Medical/biological study (experimental study)

An evaluation of the teratogenic potential of protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450-MHz microwave radiation: I. Morphologic analysis at term. med./bio.

By: Jensh RP, Weinberg I, Brent RL

Published in: J Toxicol Environ Health 1983; 11 (1): 23-35

Journal partially peer-reviewed/unclear

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study if chronic exposure of pregnant rats to 2450 MHz microwave irradiation at a power density level that does not result in a significant increase in maternal body temperature is teratogenic.

Endpoint

effects on embryo/fetus: teratogenicity

Exposure

- microwaves

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz Modulation type: CW Exposure duration: 6 h/day during the whole pregnancy	power density: 20 mW/cm² mean SAR: 5.2 W/kg maximum (unspecified) SAR: 3.6 W/kg minimum (unspecified)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	2.45 GHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	6 h/day during the whole pregnancy

Modulation

Modulation type	CW

Exposure setup

Exposure source	anechoic chamber
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power density	20 mW/cm²	mean	measured	-	-
SAR	5.2 W/kg	maximum	estimated	unspecified	-
SAR	3.6 W/kg	minimum	estimated	unspecified	-

Reference articles

Jensh RP et al. (1983): An evaluation of the teratogenic potential of protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450-MHz microwave radiation. II. Postnatal psychophysiologic analysis.

Exposed system:

animal
rat/Wistar albino
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on embryo/fetus: teratogenicity; malformations of fetuses; fetal and placental positions and weights; number of resorptions; number of live and dead fetuses
thermoregulation: rectal temperature of mothers
daily maternal weights; maternal organ weight (brain, liver, kidney, ovary)

Investigated system:

isolated organ
dead fetuses and their placentas
investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS
liver, kidney, ovary

Time of investigation:

before exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant changes were found for the following parameters: maternal weight gain during pregnancy, maternal organ weights, term fetal weight, resorption rate, or abnormality rate. These data indicate that the protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450 MHz microwave irradiation at a power density level of 20 mW/cm² is not embryopathic.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Maryland, USA

Shahin S et al. (2013): 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation-induced oxidative stress affects implantation or pregnancy in mice, Mus musculus.
Gathiram P et al. (2009): Effects of a unique electromagnetic field system on the fertility of rats.
Saito K et al. (1991): Lethal and teratogenic effects of long-term low-intensity radio frequency radiation at 428 MHz on developing chick embryo.
Berman E et al. (1984): Decreased body weight in fetal rats after irradiation with 2450-MHz (CW) microwaves.
Jensh RP (1984): Studies of the teratogenic potential of exposure of rats to 6000 MHz microwave radiation. I. Morphologic analysis at term.
Chazan B et al. (1983): Effects of microwave exposure in utero on embryonal, fetal and postnatal development of mice.
Jensh RP et al. (1983): An evaluation of the teratogenic potential of protracted exposure of pregnant rats to 2450-MHz microwave radiation. II. Postnatal psychophysiologic analysis.
Jensh RP et al. (1982): Teratologic studies of prenatal exposure of rats to 915 MHz microwave radiation.
Nawrot PS et al. (1981): Effects of 2.45 GHz CW microwave radiation on embryofetal development in mice.
Berman E et al. (1978): Observations of mouse fetuses after irradiation with 2.45 GHz microwaves.