Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation Using Buccal Micronucleus Assay

Abstract

Overview

Concerns have been raised about the potential genotoxic impacts of mobile phone radiation, particularly as mobile usage continues to surge globally.

Objective

The research primarily focused on assessing the frequency of micronucleus (MN) in the oral mucosal cells under the influence of mobile phone radiation.

Methodology

• The study involved 50 mobile phone users within the age range of 20-38 years.
• Participants provided 100 cell samples from the mucosa of both cheeks after filling out a questionnaire about their mobile phone habits, and they were also assessed for personal information such as age, gender, and BMI.
• The sample cells were stained using Feulgen and Papanicolaou methods and then evaluated for MN frequency.

Findings

MN frequency analysis showed no significant differences between cell phone users and non-users, indicating no substantial genotoxic effects from mobile phone radiation on the buccal mucosa.

However, non-DNA specific staining resulted in a significant (5 to 6-fold) higher frequency of MN compared to DNA-specific staining methods.

Conclusion

While cell phone radiation does not appear to induce genotoxic effects in the buccal mucosa of the oral cavity, increased MN frequency observed with non-specific DNA staining methods warrants further examination.