Abstract

Overview

The study investigated the potential DNA damages (genotoxicity) and carcinogenic effects due to radiofrequency radiations (RF) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) root tip cells.

Methodology

• Dry seeds of chickpea were exposed to RF from a GSM cell phone (900 MHz) and a laptop (3.31 GHz).
• Exposures were set for 24 and 48 hours, with untreated seeds as a negative control and gamma rays (250 Gray) as positive control.

Findings

• RF exposure inhibited seed germination, with 48-hour laptop exposure showing the most severe effects.
• An inverse relationship was observed between exposure duration/frequency and mitotic index, alongside an increase in abnormality index.
• Notable damages included cell membrane damages and nuclear alterations like micronuclei and ghost cells formation, especially after 48-hour exposures.

Conclusion

RF radiations at 900 MHz and 3.31 GHz showed strong genotoxic effects and potential carcinogenic effects on chickpea cells, suggesting that unnecessary use of cell phones and laptops might pose similar risks to living tissues.