Cytogenetic Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation at 1800 MHz: Allium cepa Chromosome Aberrations Assay and Balb/C Mouse Micronucleus Test

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science Yarmouk University Irbid Jordan

2 Department of Biological Sciences Yarmouk University

3 Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.

Abstract

Introduction: Mobile phone usage and consequently the number of mobile phone towers have mushroomed over the last few decades. These developments have raised concerns about the potential risks of long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on human and environmental health. The present research aimed at investigating the cytogenetic effects of exposing two living systems to RFR at a frequency of 1800 MHz and a specific absorption rate of 0.27 W/ kg.

Materials and Methods: Onion (Allium cepa L.) root tips and Balb/C male mice were exposed to RFR at a frequency of 1800 MHz for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h daily for 7 consecutive days. The percentage of micronuclei (% MN), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (%MNPCE), and aberrant meristematic cells (% Abc) were estimated.

Results: It was shown that short and intermediate exposure resulted in progressive time-dependent enhancement of root growth. In contrast, the 4h-exposure conditions caused significant root growth inhibition. Exposure did not cause alterations in mitotic indices of meristematic cells. Only 4 h RFR exposure of roots induced significant increases in % Abc. Statistically significant higher values of % MN and % %MNPCE were observed in the peripheral blood of mice exposed to EMF for 4 h.

Conclusion: Data suggest that prolonged exposure to living organisms may result in negative effects including growth inhibition and induction of genetic changes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 October 2022

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 28 June 2022
  • Revise Date: 18 September 2022
  • Accept Date: 08 October 2022
  • First Publish Date: 08 October 2022

Share

How to cite

Statistics