To study the cytogenetic damage and oxidative stress induced in workers occupationally exposed to pulsed microwave while working in the vicinity of marine radar equipment.
The study population consisted of exposed workers (29 blood donors: one female and 28 male; average age 41.07 ±1.36 years, 37.9% of them are smokers) and the group of corresponding control subjects (one female and 28 male; average age 38.76 ±1.28 years, 50% of them are smokers).
| Exposure | Parameters |
|---|---|
|
Exposure 1:
3 GHz
Exposure duration:
(two times 4 h at the workplace + 16 h in the resting areas)/day for 7 days then 7 days off - for up to 16 years (average 10 ±0.76 years)
|
|
|
Exposure 2:
5.5 GHz
Exposure duration:
(two times 4 h at the workplace + 16 h in the resting areas)/day for 7 days then 7 days off - for up to 16 years (average 10 ±0.76 years)
|
|
|
Exposure 3:
9.4 GHz
Exposure duration:
(two times 4 h at the workplace + 16 h in the resting areas)/day for 7 days then 7 days off - for up to 16 years (average 10 ±0.76 years)
|
Measurements were made at eight different locations.
| Frequency | 3 GHz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | (two times 4 h at the workplace + 16 h in the resting areas)/day for 7 days then 7 days off - for up to 16 years (average 10 ±0.76 years) |
| Frequency | 5.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | (two times 4 h at the workplace + 16 h in the resting areas)/day for 7 days then 7 days off - for up to 16 years (average 10 ±0.76 years) |
| Frequency | 9.4 GHz |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Waveform | |
| Exposure duration | (two times 4 h at the workplace + 16 h in the resting areas)/day for 7 days then 7 days off - for up to 16 years (average 10 ±0.76 years) |
Differences in comet assay and micronucleus test parameters were statistically significant between the two examined groups, suggesting that cytogenetic alterations occurred after microwave exposure.
The glutathione concentration in the exposed group was significantly lower than in controls whereas the concentration of malondialdehyde was significantly higher, indicating oxidative stress.
The data suggest that pulsed microwaves from working environment can be the cause of genetic and cell alterations and that oxidative stress can be one of the possible mechanisms of DNA and cell damage.
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