Genotoxicity Of Radiofrequency Signals. I.
Investigation Of DNA Damage And Micronuclei Induction In Cultured Human
Blood Cells
ILS, Inc
Tice RR, Hook GG, Donner M, McRee DI, Guy AW.
June 04, 2002
As part of a comprehensive investigation of the potential genotoxicity of
radiofrequency (RF) signals emitted by cellular telephones, in vitro studies
evaluated the induction of DNA and chromosomal damage in human blood
leukocytes and lymphocytes, respectively. The signals were voice modulated
837 MHz produced by an analog signal generator or by a time division
multiple access (TDMA) cellular telephone, 837 MHz generated by a code
division multiple access (CDMA) cellular telephone (not voice modulated),
and voice modulated 1909.8 MHz generated by a global system of mobile
communication (GSM)-type personal communication systems (PCS) cellular
telephone. DNA damage (strand breaks/alkali labile sites) was assessed in
leukocytes using the alkaline (pH>13) single cell gel electrophoresis (SCG)
assay. Chromosomal damage was evaluated in lymphocytes mitogenically
stimulated to divide postexposure using the cytochalasin B-binucleate cell
micronucleus assay. Cells were exposed at 37+/-1 degrees C, for 3 or 24 h at
average specific absorption rates (SARs) of 1.0-10.0 W/kg. Exposure for
either 3 or 24 h did not induce a significant increase in DNA damage in
leukocytes, nor did exposure for 3 h
induce a significant increase in micronucleated cells among lymphocytes.
However, exposure to each of the four RF signal technologies for 24 h at an
average SAR of 5.0 or 10.0 W/kg resulted in a significant and reproducible
increase in the frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes. The magnitude of
the response (approximately four fold) was independent of the technology,
the presence or absence of voice modulation, and the frequency (837 vs.
1909.8 MHz). This research demonstrates that, under extended exposure
conditions, RF signals at an average SAR of at least 5.0 W/kg are capable of
inducing chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes.
PMID: 11835258 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]