Electromagnetic Radiation: A Public Health S.O.S. Amy Bhopal University of San Francisco December 03, 2013 Learning Objectives Identify sources of EM radiation at home, work, and in the environment. Critically interpret literature results to diagnose environmental problems and hazards. Demonstrate knowledge of how EM radiation interacts with biological systems and describe the mechanisms by which EM radiation exerts adverse effects on reproductive health. Understand current international and national policies and suggestions Perform monitoring procedures to indicate exposure status. Why Is EM Radiation Exposure So Dangerous? EMR Causes Reproductive Health Chaos Radiofrequency EMR affects sperm quality in males EMR exposure in pregnant women increases risk for miscarriage and/or early pregnancy loss. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 The first major overhaul of telecommunications law in almost 62 years. The Goal: to let anyone enter any communications business -- to let any communications business compete in any market against any other. The BioInitiative Working Group sounds the alarm The BioInitiative report is a major milestone in understanding the health risks of wireless technology. Available online at: Implications for Public Health Suggestions 1.Create new laws to reduce energy usage and/or mandate the FCC to revisit its EMR exposure guidelines. 2.Develop and implement health promotion programs. 3.Foster solar power environments for high energy users. 4.Survey to measure the health impacts of the currently exposed population. 5.Enforcement of further EMR research. References Agarwal, A., Deepinder, F., Sharma, R.K., Ranga, G., Li, J. (2007). Effect of cell phone usage on semen analysis in men attending infertility clinic: An observational study. Fertil Steril, 89, 124128. Avendano, C., Mata, A., Sanchez-Sarmiento, C.A., Doncel, G.F. (2012). Use of laptopcomputers connected to internet through wi-fi decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm dna fragmentation. Fertil Steril, 97(1), Bellieni, C.V., Pinto, I., Bogi, A., Zoppetti, N., Andreuccetti, D., Buonocore, G. (2012). Exposure to electromagnetic fields from laptop use of laptop computers. Arch Environ Occup Health, 67(1), BioInitiative Working Group, Sage C., & Carpenter, O. (2012, Dec 31). Bioinitiative 2012: A rationale for biologically based exposure standards for low-intensity electromagnetic raditation. Retrieved fromDasdag, S., Ketani, M.A., Akdag, Z., Ersay A.R., Sari, I., DEmirtas, O.C., et al. (1999). Whole- body microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones and testicular function of rats. Urol Res, 27, Davoudi, M., Brossner, C., Kuber, W. (2002). The in uence of electromagnetic waves on sperm motility. Urol Urogynaecol,19, 1822. References Contd Eliasson, J. (2013, March 13). Deputy un chief calls for urgent action to tackle global sanitation crisis. Retrieved fromEbm_SFd. Erogul, O., Oztas, E., Yildirim, I., Kir, T., Aydur, E., Komesli, G., Irkilata, H.C., Irmak, M.K., Peker, A.F. (2006). Effects of electromagnetic radiation from a cellular phone on human sperm motility: an in vitro study. Arch Med Res, 37(7), Fejes, I., Zavaczki, Z., Szollosi, J., Koloszar, S., Daru, J., Kovacs, L., Pal, A. (2005). Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality? Arch Androl, 51(5), Gul, A., Celebi, H., Ugras, S. (2009). The effects of microwaves emitted by cellular phones on ovarian follicles in rats. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 280(5), Matilainen, P., Juutilainen, J., Saarikoski, S., Laara, E., Suonio, S. (1990). Early pregnancy loss and exposure to 50-Hz magnetic fields. In: Proceedings of the URSI/IEEE XVI national convention on radio science. Malmivuo, J., & Plonsey, R. (1995). Bioelectromagnetism. (pp ). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. References Contd Lee, G.M., Neutra, R.R., Hristova, L., et al. (2002). A nested case-control study of residential and personal magnetic field measures and miscarriages. Epidemiology, 13, 2131. Li, D.K., Odouli, R., Wi, S., et al. (2002). A population-based prospective cohort study of personal exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Epidemiology, 13, 922. Li, D.K., Checkoway, H., Muller, A. (1995). Electric blanket use during pregnancy in relation to the risk of congenital urinary tract anomalies among women with a history of subfertility. Epidemiology, 6(5), Wertheimer, N., Leeper, E. (1986). Possible effects of electric blankets and heated waterbeds on fetal development. Bioelectromagnetics, 7,