Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and newborn rat brains med./bio.

Published in: Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 1997; 24 (4): 215-219

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the possible effects of the acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and new-born rat brains.

Background/further details

The NIR 15 group of gravid animals were exposed to the leakage of microwave ovens daily for 15 minutes whereas the NIR 30 group was irradiated daily for 30 minutes during their pregnancies.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Exposure duration: NIR15: 15 min/day, NIR30: 30 min/day from gestation to day of birth (21st or 22nd day after gest.)
  • power: 550 W unspecified (Output of the oven)
  • SAR: 2.3 mW/g mean (unspecified) (determined by using temperature probe technique)

General information

Rats were divided into three groups (n= 9 each): Control group, NIR-15 (non-ionising radiation) and NIR-30.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Exposure duration NIR15: 15 min/day, NIR30: 30 min/day from gestation to day of birth (21st or 22nd day after gest.)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber plexiglas cage 40x15x17cm
Setup The cages were placed next to the closed door of a micowave oven.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 550 W unspecified unspecified - Output of the oven
SAR 2.3 mW/g mean measured unspecified determined by using temperature probe technique

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The most striking changes were observed in the NIR 30 group. Congestive vessels, edema and degenerative neurons were observed in all experimental dams. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate and focal necrosis of neurons were found only in the NIR 30 group of dams. Progressive edema and conspicuous congestive vessels were revealed in the offspring of both experimental groups. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, haemorrhage, necrotic neural tissues, and degenerative neurons with a reactive glial proliferation were found only in the offspring of the NIR 30 groups.
The average number of pups/litter was the same in the controls and exposed animals. The mean rectal temperature of experimental groups was 1°C higher after irradiation than the sham group.

Study character:

Study funded by

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