Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Increased levels of numerical chromosome aberrations after in vitro exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for 72 hours med./bio.

By: Mazor R, Korenstein-Ilan A, Barbul A, Eshet Y, Shahadi A, Jerby E, Korenstein R

Published in: Radiat Res 2008; 169 (1): 28-37

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This study was designed to examine whether the exposure to 800 MHz electromagnetic field affects the number of chromosomes in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.

Background/further details

The human peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained from 14 healthy male donors (23 to 39 years old). After exposure for 72 hours at two different specific absorption rates (2.9 and 4.1 W/kg) the chromosomes 1, 10, 11, and 17 were further investigated. Additionally, the effects of the temperature on the number of these chromosomes were determined in four samples incubated at 33.5, 37, 38.5, 40 °C.

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: numerical chromosome aberration (aneuploidy)

Exposure

- RF field
- CW continuous wave

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 800 MHz Modulation type: CW Exposure duration: continuous for 72 h with a short break for handling every 24 h	SAR: 2.9 W/kg average over mass (1 g) SAR: 4.1 W/kg average over mass (1 g) SAR: 1 W/kg spatial average (1 - 8 W/kg calculated from experimental temperature measurements)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	800 MHz
Type	electric field
Exposure duration	continuous for 72 h with a short break for handling every 24 h

Modulation

Modulation type	CW

Exposure setup

Exposure source	cavity resonator
Setup	43 cm x 33 cm waveguide resonator
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
SAR	2.9 W/kg	average over mass	calculated	1 g	-
SAR	4.1 W/kg	average over mass	calculated	1 g	-
SAR	1 W/kg	spatial average	calculated	-	1 - 8 W/kg calculated from experimental temperature measurements

Exposed system:

intact cell/cell culture

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: numerical chromosome aberration (fluorescence in situ hybridization)
cell viability/cell division/proliferation: cell proliferation (metaphase index)

Investigated system:

intact cell/cell culture

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Increased levels of aneuploidy depending on the chromosome studied as well as on the level of exposure were found. In chromosomes 1 and 10, there was increased aneuploidy at the higher specific absorption rate of 4.1 W/kg, while for chromosomes 11 and 17, the increases were observed only for the lower specific absorption rate of 2.9 W/kg.
No statistically significant effect of temperature on the level of aneuploidy was observed over the range of 33.5-40 °C compared to 37 °C.
These results suggest the possible existence of an athermal effect of radio frequency irradiation that causes increased levels of aneuploidy.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

MAFAT/IMOD, Israel

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