Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Exposure to 915 MHz radiation induces micronuclei in Vicia faba root tips med./bio.

Published in: Mutagenesis 2016; 31 (2): 187-192

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The genotoxic effects of exposure of broad bean seedlings (Vicia faba) to a 915 MHz electromagnetic field should be investigated.

Background/further details

Seedlings were divided into the following groups: exposure to a 1) 1.5 W, 2) 2.3 W and 3) 3 W electromagnetic field and 4) sham exposure. A positive control was conducted.
Three independent experiments were performed and in each experiment 15 root tips and 5000 cells/tip were investigated in each group by different operators.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 915 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 72 hours
Exposure 2: 915 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 72 hours
Exposure 3: 915 MHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: continuous for 72 hours

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 915 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 72 hours
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber plastic containers (101 Π74 mm)
Setup TEM was made of copper clad FR-4 plates; the sides of the cell were left open to simplify access; tapered walls were used to join the central region of the cell, 450 mm long, to the input and output coaxial connectors; whole system was kept inside a thermostatic cabinet with a constant temperature of 20°C in the dark
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 1.5 W mean measured - ± 0.1 W
power density 23 W/m² mean calculated - ± 1.5 W
SAR 0.4 W/kg minimum estimated - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 915 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 72 hours
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2.3 W mean measured - ± 0.1 W
power density 35.2 W/m² mean calculated - ± 1.5 W

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 915 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 72 hours
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 3 W mean measured - ± 0.2 W
power density 46 W/m² mean calculated - ± 3.1W
SAR 1 W/kg minimum estimated - -
SAR 1.6 W/kg maximum estimated - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The micronucleus frequency was significantly increased in all exposure groups (group 1-3) compared to the sham exposure group (group 4). The highest value was measured in group 3, showing a 7-fold higher value than the sham exposure group.
The authors conclude that exposure of broad bean seedlings (Vicia faba) to a 915 MHz electromagnetic field could have genotoxic effects.

Study character:

Study funded by

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