Micronucleus frequency in erythrocytes of mice after long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation

• Published in: International journal of radiation biology 2007, Vol.83 (4), p.213-220
• Main Authors: Juutilainen, Jukka, Heikkinen, Päivi, Soikkeli, Harri, Mäki-Paakkanen, Jorma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Body Burden; Cell Phone; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; electromagnetic fields; Environmental Exposure; Erythrocytes - radiation effects; Female; Genotoxicity; in vivo; Mice; Mice, Inbred CBA; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective - radiation effects; Micronucleus Tests; Microwaves; Radiation Dosage; Radio Waves; Relative Biological Effectiveness; Whole-Body Irradiation
• ISSN: 0955-3002; 1362-3095
• DOI: 10.1080/09553000601169800

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate genotoxicity of long-term exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields by measuring micronuclei in erythrocytes. The blood samples were collected in two animal studies evaluating possible cocarcinogenic effects of RF fields. Methods: In study A, female CBA S mice were exposed for 78 weeks (1.5 h d, 5 d week) to either a continuous 902.5 MHz signal similar to that emitted by analog NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone) phones at a whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1.5 W kg, or to a pulsed 902.4 MHz signal similar to that of digital GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones at 0.35 W kg. A third group was sham-exposed, and a fourth group served as cage controls. All but the cage control animals were exposed to 4 Gy of x-rays during three first weeks of the experiment. In study B, female transgenic mice (line K2) and their nontransgenic littermates were exposed for 52 weeks (1.5 h d, 5 d week). Two digital mobile phone signals, GSM and DAMPS (Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System), were used at 0.5 W kg. All but the cage-control animals were exposed 3 times per week to an ultraviolet radiation dose of 1.2 MED (minimum erythema dose). Results and conclusions: The results did not show any effects of RF fields on micronucleus frequency in polychromatic or normochromatic erythrocytes. The results were consistent in two mouse strains (and in a transgenic variant of the second strain), after 52 or 78 weeks of exposure, at three SAR levels relevant to human exposure from mobile phones, and for three different mobile signals.