Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Decreased body weight in fetal rats after irradiation with 2450-MHz (CW) microwaves med./bio.

Published in: Health Phys 1984; 46 (3): 537-542

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This in vivo study was conductetd to investigate possible effects of 2.45 GHz microwaves exposure during pregnancy on the fetal development in rats.

Background/further details

A total of 47 female rats (90-day-old) were sham exposed (23 animals) and microwave exposed (24 animals). On the 21st day of pregnancy the rats were killed and their fetuses examined.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.45 GHz
Modulation type: CW
Exposure duration: intermittent; 100 min /day, day 6-15 of gestation

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.45 GHz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration intermittent; 100 min /day, day 6-15 of gestation
Modulation
Modulation type CW
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber anechoic facility; acrylic plastic container 18.6 cm x 10cm x 11 cm
Setup containers parallel to H-vector
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 6 mW/g - estimated - -
power density 400 W/m² - measured - -

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 body weight and the number of sternal ossifications were significantly decreased in the microwave irradiated groups. Less sternal ossification as occured in irradiated fetuses is a sign of growth retardation.
The pregnancy rates, numbers of live, dead or resorbed, as well as total fetuses per litter and the number of abnormal fetuses per litter were similar in sham exposed and microwave exposed groups.
The core temperature of the pregnant rats increased 2°C after a single microwave exposure.

Study character:

Study funded by

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