Effects of 700 and 3500 MHz 5G radiofrequency exposure on developing zebrafish embryos

Authors: Torres-Ruiz M, Suárez OJ, López V, Marina P, Sanchis A, Liste I, de Alba M, Ramos V

Year: 2024 Jan 8

Category: Toxicology, Developmental Biology

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169475

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38199355/

Abstract

Overview

With the rapid deployment of fifth generation (5G) telecommunications, there is growing public concern regarding the safety and health impacts of 5G-related Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR). Scientific evidence in this domain remains limited. This study investigates the effects of 700 and 3500 MHz 5G RFR exposures on developing zebrafish embryos (ZFe), utilizing a uniform field generated by a validated experimental setup.

Methods

  • Zebrafish embryos were exposed to unmodulated 700 and 3500 MHz frequencies for 1 and 4 hours during the blastula development period.
  • A variety of toxicity, developmental, and behavioral assays were conducted, including:
    • Tail coiling assay
    • Light/dark activity assay
    • Thigmotaxis anxiety assays (auditory and visual)
    • Startle response and habituation assay (auditory stimuli)
  • Assessment continued up to 120 hours post fertilization (hpf).

Findings

  • No effects were observed on mortality, hatching rate, or body length.
  • Specific morphological changes in organs and measurable behavioral effects (altered activity, anxiety-like behavior, and habituation) persisted in larvae exposed during early embryonic stages.
  • A significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was detected, potentially explaining some behavioral abnormalities.
  • Effects were more pronounced at the 700 MHz frequency and in the group exposed for 4 hours.
  • The exposure setup was validated as robust and flexible for future explorations of different frequencies and durations.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that early developmental exposure to 5G RFR, particularly at 700 MHz for prolonged durations, can result in lasting organ and neurobehavioral changes in zebrafish embryos, supporting the need for caution and further research into EMF health risks. Planned future studies will investigate the impact of 5G-modulated signals under varying conditions to enhance understanding of these potential health effects.

5G radiofrequency radiation zebrafish embryos neurobehavioral effects organ morphology acetylcholinesterase developmental toxicity
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