Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

In Vitro Study of the Stress Response of Human Skin Cells to GSM-1800 Mobile Phone Signals Compared to UVB Radiation and Heat Shock med./bio.

Published in: Radiat Res 2007; 167 (5): 572-580

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the hypothesis that a 48 h GSM-1800 exposure could be an environmental stressor for human epidermal and dermal cells, like known stressors such as heat shock or UVB radiation.

Background/further details

Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were 1) exposed at a SAR of 2 W/kg (ICNIRP local exposure limit value), 2) irradiated with a 600 mJ/cm² single dose of UVB radiation (positive control) and 3) subjected to heat shock (45°C, 20 min; also positive control).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 1,800 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 48 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,800 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
  • guided field
Exposure duration continuous for 48 h
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 576 µs
Duty cycle 12.5 %
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Pulse type rectangular
Additional info

Every 26th frame was idle, which added an 8 Hz modulation component to the signal.

Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • waveguide
  • R18 rectangular with a shortcut on one side
Chamber Two waveguides for RF and sham exposure (determined blinded and randomly) were placed in a commercial incubator at 37°C, 95% air/5% CO2, 95% humidity.
Setup Six Petri dishes could be exposed simultaneously in a holder at the H-field maxima.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info The temperature difference between the two waveguides never exceeded 0.1°C.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 2 W/kg mean measured - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed no effect of the GSM-1800 exposure on either keratinocytes or fibroblasts, in contrast to UVB radiation or heat shock treatment. The authors conclude that the GSM-1800 signal does not act as a stress factor on human primary skin cells in vitro.

Study character:

Study funded by

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