Effect of long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on testes functions

• Published in: Electromagnetic biology and medicine 2015-03, Vol.34 (1), p.37-42
• Main Authors: Dasdag, Suleyman, Ta, Muzaffer, Akdag, Mehmet Zulkuf, Yegin, Korkut
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; Absorption, Radiation; Animals; electromagnetic fields; long-term exposure; Male; Organ Size - radiation effects; Radio Waves - adverse effects; radiofrequency; Rats; Rats, Wistar; reproduction; Spermatozoa - physiology; Spermatozoa - radiation effects; testes; Testis - cytology; Testis - growth & development; Testis - physiology; Testis - radiation effects; Time Factors; Wireless Technology
• ISSN: 1536-8378; 1536-8386
• DOI: 10.3109/15368378.2013.869752

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×106/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (μm) and tunica albuginea thickness (μm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen's score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p