Teratogenic effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on the embryonic development of chick: A study on morphology and hatchability

Abstract

The present study was aimed at studying the effects of RF-EMR in causing teratogenic changes in the embryonic development of organisms using chick embryo as a model. The fertilized eggs of the hen were incubated in a digital humidified incubator and exposed to RF-EMR from 2G and 4G mobile phones by ringing at regular time intervals. The dose of RF-EMR was varied by increasing the call duration and number of calls per day, with the lower dose being a call duration of 50 min/day and the higher dose being 90 min/day. The phone kept had a range of radiofrequency between 900 and 1800 MHz and SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) 1.355 (2G) and 1.12 (4G) watts/ kg respectively. The batch of eggs incubated without any exposure to RF-EMR was taken as control. The hatchability of 2G and 4G experimental groups were respectively, 65% and 75% at lower radiation exposure and 40% and 55% at higher radiation exposure. The teratogenic effects of RF-EMR on the morphology of chick embryos manifested as the cross beak, non-retracted yolk sac, macrocephaly, malformed legs and toes, disability in standing and balancing the body and variations in body weight, body length and beak length. The results indicate that the RF-EMR poses potential threats to the developing stages of organisms.