Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from mobile phone on testicular tissue and epididymal semen quality med./bio.

Published in: Electromagn Biol Med 2014; 33 (3): 216-222

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of chronic exposure of rats to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field on reproductive organs and sperm quality should be investigated.

Background/further details

14 rats were divided into 2 groups (n=7 each): 1) exposure and 2) sham exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous 3 hours/day, 7 days/week for 1 year

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous 3 hours/day, 7 days/week for 1 year
Additional info 900 MHz band waveform identical to the one in mobile phones
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1 cm
Chamber plexiglass carousel
Setup rats were confined in a plexiglass carousel; the antenna of the generator was placed at the center of the plexiglass carousel (1 cm distance to the rat heads); emitted power of the antenna was omnidirectional on the plane perpendicular to the antenna axis
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 0.0623 W/kg mean measured and calculated cf. remarks point value in testis and prostate
SAR 0.0445 W/kg mean measured and calculated 1 g in testis and prostate
SAR 0.0373 W/kg mean measured and calculated 10 g in testis and prostate
SAR 0.0369 W/kg effective value measured and calculated whole body -
SAR 2.023 W/kg maximum measured and calculated whole body ± 0.121 (W/kg)

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

In the sperm quality analysis, significantly less total morphological malformations were found in the exposure group compared to the sham exposure group. All other sperm parameters did not show significant differences between the groups.
However, the tunica albuginea thickness and the Johnsen score were significantly decreased in the exposure group compared to the sham exposure group.
The authors conclude that chronic exposure of rats to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field might alter some parameters in reproductive organs and sperm quality, and that further research on this topic is needed.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles