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Jagetia GC. Genotoxic effects of electromagnetic field radiations from mobile phones. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113321. [PMID: 35508219 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of wireless communication technology in mobile phones has revolutionized modern telecommunication and mobile phones have become so popular that their number exceeds the global population. Electromagnetic field radiations (EMR) are an integral part of wireless technology, which are emitted by mobile phones, mobile tower antennas, electric power stations, transmission lines, radars, microwave ovens, television sets, refrigerators, diagnostic, therapeutic, and other electronic devices. Manmade EMR sources have added to the existing burden of natural EMR human exposure arising from the Sun, cosmos, atmospheric discharges, and thunder storms. EMR including radiofrequency waves (RF) and extremely low-frequency radiation (ELF) has generated great interest as their short-term exposure causes headache, fatigue, tinnitus, concentration problems, depression, memory loss, skin irritation, sleep disorders, nausea, cardiovascular effects, chest pain, immunity, and hormonal disorders in humans, whereas long-term exposure to EMR leads to the development of cancer. The review has been written by collecting the information using various search engines including google scholar, PubMed, SciFinder, Science direct, EMF-portal, saferemr, and other websites from the internet. The main focus of this review is to delineate the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of EMR in humans and mammals. Numerous investigations revealed that exposure in the range of 0-300 GHz EMR is harmless as it did not increase micronuclei and chromosome aberrations. On the contrary, several other studies have demonstrated that exposure to EMR is genotoxic and mutagenic as it increases the frequency of micronuclei, chromosome aberrations, DNA adducts, DNA single and double strand breaks at the molecular level in vitro and in vivo. The EMR exposure induces reactive oxygen species and changes the fidelity of genes involved in signal transduction, cytoskeleton formation, and cellular metabolism.
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Halgamuge MN, Skafidas E, Davis D. A meta-analysis of in vitro exposures to weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phones (1990-2015). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 184:109227. [PMID: 32199316 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To function, mobile phone systems require transmitters that emit and receive radiofrequency signals over an extended geographical area exposing humans in all stages of development ranging from in-utero, early childhood, adolescents and adults. This study evaluates the question of the impact of radiofrequency radiation on living organisms in vitro studies. In this study, we abstract data from 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications (1990-2015) describing 1127 experimental observations in cell-based in vitro models. Our first analysis of these data found that out of 746 human cell experiments, 45.3% indicated cell changes, whereas 54.7% indicated no changes (p = 0.001). Realizing that there are profound distinctions between cell types in terms of age, rate of proliferation and apoptosis, and other characteristics and that RF signals can be characterized in terms of polarity, information content, frequency, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and power, we further refined our analysis to determine if there were some distinct properties of negative and positive findings associated with these specific characteristics. We further analyzed the data taking into account the cumulative effect (SAR × exposure time) to acquire the cumulative energy absorption of experiments due to radiofrequency exposure, which we believe, has not been fully considered previously. When the frequency of signals, length and type of exposure, and maturity, rate of growth (doubling time), apoptosis and other properties of individual cell types are considered, our results identify a number of potential non-thermal effects of radiofrequency fields that are restricted to a subset of specific faster-growing less differentiated cell types such as human spermatozoa (based on 19 reported experiments, p-value = 0.002) and human epithelial cells (based on 89 reported experiments, p-value < 0.0001). In contrast, for mature, differentiated adult cells of Glia (p = 0.001) and Glioblastoma (p < 0.0001) and adult human blood lymphocytes (p < 0.0001) there are no statistically significant differences for these more slowly reproducing cell lines. Thus, we show that RF induces significant changes in human cells (45.3%), and in faster-growing rat/mouse cell dataset (47.3%). In parallel with this finding, further analysis of faster-growing cells from other species (chicken, rabbit, pig, frog, snail) indicates that most undergo significant changes (74.4%) when exposed to RF. This study confirms observations from the REFLEX project, Belyaev and others that cellular response varies with signal properties. We concur that differentiation of cell type thus constitutes a critical piece of information and should be useful as a reference for many researchers planning additional studies. Sponsorship bias is also a factor that we did not take into account in this analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malka N Halgamuge
- Department Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Efstratios Skafidas
- Department Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Devra Davis
- Environmental Health Trust, Teton Village, WY, 83025, USA
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Gulati S, Yadav A, Kumar N, Aggarwal NK, Kumar R, Gupta R. Effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Polymorphisms on Genetic Damage in Humans Populations Exposed to Radiation From Mobile Towers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:615-625. [PMID: 26238667 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0195-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
All over the world, people have been debating about associated health risks due to radiation from mobile phones and mobile towers. The carcinogenicity of this nonionizing radiation has been the greatest health concern associated with mobile towers exposure until recently. The objective of our study was to evaluate the genetic damage caused by radiation from mobile towers and to find an association between genetic polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and DNA damage. In our study, 116 persons exposed to radiation from mobile towers and 106 control subjects were genotyped for polymorphisms in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction method. DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was determined using alkaline comet assay in terms of tail moment (TM) value and micronucleus assay in buccal cells (BMN). There was a significant increase in BMN frequency and TM value in exposed subjects (3.65 ± 2.44 and 6.63 ± 2.32) compared with control subjects (1.23 ± 0.97 and 0.26 ± 0.27). However, there was no association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms with the level of DNA damage in both exposed and control groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Gulati
- Department of Biotechnology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
| | - Anita Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India.
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
| | - Neeraj K Aggarwal
- Department of Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Forensic Medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjan Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, 136119, India
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Makale M, Kesari S. Cell Phones and Glioma Risk: An Update. Neurooncol Pract 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/nop/npv045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Koyama S, Narita E, Suzuki Y, Taki M, Shinohara N, Miyakoshi J. Effect of a 2.45-GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field on neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis in differentiated human HL-60 cells. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2015; 56:30-6. [PMID: 25194051 PMCID: PMC4572595 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rru075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The potential public health risks of radiofrequency (RF) fields have been discussed at length, especially with the use of mobile phones spreading extensively throughout the world. In order to investigate the properties of RF fields, we examined the effect of 2.45-GHz RF fields at the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 and 10 W/kg for 4 and 24 h on neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis in differentiated human HL-60 cells. Neutrophil chemotaxis was not affected by RF-field exposure, and subsequent phagocytosis was not affected either compared with that under sham exposure conditions. These studies demonstrated an initial immune response in the human body exposed to 2.45-GHz RF fields at the SAR of 2 W/kg, which is the maximum value recommended by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines. The results of our experiments for RF-field exposure at an SAR under 10 W/kg showed very little or no effects on either chemotaxis or phagocytosis in neutrophil-like human HL-60 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Koyama
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Eijiro Narita
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Suzuki
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami Ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Masao Taki
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami Ohsawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Naoki Shinohara
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Junji Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
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Health Implications of Electromagnetic Fields, Mechanisms of Action, and Research Needs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/198609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been implicated to influence a range of bodily functions. Given their ubiquitous nature, widespread applications, and capability to produce deleterious effects, conclusive investigations of the health risks are critical. Accordingly, this paper has been constructed to weigh the bioeffects, possible biointeraction mechanisms, and research areas in bioelectromagnetics seeking immediate attention. The several gaps in the existing knowledge do not permit one to reach a concrete conclusion but possibility for harmful effects cannot be underestimated in absence of consistent findings and causal mechanisms. Several studies with appropriate methodologies reflect the capacity of electromagnetic radiations to cause adverse health effects and there are several credible mechanisms that can account for the observed effects. Hence, need of the hour is to activate comprehensive well-coordinated blind scientific investigations, overcoming all limitations and demerits of previous investigations especially replication studies to concretize the earlier findings. Furthermore, appropriate exposure assessment is crucial for identification of dose-response relation if any, and the elucidation of biological interaction mechanism. For the time being, the public should follow the precautionary principle and limit their exposure as much as possible.
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Marino C, Lagroye I, Scarfì MR, Sienkiewicz Z. Are the young more sensitive than adults to the effects of radiofrequency fields? An examination of relevant data from cellular and animal studies. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 107:374-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Verschaeve L, Juutilainen J, Lagroye I, Miyakoshi J, Saunders R, de Seze R, Tenforde T, van Rongen E, Veyret B, Xu Z. In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of radiofrequency fields. Mutat Res 2010; 705:252-68. [PMID: 20955816 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There has been growing concern about the possibility of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to radiofrequency radiations (RFR), such as those emitted by wireless communication devices. Since the introduction of mobile phones many studies have been conducted regarding alleged health effects but there is still some uncertainty and no definitive conclusions have been reached so far. Although thermal effects are well understood they are not of great concern as they are unlikely to result from the typical low-level RFR exposures. Concern rests essentially with the possibility that RFR-exposure may induce non-thermal and/or long-term health effects such as an increased cancer risk. Consequently, possible genetic effects have often been studied but with mixed results. In this paper we review the data on alleged RFR-induced genetic effects from in vitro and in vivo investigations as well as from human cytogenetic biomonitoring surveys. Attention is also paid to combined exposures of RFR with chemical or physical agents. Again, however, no entirely consistent picture emerges. Many of the positive studies may well be due to thermal exposures, but a few studies suggest that biological effects can be seen at low levels of exposure. Overall, however, the evidence for low-level genotoxic effects is very weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Verschaeve
- O.D. Public Health & Surveillance, Laboratory of Toxicology, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Phillips J, Singh N, Lai H. Electromagnetic fields and DNA damage. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2009; 16:79-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 11/16/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Vanderwaal RP, Cha B, Moros EG, Roti Roti JL. HSP27 phosphorylation increases after 45°C or 41°C heat shocks but not after non-thermal TDMA or GSM exposures. Int J Hyperthermia 2009; 22:507-19. [PMID: 16971370 DOI: 10.1080/02656730600924406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Experiments with cultured HeLa, S3 and E.A. Hy296 cells were performed to determine if exposure to acute (30 min at 45 degrees C) or chronic (2 h at 41 degrees C) heat shocks or to non-thermal exposures of radiofrequency radiation (RF) induce changes in HSP27 phosphorylation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The radiofrequency (RF) exposures used in this study were 847 MHz time division multiple access modulated (TDMA) at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 5 W kg-1 for 1, 2 or 24 h or 900 MHz GSM modulated (GSM) at a SAR of 3.7 W kg-1 for 1, 2 or 5 h. HSP27 phosphorylation was evaluated by resolving the various phosphorylation forms using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis measuring the relative amount of each by densitometry. Alternatively, an antibody specific for phosphorylated HSP27 was used to detect changes in HSP27 phosphorylation levels. All heat shock and RF exposure conditions were analysed simultaneously along with a matched incubator control sample. Each experiment was repeated three times. RESULTS Following heat shock, the degree of phosphorylation of HSP27 varied with the heat dose, with acute hyperthermia (45 degrees C) having an increased proportion of higher phosphorylated forms. Exposure of HeLa S3 cells to 5 W kg-1 TDMA for 1, 2 or 24 h did not induce significant differences in the levels of HSP27 phosphorylation compared to incubator control or sham. Exposure of E.A. Hy926 cells to 3.7 W kg-1 900 MHz GSM for 1, 2 or 5 h did not induce significant differences in the levels of HSP27 phosphorylation compared to sham exposed. CONCLUSIONS Acute and moderate hyperthermia significantly increase HSP27 phosphorylation, but there was no significant change in the levels of HSP27 following non-thermal exposure to TDMA and GSM modulated RF radiations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Vanderwaal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
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11
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Moulder JE, Foster KR, Erdreich LS, McNamee JP. Mobile phones, mobile phone base stations and cancer: a review. Int J Radiat Biol 2009; 81:189-203. [PMID: 16019928 DOI: 10.1080/09553000500091097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There have been reports in the media and claims in the courts that radiofrequency (RF) emissions from mobile phones are a cause of cancer, and there have been numerous public objections to the siting of mobile phone base antennas because of a fear of cancer. This review summarizes the current state of evidence concerning whether the RF energy used for wireless communication might be carcinogenic. Relevant studies were identified by searching MedLine with a combination of exposure and endpoint terms. This was supplemented by a review of the over 1700 citations assembled by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety as part of their updating of the IEEE C95.1 RF energy safety guidelines. Where there were multiple studies, preference was given to recent reports, to positive reports of effects and to attempts to confirm such positive reports. Biophysical considerations indicate that there is little theoretical basis for anticipating that RF energy would have significant biological effects at the power levels used by modern mobile phones and their base station antennas. The epidemiological evidence for a causal association between cancer and RF energy is weak and limited. Animal studies have provided no consistent evidence that exposure to RF energy at non-thermal intensities causes or promotes cancer. Extensive in vitro studies have found no consistent evidence of genotoxic potential, but in vitro studies assessing the epigenetic potential of RF energy are limited. Overall, a weight-of-evidence evaluation shows that the current evidence for a causal association between cancer and exposure to RF energy is weak and unconvincing. However, the existing epidemiology is limited and the possibility of epigenetic effects has not been thoroughly evaluated, so that additional research in those areas will be required for a more thorough assessment of the possibility of a causal connection between cancer and the RF energy from mobile telecommunications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Moulder
- Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Joubert V, Leveque P, Rametti A, Collin A, Bourthoumieu S, Yardin C. Microwave exposure of neuronal cellsin vitro: Study of apoptosis. Int J Radiat Biol 2009; 82:267-75. [PMID: 16690594 DOI: 10.1080/09553000600649232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate microwave (MW) effects on neuronal apoptosis in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y were exposed to a 900 MHz global system for mobile communication (GSM) or continuous-wave (CW) radiofrequency fields for 24 h in a wire-patch cell. The specific absorption rates (SAR) used were 2 W/kg for CW and 0.25 W/kg average for GSM. During CW exposure, an increase of 2 degrees C was measured, and controls with cells exposed to 39 degrees C were then performed. Apoptosis rate was assessed immediately or 24 h after exposure using three methods: (i) 4',6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining; (ii) flow cytometry using double staining with TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and propidium iodide (PI); and (iii) measurement of caspase-3 activity by fluorimetry. RESULTS No statistically significant difference in the apoptosis rate was observed between sham and 24 h MW-exposed cells, either GSM-900 at an average SAR of 0.25 W/kg, or CW 900 MHz at a SAR of 2 W/kg, either 0 h or 24 h post-exposure. Furthermore, for CW-exposure, apoptosis rates were comparable between sham-, CW-, 37 degrees C- and 39 degrees C-exposed cells. All three methods used to assess apoptosis were concordant. CONCLUSION These results showed that, under the conditions of the present experiment, MW-exposure (either CW or GSM-900) does not significantly increase the apoptosis rate in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Joubert
- Department of Cell Biology EA3842, Limoges University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Limoges Cedex, France
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Edwards WF, Young DD, Deiters A. The effect of microwave irradiation on DNA hybridization. Org Biomol Chem 2009; 7:2506-8. [PMID: 19503920 DOI: 10.1039/b903609a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of microwave irradiation on DNA/DNA hybridization has been studied under controlled power and temperature conditions. It was discovered that microwave irradiation led to the melting of double-stranded deoxyoligonucleotides well below their thermal melting temperature and independent of the length of the deoxyoligonucleotides. These observations indicate a specific interaction of microwaves with DNA, and have important implications in the chemical or enzymatic processing of DNA under microwave heating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesleigh F Edwards
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8204, USA
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Habash RWY, Elwood JM, Krewski D, Lotz WG, McNamee JP, Prato FS. Recent advances in research on radiofrequency fields and health: 2004-2007. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2009; 12:250-288. [PMID: 20183523 DOI: 10.1080/10937400903094125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of wireless telecommunications devices, particularly mobile phones and wireless networks, has resulted in increased human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. Although national and international agencies have established safety guidelines for exposure to RF fields, concerns remain about the potential for adverse health outcomes to occur in relation to RF field exposure. The extensive literature on RF fields and health was reviewed by a number of authorities, including the Royal Society of Canada (1999). This report is the third in a series of updates to the original report of the Royal Society of Canada, covering the period 2004-2007. In particular, the present study examined new data on (1) dosimetry and exposure assessment, (2) biological effects of RF fields such as enzyme induction, and (3) toxicological effects, including genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Epidemiological studies of the potential health effects of RF exposure, particularly from mobile phones, were determined, along with human and animal studies of neurological and behavioural effects. Within the last 4 yrs investigators concluded that there is no clear evidence of adverse health effects associated with RF fields, although continued research is recommended to address specific areas of concern, including exposure to RF fields among children using mobile phones. The results of the ongoing 13-country World Health Organization INTERPHONE study of mobile phones may provide important new information on the potential cancer risks associated with mobile phone use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh W Y Habash
- R. Samuel McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Ruediger HW. Genotoxic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 16:89-102. [PMID: 19285841 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2008.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 11/16/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
101 publications are exploited which have studied genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in vivo and in vitro. Of these 49 report a genotoxic effect and 42 do not. In addition, 8 studies failed to detect an influence on the genetic material, but showed that RF-EMF enhanced the genotoxic action of other chemical or physical agents. The controversial results may in part be explained by the different cellular systems. Moreover, inconsistencies may depend from the variety of analytical methods being used, which differ considerably with respect to sensitivity and specificity. Taking altogether there is ample evidence that RF-EMF can alter the genetic material of exposed cells in vivo and in vitro and in more than one way. This genotoxic action may be mediated by microthermal effects in cellular structures, formation of free radicals, or an interaction with DNA-repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo W Ruediger
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Berggasse 4/33, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Luukkonen J, Hakulinen P, Mäki-Paakkanen J, Juutilainen J, Naarala J. Enhancement of chemically induced reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by 872 MHz radiofrequency radiation. Mutat Res 2009; 662:54-58. [PMID: 19135463 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2008.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2008] [Revised: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to investigate effects of 872 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA damage at a relatively high SAR value (5 W/kg). The experiments also involved combined exposure to RF radiation and menadione, a chemical inducing intracellular ROS production and DNA damage. The production of ROS was measured using the fluorescent probe dichlorofluorescein and DNA damage was evaluated by the Comet assay. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to RF radiation for 1 h with or without menadione. Control cultures were sham exposed. Both continuous waves (CW) and a pulsed signal similar to that used in global system for mobile communications (GSM) mobile phones were used. Exposure to the CW RF radiation increased DNA breakage (p<0.01) in comparison to the cells exposed only to menadione. Comparison of the same groups also showed that ROS level was higher in cells exposed to CW RF radiation at 30 and 60 min after the end of exposure (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). No effects of the GSM signal were seen on either ROS production or DNA damage. The results of the present study suggest that 872 MHz CW RF radiation at 5 W/kg might enhance chemically induced ROS production and thus cause secondary DNA damage. However, there is no known mechanism that would explain such effects from CW RF radiation but not from GSM modulated RF radiation at identical SAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Luukkonen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kuopio, Bioteknia 2, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Miyakoshi J. Cellular Biology Aspects of Mobile Phone Radiation. ADVANCES IN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN LIVING SYSTEMS 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-92736-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Vijayalaxmi, Prihoda TJ. Genetic Damage in Mammalian Somatic Cells Exposed to Radiofrequency Radiation: A Meta-analysis of Data from 63 Publications (1990–2005). Radiat Res 2008; 169:561-74. [DOI: 10.1667/rr0987.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Joubert V, Leveque P, Cueille M, Bourthoumieu S, Yardin C. No apoptosis is induced in rat cortical neurons exposed to GSM phone fields. Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28:115-21. [PMID: 17004238 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) effects on neuronal apoptosis in vitro. Primary cultured neurons from cortices of embryonic Wistar rats were exposed to a 900-MHz global system for mobile communication (GSM) RF field for 24 h in a wire-patch cell. The average-specific absorption rate (SAR) used was 0.25 W/kg. Apoptosis rate was assessed immediately or 24 h after exposure using three methods: (i) DAPI staining; (ii) flow cytometry using double staining with TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and propidium iodide (PI); and (iii) measurement of caspase-3 activity by fluorimetry. No statistically significant difference in the apoptosis rate was observed between controls and 24 h GSM-exposed neurons, either 0 h or 24 h post-exposure. All three methods used to assess apoptosis were concordant. These results showed that, under the conditions of experiment used, GSM-exposure does not significantly increase the apoptosis rate in rat primary neuronal cultures. This work is in accordance with other studies performed on cell lines and, to our knowledge, is the first one performed on cultured cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Joubert
- Department of Cell Biology, EA 3842, Limoges University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Limoges, Cedex, France
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Whitehead TD, Moros EG, Brownstein BH, Roti Roti JL. The number of genes changing expression after chronic exposure to Code Division Multiple Access or Frequency DMA radiofrequency radiation does not exceed the false-positive rate. Proteomics 2006; 6:4739-44. [PMID: 16933338 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200600051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Experiments with cultured C3H 10T 1/2 cells were performed to determine if exposure to cell phone radiofrequency (RF) radiations induce changes in gene expression. Following a 24 h exposure of 5 W/kg specific adsorption rate, RNA was extracted from the exposed and sham control cells for microarray analysis on Affymetrix U74Av2 Genechips. Cells exposed to 0.68 Gy of X-rays with a 4-h recovery were used as positive controls. The number of gene expression changes induced by RF radiation was not greater than the number of false positives expected based on a sham versus sham comparison. In contrast, the X-irradiated samples showed higher numbers of probe sets changing expression level than in the sham versus sham comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Whitehead
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
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Cytogenetic Studies in Human Blood Lymphocytes ExposedIn Vitroto 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz Radiofrequency Radiation. Radiat Res 2006; 166:532-8. [PMID: 16972753 DOI: 10.1667/rr0643.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral blood samples collected from healthy human volunteers were exposed in vitro to 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz pulsed-wave radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The net forward power, average power density, mean specific absorption rate, and the temperature maintained during the 2-h exposure of the cells to 2.45 GHz or 8.2 GHz were, respectively, 21 W or 60 W, 5 mW/cm(2) or 10 mW/cm(2), 2.13 W/kg or 20.71 W/kg, and 36.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C or 37.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C. Aliquots of the same blood samples that were either sham-exposed or exposed in vitro to an acute dose of 1.5 Gy gamma radiation were used as unexposed and positive controls, respectively. Cultured lymphocytes were examined to determine the extent of cytogenetic damage assessed from the incidence of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei. Under the conditions used to perform the experiments, the levels of damage in RF-radiation-exposed and sham-exposed lymphocytes were not significantly different. Also, there were no significant differences in the response of unstimulated lymphocytes and lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin when exposed to 8.2 GHz RF radiation. In contrast, the positive control cells that had been subjected to gamma irradiation exhibited significantly more damage than RF-radiation- and sham-exposed lymphocytes.
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Whitehead TD, Moros EG, Brownstein BH, Roti Roti JL. Gene Expression does not Change Significantly in C3H 10T½ Cells after Exposure to 847.74 CDMA or 835.62 FDMA Radiofrequency Radiation. Radiat Res 2006; 165:626-35. [PMID: 16802862 DOI: 10.1667/rr3560.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In vitro experiments with C3H 10T(1/2) mouse cells were performed to determine whether Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) modulated radiofrequency (RF) radiations induce changes in gene expression. After the cells were exposed to either modulation for 24 h at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 5 W/ kg, RNA was extracted from both exposed and sham-exposed cells for gene expression analysis. As a positive control, cells were exposed to 0.68 Gy of X rays and gene expression was evaluated 4 h after exposure. Gene expression was evaluated using the Affymetrix U74Av2 GeneChip to detect changes in mRNA levels. Each exposure condition was repeated three times. The GeneChip data were analyzed using a two-tailed t test, and the expected number of false positives was estimated from t tests on 20 permutations of the six sham RF-field-exposed samples. For the X-ray-treated samples, there were more than 90 probe sets with expression changes greater than 1.3-fold beyond the number of expected false positives. Approximately one-third of these genes had previously been reported in the literature as being responsive to radiation. In contrast, for both CDMA and FDMA radiation, the number of probe sets with an expression change greater than 1.3-fold was less than or equal to the expected number of false positives. Thus the 24-h exposures to FDMA or CDMA RF radiation at 5 W/kg had no statistically significant effect on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Whitehead
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA
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Whitehead TD, Brownstein BH, Parry JJ, Thompson D, Cha BA, Moros EG, Rogers BE, Roti Roti JL. Expression of the Proto-oncogeneFosafter Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation Relevant to Wireless Communications. Radiat Res 2005; 164:420-30. [PMID: 16187744 DOI: 10.1667/rr3446.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In this study the expression levels of the proto-oncogene Fos were measured after exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation at two relatively high specific absorption rates (SARs) of 5 and 10 W/kg for three types of modulated signals: 847.74 MHz code division multiple access (CDMA), 835.62 MHz frequency division multiple access (FDMA), and 836.55 MHz time division multiple access (TDMA). This work was undertaken to confirm a previous report by Goswami et al. (Radiat. Res. 151, 300-309, 1999) that CDMA and FDMA radiation caused small but statistically significant increases in Fos levels as cells entered plateau phase during exposure. No effects on Myc or Jun levels were observed in that study. Therefore, in the present study, analyses were restricted to Fos expression during the transition from exponential growth to plateau phase. Fos expression was measured using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Serum-stimulated C3H 10T(1/2) cells were used as a positive control for Fos expression. Possible influences of final cell number or pH variability on Fos expression were evaluated. Expression of Fos mRNA in C3H 10T(1/2) cells was not significantly different from that found after sham exposure at either SAR level for any signal modulation. Therefore, the results of Goswami et al. could not be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Whitehead
- Washington University School of Medicine, Radiation Oncology Department, Radiation and Cancer Biology Division, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA
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