Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the potential genotoxic effects of mobile phone-specific high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) and their interaction with occupational chemical exposures on human DNA.

Findings

• Three demographic groups were analyzed: young normal weight, young obese, and older normal weight individuals.
• Cells were exposed to HF-EMF with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 W/kg and to harmful chemicals like CrO3, NiCl2, benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE), and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO).
• No general impact of UMTS signals on chemically induced DNA damage across groups. However, a significant increase in DNA damage was observed in older individuals at a higher SAR level (1.0 W/kg).
• A moderate decrease in DNA damage was noted in the young obese group when subjected to simultaneous exposure to BPDE and 1.0 W/kg SAR.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while HF-EMF can cause DNA damage in older individuals and does not generally exacerbate DNA damage from occupational chemicals, specific interactions, such as those seen in the young obese group, suggest a complex interplay of factors.