Effect of RF EMF from mobile phones on nickel release from orthodontic brackets: An in vitro study

Abstract

Overview

The study aimed to assess the safety concerns regarding the use of mobile phones and their effect on nickel release from orthodontic brackets when exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs).

Background

With the dramatic increase in mobile phone usage globally, apprehensions regarding their potential health risks, such as allergic reactions due to increased nickel exposure, have escalated.

Objective

The objective was to evaluate how RF-EMFs from mobile phones could affect nickel release in orthodontic brackets.

Methods

• Twenty stainless steel brackets were split into two groups (experimental and control) with 10 each.
• These were immersed in artificial saliva and exposed to GSM 900 MHz RF-EMFs for 4 hours at a SAR of 2.287 W/kg.
• Nickel concentration was examined using cold-vapour atomic absorption spectrometry, comparing both groups.

Findings

The experimental group showed a significant increase in nickel released compared to the control group, with mean levels of 11.95 μg/l against 2.89 μg/l, recognized by a Mann-Whitney test (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Exposure to RF-EMFs from mobile phones can increase nickel exposure in saliva, posing a risk, especially to those hypersensitive to nickel. It suggests a potential allergenic risk, warranting further research into devices emitting RF-EMFs, such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers.