Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Failure of 2- and 10-meter radio waves to induce genetic damage in Drosophila melanogaster med./bio.

By: Mittler S
Published in: Environ Res 1976; 11 (3): 326-330
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To assess whether radio waves which are used for transmissional purposes are a mutational hazard, Drosophila melanogaster was employed. The loss of the X or Y chromosomes, nondisjunction, and the induction of sex-linked lethals were determined.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 146.34 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 12 h
Exposure 2: 29 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 12 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 146.34 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 12 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 20 W - - - -
electric field strength 62.5 V/m - - - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 29 MHz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration continuous for 12 h
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 600 V/m - - - -
power 300 W - - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The exposure of Drosophila melanogaster to both frequencies did not increase any of the genetic aberrations tested. The average portable transmitter used by radio amateurs in the 2- and 10-m range would not be mutagenic to the operator.

Study character:

Study funded by