Medical/biological study (experimental study)

935 MHz cellular phone radiation. An in vitro study of genotoxicity in human lymphocytes med./bio.

By: Stronati L, Testa A, Moquet J, Edwards A, Cordelli E, Villani P, Marino C, Fresegna AM, Appolloni M, Lloyd D

Published in: Int J Radiat Biol 2006; 82 (5): 339-346

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of radiofrequency irradiation applied alone or in combination with x-rays on genotoxicity in vitro in human lymphocytes. Combined exposures were used to examine whether radiofrequency irradiation might act epigenetically by reducing the fidelity of DNA repair of DNA damage caused by a well-characterized and established mutagen.

Background/further details

1-min x-rays exposure (1.0 Gy) was given immediately before or after the radiofrequency irradiation.
The experiments were performed in two different laboratories (in Italy and UK).

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: chromosome aberrations, comet assay, formation of micronuclei, sister chromatid exchange

Exposure

- mobile communications
- GSM
- co-exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 935 MHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 24 h	SAR: 1 W/kg SAR: 2 W/kg

General information

Blood samples were exposed at two SAR values, alone or combined with a 1-min exposure to 1.0 Gy of 250 kVp X-rays given immediately before or after the RF exposure.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	935 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Charakteristic	guided field
Exposure duration	continuous for 24 h

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Additional info	GSM basic signal

Exposure setup

Exposure source	waveguide
Chamber	waveguide apparatuses installed in tissue culture incubators with humidified atmospheres of 5% CO₂ in air
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
SAR	1 W/kg	-	-	-	-
SAR	2 W/kg	-	-	-	-

Measurement and calculation details

see Schuderer et al. [2004]

Reference articles

Schuderer J et al. (2004): In Vitro Exposure Systems for RF Exposures at 900 MHz

Exposed system:

blood samples

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA strand breaks (alkaline comet assay); chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchange (metaphase analyses; fluorescence plus Giemsa stain); formation of micronuclei (Giemsa stain)
cell viability/cell division/proliferation: speed of cell cycle (nuclear division index (NI+2NII+3NIII+4NIV/N; N is the total number of cells, NI-NIV the number of cells with one - four nuclei))

Investigated system:

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No effect of radiofrequency irradiation alone could be observed for any of the endpoints. In addition, radiofrequency exposure did not modify any measured effects of the x-radiation.
Within the experimental parameters of the study no genotoxic or epigenetic effects from the radiofrequency signal was found.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
blind study

Study funded by

GSM Association, UK/Ireland
Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF), Belgium

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Waldmann P et al. (2013): Influence of GSM Signals on Human Peripheral Lymphocytes: Study of Genotoxicity
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