Abstract
Millimeter waves are used in various fields, and the risks of this wavelength range for human health must be carefully evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of millimeter waves on genotoxicity and heat shock protein expression in human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells. We exposed the cells to 40-GHz millimeter waves at 1 mW/cm2 for 24 h. We observed no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency or the level of DNA strand breaks in cells exposed to 40-GHz millimeter waves relative to sham-exposed and incubator controls. Heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also exhibited no statistically significant response to the 40-GHz exposure. These results indicate that exposure to 40 GHz millimeter waves under these conditions has little or no effect on MN formation, DNA strand breaks, or Hsp expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells.
Highlights
New communications technologies have developed rapidly over the past few decades
We investigated the effects of millimeter waves on genotoxicity and heat shock protein expression in human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells
Heat shock protein (Hsp) expression exhibited no statistically significant response to the 40-GHz exposure. These results indicate that exposure to 40 GHz millimeter waves under these conditions has little or no effect on MN formation, DNA strand breaks, or Hsp expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells
Summary
New communications technologies have developed rapidly over the past few decades. In particular, wireless communication has become ubiquitous throughout the world. We studied the effect of long-term exposure to 60-GHz millimeter-wave radiation on micronucleus (MN) formation, DNA strand breaks, and heat shock protein (Hsp) expression in cells derived from the human eye [1]. To investigate the non-thermal effects of this type of radiation, we manufactured a device that can expose cells to 40-GHz millimeter waves. The 40-GHz millimeter waves will be used for train radio communication systems or public image transfer systems differently from 60 GHz. In addition, 40 GHz will be used for high-speed wireless access networks in combination with 60 GHz. It is necessary to investigate possible nonthermal effects of each frequency, because non-thermal effects are generally considered to be frequency dependent. We assessed MN formation, DNA breaks, and Hsp expression in human eye epithelial cells exposed to 40-GHz millimeter waves
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