. A linear no-threshold (LNT) model has been applied, although its relevance is unproven. Fibers are often found in the lungs and pleura of deceased people. Fiber findings do not prove that a disease is caused by asbestos. It is reasonable to assume that a targeted search for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions in asbestos workers resulted in an increased detection rate. Histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of malignant mesothelioma partly overlap with other cancers, which may contribute to the overdiagnosis in exposed populations. The etiology and differential diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma as well as differences in carcinogenicity between different asbestos types are briefly discussed here. In the author’s opinion, current regulations applied in some countries are excessive and should be reconsidered based on independent research. The most promising way to obtain reliable information would be through lifelong bioassays. It can be reasonably assumed that the non-use of asbestos-containing brakes, fireproofing, insulation, etc. increases the harm caused by fires, traffic accidents, and armed conflicts.

International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications

“…Despite the definite advantages of wearable devices and mobile phones for healthcare applications, there are some concerns raised regarding possible negative biological effects induced by electromagnetic fields generated by such devices [75]. First of all, it encompasses the potential genotoxic [76,77] and carcinogenic [78,79] effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the diapason associated with mobile telecommunication systems. However, at the same time, there is a range of reports on the potential therapeutic effect of EMF for different organs and systems, particularly for the brain [80,81].…”

Section: International Journal Of Telemedicine and Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Recent Progress and Applications of Digital Technologies in Healthcare: A Review

Senbekov

Saliev

Bukeyeva

et al. 2020

145

Background. The implementation of medical digital technologies can provide better accessibility and flexibility of healthcare for the public. It encompasses the availability of open information on the health, treatment, complications, and recent progress on biomedical research. At present, even in low-income countries, diagnostic and medical services are becoming more accessible and available. However, many issues related to digital health technologies remain unmet, including the reliability, safety, testing, and ethical aspects. Purpose. The aim of the review is to discuss and analyze the recent progress on the application of big data, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, block-chain platforms, smart devices in healthcare, and medical education. Basic Design. The publication search was carried out using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Medline, Wiley Online Library, and CrossRef databases. The review highlights the applications of artificial intelligence, “big data,” telemedicine and block-chain technologies, and smart devices (internet of things) for solving the real problems in healthcare and medical education. Major Findings. We identified 252 papers related to the digital health area. However, the number of papers discussed in the review was limited to 152 due to the exclusion criteria. The literature search demonstrated that digital health technologies became highly sought due to recent pandemics, including COVID-19. The disastrous dissemination of COVID-19 through all continents triggered the need for fast and effective solutions to localize, manage, and treat the viral infection. In this regard, the use of telemedicine and other e-health technologies might help to lessen the pressure on healthcare systems. Summary. Digital platforms can help optimize diagnosis, consulting, and treatment of patients. However, due to the lack of official regulations and recommendations, the stakeholders, including private and governmental organizations, are facing the problem with adequate validation and approbation of novel digital health technologies. In this regard, proper scientific research is required before a digital product is deployed for the healthcare sector.