Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effect of 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiation of a 3G mobile phone on the parotid gland of rats med./bio.

Published in: Am J Otolaryngol 2015; 36 (1): 39-46

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of an acute or chronic whole body exposure of rats to a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field on histology and oxidative stress in the parotid glands should be investigated.

Background/further details

30 rats were randomly divided into the four following groups: a) control for 10-day exposure (n=6), b) control for 40-day exposure (n=6), c) 10-day exposure (n=9) and d) 40-day exposure (n=9).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2,100 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 6 h/d on 5 d/week for 10 days
Exposure 2: 2,100 MHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 6 h/d on 5 d/week for 40 days

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2,100 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration continuous for 6 h/d on 5 d/week for 10 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 12 cm
Chamber animals were kept in plexiglass cages (40 Œ 25 Œ 20 cm) at a temperature of 20-22°C
Setup digitally modulated 3G signals were produced by a vector signal generator connected to the antenna in a temperature-controlled, shielded room; 12 cm distance between the antenna and heads of rats
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 16 V/m - measured - -
SAR 0.4 W/kg - calculated whole body -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 2,100 MHz
Type
Charakteristic
Exposure duration continuous for 6 h/d on 5 d/week for 40 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 16 V/m - measured - -
SAR 0.4 W/kg - calculated whole body -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The histopathological examinations revealed a significant variation in cell size in samples from the 40-day exposure (group d) compared to its control (group b). Further non-significant histopathological changes were found between exposure and control, with more changes in the 40-day exposure than in the 10-day exposure (group c). No significant differences in the biochemical parameters regarding oxidative stress could be found between exposure and control groups.
The authors conclude that a chronic whole body exposure of rats to a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field can provoke histopathological changes in the parotid gland.

Study character:

Study funded by

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