Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induce genotoxic effects in vitro in human fibroblasts but not in lymphocytes

Abstract

UMTS exposure may cause genetic alterations in some but not in all human cells in vitro.

Comments on “Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS, 1,950 MHz) induce genotoxic effects in vitro in human fibroblasts but not in lymphocytes” by Schwarz et al. (Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2008: doi: 10.1007/s00420-008-0305-5)

“…The paper by Schwarz et al (2008) apparently supports the earlier Wndings of the group , again showing signiWcant deleterious eVects of RF-EMF on DNA molecules of human Wbroblasts (please note that the former name of the author Kratochvil was Diem). Despite the lack of any biophysical mechanism which would be able to explain such interactions, the results not only conWrm the group's previous Wndings, but they apparently extend them to another frequency range (UMTS, around 1,950 MHz) and to lower SAR levels which are well below internationally accepted exposure limits for the general public (ICNIRP 1998).…”

“…In the present paper (Schwarz et al 2008) (Fig. 6a), inter-individual diVerences (coeYcients of variation) for CTF values of cells from donors aged 6, 29, and 53 years, respectively, were only 6.1% (sham exposed), 3.8% (exposed), 7.1% (negative controls), and 4.0% (positive controls), respectively.…”

“…The arguments given in this paper, focusing on the eVects seen on DNA damage of Wbroblasts, question the validity and the origin of the data published by Schwarz et al (2008). Many of the arguments listed here, though, would be valid for the analysis of the micronuclei (MN), too (e.g., low standard deviations, low standard deviations at high MN numbers, low inter-individual diVerences, lack of random eVects, etc.).…”

“…A replication study, using the same exposure apparatus, however, did not conWrm these initial Wndings (Speit et al 2007). The same group from Vienna recently published their Wndings on human Wbroblasts and lymphocytes, this time exposing the cells to RF-EMFs at frequencies of the new mobile phone communication standard UMTS at around 1,950 MHz (Schwarz et al 2008). Like in their earlier investigation, exposed Wbroblasts' DNA molecules were found to be severely damaged, even at speciWc absorption rates (SAR) of 0.05 W/kg, thus far A.…”

Expression of concern

“…In view of the seriousness of the matter, Alexander Lerchl, who made the allegation, was invited to submit his criticisms to the journal as a Short Communication (Lerchl 2008). The authors of the original paper were given the opportunity to reply to Lerchl (Rüdiger 2008).…”