Exposure to hexavalent chromium and 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation can synergistically induce intracellular DNA damage in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Authors: Zhu Y, Zhu L, Lan Y, Sun C, Chen G

Year: 2026 Jan 28

Category: Toxicology

Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2026.153360

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41619510/

Abstract

Overview

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) are common in modern environments and have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). However, the potential of RF-EMF to act as a co-carcinogen remains uncertain. This study investigated whether exposure to 1800 MHz RF-EMF could influence chemically induced DNA damage in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF).

Methodology

  • MEF cells were exposed to RF-EMF alone, or together with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO), cadmium (Cd2+), or hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)].
  • Exposure was conducted under standardized, non-thermal conditions using a waveguide system.
  • The alkaline comet assay was used to assess DNA damage.

Findings

  • RF-EMF exposure alone did not induce detectable DNA damage.
  • RF-EMF did not significantly increase DNA damage caused by H2O2, 4NQO, or Cd2+.
  • However, combined exposure to RF-EMF and Cr(VI) led to a significant synergistic increase in DNA damage in MEF cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that RF-EMF can selectively intensify the genotoxic effects of Cr(VI), emphasizing the necessity for further research into the co-toxic mechanisms between electromagnetic fields and chemical agents. This demonstrates a concrete link between EMF exposure and increased DNA damage risk under certain chemical conditions, supporting concerns about EMF-related health risks.

RF-EMF DNA damage hexavalent chromium genotoxicity co-carcinogen mouse embryonic fibroblasts electromagnetic radiation
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