1.7 GHz LTE radiofrequency EMF with stable power monitoring and efficient thermal control has no effect on the proliferation of various human cell types

Authors: Goh J, Suh D, Park G, Jeon S, Lee Y, Kim N, Song K

Year: 2024 May 7

Category: Cellular Biology, Electromagnetic Field Safety

Journal: PLoS One

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302936

URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0302936

Abstract

Overview

Long-term evolution (LTE) radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) is widely used in communication technologies, raising public concern over its influence on biological systems and potential health risks. The physiological effects of RF-EMF exposure remain controversial. This study builds upon previous findings where continuous exposure of various human cell types to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/Kg for 72 hours was observed to induce cellular senescence.

Methods

An improved 1.7 GHz RF-EMF cell exposure system was developed by updating the RF signal generator and introducing a software-based feedback system. This allowed for stable exposure power (within 3% range) and constant temperature over 72 hours. Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs), Huh7, HeLa, and rat B103 cells were continuously exposed to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF at SARs up to 8 W/Kg.

Findings

  • No significant changes were detected in the proliferation of any cell type compared to unexposed controls.
  • No evidence of DNA damage or cell cycle perturbation was found in exposed cells.
  • When thermal control was disabled and temperatures rose during exposure at 8 W/Kg, cellular proliferation increased by up to 35.2%.

Conclusion

  • With refined experimental controls, exposure to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF (0.4-8 W/Kg) does not affect proliferation or cause DNA damage/cell cycle changes in human cells.
  • Earlier results linking RF-EMF to altered proliferation appear dependent on uncontrolled thermal effects.
  • These findings strongly suggest that physiological changes ascribed to RF-EMF exposure may be primarily associated with induced thermal changes, underscoring the need for precise thermal control in EMF safety research.

Given the public health implications of EMF exposure, it is important to note that links between EMF exposure and biological effects (including potential health risks) may be influenced by experimental variables such as thermal regulation.

RF-EMF LTE cell proliferation DNA damage thermal effects exposure system SAR
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