Abstract

Overview

The National Toxicology Program conducted a study to evaluate the genotoxic effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by cell phones on rodents. This extensive study included different phases and methods to assess potential DNA damage from exposure to RFR.

Methodology

Male and female Sprague Dawley rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to varying levels of RFR from cellular phones under controlled conditions. The rats were exposed to 900 MHz and mice to 1900 MHz frequencies, reflecting common cell phone outputs, with specific absorption rates set at several intensities for each species.

• Rats: 1.5, 3, or 6 W/kg
• Mice: 2.5, 5, or 10 W/kg

The exposure was semi-continuous, 18 hours per day in 10-minute intervals, conducted in reverberation chambers.

Findings

Significant increases in DNA damage were observed in various tissues and cells:

• Frontal cortex of male mice: both CDMA and GSM modulations
• Peripheral leukocytes of female mice: CDMA modulation only
• Hippocampus of male rats: CDMA modulation only

However, there were no significant increases in micronucleated red blood cells in any group.

Conclusion

This study reveals that under specific conditions, exposure to RFR from cell phones can lead to measurable DNA damage in rodents, suggesting potential health risks that need further investigation.