Because of the exponential increase of mobile phones use, research activity, in recent years, has focused on the biological effects of electromagnetic fields at the related frequencies (800-2000 MHz). In particular, attention is paid to the second (GSM) and third (UMTS) generation mobile phone, in order to assess the effects in cultured human lymphocytes and established cell lines. Among the cell models, nervous cells have a key role due to the proximity of the cell phone to user's head. Ad hoc designed and realized exposure systems are employed, such as waveguides, TEM cells and wire patch cells, in agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) the quality standards for “in vitro” exposure to adopt well-defined exposure conditions. In particular, exposure systems are required to have a suitable size to be housed in cell culture incubators, in order to guarantee optimal temperature, carbon dioxide and humidity conditions in biological samples. They must work under strictly controlled conditions in terms of temperature and dosimetry, to guarantee absence of temperature increase, a good field uniformity, and a correct knowledge of the dose actually absorbed by the exposed samples (Specific Absorbtion Rate, SAR). Identical exposure systems, not fed, are employed to host the control samples (sham samples) to exclude the possibility that the observed effects could arise from the specific environmental conditions within the exposure systems, and not the electromagnetic fields they generate. The exposures of varying duration, on the basis of the biological target under examination, are performed both in continuous wave (CW) and modulation, at SAR values comparable with the threshold value of 2 W/kg set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for exposure of the general population in this frequency range. Following the exposure, cell samples are processed for the evaluation of key cellular endpoints, such as viability and cell cycle, apoptosis, or programmed cell death, DNA damage and cellular redox status, all related to carcinogenesis process. Within the high-frequency, frequencies in the THz region are also considered taking into account their use in technologies and applications mainly in the biomedical field. In this context, the IREA has been involved in the project "THz radiation in Biological Research: Investigation on Diagnostics and Genetic Study of Possible Effects (THz-BRIDGE)", funded by the European Community under the Fifth Framework Programme, to assess the induction of DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The experiments were carried out in collaboration with ENEA Frascati, where a free electron laser (FEL), generating a coherent radiation in the frequency range 90-150 GHz, is available.
Biological effects of high frequency electromagnetic fields
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Additional Info
Understanding the interaction mechanisms between electromagnetic fields and biological systems
Contribution to formulation of safety standards for exposure to electromagnetic fields
Biomedical applications of electromagnetic fields
ISI Journals
O. Zeni, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, S. Romeo, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Radiofrequency radiation at 1950 MHz, UMTS signal, does not affect some cellular endpoints relevant for carcinogenesis in neural-like PC12 cells”, Bioelectromagnetics, 2012 Feb 21. doi: 10.1002/bem.21712
A. Sannino, O. Zeni, M. Sarti, S. Romeo, S.B. Reddy, A. Belisario, T.J. Prihoda, Vijayalaxmi, M.R. Scarfì, “Characterization of Radiofrequency-induced Adaptive Response in human peripheral blood lymphocytes: cell cycle effects”, International Journal of Radiation Biology, 87, 1–8, 2011.
F. Brescia, M. Sarti, R. Massa, M. Calabrese, A. Sannino, M.R. Scarfì, “Reactive oxygen species formation is not enhanced by exposure to UMTS 1950 MHz radiation and co-exposure to ferrous ions in Jurkat cells”, Bioelectromagnetics, 30, 525-535, 2009.
A. Sannino, M. Sarti, S.B. Reddy, T.J. Prihoda, Vijayalaxmi, M.R. Scarfì, “Induction of Adaptive Response in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed to Radiofrequency Radiation”, Radiation Research, 171, 735–742, 2009.
R. Palumbo, F. Brescia, D. Capasso, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, M. Capri, E. Grassilli, M.R. Scarfì, “Exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation induces caspase-3 activation in proliferating human lymphocytes”, Radiation Research, 170, 327-334, 2008.
O. Zeni, A. Schiavoni, A. Perrotta, D. Forigo, M. Deplano, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human leukocytes after in vitro exposure to 1950 MHz UMTS radiofrequency field”, Bioelectromagnetics, 29, 177-184, 2008.
O. Zeni, G.P. Gallerano, A. Perrotta, M. Romanò, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, M. D’Arienzo, A. Doria, E. Giovenale, A. Lai, G. Messina, M.R. Scarfì, “Cytogenetic observations in human peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro exposure to THz radiation: a pilot study”, Health Physics, 92, 4, 349-357, 2007.
A. Sannino, M.L. Calabrese, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, G. Petraglia, P. Mita, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood leukocytes following exposure to 1950 MHz modulated signal”, IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 34, 1441-1448, 2006.
M.R. Scarfì, A.M. Fresegna, P. Villani, R. Pinto, C. Marino, M. Sarti, A. Sannino, P. Altavista, G.A. Lovisolo, “Exposure to radiofrequency radiation (900 MHz, GSM signal) does not affect micronucleus frequency and cell proliferation in human peripheral blood lymphocytes”, Radiation Research, 165, 655-663, 2006.
O. Zeni, M. Romanò, A. Perrotta, M.B. Lioi, R. Barbieri, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood leukocytes following an acute in vitro exposure to 900 MHz Radiofrequency Field”, Bioelectromagnetics, 26, 4, 258-65, 2005.
A. Doria, G.P. Gallerano, E. Giovenale, G. Messina, A. Lai, A. Ramando Orlando, V. Sposato, M. D’Arienzo, A. Perrotta, M. Romanò, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, I. Spassovsky, O. Zeni, “THz radiation studies on biological systems at the ENEA FEL Facility”, Infrared Physics & Technology, 45, 339-47, 2004.
O. Zeni, A. Schiavoni, A. Sannino, A. Antolini, D. Forigo, F. Bersani, M.R. Scarfì, “Lack of genotoxic effects (micronucleus induction) in human lymphocytes exposed in vitro to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields”, Radiation Research, 160, 152-158, 2003.
M.R. Scarfì, M. Romanò, R. Di Pietro, O. Zeni, A. Doria, G.P. Gallerano, E. Giovenale, G. Messina, A. Lai, G. Campurra, D. Coniglio, M. D’Arienzo, “THz exposure of whole blood for the study of biological effects on human lymphocytes”, Journal of Biological Physics, 29, 2,171-177, 2003.
G. d'Ambrosio, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, “Cytogenetic damage in human lymphocytes following GMSK phase modulated microwave exposure”, Bioelectromagnetics, 23, 7-13, 2002.
Nazional journals
C. Marino, P. Galloni, L. Gatta, M.R. Scarfì, G.A. Lovisolo, “La ricerca sui campi elettromagnetici e lo stato dell’arte per la valutazione di cancerogenicità”, Energia, ambiente e innovazione, 3, 24-42, 2002.
International proceedings
O. Zeni, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Cytotoxicity Investigation on Neural Like PC12 Cells Exposed to UMTS 1950 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation”, in “Proceedings of the 6° International Workshop on Biological effects of Electromagnetic fields, Bodrum, Turchia, 10-14 October 2010.
A. Sannino, O. Zeni, M. Sarti, Vijayalaxmi, S. Romeo, M.R. Scarfì, “Radiofrequency radiation is capable of inducing Adaptive Response in human blood lymphocytes”, in “Proceedings of the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation 2010”, Barcelona, Spain, 12-16 April 2010.
R. Palumbo, F. Brescia, D. Capasso, A. Sannino, F. Bersani, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, “Exposure to 900MHz radiofrequency radiation induces caspase-3 activation in human T-leukaemia cell line (Jurkat)”, in “Proceedings of the International Conference on Electromagnetic Fields, Health and Environment”, Madeira Island (Portugal), 27-29 April 2006.
Participation in international conferences
M.R. Scarfì, “Genotoxicity of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields”, Annual meeting of UK Environmental Mutagen Society, Nottingham, UK, June 29- July 1 2011.
A. Sannino, O. Zeni, R. Massa, M. Sarti, S. Romeo, Vijayalaxmi, M.R. Scarfì, “Adaptive response induced by UMTS signal in human blood lymphocytes”, BEMS 33nd Annual Meeting, Halifax, Canada, 12-17 June 2011.
O. Zeni, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Radiofrequency radiation at 1950 MHz UMTS signal does not induce cellular response in neuronal like PC12 cells”, 10th EBEA congress, Rome, Italy, 21-24 February 2011.
M.R. Scarfì, “Genotoxicity of electromagnetic fields”, European Environmental Mutagen Society, 40th Annual Meeting, Oslo, Norway, 15-18 September 2010.
M.R. Scarfì, I. Lagroye, “Evaluation of Adverse Health Effects in children from Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure: a Review of In Vitro Studies”, COST BM0704 workshop, Bordeaux, France, 27-28 May 2010.
O. Zeni, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, F. Brescia, R. Massa, S. Romeo, M.R. Scarfì, “In Vitro Effects of Exposures And Co-Exposures to 1950 MHz Radiofrequency radiation: Ongoing Activities at CNR-IREA”, COST BM0704 workshop, Bordeaux, France, 27-28 May 2010.
M.R. Scarfì, “Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Exposure on DNA: Negative Studies”, BEMS 32nd Annual Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 14-18 June 2010.
O. Zeni, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Cytotoxicity investigation on neuronal-like PC12 cells exposed to 1950 MHz radiofrequency radiation”, BEMS 32nd Annual Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 14-18 June 2010.
A. Sannino, O. Zeni, M. Sarti, Vijayalaxmi, S. Romeo, M.A. Belisario, M.R. Scarfì, “ Characterization of Radiofrequency Radiation-induced Adaptive Response in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes”, BEMS 32nd Annual Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 14-18 June 2010.
A. Sannino, O. Zeni, M. Sarti, Vijayalaxmi, S. Romeo, M.R. Scarfì, “Radiofrequency radiation is capable of inducing Adaptive Response in human blood lymphocytes”, European Conference on Antennas and Propagation 2010, Barcelona, Spain, 12-16 April 2010.
A. Sannino, M. Sarti, S.B. Reddy, T.J. Prihoda, Vijayalaxmi, M.R. Scarfì, “Induction of Adaptive Response in Human Lymphocytes Exposed to Radiofrequency Radiation”, Bioem2009, Davos, Switzerland, 14-19 June 2009.
F. Brescia, M. Sarti, R Massa, M.L. Calabrese, A. Sannino, M.R. Scarfì, “Reactive oxygen species formation is not enhanced by exposure to UMTS 1950 MHz radiation and co-exposure to ferrous ions in Jurkat cells”, Bioem2009, Davos, Switzerland, 14-19 June 2009.
M.R. Scarfì, “Electromagnetic fields in biology and medicine”, MISA 2008, Salerno, 21-23 may 2008.
R. Palumbo, F. Brescia, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, “Exposure to 900MHz radiofrequency radiation induces caspase-3 activation in human T cells”, 8th EBEA congress, Bordeaux, France, 10-13 april 2007.
A. Sannino, G. Di Costanzo, M. Sarti, O. Zeni, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human fibroblasts following 900 MHz RF exposures and co-exposures to MX”, 8th EBEA congress, Bordeaux, France, 10-13 april 2007.
R. Palumbo, F. Brescia, D. Capasso, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, R. Pinto, F. Bersani, M.R. Scarfì, “900 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation induces caspase-3 activation in proliferating Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes”, 28th Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetic Society, Cancun, Mexico, 11-15 June 2006.
A. Sannino, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, M. Calabrese, G. Petraglia, P. Mita, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood leukocytes following exposure to 1950 MHz modulated signal”, International School of Bioelectromagnetics “Alessandro Chiabrera”, 2nd Course “Electromagnetic Fields and Genotoxicity” Erice (Sicily, Italy), 3-9 October 2005.
O. Zeni, A. Schiavoni, A. Perrotta, D. Forigo, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood leukocytes following intermittent radiofrequency exposures at 1950 MHz UMTS signal”, International School of Bioelectromagnetics “Alessandro Chiabrera”, 2nd Course “Electromagnetic Fields and Genotoxicity” Erice (Sicily, Italy), 3-9 October 2005.
O. Zeni, A. Schiavoni, A. Perrotta, D. Forigo, M.R. Scarfì, “DNA damage in coltured human leukocytes following 24h intermittent radiofrequency exposure at 1950 MHz Umts signal”, BIOem 2005, Dublino, Irlanda, 19-24 June 2005.
A. Sannino, P. Mita, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, M. Calabrese, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood leukocytes following exposure to UMTS modulated signal”, BIOem 2005, Dublino, Irlanda,19-24 June 2005.
R. Barbieri, M.R. Scarfì, A. Perrotta, M. Romanò, A. Santoro, O. Zeni, M..B. Lioi, “Detection of DNA strand breaks in bovine leukocytes using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay”, 6th European Colloquium on Animal Cytogenetics and Gene Mapping (ECACGM), Jouy-en-Josas (France), 6-9 July 2004.
M.R. Scarfì, “Induction of micronuclei in human blood lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to mobile telecommunication radio frequency signal”, Tutorial Session at 26th Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetic Society on Research related to the effect of Radiofrequency Energy on Micronucleus formation, Washington DC, 25 June 2004.
R. Pinto, L. Ardoino, V. Lopresto, C. Marino, S. Mancini, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, G.A. Lovisolo, “An in vitro study in the framework of CTIA-FDA project: design and dosimetry of a four channel set up operating at 900 MHz”, 26th Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetic Society, Washington DC, 21-24 June 2004.
M. Calabrese, G. Castello, G. d’Ambrosio, F. Izzo, G.F. Grossi, R. Massa, M. Napolitano, G. Petraglia, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, P. Scampoli, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, “A project in the framework of the “Campania EU-Region center of competence on information and communication technologies” related to the evaluation of cancer related endpoints in mammalian cells following in vitro exposures to UMTS radiofrequency signal”, 26th Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetic Society, Washington DC, 21-24 June 2004.
O. Zeni, A. Schiavoni, A. Perrotta, D. Forigo, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood lymphocytes following RF exposures at both GSM1800 and UMTS 1950 signals”, 26th Annual Meeting of the Bioelectromagnetic Society, Washington DC, 21-24 June 2004.
M. Calabrese, G. Castello, G. d’Ambrosio, F. Izzo, G.F. Grossi, R. Massa, M. Napolitano, G. Petraglia, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, P. Scampoli, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, ““WHITER”: Wireless technology health risks, a coordinated bioelectromagnetic research project”, ICNIRP- International NIR Workshop & Symposium, Seville, Spain, 20-22 May 2004.
O. Zeni, M. Romanò, A. Perrotta, M. Sarti, A. Doria, G.P. Gallerano, E. Giovenale, G. Messina, A. Lai, G. Campurra, M. D’Arienzo, M.R. Scarfì, ”Evaluation of DNA damage in human lymphocytes exposed to THz radiation”, 6th EBEA Conference, Budapest, Hungary, 13-15 November 2003.
M.R. Scarfì, M. Sarti, O. Zeni, M. Romanò, A.M. Fresegna, C. Marino, R. Pinto, P. Villani, G.A. Lovisolo, “Evaluation of Micronucleus induction in human lymphocytes following in vitro exposures to Radiofrequency Radiation: a study in the framework of CTIA- FDA Project”, 6th EBEA Conference, Budapest, Hungary, 13-15 november 2003.
O. Zeni, M. Romanò, A. Perrotta, M.B. Lioi, R. Barbieri, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood lymphocytes following 900 MHz RF exposure”, 6th EBEA Conference, Budapest, Hungary, 13-15 november 2003.
A. Doria, G.P. Gallerano, E. Giovenale, G. Messina, A. Lai, A. Ramundo-Orlando, V. Sposato, M. D'Arienzo, A. Perrotta, M. Romanò, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, “THz radiation studies on biological systems at the ENEA FEL Facility”, 11th IEEE Int. Conference on Terahertz Electronics (THz 2003), Sendai, Japan, September 2003.
A. Doria, G.P. Gallerano, E. Giovenale, G. Messina, A. Lai, A. Ramundo-Orlando, V. Sposato, M. D’Arienzo, A. Perrotta, M. Romanò, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, “THz radiation studies on biological systems at the ENEA FEL Facility”, International Workshop on Infrared Microscopy and Spectroscopy (WIRMS 2003), Granlibakken Conference Center - Lake Tahoe, California, USA, 8-11 July 2003.
M.R. Scarfì, “Evaluation of genotoxic effects (MN induction) in human lymphocytes exposed to RF radiation: recent results from our research group”, Workshop on “Genetic and cytogenetic aspects of RF-field interaction”, Lowenstein (Stuttgart), Germany 24-27 November 2002.
M.R. Scarfì, P. Olla, A. Sannino, F. Bersani, A. Schiavoni, A. Antolini, O. Zeni, “Absence of micronucleus induction in human peripheral blood lymphocytes following exposures to 900 MHz Radiofrequency radiation”, 24th Annual meeting of the Bioelectromagnetic Society, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, 23-27 June 2002.
Participation in national conferences
G. Gialanella, G. Grossi, L. Manti, R. Massa, P. Scampoli, M. Sarti, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, “Exposure and Co-exposure of Mammalian Cells to 1950 MHz UMTS Signal”, Convegno Attività di Ricerca del Centro Interuniversitario ICEmB a Venti Anni dalla Sua Costituzione", Genova, 25-26 febbraio 2010.
A. Sannino, O. Zeni, M. Sarti, Vijayalaxmi, S. Romeo, M.A. Belisario, M.R. Scarfì, “Adaptive response induced by radiofrequency radiation in human lymphocytes”, Convegno "Attività di Ricerca del Centro Interuniversitario ICEmB a Venti Anni dalla Sua Costituzione", Genova, 25-26 febbraio 2010.
M.R. Scarfì, “Studi di laboratorio in vitro”, Convegno “Salute e campi elettromagnetici: dalla ricerca alla protezione”. Roma, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 29-30 Ottobre 2009.
M.R. Scarfì, “Effetti in vitro e approccio sperimentale”, 43° Corso “Telefonia mobile e sistemi wireless: effetti sanitari e misure di protezione”. Scuola Superiore di Radioprotezione “Carlo Polvani” Certosa di Calci, Pisa, 18-19 febbraio 2009.
M.R. Scarfì, “Effetti citotossici e genotossici di esposizioni a campi elettromagnetici di bassa e di alta frequenza”, III Convegno Nazionale del Progetto MIUR/CNR-ENEA “Salvaguardia dell’uomo e dell’ambiente dalle emissioni EM”: i risultati, le ricadute, le prospettive di sviluppo, Roma, 25-27 ottobre 2004.
M. Calabrese, G. Castello, G. d’Ambrosio, F. Izzo, G.F. Grossi, R. Massa, M. Napolitano, G. Petraglia, A. Sannino, M. Sarti, P. Scampoli, M.R. Scarfì, O. Zeni, “Wither: wireless technology health risks”, Un progetto coordinato sulla valutazione di eventuali effetti cancerogeni in cellule esposte a segnali UMTS, XV RINEM, Cagliari, 13-16 settembre 2004.
O. Zeni, M. Romanò, A. Perrotta, M.B. Lioi, R. Barbieri, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, M.R. Scarfì, “Assenza di effetti genotossici in leucociti umani esposti ad un segnale GSM a 900 MHz”, XV RINEM, Cagliari, 13-16 settembre 2004.
M.R. Scarfi', O. Zeni, M. Sarti, A. Perrotta, M. Romanò, A. Sannino, R. Di Pietro, M.B. Lioi, R. Barbieri, “Valutazione dell'induzione di effetti genotossici in colture cellulari di mammifero esposte a campi elettromagnetici di bassa e di alta frequenza”, III Convegno Nazionale del Progetto MIUR/CNR-ENEA “Salvaguardia dell’Uomo e dell’ambiente dalle emissioni elettromagnetiche”, Interazione tra campi elettromagnetici e soggetti esposti. Roma, 1-2 aprile 2004.
O. Zeni, G. d’Ambrosio, R. Massa, R. Di Pietro, M.R. Scarfì, “Valutazione della formazione dei radicali dell’ossigeno in colture cellulari esposte a 900 MHz”, XIV RINEM, Ancona, 16-19 settembre 2002.
Chapters in books
M.R. Scarfì, F. Bersani, “Radiofrequency Radiation and replication studies”, in Chromosomal Alterations: Importance in Human Health, – Vijayalaxmi and G. Obe Editors, Elsevier, 2007.
Università di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Ingegneria Biomedica, Elettronica e delle Telecomunicazioni
ENEA, Casaccia, Sezione di Tossicologia e Scienze Biomediche
ENEA, FIS-ACC, Frascati
Telecom Italia Lab, Torino
Università di Napoli "Federico II", Dipartimento di Fisica