Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Induction of micronuclei in human lymphocytes exposed in vitro to microwave radiation med./bio.

Published in: Mutat Res Genet Toxicol Environ Mutagen 2000; 471 (1-2): 51-58

Aim of study (acc. to author)

In order to confirm previous findings obtained by other authors (publication 876) the genotoxic effect of electromagnetic fields with different frequencies and power densities for three exposure durations (15, 30 and 60 min) was investigated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 15, 30, and 60 min
Exposure 2: 7.7 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 15, 30, and 60 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 15, 30, and 60 min
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup Sample tubes containing 2 ml of whole blood were placed on a supporting frame made of anechoic material at an aerial distance ensuring continuous field conditions.
Additional info The temperature variation measured in water samples at the same experimental conditions showed that the physiological threshold value of 37°C was not exceeded.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 10 mW/cm² - measured - -
power density 20 mW/cm² - measured - -
power density 30 mW/cm² - measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 7.7 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 15, 30, and 60 min
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 10 mW/cm² - measured - -
power density 20 mW/cm² - measured - -
power density 30 mW/cm² - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The results showed for both frequencies an induction of micronuclei (without affecting cell cycle progression) at a power density of 30 mW/cm² and after an exposure for 30 and 60 min. That indicates that microwaves are able to cause cytogenetic damage in human lymphocytes mainly for both high power density and long exposure time.

Study character:

Study funded by

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