Epidemiological study (observational study)

Effect of mobile phones on micronucleus frequency in human exfoliated oral mucosal cells epidem.

By: Ros-Llor I, Sanchez-Siles M, Camacho-Alonso F, Lopez-Jornet P

Published in: Oral Dis 2012; 18 (8): 786-792

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cohort study was conducted in Spain to investigate the genotoxic effects of mobile phones on oral mucosal cells of healthy persons.

Further details

Two cell samples of buccal mucosa were collected from the right and left cheeks of the 50 subjects. The exposed cheek was defined as the cheek where the mobile phone was preferentially placed during calls, the other cheek was defined as unexposed. The cell samples were stained with the dye DAPI and microscopically examined to detect DNA damage and cytokinetic defects (micronuclei and binucleated cells), proliferation, and cell death.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

DNA damage and cytokinetic defects (micronuclei and binucleated cells), proliferation, and cell death in oral mucosal cells

Exposure

- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- personal

Assessment

questionnaire: mobile phone use per week, overall mobile phone use, preferential side of the head used during calls, use of headsets

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Group 1	mobile phone use per week: 0 - 3 h
Group 2	mobile phone use per week: 3 - 6 h
Group 3	mobile phone use per week: 6 - 9 h
Group 4	mobile phone use per week: 9 - 12 h
Group 5	mobile phone use per week: 12 - 15 h
Group 6	overall mobile phone use: < 5 years
Group 7	overall mobile phone use: 5 - 10 years
Group 8	overall mobile phone use: > 15 years
Group 9	preferential side of the face at which the mobile phone is placed: right
Group 10	preferential side of the face at which the mobile phone is placed: left

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Age: 20–39 years
Characteristics: healthy persons
Observation period: not stated
Study location: Spain
Exclusion criteria: no mobile phone use, dietary supplements, regular mouthwash use, drug therapy, illness, exposure to radiation or chemical carcinogens

Study size

Type	Value
Total	50

Results (acc. to author)

No statistically significant changes were found in exposed buccal mucosa cell samples compared to non-exposed buccal mucosa in healthy persons.
The authors conclude that no genotoxic effects due to mobile phone exposure were observed.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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