Cytogenetic analysis of the effects of 2.5 and 10.5 GHz microwaves on human lymphocytes

Abstract

The biological effects of microwaves on living organisms remain highly controversial. Although some reports have suggested that microwaves may be directly or indirectly genotoxic, a direct action is unlikely because the low energy of microwave photons makes them unable to cause single-strand breaks in DNA. In this work, we examined the possible clastogenic properties of microwaves (2.5 and 10.5 GHz) on blood lymphocytes in vitro by monitoring the frequency of chromosomal aberrations. We also investigated whether blood cells showed increased radiosensitivity or radioresistance when pretreated with the microwaves and then irradiated with gamma radiation. There was no significant difference in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations between cells which had or had not been treated with microwaves. Control cells had a mean frequency of 0.013 aberrations per cell compared to 0.010 and 0.011 aberrations per cell in the microwave-exposed samples. Nor was there any alteration in the radiosensitivity of cells pretreated with microwaves. Gamma irradiated cells showed a mean frequency of 0.279 aberrations per cell compared to 0.343 and 0.310 aberrations per cell in samples pretreated with microwaves. However, cell mortality increased markedly after exposure to microwaves. The results suggest that microwaves do not interact directly or indirectly with chromosomes, although they may target other cell structures, such as cell membranes.

Human Fibroblasts In Vitro Exposed to 2.45 GHz Continuous and Pulsed Wave Signals: Evaluation of Biological Effects with a Multimethodological Approach

“…The evaluation of chromosomal damage and its origin, assessed by indirect immunofluorescence CREST-MN analysis, showed no aneugenic or clastogenic effects for both types of signals. These observations are in agreement with other studies evaluating chromosomal damage by the conventional MN assay on different cellular types exposed to 2.45 GHz [ 71 , 72 ] or to other RF ranges [ 30 , 73 , 74 ]. Moreover, the absence of a clastogenic effect was confirmed by the γ-H2AX/53BP1 foci assay, which showed no significant induction of DSBs.…”

Cellular and Molecular Responses to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

“…An early study showed that RF exposure caused chromosomal aberration. [10], but most recent studies have shown no effect on chromosomal aberration [4], [11], [12]. Sister chromatid exchange has also not been detected in RF exposure [13], [14].…”