From adults to offspring: Wi-Fi RF-EMR exposure in adult zebrafish impairs reproduction and transgenerationally effects development and behavior of progeny

Authors: Mehta J, Khira R, Fumakiya S, Sharma P, Punekar A, Jain C, Uggini GK

Year: 2025 Dec 15

Category: Toxicology, Environmental Health

Journal: Science of The Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180982

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41264945/

Abstract

Overview

The widespread presence of wireless communication technologies in modern human society is raising concerns about the biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). In this study, the impacts of Wi-Fi induced RF-EMR exposure in Danio rerio (zebrafish) were examined. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 4 hours of RF-EMR daily from a 4G Wi-Fi router over a 30-day period. The exposed adult fish were bred under exposure-free conditions, on the 10th, 20th, and 30th day of experimentation.

Experimental Design

  • Adult zebrafish exposed to RF-EMR (from a 4G Wi-Fi router) for 4 hours per day, up to 30 days.
  • Breeding occurred on days 10, 20, and 30 of exposure.
  • Fertilized embryos were maintained under electromagnetic field (EMF)-free conditions and monitored up to 10 days post-fertilization (dpf).

Findings

  • Histopathological analysis revealed significant testicular abnormalities, such as seminiferous tubule disintegration, reduced spermatids, and abnormal lumina.
  • Ovaries exhibited notable follicular degeneration and stromal disruption.
  • Progeny of exposed adults showed:
    • High rates of mortality
    • Gross morphological abnormalities (yolk sac edema, pericardial edema, curved axis, tail deformities)
    • Malformation rates increased with longer adult exposure periods
  • Neurobehavioral tests at 10 dpf demonstrated anxiety-like behavior in larvae from exposed parents.

Conclusion

The study indicates a progressive decline in reproductive health among adults and increased developmental and neurobehavioral adversities in their progeny, highlighting the transgenerational risks associated with Wi-Fi RF-EMR exposure. The findings emphasize the potential long-term biological risks of widespread electromagnetic radiation exposure and underscore the need for further research into transgenerational effects.

Highlights

  • Exposed to 4G Wi-Fi RF-EMR for 30 days, 4 h/day
  • Damage to gonadal histoarchitecture was observed in both sexes
  • Progeny expressed severe developmental and neurobehavioral alterations
  • Progressive, intensifying transgenerational effects documented with prolonged exposure
RF-EMR Wi-Fi zebrafish transgenerational effects reproductive toxicity developmental abnormalities neurobehavioral changes
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