Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of Intensive Cell Phone (Philips Genic 900) Use on the Rat Kidney Tissue med./bio.

Published in: Urol J 2013; 10 (2): 886-891

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine the effects of an exposure to an electromagnetic field emitted by a cell phone on the kidney tissue of the rat.

Background/further details

3 groups of rats were evaluated (n=7 per group): 1.) control group, 2.) removal of kidneys directly after the exposure period and 3.) removal of kidneys 20 days after the exposure period.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1,800 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: 8 h/day speech mode, 16 h/day standby mode for 20 days
  • SAR: 1.52 W/kg (according to manufacturer)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,800 MHz
Type
Exposure duration 8 h/day speech mode, 16 h/day standby mode for 20 days
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber standard cage (40 x 60 cm), cell phone in hanging position 1 cm above the cage
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.52 W/kg - - - according to manufacturer

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Via light microscopy, in the exposed groups several significant renal damages were found (glomerular damage, dilatation of Bowman's capsule, large spaces between tubules, tubular damage), whereas the renal tissue of the control group appeared to be normal. The examination via electron microscopy revealed several significant damages in the tissue of the kidneys obtained from the exposure groups (irregular thickening of the basement membrane, irregularity of the capillary endothelium, large dissociation of the junctions between the tubule cells). In the control group, the renal tissue showed a regular morphology. No significant differences between the two exposure groups were observed.
The authors conclude that exposure of rats to an electromagnetic field emitted by a mobile phone could damage the kidney tissue.

Study character:

Study funded by

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