Continuous Exposure to 1.7 GHz LTE (4G) Electromagnetic Fields Increases Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species to Decrease Human Cell Proliferation and Induce Senescence

Abstract

Overview

Due to the rapid advancement of mobile phone technologies, exposure to 1.7 GHz LTE radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) has become commonplace. The biological implications of continuous exposure to such RF-EMFs, particularly its non-thermal cellular effects, are critical yet under-explored.

Findings

This study involves various human cells, including stem cells from adipose tissue and liver cancer cells, as well as HeLa, SH-SY5Y cancer cells, and normal fibroblast IMR-90 cells. Key observations from the study include:

• Significant decrease in cell proliferation after 72 hours of exposure at both 1 and 2 Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).
• The higher SAR exposure (2 SAR) produced more pronounced anti-proliferative effects and induced cell senescence, particularly noticeable in adipose tissue-derived stem cells and Huh7 liver cancer cells.
• A surge in intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels was identified as a pivotal factor behind the observed effects. Notably, treating cells with an ROS scavenger mitigated these effects, reinforcing the role of ROS in mediating cellular response to RF-EMF exposure.

Conclusion

The study reiterates the potential adverse effects of RF-EMF exposure, suggesting links to altered intracellular ROS levels, genotoxic stress, and varied physiological impacts across cell types. These results underline the need for further research to fully understand and manage the biological impacts of RF-EMFs, emphasizing precaution particularly for vulnerable groups like children.