Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been shown to cause biological damage and even cancer, but exactly how does this happen? In this interview, Paul Héroux, Ph.D., a researcher and professor of toxicology and health effects of electromagnetism at the faculty of medicine at McGill University in Montreal, helps answer that question.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) include electric, magnetic and higher frequency radio fields. While the literature discriminates between low and high-frequency fields, microwaves, electric and magnetic fields, all of these have similar biological effects. Even low magnetic fields, such as 60 Hertz, can have drastic effects on cancer cells in culture.
Effects begin around 20 nanotesla, and are fully developed around 50 nT. At levels over 160 nT, magnetic fields have been shown to affect sperm production. EMFs impair the flow of protons through ATP synthase. This increases mitochondrial membrane polarization, triggering a massive increase in reactive oxygen species. This oxidative stress causes most of the damage.