Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from GSM (0.9/1.8GHz) mobile phones induces oxidative stress and reduces sperm motility in rats med./bio.

Published in: Clinics 2009; 64 (6): 561-565

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To evaluate the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phones on free radical metabolism and sperm quality in reproductive tissue of rats.

Background/further details

Rats were divided into a control group and an exposure group with six animals per group.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz–1.8 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 1 h/day on 28 days
-

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz–1.8 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 1 h/day on 28 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup animals and phone kept in a 4" x 2" x 1" cage with a wooden bottom
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters

No parameters are specified for this exposure.

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant difference was found in total sperm count between the control group and the exposed group. However, exposed rats exhibited a significantly reduced percentage of motile sperms. Moreover, exposure resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and low glutathione content in the testis and epididymis. Facial temperature was not affected in either group of rats.
In conclusion, the authors speculate that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phones negatively affect semen quality and may impair male fertility.

Study character:

Study funded by

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