Several studies years apart in peer reviewed journals found something intriguing and disturbing, namely, exposure to non-ionizing radiation, such as that emitted by Wi-Fi and mobile phones, reduced antibiotic susceptibility of certain bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
The study titled “Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli” was published in “Dose Response” in 2017. It was authored by a group of scientists from Lebanon and Egypt universities. This group also had a second study published in 2019 in the journal J Biomed Phys Eng.
In 2022 in the same journal, J Biomed Phys Eng, a different group of scientists, this time at a university in Greece published “The Effect of Electromagnetic Radiation Transmitted from Routers on Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacterial Pathogens” which also found that electromagnetic radiation affects bacterial colonies and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Analysis revealed statistically significant differences, correlated with the bacterial strain, the antibiotic agent, and the time of the exposure, in the inhibition zones, mostly after 6 and 24 h (p-value < 0.05). The authors concluded that a correlation was observed between antibiotic susceptibility and non-ionizing radio frequency exposure.
Key Findings
- Wi-Fi Radiation Effects: Research has shown that exposure to Wi-Fi radiation at 2.4 GHz can alter the antibiotic resistance of E. coli. Specifically, it was observed that E. coli exhibited increased resistance to certain antibiotics after exposure, while Staphylococcus aureus showed no significant change in susceptibility[1][2].
- Exposure Time Effects: By increasing the duration of exposure to electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, bacterial resistance increased in Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa, especially after 24 hours.[6]
- Adaptive Responses: The exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) appears to trigger an adaptive response in bacteria, potentially leading to increased resistance. This phenomenon has been noted in Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli, where changes in the inhibition zone diameters and growth rates were recorded[2][4].
- Biofilm Formation and Metabolic Activity: Wi-Fi exposure enhanced biofilm formation and metabolic activity in all three bacterial strains studied. This increased biofilm production could contribute to the heightened resistance, as biofilms protect bacterial communities from antibiotic penetration[1].
Wi-Fi radiation has been shown to have a stressful effect on bacteria, increasing antibiotic resistance and motility in Escherichia coli 0157H7, and enhancing biofilm formation in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermis. These changes may have significant implications for managing diseases caused by these bacteria.
What is P. aeruginosa?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria known for its ability to cause infections in humans. It is a gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that can lead to a variety of infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. These infections can range from mild skin rashes to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections. P. aeruginosa is notorious for its resistance to many antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. This resistance is due to its ability to adapt to different environments and its possession of various resistance mechanisms, including efflux pumps and the ability to form biofilms. In recent years, newer antibiotics like ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam have been developed specifically to target resistant strains of P. aeruginosa.
Can P. aeruginosa Be Confused with COVID19?
Theoretical Explanations
- Membrane Ion Channels: One theory suggests that RF-EMFs may affect ion channels in bacterial membranes, altering ion exchange processes. This could lead to changes in cellular homeostasis and stress responses, potentially activating mechanisms that confer antibiotic resistance[4]
- DNA Repair Mechanisms: Exposure to EMFs might induce DNA damage, prompting bacteria to activate DNA repair systems. These systems could inadvertently enhance the bacteria’s ability to withstand antibiotic stress, contributing to resistance[4].
- Efflux Pumps Activation: Another potential mechanism involves the activation of efflux pumps, which bacteria use to expel toxic substances, including antibiotics. EMF exposure might upregulate these pumps, thereby increasing bacterial resistance[4].
Implications and Future Directions
These findings suggest that the ubiquitous presence of RF-EMFs in modern environments could have unforeseen implications for public health, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms involved and to explore the differences in response between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Understanding these interactions could be crucial for managing infectious diseases and developing strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance in the age of wireless technology[1][2][4].
Personal Health Choices
To safeguard your health in the meantime, in an environment increasingly saturated with RF-EMFs, and particularly if you are dealing with a bacterial infection, consider implementing some practical measures. While completely avoiding WiFi and cell phone signals may be unrealistic due to their pervasive nature, you can take steps to minimize your exposure.
Test, Don’t Just Trust Others
Buy or borrow a quality EMF meter and use it to measure your exposure in different rooms and under different conditions. If you don’t have a meter, you can use the bars showing connection strength on your phone as a very rough guide. If you can get to a place with zero bars, your EMF exposure to 2.5 GHz will be less. But beware, wherever you have less signal, your phone will INCREASE it’s output to try to reach the tower, so you will be getting more radiation by having your cell phone with you when it is in a location with poor reception.
Improve Your Environment
To improve your EMF situation, start by turning off devices (phones, routers) when not in use. Never sleep with your cell phone on or near your bed. Opt for wired Ethernet connections instead of wireless. Move to a location with less EMF. Explore and test options such as RF-blocking paints, screens, sheets, or even specially designed clothing to reduce your exposure while you sleep or go about your daily activities. Be very careful as some of these may focus EMF rather than attenuating it. You do have to do some testing to see what really works in your specific case. Recommended, if you can afford it: hire a building biologist who has experience using various meters and suggesting various EMF blocking strategies.
Building Biologists
To hire a building biologist with experience in using various meters and suggesting EMF blocking strategies, you can consider the following resources:
1. Building Biology Institute: They offer a directory of certified consultants, including Building Biology Environmental Consultants and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialists. These professionals have undergone rigorous training in indoor air quality, natural healthy building methods, materials, and electromagnetic radiation. You can find a consultant by geographic location on their website[8][9].
2. Eric Windheim: A Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist with 10 years of experience. He has conducted over 1,100 assessments and offers comprehensive EMF assessments and remediation solutions. His services include examining electric fields, magnetic fields, dirty electricity, and radio frequencies using professional-grade equipment. Eric provides detailed reports and solutions to reduce EMF exposure[11].
3. Test My Home: This organization consists of building biologists who use the latest meters and equipment to assess health risks in the built environment. They provide environmental testing services for both commercial and residential clients, focusing on creating health-supportive indoor environments[12].
These resources should help you find a qualified building biologist with the necessary expertise in EMF testing and mitigation strategies.
Conclusion
Research suggests that EMF radiation may make some unhealthy bacteria harder to get rid of. To maximize your health, you should consider an “EMF reduction diet” or a plan to minimize EMF exposure to your body. Although most strategies will not eliminate RF-EMF exposure entirely, they can help you manage your environment more effectively as research continues to uncover the potential health implications associated with these technologies.
Read More
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6820025/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28203122/
[3] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1559325816688527
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/effects-radiofrequency-radiation-antibacterial-coli-smj-mortazavi
[5] https://www.aph.gov.au/help/500?aspxerrorpath=%2FDocumentStore.ashx
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34466555/
[7] https://www.yelp.com/biz/shedd-aquarium-chicago?adjust_creative=6zagVcKwffYZAA-51mlGNg
[8] https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/find-an-expert/certified-consultants/building-biology-environmental-consultants/
[9] https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/find-an-expert/certified-consultants/electromagnetic-radiation-specialists/
[10] https://www.elexana.com/journal-emf-emi-information/emf-testing-cost
[11] https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/find-an-expert/certified-consultants/electromagnetic-radiation-specialists/eric-windheim-ba-bbec-emrs/
[12] https://www.testmyhome.com/building-biology
