Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field in Onion Root Tip Cells and Mouse Polychromatic Erythrocytes

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors
Ahmad Khalil 1
Heba Al Naimi 2
Ahmad Alshamali 3
1 Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science Yarmouk University Irbid Jordan
2 Department of Biological Sciences, Yarmouk University, Faculty of Science, Irbid, Jordan.
3 Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
10.22038/ijmp.2022.66419.2142
Abstract
Introduction: Mobile phone users and base stations have increased exponentially in recent decades. These expansions have extended worries about the potential risk of long-lasting Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) exposure on human health and environmental quality. The current study was designed to explore the cytogenetic consequences of subjecting two biological systems to RF-EMF at a frequency of 1800MHz and a specific absorption rate of 0.27 W/kg.
Material and Methods: Chromosome aberration test (onion meristematic cells) and micronucleus assay (mouse erythrocytes) were used to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the in vivo exposure to RF-EMF at a frequency of 1800 MHz. The two living systems were subjected to RF-EMF for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours daily for seven successive days. We recorded the percent aberrant cells (%Abc), the percentage of micronuclei formation in erythrocytes (%MN), and the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (%MNPCE).
Results: It was demonstrated that the short- and intermediate-term exposure to RF-EMF may cause a gradual time-dependent boost in root growth. However, significant growth inhibition was observed following 4-hour exposure. Exposure to RF-EMF did not change mitotic indices of onion meristematic cells. Significant increases in Abc, MN, and MNPCE percentages were recorded.
Conclusion: The outcome of this study proposes that unlimited exposure of living organisms to RF-EMF may lead to adverse effects. Therefore, unnecessary use of mobile phones should be avoided.
Keywords
Allium Cepa
Balb/C Mouse
Chromosome Aberrations
Micronucleus Formation
Mobile Phones
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 20, Issue 5
September and October 2023
Pages 273-281

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