Impact of Electromagnetic Fields on Hormonal Integration and DNA Damage with Reference to Breast Cancer Risk-A Review

Electromagnetic fields are all around us and everywhere; therefore it is inevitable that everyone is exposed to electromagnetic fields to a certain degree. The widespread use of cell phones has led to cell phone towers being installed indiscriminately. Magnetic fields affect the basic life processes, like growth and development, the structure and function of proteins, lipids, metabolic pathways, antioxidant defense and genetic material. The increasing use of personal computers along with the indiscriminate use of mobiles has provoked public concern about their safety. In the present era of global warming and environmental threats, where various kinds of environmental factors and pollutions are challenging the mankind, the electromagnetic pollution which is of a thermal nature, cannot be neglected. Our awareness of the possible harmful effects of EMFs, especially the cellular phones, is rather recent. Under these circumstances, there is a need for better understanding of the mechanism of action of EMFs with the biological system. Further research using standardized methodology is essential with active support from all concerned, viz. industry, government and philanthropic organizations. Only such an effort can help in formulating suitable guidelines for the use of EMFs.