Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Influence of non ionizing radiation of base stations on the activity of redox proteins in bovines med./bio.

By: Hässig M, Wullschleger M, Naegeli HP, Kupper J, Spiess B, Kuster N, Capstick M, Murbach M
Published in: BMC Vet Res 2014; 10: 136
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of a whole body exposure of cattle to a 900 MHz electromagnetic GSM field on oxidative stress in the blood should be investigated.

Background/further details

10 cattle were examined. The test lasted for a total of 10 weeks, including a 4-week exposure period. During the first two weeks without exposure, 10 samples per animal, one per day, were taken (pre-exposure samples as control). Afterwards, exposure started (week 3 - 6) and in the weeks 5 and 6, a total of 10 samples per animal, one per day, was taken again (exposure samples). Following exposure, post-exposure took place (week 7 - 10) and finally, a total of 10 samples per animal, one per day, was taken in the weeks 9 and 10 (post-exposure samples).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: AM, pulsed
Exposure duration: intermittent exposure for min. 6 h 36 min, max. 19 h and 16 h 43 min on average per day with a standard deviation of 3 h 03 min for 30 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration intermittent exposure for min. 6 h 36 min, max. 19 h and 16 h 43 min on average per day with a standard deviation of 3 h 03 min for 30 days
Modulation
Modulation type AM, pulsed
Additional info

carrier frequency of 916.5 MHz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber cows were housed and exposed in tie stalls next to each other; they were kept outside on a square in front of the barn to move freely for 2 h/day
Setup three 900 MHz antennas installed at 2 m height behind the cows with a 30° downward tilt
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 3.4 V/m minimum measured - in the empty stalls
electric field strength 29 V/m maximum measured - in the empty stalls
electric field strength 12 V/m spatial average measured - in the empty stalls
Additional parameter details

signal was similar to a GSM base station, with 5 GSM and 3 EDGE pulses within each 4.62 ms GSM frame; one of the GSM-pulses was 3 dB higher to simulate the control pulse; EDGE pulses showed amplitude modulation due to the 8 PSK modulation with a total peak-to-average ratio of 2.2 (3.4 dB); test location is known for poor cell phone coverage especially in the cowshed, therefore a very low background radiation could be assumed and later on assessed

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase was significantly increased, whereas the superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased in exposure samples compared to pre-exposure samples. The catalase activity, however, did not show any significant changes between these samples but a significant decrease in post-exposure samples compared to exposure.
The authors conclude, that a whole body exposure of cattle to a 900 MHz electromagnetic GSM field could influence enzyme activity in the blood. However, present results allow no conclusion regarding oxidative stress and further, improved studies on this topic are necessary.

Study character:

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