Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Do microwave ovens affect the eyes? med./bio.

By: Inaloz SS, Aksunger A, Sari I, Dasdag S, Deveci E
Published in: Jpn J Ophthalmol 1997; 41 (4): 240-243
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effects of microwave ovens on cataract formation on rat eyes.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 15 min/day for a month
  • SAR: 3.9 mW/g unspecified (unspecified)
  • power: 550 W maximum
Exposure 2: 2.45 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 30 min/day for a month
  • SAR: 1.9 mW/g unspecified (unspecified)
  • power: 550 W maximum

General information

Rats were divided into three groups (n=7/group): a control group (sham exposed), experimental group 1 (as described in E1) and 2 (as described in E2).

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 15 min/day for a month
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber Plexiglas cage/40 cm x 15 cm x 17 cm.
Setup Cage placed next to the closed door of a microwave oven.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 3.9 mW/g unspecified unspecified unspecified -
power 550 W maximum calibration - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 30 min/day for a month
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.9 mW/g unspecified unspecified unspecified -
power 550 W maximum calibration - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Microscopic examination detected no pathological damage to the lens in the experimental rats. Histologically, pleomorphism and pyknosis of nuclei was observed in the superficial epithelium. Vacuolizations were noticed in the local fields of the outer lens fibers. Some of the superficial epithelial cells had disappeared and were histologically observed as acellular areas. Single-layered epithelium became disorganized and formed multilayered epithelial groups in the superficial epithelium.

Study character:

Study funded by

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