Problems and solutions
Andrew Goldsworthy
March 2012
Abstract
Many of the reported biological effects of non-ionising electromagnetic fields occur at levels too low to cause significant heating; i.e. they are non thermal. Most of them can be accounted for by electrical effects on living cells and, in particular, their membranes. The alternating fields generate alternating electric currents that flow through cells and tissues. This removes structurally-important calcium ions from cell membranes, which then makes them leak. Electromagnetically treated water (as generated by electronic water conditioners used to remove lime scale from plumbing) has similar effects, implying that the effects of the fields can also be carried in the bloodstream. Virtually all of the non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation can be accounted for by the leakage of cell membranes. Most of them involve the inward leakage of free calcium ions down an enormous electrochemical gradient to affect calcium-sensitive enzyme systems. This is the normal mechanism by which cells sense mechanical membrane damage. They normally respond by triggering mechanisms that stimulate growth and repair, including the MAP-kinase cascades, which amplify the signal. If the damage is not too severe or prolonged, we see a stimulation of growth and the effect seems beneficial, but if the exposure is prolonged, these mechanisms are overcome and the result is ultimately harmful. This phenomenon occurs with both ionising and non-ionising radiation and is called radiation hormesis. Gland cells are a good example of this, since short term exposures stimulate their activity but long term exposures cause visible damage and a loss of function. Damage to the thyroid gland from living within 100 metres of a cell phone base station caused hypothyroidism and may be partially responsible for our current outbreak of obesity and chronic fatigue. Secondary effects of obesity include diabetes, gangrene, cardiac problems, renal failure and cancer. Cell phone base station radiation also affects the adrenal glands and stimulates the production of adrenalin and cortisol. Excess adrenalin causes headaches, cardiac arrhythmia, high blood pressure, tremors and an inability to sleep, all of which have been reported by people living close to base stations. The production of cortisol weakens the immune system and could make people living near base stations more susceptible to disease and cancer.
