Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by the cell phones on the testicular tissue med./bio.

Published in: Arch Ital Urol Androl 2014; 86 (4): 274-277

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of exposure of rats to the electromagnetic field from a mobile phone on testes histology should be investigated.

Background/further details

21 male adult rats were divided into the following groups (n=7, respectively): 1) exposure to a mobile phone for 24 hours/day (8 hours talk mode, 16 hours standby mode) for 20 days, 2) similar to group 1 and additional subsequent continuous exposure to the mobile phone in standby mode for further 20 days (total of 40 days), 3) control group.
(remark EMF-Portal: there are contradictory and unclear specifications on the exposure patterns in the abstract and methods section)

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1:
Exposure duration: 8 hours/day in talk mode and 16 hours/day in standby mode for 20 days
  • SAR: 1.52 W/kg (probably manufacturer information)
Exposure 2:
Exposure duration: exposure to a mobile phone for 8 hours/day in talk mode and 16 hours/day in standby mode for 20 days and subsequent continuous exposure to the mobile phone in standby mode for 20 days (total of 40 days)
  • SAR: 1.52 W/kg (probably manufacturer information)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration 8 hours/day in talk mode and 16 hours/day in standby mode for 20 days
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber cages of 40 x 60 cm, temperature of 22 ± 2°C
Setup cell phones were suspended 1 cm above the cover of the cage and were plugged in the charger for 24 hours
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.52 W/kg - - - probably manufacturer information

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency
Type
Exposure duration exposure to a mobile phone for 8 hours/day in talk mode and 16 hours/day in standby mode for 20 days and subsequent continuous exposure to the mobile phone in standby mode for 20 days (total of 40 days)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.52 W/kg - - - probably manufacturer information

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Groups 1 and 2 showed significant histopathological changes compared to the control group, including a high number of immature cells in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, irregular tubules with reduced spermatogenic cells and tubules without lumen. No differences were detected between groups 1 and 2.
The authors conclude that exposure of rats to the electromagnetic field from a mobile phone might cause histopathological changes in testes.

Study character:

Study funded by

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