Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure Research Articles

Effects of GSM modulated radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation on permeability of blood–brain barrier in male & female rats

With the increased use of mobile phones, their biological and health effects have become more important. Usage of mobile phones near the head increases the possibility of effects on brain tissue. This study was designed to investigate the possible effects of pulse modulated 900MHz and 1800MHz radio-frequency radiation on the permeability of blood–brain barrier of rats. Study was performed with 6 groups of young adult male and female wistar albino rats. The permeability of blood-brain barrier to intravenously injected evans blue dye was quantitatively examined for both control and radio-frequency radiarion exposed groups. For male groups; Evans blue content in the whole brain was found to be 0.08±0.01mg% in the control, 0.13±0.03mg% in 900MHz exposed and 0.26±0.05mg% in 1800MHz exposed animals. In both male radio-frequency radiation exposed groups, the permeability of blood–brain barrier found to be increased with respect to the controls (p<0.01). 1800MHz pulse modulated radio-frequency radiation exposure was found more effective on the male animals (p<0.01). For female groups; dye contents in the whole brains were 0.14±0.01mg% in the control, 0.24±0.03mg% in 900MHz exposed and 0.14±0.02mg% in 1800MHz exposed animals. No statistical variance found between the control and 1800MHz exposed animals (p>0.01). However 900MHz pulse modulated radio-frequency exposure was found effective on the permeability of blood-brain barrier of female animals. Results have shown that 20min pulse modulated radio-frequency radiation exposure of 900MHz and 1800MHz induces an effect and increases the permeability of blood-brain barrier of male rats. For females, 900MHz was found effective and it could be concluded that this result may due to the physiological differences between female and male animals. The results of this study suggest that mobile phone radation could lead to increase the permeability of blood-brain barrier under non-thermal exposure levels. More studies are needed to demonstrate the mechanisms of that breakdown.

Exposure to 1800 MHz GSM- like radiofrequency electromagnetic field reduces follicular development and overall fertility of female rats

In the current study, the effect of 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation exposure on female rats’ fertility was investigated. The study was conducted on the nine groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats (20 rats/group) with a control group and exposure groups which exposed to EMF 1hr/day and 2hr/day for 15, 30 and 60 days respectively. Animals were whole-body exposed using a GSM-like radiofrequency generator at SAR level 0.048 W/Kg. After the last exposure, rats were divided into two subgroups for fertility evaluation, ovari-an follicle count, and oxidative stress assessment. Prolonged cohabitation day until delivery in exposure groups animals compared to control was ob-served. Moreover, a significant decrease in the number of pups per delivery was observed. Ovarian follicle count showed a dramatic decrease in exposure groups throughout the experiment except the number of atretic follicles was significantly increased compared to control groups. FSH level was signifi-cantly reduced within exposure groups. LH level remained constant except in 2hr. /day group for 60 days. Melatonin levels were significantly lower in ex-posure groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity was reduced in most exposure groups. Malondialdehyde levels were raised significantly in most expo-sure groups compared to the control. Our findings conclude that exposure to electromagnetic field's cause female reproductive activity impairment.

모비키즈: 통신전자파 노출과 어린이청소년의 뇌종양에 관한 환자 -대조군 연구 프로토콜

Objectives: To introduce a protocol of Mobi-kids study which was aimed to examine an association between radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure by mobile phone use and brain tumor risk in children and adolescents. Methods: The Mobi-kids study was a multinational matched case control study using a standardized protocol with the number of subjects targeted about 1,000 cases and 2,000 controls aged 10 to 24. In Mobi-Kids Korea, the source population was restricted to Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do province. Eligible cases of primary brain tumor (glioma, meningioma, and others) were diagnosed from January 2012 to June 2015. Eligible controls were appendicitis patients operated during the study period. Two controls were matched on age, gender, and study region for 1 case. Information about pattern and history of mobile phone use and other covariates were obtained by face to face interview by trained interviewer. The Mobi-kids study has been involved in Mobi-expo as a validation study about mobile phone use, XGridmaster to localize tumor in the brain for RF energy calculation, and histological review for validation of diagnosis. Results: The Mobi-kids was the first and largest study in children and adolescents to estimate risk of brain tumor in association with the RF energy absorption in the brain estimated by mobile phone use. Forty-six-cases and 54 controls were collected as of September 2014 in Korea. Conclusions: The meaningful results of the study were expected because of the largest sample size, high validity of EMF exposure assessment as well as the susceptible study populationof children and adolescents.

Occupational EMF exposure from radar at X and Ku frequency band and plasma catecholamine levels.

Workers in certain occupations such as the military may be exposed to technical radiofrequency radiation exposure above current limits, which may pose a health risk. The present investigation intended to find the effect of chronic electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from radar on plasma catecholamines in the military workforce. In the study, 166 male personnel selected randomly were categorized into three groups: control (n = 68), exposure group-I (X-band, 8-12 GHz, n = 40), and exposure group-II (Ku-band, 12.5-18 GHz, n = 58). The three clusters were further divided into two groups according to their years of service (YOS) (up to 9 years and ≥10 years) to study the effect of years of radar exposure. Enzyme immunoassay was employed to assess catecholamine concentrations. EMF levels were recorded at different occupational distances from radar. Significant adrenaline diminution was registered in exposure group-II with no significant difference in exposure group-I when both groups were weighed against control. Nor-adrenaline and dopamine levels did not vary significantly in both exposure groups when compared to controls. Exposure in terms of YOS also did not yield any significant alteration in any of the catecholamines and in any of the exposure groups when compared with their respective control groups. The shift from baseline catecholamine values due to stress has immense significance for health and well-being. Their continual alteration may prove harmful in due course. Suitable follow-up studies are needed to further strengthen these preliminary observations and for now, exposures should be limited as much as possible with essential safeguards.

A genotoxic analysis of the hematopoietic system after mobile phone type radiation exposure in rats

Purpose: In our earlier study we reported that 900 MHz continuous wave (CW) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure (2 W/kg specific absorption rate [SAR]) had no significant effect on the hematopoietic system of rats. In this paper we extend the scope of the previous study by testing for possible effects at: (i) different SAR levels; (ii) both 900 and 1800 MHz, and; (iii) both CW and pulse modulated (PM) RFR.Materials and methods: Excised long bones from rats were placed in medium and RFR exposed in (i) a Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) cell or (ii) a waveguide. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical analyses were used to estimate forward power needed to produce nominal SAR levels of 2/10 and 2.5/12.4 W/kg in the bone marrow. After exposure, the lymphoblasts were extracted and assayed for proliferation rate, and genotoxicity.Results: Our data did not indicate any significant change in these end points for any combination of CW/PM exposure at 900/1800 MHz at SAR levels of nominally 2/10 W/kg or 2.5/12.4 W/kg.Conclusions: No significant changes were observed in the hematopoietic system of rats after the exposure of CW/PM wave 900 MHz/1800 MHz RF radiations at different SAR values.

The effects of 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation on nasal mucosa and mucociliary clearance in rats.

Nasal mucociliary clearance has an important role in voiding the airways from inhaled foreign substances. This activity could be disturbed by environmental factors such as radiofrequency radiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate short-term and relatively long-term effects of 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted by a generator, simulating a 3G-mobile phone, on the nasal septal mucosa and mucociliary clearance in rats. Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. There were 6 rats in Group A and Group B, which served as the control groups (10-day and 40-day groups, respectively). Groups C (10-day exposure) and D (40-day exposure) were both composed of 9 rats; they comprised the radiofrequency radiation exposure groups. The rats in groups C and D were exposed to 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted by a generator, simulating a 3G-mobile phone, 6 hours/day, for 10 or 40 days, respectively. After exposure, nasal mucociliary clearance was measured by rhinoscintigraphy. After euthanization, the nasal septa of the animals were removed, and tissue samples of the nasal mucosa were examined using a transmission electron microscope. The differences in mucociliary clearances between groups A and C, groups B and D, and groups C and D were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Although there were no histopathological abnormalities in the control groups, the exposure groups showed a number of degenerated and apoptotic cells, ciliary disorganization and ciliary loss in the epithelial cells, epithelial metaplasia, alteration of normal chromatin distribution and karyolysis in nuclei, changes in the basal cells, and lymphocytic infiltration. The histopathological changes were more severe in group D. Radiofrequency radiation at 2100 MHz damaged the nasal septal mucosa, and disturbed the mucociliary clearance. Ciliary disorganization and ciliary loss in the epithelial cells resulted in deterioration of nasal mucociliary clearance.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine and epigallocatechin-3-gallate on liver tissue protein oxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels after the exposure to radiofrequency radiation

Purpose: The widespread and sustained use of mobile and cordless phones causes unprecedented increase of radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of 900 MHz Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)-modulated RFR (average whole body Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 0.4 W/kg, 10 or 20 min daily for consecutive 7 days) to the liver tissue of guinea pigs and the protective effects of antioxidant treatments.Materials and methods: Adult male guinea pigs were randomly divided into nine groups as: Group I (sham/saline), Group II (sham/EGCG), Group III (sham/NAC), Group IV (10-min RF-exposure/saline), Group V (20-min RF-exposure/saline), Group VI (10-min RF-exposure/EGCG), Group VII (20-min RF-exposure/EGCG), Group VIII (10-min RF-exposure/NAC), and Group IX (20-min RF-exposure/NAC). Protein oxidation (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated after the exposure and the treatments with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).Results and conclusions: Significant decreases in the activities of SOD were observed in the liver of guinea pigs after RFR exposure. Protein damage did not change due to RFR exposure. On the other hand, only NAC treatment induced increased PCO levels, whereas EGCG treatment alone elevated the level of AOPP. Due to antioxidants having pro-oxidant behavior, the well decided doses and treatment timetables of NAC and ECGC are needed.

Evaluation of exposure to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation in the indoor workplace accessible to the public by the use of frequency-selective exposimeters.

The aim of the study was to identify and assess electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation (EMRR) exposure in a workplace located in a publicly accessible environment, and represented by offices (where exposure is caused by various transmitters of local fixed indoor and outdoor wireless communication systems). The investigations were performed in 45 buildings (in urban and rural areas in various regions of Poland), using frequency-selective electric field strength (E-field) exposimeters sensitive to the EMRR with a frequency range of 88-2500 MHz, split into 12 sub-bands corresponding to the operating frequencies of typical EMRR sources. The variability of the E-field was analyzed for each frequency range and the total level of exposure by statistical parameters of recorded exposimetric profiles: minimum, maximum, median values and 25-75th - percentiles. The main sources of exposure to EMRR are mobile phone base transceiver stations (BTS) and radio-television transmitters (RTV). The frequency composition in a particular office depends on the building's location. The E-field recorded in buildings in urban and rural areas from the outdoor BTS did not exceed respectively: medians - 0.19 and 0.05 V/m, 75th percentiles -0.25 and 0.09 V/m. In buildings equipped with the indoor BTS antennas the E-field did not exceed: medians - 1 V/m, 75th percentiles - 1.8 V/m. Whereas in urban and rural areas, the median and 75th percentile values of the E-field recorded in buildings located near the RTV (within 1 km) did not exceed: 1.5 and 3.8 V/m or 0.4 and 0.8 V/m, for radio FM band or for TV bands, respectively. Investigations confirmed the practical applicability of the exposimetric measurements technique for evaluating parameters of worker's exposure in both frequency- and time-domain. The presented results show EMRR exposure of workers or general public in locations comparable to offices to be well below international limits.

Mobile phone radiation alters proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells.

This study investigated the effects of intermittent exposure (15 min on, 15 min off for 1, 2, 3, or 4 h, at a specific absorption rate of 2 W/kg) to enhanced data rates for global system for mobile communication evolution-modulated radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at 900- and 1,800-MHz frequencies on the viability of the Hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep G2). Hep G2 cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay based on the cleavage of the tetrazolium salt WST-1 by mitochondrial dehydrogenases in viable cells. Cell injury was evaluated by analyzing the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose released from lysed cells into the culture medium. Morphological observation of the nuclei was carried out by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, TUNEL assay was performed to confirm apoptotic cell death. It was observed that cell viability, correlated with the LDH and glucose levels, changed according to the frequency and duration of RFR exposure. Four-hour exposure produced more pronounced effects than the other exposure durations. 1,800-MHz RFR had a larger impact on cell viability and Hep G2 injury than the RFR at 900 MHz. Morphological observations also supported the biochemical results indicating that most of the cells showed irregular nuclei pattern determined by using the DAPI staining, as well as TUNEL assay which shows DNA damage especially in the cells after 4 h of exposure to 1,800-MHz RFR. Our results indicate that the applications of 900- and 1,800-MHz (2 W/kg) RFR cause to decrease in the proliferation of the Hep G2 cells after 4 h of exposure. Further studies will be conducted on other frequency bands of RFR and longer duration of exposure.

The effect of radiofrequency radiation generated by a Global System for Mobile Communications source on cochlear development in a rat model.

This study aimed to determine the effect of radiofrequency radiation generated by 900 and 1800 MHz Global System for Mobile Communications sources on cochlear development in the rat model. Eight pregnant albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz. The latter two groups of pregnant rats were exposed to radiofrequency radiation for 1 hour per day starting on the 12th day of pregnancy until delivery. The rats in the control, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz groups gave birth to 24, 31 and 26 newborn rats respectively. Newborn rats in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz groups were exposed to radiofrequency radiation for 1 hour per day for 21 days after delivery. Hearing evaluations of newborn rats were carried out using distortion product otoacoustic emissions testing. Eight newborn rats were randomly selected from each group for electron microscopic evaluation. Distortion product otoacoustic emission tests revealed no significant difference among the groups, but electron microscopic evaluation revealed significant differences among the groups with regard to the number of normal, apoptotic and necrotic cells. The findings indicated cellular structural damage in the cochlea caused by radiofrequency radiation exposure during cochlear development in the rat model.

National Register of Radiofrequency Workers: Exploring health eff ects of occupational radiofrequency radiation exposure

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) radiation continues to proliferate in the workplace. However, there is a broadly acknowledged need for additional research exploring the potential health effects of occupational exposure to RF. Aims: The aim was to establish a register of workers occupationally exposed to RF, in line with the recommendation of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones. This database is to be used as a resource for the investigation of any potential health effects of RF exposure. Methods: Following a series of consultations with industry and other relevant organizations, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) established a Steering Group in 2002 to manage the establishment of the National Register of individuals potentially exposed above public RF exposure guidelines. The Steering Group selected the University of Birmingham to administer the recruitment process. Recruitment and the first wave of analysis are due to finish in 2015. Results: The recruitment of a cohort of some 2500 individuals is near completion, and the initial study, a long-term follow-up of the cohort investigating mortality and cancer incidence is underway. Conclusions: The National Register of RF Workers provides the basis to explore potentially adverse health outcomes from occupational RF exposure. Funded by, key industry sponsors and supported by the University of Birmingham and HSE, the collaborative nature of the register provides an exemplar of how studies of occupational health can continue to be funded and managed.

Mobile phone radiation alters proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells

This study investigated the effects of intermittent exposure (15 min on, 15 min off for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hrs) to Enhanced Data rates for Global System for Mobile Communication Evolution (GSM EDGE) modulated radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequencies on the viability of the hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep G2). Hep G2 cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay based on the cleavage of the tetrazolium salt [2-(4-Iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5 (2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] (WST-1) by mitochondrial dehydrogenases in viable cells. Cell injury was evaluated by analyzing the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose released from lysed cells into the culture medium. Morphological observation of the nuclei was carried out by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to confirm apoptotic cell death. It was observed that cell viability, correlated with the LDH and glucose levels, changed according to the frequency and duration of RFR exposure. Four-hour-exposure produced more pronounced effects than the other exposure durations. 1800-MHz RFR had more impact on cell viability and injury of Hep G2 than the RFR at 900 MHz. Morphological observations also supported the biochemical results that most of the cells showed irregular nuclei pattern as a marker of late stage apoptosis using the DAPI staining, as well as TUNEL assay which shows DNA damage especially in the cells after 4 hrs of exposure to 1800- MHz RFR. The results showed that proliferation of Hep G2 cells increased after 1 hour of exposure whereas a decrease was observed after four hours of-exposure to the 1800-MHz radiation. The 900-MHz radiation had no significant effect on cell proliferation after 1 hour of exposure, but a decrease was observed after 4 hrs of exposure. Further studies will involve other frequency bands of RFR and longer duration of exposure.

Effects of combined radiofrequency radiation exposure on levels of reactive oxygen species in neuronal cells

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined RF radiation (837 MHz CDMA plus 1950 MHz WCDMA) signal on levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neuronal cells. Exposure of the combined RF signal was conducted at specific absorption rate values of 2 W/kg of CDMA plus 2 W/kg of WCDMA for 2 h. Co-exposure to combined RF radiation with either H2O2 or menadione was also performed. The experimental exposure groups were incubator control, sham-exposed, combined RF radiation-exposed with or without either H2O2 or menadione groups. The intracellular ROS level was measured by flow cytometry using the fluorescent probe dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Intracellular ROS levels were not consistently affected by combined RF radiation exposure alone in a time-dependent manner in U87, PC12 or SH-SY5Y cells. In neuronal cells exposed to combined RF radiation with either H2O2 or menadione, intracellular ROS levels showed no statically significant alteration compared with exposure to menadione or H2O2 alone. These findings indicate that neither combined RF radiation alone nor combined RF radiation with menadione or H2O2 influences the intracellular ROS level in neuronal cells such as U87, PC12 or SH-SY5Y.

Measurement and Analysis of Power Density around Selected Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Base Station Masts in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and other telecommunication technologies are now ubiquitous worldwide. There has been considerable increase in the radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure of the public from GSM and telecommunication transmitting and receiving antennas. If the RF radiation emanating from these devices exceeds internationally recommended limits it may pose health risk to the public. There is, therefore, the need for database of RF distribution levels in Nigeria for safety assessment. In this study, the power density of mobile phone base station masts in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria was measured and analyzed to check if it is within the public standard recommended by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). A total of forty (40) mobile phone base station masts were studied and their power density (mW/m2), magnetic field strength (A/m) and electric field strength (V/m) were determined by means of a digital Electrosmog meter, model MECO 9810 RF covering the frequency range 10 MHz 8 GHz. The measurements were made at the base of the masts and at distances 25, 50, 75 and 100 m respectively from the base of the masts. The results obtained show that the mean power density, magnetic field strength and electric field strength range from 0.589 ± 0.198 to 127.718 ± 11.301 mW/m2, 0.318 ± 0.056 to 4.166 ± 2.041 A/m and 0.934 ± 0.139 to 11.745 ± 3.427 V/m. The measured and calculated power density values were compared and found to indicate high positive correlation. Also the values of the power density obtained in this study at the different distances and locations were found to be far below the ICNIRP public exposure limits ranging from 2000 10000 mW/m2 in the frequency range of 10 MHz 300 GHz.

Autism and EMF? Plausibility of a pathophysiological link part II

Autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) are defined behaviorally, but they also involve multileveled disturbances of underlying biology that find striking parallels in the physiological impacts of electromagnetic frequency and radiofrequency radiation exposures (EMF/RFR). Part I (Vol 776) of this paper reviewed the critical contributions pathophysiology may make to the etiology, pathogenesis and ongoing generation of behaviors currently defined as being core features of ASCs. We reviewed pathophysiological damage to core cellular processes that are associated both with ASCs and with biological effects of EMF/RFR exposures that contribute to chronically disrupted homeostasis. Many studies of people with ASCs have identified oxidative stress and evidence of free radical damage, cellular stress proteins, and deficiencies of antioxidants such as glutathione. Elevated intracellular calcium in ASCs may be due to genetics or may be downstream of inflammation or environmental exposures. Cell membrane lipids may be peroxidized, mitochondria may be dysfunctional, and various kinds of immune system disturbances are common. Brain oxidative stress and inflammation as well as measures consistent with blood–brain barrier and brain perfusion compromise have been documented. Part II of this paper documents how behaviors in ASCs may emerge from alterations of electrophysiological oscillatory synchronization, how EMF/RFR could contribute to these by de-tuning the organism, and policy implications of these vulnerabilities. It details evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, neuroinflammation and brain blood flow alterations, altered electrophysiology, disruption of electromagnetic signaling, synchrony, and sensory processing, de-tuning of the brain and organism, with autistic behaviors as emergent properties emanating from this pathophysiology. Changes in brain and autonomic nervous system electrophysiological function and sensory processing predominate, seizures are common, and sleep disruption is close to universal. All of these phenomena also occur with EMF/RFR exposure that can add to system overload (‘allostatic load’) in ASCs by increasing risk, and can worsen challenging biological problems and symptoms; conversely, reducing exposure might ameliorate symptoms of ASCs by reducing obstruction of physiological repair. Various vital but vulnerable mechanisms such as calcium channels may be disrupted by environmental agents, various genes associated with autism or the interaction of both. With dramatic increases in reported ASCs that are coincident in time with the deployment of wireless technologies, we need aggressive investigation of potential ASC—EMF/RFR links. The evidence is sufficient to warrant new public exposure standards benchmarked to low-intensity (non-thermal) exposure levels now known to be biologically disruptive, and strong, interim precautionary practices are advocated.

Effects of Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to GSM-Like Radiofrequency on Blood Chemistry and Oxidative Stress in Infant Rabbits, an Experimental Study

We aimed to investigate the potential hazardous effects of prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to 1800MHz GSM-like radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on the blood chemistry and lipid peroxidation levels of infant rabbits. A total of 72 New Zealand female and male white rabbits aged 1-month were used. Thirty-six female and 36 male were divided into four groups which were composed of nine infants: (i) Group 1 were the sham exposure (control), (ii) Group 2 were exposed to RFR, 15min daily for 7days in the prenatal period (between 15th and 22nd days of the gestational period) (prenatal exposure group). (iii) Group 3 were exposed to RFR 15min/day (14days for male, whereas 7days for female) after they reached 1-month of age (postnatal exposure group). (iv) Group 4 were exposed to RFR for 15min daily during 7days in the prenatal period (between 15th and 22nd days of the gestational period) and 15min/day (14days for male, whereas 7days for female) after they reached 1-month of age (prenatal and postnatal exposure group). Results showed that serum lipid peroxidation level in both female and male rabbits changed due to the RFR exposure. However, different parameters of the blood biochemistry were affected by exposure in male and female infants. Consequently, the whole-body 1800MHz GSM-like RFR exposure may lead to oxidative stress and changes on some blood chemistry parameters. Studies on RFR exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods will help to establish international standards for the protection of pregnants and newborns from environmental RFR.

Studying the protein expression in human B lymphoblastoid cells exposed to 1.8-GHz (GSM) radiofrequency radiation (RFR) with protein microarray

In the present study, the protein microarray was used to investigate the protein expression in human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells intermittently exposed to 1.8-GHz GSM radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at the specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2.0W/kg for 24h. The differential expression of 27 proteins was found, which were related to DNA damage repair, apoptosis, oncogenesis, cell cycle and proliferation (ratio >1.5-fold, P<0.05). The results validated with Western blot assay indicated that the expression of RPA32 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05) while the expression of p73 was significantly up-regulated in RFR exposure group (P<0.05). Because of the crucial roles of those proteins in DNA repair and cell apoptosis, the results of present investigation may explain the biological effects of RFR on DNA damage/repair and cell apoptosis.

Correction: Corrigendum: Fetal Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure From 800-1900 Mhz-Rated Cellular Telephones Affects Neurodevelopment and Behavior in Mice

Neurobehavioral disorders are increasingly prevalent in children, however their etiology is not well understood. An association between prenatal cellular telephone use and hyperactivity in children has been postulated, yet the direct effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure on neurodevelopment remain unknown. Here we used a mouse model to demonstrate that in-utero radiofrequency exposure from cellular telephones does affect adult behavior. Mice exposed in-utero were hyperactive and had impaired memory as determined using the object recognition, light/dark box and step-down assays. Whole cell patch clamp recordings of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) revealed that these behavioral changes were due to altered neuronal developmental programming. Exposed mice had dose-responsive impaired glutamatergic synaptic transmission onto layer V pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex. We present the first experimental evidence of neuropathology due to in-utero cellular telephone radiation. Further experiments are needed in humans or non-human primates to determine the risk of exposure during pregnancy.

Does chronic exposure to radiofrequency radiations from GSM base stations have health effects?

There is a general concern about the possible adverse health effect of Radio-frequency radiation (RFR) from mobile phone base stations (BS), due to the increase in the siting of these base stations close to residential houses, schools, etc. This study was conducted on randomly selected individuals (n = 61), mostly staying close to a base station for not less than 6months, using 6 selected base stations. The study included a self-administered questionnaire with measurement of RFR level from the sampled base stations, clinical examination and haematological analysis. The level of RFR emitted from the sampled base station was found to be much lower than the ICNIRP limits. The prevalence of symptoms was high for exhaustion/tiredness (62.3%), headache (54.1%), sleep disturbance & blurred vision (32.8%), while the result for both the clinical measurements (Blood Pressure & Pulse Rate) and haematological analysis were essentially within normal limits, except for the lymphocyte percentage which was slightly elevated. Although the study found no statistical significant relationship between RFR exposure and adverse health effect, the need for long term investigations of possible health impacts of non ionizing radiation associated with GSM base stations was recommended

Assessment of Radio-Frequency Radiation Exposure Levels from Selected Mobile Base Stations (MBS) in Lokoja, Nigeria

The acquisition and use of mobile phone is tremendously increasing especially in developing countries, but not without a concern. The greater concern among the public is principally over the proximity of mobile base stations (MBS) to residential areas rather than the use of handsets. In this paper, we present an assessment of Radio-Frequency (RF) radiation exposure level measurements and analysis of radiation power density (in W/m 2 ) from selected mobile base stations relative to radial distance (in metres). The minimum average power density from individual base station in the town was about 47µW/m 2 while the average maximum was about 1.5mW/m 2 . Our result showed that average power density of a base station decreases with increase in distance (away from base station) and that radiation intensity varies from one base station to another even at the same distance away. Our result (obtained signature of power density variation from data) was also compared with an 'expected' signature. It was found that radiation from external sources (indicative) interfered with the reference base station and accounted for the deviation observed in this study. Finally, our results showed that the RF exposure hazard index in the town of Lokoja was below the permitted RF exposure limit to the general public recommended by ICRNIP. Useful recommendations were also made to the Policy and Regulatory Agencies responsible for Telephony in Nigeria.