The universal chemical link between EMFs and life processes is believed by many scientists to be ions, especially calcium ions. External EMFs clearly affect the electrical properties and ion distribution around cells. Virtually all physiological processes in our body involve ions.

One of the most experienced researchers in the field, Dr. Ross Adey, in 1988 [ref. 17] presented a three step model involving calcium ions which could explain observed EMF induced biological effects. Key to the model is the activation of intracellular messenger systems (adenylate cyclase and protein kinase) by calcium in a stimulus amplification process across the cell membrane.

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the physiological importance of calcium [ref. 13]. Calcium functions as a ubiquitous intracellular messenger. For example, in 1947 it was shown that an intracellular injection of a small amount of calcium causes a skeletal muscle to contract. In recent years it has become clear that calcium acts as an intracellular messenger in a wide variety of cellular responses, including secretion and cell proliferation. In nerve cells, calcium influx has been shown to be involved in the initiation of neurotransmitter secretion; the calcium enters the cells through voltage-gated ion channels that open when the plasma membrane of the nerve terminal is depolarized by an invading action potential. Another function of calcium in all cells is to regulate metabolic processes in conjunction with the calcium-binding protein calmodulin. Many enzymatic processes are regulated by calcium. Calcium has been shown to modify gene transcription.

Thus, induced alteration of intracellular calcium concentrations which disrupt the homeostasis of the cell, has serious consequences for the health and future development of the cell. Calcium ions in partnerships with biomolecules have been shown to control the proliferation of non-tumorigenic cells in vitro and in vivo. The evidence points to calcium and a biomolecule called AMP being co-generators of the signal committing the cell to DNA synthesis. Calcium influx in a cell stimulates proliferation, whereas calcium efflux does the opposite.

Balcer-Kubiczek (1994) [ref. 18] linked intracellular calcium levels to the future of damaged cells between becoming transformed (cancer) or dying by apoptosis (the healthy situation). Mattana et al. (1997) [ref. 19] described the importance of calcium ions for cell homeostasis which controlls a variety of cellular responses determining the health of the cell. Hence, reductions in intracellular calcium have a very important effect.

Calcium ions are involved in the function of gap junctions or protein structures which link adjacent cells and provide a channel for the passing of messenger molecules. The gap junction can open and close to control the flow. The opening and closing is regulated by calcium ion concentration. Thus, calcium plays another key role in maintaining or interrupting the communication mechanisms for maintaining the health of cells because gap junctions are used to sense differences between cells and to initiate corrections in regulatory behavior as necessary.

It is widely accepted that calcium plays a central role in the development of the immune system response. An elevation of calcium ions is a nearly universal feature associated with activation of cells of the immune system. Using T-cell human leukemia cells, Lindstrom et al. (1995) [ref. 20] replicated and extended the research of other scientists and showed, that oscillating low level EMFs produce the same calcium ion reaction as does an antibody.

Numerous scientific studies [ref. 13] have demonstrated that EMFs can alter the membrane ion pumps responsible for pumping calcium, sodium and potassium in and out of the cells. Effects have been shown at low current densities, thousands of times lower than currents induced by MW fields. ELF fields have been shown to have the same effect. Reference is made to a scientific paper from 1992 [ref. 21] mentioning 10 different laboratories which have demonstrated these effects of calcium.

Dr. Cherry of Lincoln University, New Zealand [ref. 13] concludes: There is extremely strong evidence that both ELF and ELF modulated RF/MW radiation causes calcium ion efflux from cells which significantly alters the intracellular calcium concentrations, reducing the efficacy of lymphocytes in the immune system, participating in the alteration of transformation of pineal serotonin to melatonin and altering the damaged cells likelihood of becoming neoplastic (cancerous) or dying by apoptosis.

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