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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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Atlı Şekeroğlu Z, Akar A, Şekeroğlu V. Evaluation of the cytogenotoxic damage in immature and mature rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Int J Radiat Biol 2013; 89:985-92. [DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2013.809170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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3
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Genetic damage in human cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: A meta-analysis of the data from 88 publications (1990–2011). MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2012; 749:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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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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Gadhia PK, Shah T, Mistry A, Pithawala M, Tamakuwala D. A Preliminary Study to Assess Possible Chromosomal Damage Among Users of Digital Mobile Phones. Electromagn Biol Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1081/jbc-120024624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Radioprotective Effects of Honeybee Venom (Apis mellifera) Against 915-MHz Microwave Radiation–Induced DNA Damage in Wistar Rat Lymphocytes: In Vitro Study. Int J Toxicol 2009; 28:88-98. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581809335051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of bee venom against DNA damage induced by 915-MHz microwave radiation (specific absorption rate of 0.6 W/kg) in Wistar rats. Whole blood lymphocytes of Wistar rats are treated with 1 μg/mL bee venom 4 hours prior to and immediately before irradiation. Standard and formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg)–modified comet assays are used to assess basal and oxidative DNA damage produced by reactive oxygen species. Bee venom shows a decrease in DNA damage compared with irradiated samples. Parameters of Fpg-modified comet assay are statistically different from controls, making this assay more sensitive and suggesting that oxidative stress is a possible mechanism of DNA damage induction. Bee venom is demonstrated to have a radioprotective effect against basal and oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, bee venom is not genotoxic and does not produce oxidative damage in the low concentrations used in this study.
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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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Genetic damage in subjects exposed to radiofrequency radiation. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2009; 681:259-270. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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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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Maes A, Van Gorp U, Verschaeve L. Cytogenetic investigation of subjects professionally exposed to radiofrequency radiation. Mutagenesis 2006; 21:139-42. [PMID: 16481348 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gel008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, virtually everybody is exposed to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from mobile phone base station antennas or other sources. At least according to some scientists, this exposure can have detrimental health effects. We investigated cytogenetic effects in peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects who were professionally exposed to mobile phone electromagnetic fields in an attempt to demonstrate possible RFR-induced genetic effects. These subjects can be considered well suited for this purpose as their RFR exposure is 'normal' though rather high, and definitely higher than that of the 'general population'. The alkaline comet assay, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosome aberration tests revealed no evidence of RFR-induced genetic effects. Blood cells were also exposed to the well known chemical mutagen mitomycin C in order to investigate possible combined effects of RFR and the chemical. No cooperative action was found between the electromagnetic field exposure and the mutagen using either the comet assay or SCE test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Maes
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, B-2400 Mol, Belgium.
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Merola P, Marino C, Lovisolo GA, Pinto R, Laconi C, Negroni A. Proliferation and apoptosis in a neuroblastoma cell line exposed to 900 MHz modulated radiofrequency field. Bioelectromagnetics 2006; 27:164-71. [PMID: 16437547 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether a modulated radiofrequency of the type used in cellular phone communications at a specific absorption rate (SAR) higher than International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reference level for occupational exposure, could elicit alterations on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis processes in a neuroblastoma cell line. The cell line was exposed for 24, 48, and 72 h to 900 MHz radiofrequency and proliferation and differentiation were tested by WST-I assay and by a molecular analysis of specific markers, two oncogenes and a cytoskeleton protein, in exponential growth phase and in synchronized cell cultures. Apoptosis was evaluated by caspase activation analysis and by molecular detection of Poly (ADP-ribose) polimerase (PARP) cleavage. Combined exposures to radiofrequency and to the differentiative agent retinoic acid or to the apoptotic inducer camptothecin were carried out to test possible interference between electromagnetic field and chemical agents. Overall our data suggest that 900 MHz radiofrequency exposure up to 72 h does not induce significant alterations in the three principal cell activities in a neuroblastoma cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Merola
- Ente Nuove tecnologie Energia e Ambiente (ENEA), Section of Toxicology and Biomedical Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Obe G. Controversial Cytogenetic Observations in Mammalian Somatic Cells Exposed to Radiofrequency Radiation. Radiat Res 2004; 162:481-96. [PMID: 15624303 DOI: 10.1667/rr3252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
During the years 1990-2003 a large number of investigations were conducted using rodents, cultured rodent and human cells, and freshly collected human blood lymphocytes to determine the genotoxic potential of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. The results of most of these studies (58%) did not indicate increased damage to the genetic material (assessed from DNA strand breaks, incidence of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges) in cells exposed to RF radiation compared to sham-exposed and/or unexposed cells. Some investigations (23%) reported an increase in such damage in cells exposed to RF radiation. The observations from other studies (19%) were inconclusive. This paper reviews the investigations published in scientific journals during 1990-2003 and attempts to identify probable reason(s) for the conflicting results. Recommendations are made for future research to address some of the controversial observations.
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Marinelli F, La Sala D, Cicciotti G, Cattini L, Trimarchi C, Putti S, Zamparelli A, Giuliani L, Tomassetti G, Cinti C. Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field induces an unbalance between pro-apoptotic and pro-survival signals in T-lymphoblastoid leukemia CCRF-CEM cells. J Cell Physiol 2004; 198:324-32. [PMID: 14603534 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.10425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been recently established that low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMFs) exposure induces biological changes and could be associated with increased incidence of cancer, while the issue remains unresolved as to whether high-frequency EMFs can have hazardous effect on health. Epidemiological studies on association between childhood cancers, particularly leukemia and brain cancer, and exposure to low- and high-frequency EMF suggested an etiological role of EMFs in inducing adverse health effects. To investigate whether exposure to high-frequency EMFs could affect in vitro cell survival, we cultured acute T-lymphoblastoid leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) in the presence of unmodulated 900 MHz EMF, generated by a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell, at various exposure times. We evaluated the effects of high-frequency EMF on cell growth rate and apoptosis induction, by cell viability (MTT) test, FACS analysis and DNA ladder, and we investigated pro-apoptotic and pro-survival signaling pathways possibly involved as a function of exposure time by Western blot analysis. At short exposure times (2-12 h), unmodulated 900 MHz EMF induced DNA breaks and early activation of both p53-dependent and -independent apoptotic pathways while longer continuous exposure (24-48 h) determined silencing of pro-apoptotic signals and activation of genes involved in both intracellular (Bcl-2) and extracellular (Ras and Akt1) pro-survival signaling. Overall our results indicate that exposure to 900 MHz continuous wave, after inducing an early self-defense response triggered by DNA damage, could confer to the survivor CCRF-CEM cells a further advantage to survive and proliferate.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marinelli
- Institute for Organ Transplantation and Immunocytology, ITOI-CNR, Bologna unit, c/o IOR, Bologna, Italy
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Othman OE, Aly MS, Nahas SME, Mohamed HM. Mutagenic Potential of Radio-frequency Electromagnetic Fields. CYTOLOGIA 2003. [DOI: 10.1508/cytologia.68.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdy S. Aly
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University (Beni-Suef branch)
| | | | - Hanaa M. Mohamed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University (Beni-Suef branch)
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Tice RR, Hook GG, Donner M, McRee DI, Guy AW. Genotoxicity of radiofrequency signals. I. Investigation of DNA damage and micronuclei induction in cultured human blood cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2002; 23:113-26. [PMID: 11835258 DOI: 10.1002/bem.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
As part of a comprehensive investigation of the potential genotoxicity of radiofrequency (RF) signals emitted by cellular telephones, in vitro studies evaluated the induction of DNA and chromosomal damage in human blood leukocytes and lymphocytes, respectively. The signals were voice modulated 837 MHz produced by an analog signal generator or by a time division multiple access (TDMA) cellular telephone, 837 MHz generated by a code division multiple access (CDMA) cellular telephone (not voice modulated), and voice modulated 1909.8 MHz generated by a global system of mobile communication (GSM)-type personal communication systems (PCS) cellular telephone. DNA damage (strand breaks/alkali labile sites) was assessed in leukocytes using the alkaline (pH>13) single cell gel electrophoresis (SCG) assay. Chromosomal damage was evaluated in lymphocytes mitogenically stimulated to divide postexposure using the cytochalasin B-binucleate cell micronucleus assay. Cells were exposed at 37+/-1 degrees C, for 3 or 24 h at average specific absorption rates (SARs) of 1.0-10.0 W/kg. Exposure for either 3 or 24 h did not induce a significant increase in DNA damage in leukocytes, nor did exposure for 3 h induce a significant increase in micronucleated cells among lymphocytes. However, exposure to each of the four RF signal technologies for 24 h at an average SAR of 5.0 or 10.0 W/kg resulted in a significant and reproducible increase in the frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes. The magnitude of the response (approximately four fold) was independent of the technology, the presence or absence of voice modulation, and the frequency (837 vs. 1909.8 MHz). This research demonstrates that, under extended exposure conditions, RF signals at an average SAR of at least 5.0 W/kg are capable of inducing chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond R Tice
- ILS, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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d'Ambrosio G, Massa R, Scarfi MR, Zeni O. Cytogenetic damage in human lymphocytes following GMSK phase modulated microwave exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 2002; 23:7-13. [PMID: 11793401 DOI: 10.1002/bem.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated, using in vitro experiments on human lymphocytes, whether exposure to a microwave frequency used for mobile communication, either unmodulated or in presence of phase only modulation, can cause modification of cell proliferation kinetics and/or genotoxic effects, by evaluating the cytokinesis block proliferation index and the micronucleus frequency. In the GSM 1800 mobile communication systems the field is both phase (Gaussian minimum shift keying, GMSK) and amplitude (time domain multiple access, TDMA) modulated. The present study investigated only the effects of phase modulation, and no amplitude modulation was applied. Human peripheral blood cultures were exposed to 1.748 GHz, either continuous wave (CW) or phase only modulated wave (GMSK), for 15 min. The maximum specific absorption rate (approximately 5 W/kg) was higher than that occurring in the head of mobile phone users; however, no changes were found in cell proliferation kinetics after exposure to either CW or GMSK fields. As far as genotoxicity is concerned, the micronucleus frequency result was not affected by CW exposure; however, a statistically significant micronucleus effect was found following exposure to phase modulated field. These results would suggest a genotoxic power of the phase modulation per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo d'Ambrosio
- Interuniversity Centre for Interaction Between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems, Naples, Italy. gdambros.unina.it
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Leal BZ, Meltz ML, Pickard WF, Bisht KS, Straube WL, Moros EG. Cytogenetic studies in human blood lymphocytes exposed in vitro to radiofrequency radiation at a cellular telephone frequency (835.62 MHz, FDMA). Radiat Res 2001; 155:113-21. [PMID: 11121222 DOI: 10.1667/0033-7587(2001)155[0113:csihbl]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Freshly collected peripheral blood samples from four healthy human volunteers were diluted with RPMI 1640 tissue culture medium and exposed in sterile T-75 tissue culture flasks in vitro for 24 h to 835.62 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a frequency employed for customer-to-base station transmission of cellular telephone communications. An analog signal was used, and the access technology was frequency division multiple access (FDMA, continuous wave). A nominal net forward power of 68 W was used, and the nominal power density at the center of the exposure flask was 860 W/m(2). The mean specific absorption rate in the exposure flask was 4.4 or 5.0 W/kg. Aliquots of diluted blood that were sham-exposed or exposed in vitro to an acute dose of 1.50 Gy of gamma radiation were used as negative or positive controls. Immediately after the exposures, the lymphocytes were stimulated with a mitogen, phytohemagglutinin, and cultured for 48 or 72 h to determine the extent of genetic damage, as assessed from the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei. The extent of alteration in the kinetics of cell proliferation was determined from the mitotic indices in 48-h cultures and from the incidence of binucleate cells in 72-h cultures. The data indicated no significant differences between RF-radiation- and sham-exposed lymphocytes with respect to mitotic indices, incidence of exchange aberrations, excess fragments, binucleate cells, and micronuclei. In contrast, the response of the lymphocytes exposed to gamma radiation was significantly different from both RF-radiation- and sham-exposed cells for all of these indices. Thus, under the experimental conditions tested, there is no evidence for the induction of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in human blood lymphocytes exposed in vitro for 24 h to 835.62 MHz RF radiation at SARs of 4.4 or 5.0 W/kg.
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Abstract
This paper reviews the literature data on the genetic toxicology of radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Whereas in the past most studies were devoted to microwave ovens and radar equipment, it is now mobile telecommunication that attracts most attention. Therefore we focus on mobile telephone frequencies where possible. According to a great majority of the papers, radiofrequency fields, and mobile telephone frequencies in particular, are not genotoxic: they do not induce genetic effects in vitro and in vivo, at least under non-thermal exposure conditions, and do not seem to be teratogenic or to induce cancer. Yet, some investigations gave rather alarming results that should be confirmed and completed by further experiments. Among them the investigation of synergistic effects and of possible mechanisms of action should be emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Verschaeve
- VITO, Environmental Toxicology Unit, Mol, Belgium.
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Brusick D, Albertini R, McRee D, Peterson D, Williams G, Hanawalt P, Preston J. Genotoxicity of radiofrequency radiation. DNA/Genetox Expert Panel. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 1998; 32:1-16. [PMID: 9707093 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2280(1998)32:1<1::aid-em1>3.0.co;2-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
During the past several years, concerns have been raised regarding the potential adverse effects of exposures to nonionizing radiation, particularly in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range (50 to 60 MHz) and radiofrequency radiation (RFR) with frequencies ranging from 30 KHz to 30,000 MHz. One focus of concern has been potential DNA interactions. Publications reviewing the genotoxicity of ELF radiation [McCann et al. (1993): Mutat Res 297(1):61-95; Murphy et al. (1993): Mutat Res 296:221-240; NAS (1997)], have been uniform in concluding that the weight of evidence does not indicate any genotoxic risk from exposure to this type of radiation. Concern that RFR may be associated with adverse biological effects [WHO, 1993], including recent allegations that they may be involved in the production of brain tumors in humans [Elmer-Dewit (1993): Time, February 8:42], has resulted in the production of a large number of publications describing the effects of RFR on the integrity of nucleic acids. Data from studies conducted in a frequency range from 800 to 3,000 MHz were reviewed and subjected to a weight-of-evidence evaluation. The evaluation focused on direct toxicological effects of RFR as well as on studies addressing basic biological responses to RFR at the cellular and molecular level. The data from over 100 studies suggest that RFR is not directly mutagenic and that adverse effects from exposure of organisms to high frequencies and high power intensities of RFR are predominantly the result of hyperthermia; however, there may be some subtle indirect effects on the replication and/or transcription of genes under relatively restricted exposure conditions.
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Maes A, Collier M, Van Gorp U, Vandoninck S, Verschaeve L. Cytogenetic effects of 935.2-MHz (GSM) microwaves alone and in combination with mitomycin C. Mutat Res 1997; 393:151-6. [PMID: 9357572 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(97)00100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the genetic effects of microwaves from mobile communication frequencies (935.2 MHz) alone and in combination with a chemical DNA-damaging agent (mitomycin C). Three cytogenetic endpoints were investigated after in vitro exposure of human whole blood cells. These endpoints were the 'classical' chromosome aberration test, the sister chromatid exchange test and the alkaline comet assay. No direct cytogenetic effect was found. The combined exposure of the cells to the radiofrequency fields followed by their cultivation in the presence of mitomycin C revealed a very weak effect when compared to cells exposed to mitomycin C alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maes
- VITO, Environmental Toxicology, Mol, Belgium.
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Electromagnetic radiation at 835 MHz changes the morphology and inhibits proliferation of a human astrocytoma cell line. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-4598(97)00035-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Maes A, Collier M, Slaets D, Verschaeve L. 954 MHz microwaves enhance the mutagenic properties of mitomycin C. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 1996; 28:26-30. [PMID: 8698043 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2280(1996)28:1<26::aid-em6>3.0.co;2-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the combined effects of microwaves from mobile communication frequencies and a chemical DNA damaging agent mitomycin C (MMC). The investigation was performed in vitro by exposing whole blood samples to a 954 MHz emitting antenna from a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) base station, followed by lymphocyte cultivation in the presence of MMC. A highly reproducible synergistic effect was observed as based on the frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges in metaphase figures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maes
- VITO, Environment Division, Mol, Belgium
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