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.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 October 2022
  • Receive Date: 28 June 2022
  • Revise Date: 18 September 2022
  • Accept Date: 08 October 2022
  • First Publish Date: 08 October 2022