Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.
Highlights
Over the past decade, the use of cell phones has increased significantly
A statistically significantly higher number of micronuclei were observed in the lower lip in the group that spoke for more than 60 min/week on the cell phone compared to individuals who spoke for less than 60 min/week
The oral mucosa shows different degrees of keratinization according to the anatomical site; for example, the lip demonstrates greater keratinization compared to the tongue and to the floor of the mouth,[23] but even with these different patterns, our results showed statistically significant differences at all sites analyzed; we conducted this investigation on anatomical sites where oral cancer is more prevalent: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth.[24]
Summary
The use of cell phones has increased significantly. Total cell phone subscriptions amounted to more than 6 billion in 2013, corresponding to a global penetration rate of 93.1% per 100 inhabitants.[1] The rapid worldwide increase in cell phone users has raised health concerns about potential risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields produced by this technology. Given the large number of cell phone users, a negative effect may have huge public health implications.[2]. Ever since many aspects of human health that might be affected by cell phone exposure have been investigated, ranging from mild local warmth to possible tumor induction.[3] The effects of electromagnetic radiation on biological systems are under evaluation by studies with contradictory results so far.[4] a cause-effect relationship has not been established conclusively, there is a possibility that the incidence of
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
