Electromagnetic Fields In Biological Systems

Spanning static fields to terahertz waves, this volume explores the range of consequences electromagnetic fields have on the human body. Topics discussed include essential interactions and field coupling phenomena; electric field interactions in cells, focusing on ultrashort, pulsed high-intensity fields; dosimetry or coupling of ELF fields into biological systems; and the historical developments and recent trends in numerical dosimetry. It also discusses mobile communication devices and the dosimetry of RF radiation into the human body, exposure and dosimetry associated with MRI and spectroscopy, and available data on the interaction of terahertz radiation with biological tissues, cells, organelles, and molecules.

The International Symposium on Biological Effects of Magnetic and Electrom- netic Fields was held from September 3-4, 1993 at Kyushu University in Fukuoka . Japan . Originally, it was only intended to be an informal gathering of many scientists who had accepted my invitation to visit Kyushu University after the XXIVth General Assembly of the International Union of Radio Science (URSI), held in Kyoto prior to our symposium . However, since so many distinguished scientists were able to come, it was decided that a more formal symposium would be possible . It was a very productive symposium and, as a result, many of the guests consented that it would be a good idea to gather all the information put forth at the meeting and have it published. In addition, although they were unfortunately unable to attend the symposium . many other distinguished scientists had also expressed their wish to contribute to this effort and, in so doing. help to increase understanding in this, as yet, relatively immature field of science . The question of both positive and negative effects of magnetic and electromagnetic fields on biological systems has become more and more important in our world today as they .

Recent concerns over the possible hazards of electrical and magnetic fields in the home and workplace are comprehensively addressed within this book. The chapters contain detailed research on the biological effects of electric and magnetic fields, and evidence for and against any interaction of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the biological systems. The relative risk of exposure to EMFs Putative behavioral and neural effects of EMFs EMF effects on cells

Presents recent advances in research on the interactions of electromagnetic fields (EMF) with biological systems. The book discusses the aspects and effects of various electromagnetic fields, as well as the reaction of brain receptor systems to electromagnetic field exposure.

Ever since the early 1940's, electromagnetic energy in the nonionizing spectrum has contributed to the enhanced quality of life in a variety of ways. Aside from their well-known roles in communication, entertainment, industry and science, electromagnetic energy has come into wide spread use in biology and medicine. In addition to the intended purposes, these energies produce other effects which have been shown to influence the life processes of living organisms. It is noteworthy that these energies are not only harmless in ordinary quantities but are actually necessary for modern life, indeed without which life as we know it would be impossible. The purpose of this book is to present a succinct summary of the interaction of electromagnetic fields and waves with biological systems as they are now known. The subject matter is interdisciplinary and is based primarily on presentations scheduled for a joint symposium at the XXII General Assembly of the International Union of Radio Science, held in Tel Aviv, Israel from Tuesday, August 25 to Wednesday, September 2, 1987. The symposium was jointly sponsored by the Bioelectromagnetics Society in cooperation with the International Radiation Protection Association. The choice of topics was made to facilitate the application and to stimulate the use of nonioni zing electromagnetic energy in biology and medicine, and to increase the awareness and to promote the consideration of radiation safety by electrical engineers and experimental physicists.

A broad region of the electromagnetic spectrum long assumed to have no influence on living systems under natural conditions has been critically re-examinjld over the past decade. This spectral region extends from the superhigh radio frequencies, through de creasing frequencies, to and including essentially static electric and magnetic fields. The author of this monograph, A. S. Presman, has reviewed not only the extensive Russian literatur!;"l, but also al most equally comprehensively the non-Russian literature, dealing with biological influences of these fields. Treated also is literature shedding some light on possible theoretical foundations for these phenomena. A substantial, rapidly increaSing number of studies in many laboratories and countries has now clearly established bio logical influences which are independent of the theoretically pre dictable, simple thermal effects. Indeed many of the effects are produced by field strengths very close to those within the natural environment. The author has, even more importantly, set forth a novel, imaginative general hypothesis in which it is postulated that such electromagnetic fields normally serve as conveyors of information from the environment to the organism, within the organism, and among organisms. He postulates that in the course of evolution or ganisms have come to employ these fields in conjunction with the well-known sensory, nervous, and endocrine systems in effecting coordination and integration.

This volume includes the lectures and selected posters on different aspects of biological effects of EMF, presented at the NATO ADVANCED RESEARCH WORKSHOP “The mechanisms of biological effect Extremely High Power Pulses (EHPP)” (3-5 March 2005) and the UNESCO/WHO/IUPAB Seminar “Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Biological Effects of EMF” (1-2 March 2005) that took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The gracious support of several international organizations made possible to bring together 47 scientists, engineers, physicians and policy makers from 21 countries from Europe, North and South America, Asia. The Capital of Armenia, Yerevan, provided an excellent opportunity for discussions of the experimental data and theoretical models of EMF effect on various levels, starting from cell aqua bathing medium to the whole organism, including the human, applying multidisciplinary approaches. The continuous increase of the number of man made EMF sources leads to dramatic changes in the spectrum of EMF in the biosphere. During the last two decades the public concern about potential hazard of EMF generated by power and distribution lines, as well as mobile communications and base stations have initiated serious public concern and has triggered the attention of the WHO, which reflected in the EMF project of harmonization of standards. At the same time, contemporary medicine largely uses EMF diagnostic methods. The beneficial effects of EMF are complemented with a large scale of EMF therapeutic modalities used in a number of countries, helping millions of people.