Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

No effects of UMTS exposure on the function of rat outer hair cells med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30 (5): 385-392

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the possible influence of UMTS electromagnetic field exposure on cochlear outer hair cells functionality.

Background/further details

60 male rats were exposed (n=24) or sham exposed (n=24). In the positive control group (n=12), animals received injections with kanamycin (250 mg/kg; a toxic drug that effects cochlear function).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1,946 MHz
Exposure duration: 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,946 MHz
Type
Exposure duration 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 8 mm
Setup antennas held perpendicular to the head's surface over the rat's ear
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 10 W/kg - measured and calculated - -

Reference articles

  • Lopresto V et al. (2007): Exposure setup to study potential adverse effects at GSM 1800 and UMTS frequencies on the auditory systems of rats

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant differences were found between the audiological signals recorded from the different experimental groups. The toxic effect of kanamycin has been confirmed.
No significant effect was found, showing no correlation between exposure to electromagnetic fields at UMTS frequency and hearing function of rats assessed by measurement of DPOAE.

Study character:

Study funded by

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