EVALUATION OF GENOTOXIC AND CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS BETWEEN DIFFERENT SMARTPHONE BRANDS IN THE ORAL MUCOSA EPITHELIUM

Abstract

Introduction: The use of the mobile device is based on radiofrequency waves, a type of electromagnetic wave, formed by a magnetic and electric field. This technology uses radio transmitters and receivers, operating in the microwave range, and therefore, ends up being an emitter and receiver of nonionizing energy. Objective: To evaluate whether the nonionizing radiation emitted by smartphones cause genotoxic and/or cytotoxic effects on the cells present in the oral mucosa, and to compare the different brands. Study design: A total of 30 adults were divided into 2 groups according to 2 mobile phone brands. The material was collected by smearing the jugal mucosa bilaterally with a spatula, and it was evaluated by means of the micronucleus test. This test analyzed the shape, borders, changes within the cytoplasm, and the chromatin structure, color, and texture. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: For micronuclei, there was no statistically significant difference between exposed and nonexposed sides (P = .251); however, for the other alterations, there was a statistically significant difference (P = .024). Regarding the comparison between the marks, there was no statistically significant difference (P = .47). Conclusion: The different brands of smartphones do not appear to offer risks of inducing genotoxicity. However, both brands showed cytotoxicity. Funding: CNPq.