Whole-body microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones and testicular function of rats

Abstract

This study investigated whether there are adverse effects due to microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones in male rats. Eighteen Wistar Albino rats were separated into three groups, a sham group and two experimental groups. The rats were confined in Plexiglas cages and cellular phones were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. In the first experimental group, cellular phones were in standby position for 2 h. In the second experimental group, phones were turned to the speech position three times each for 1 min duration over 2 h. Rats in the first and second experimental groups were exposed to microwaves emitted by phones for 2 h/day for a duration of 1 month. After the last exposure the rats were killed. Brain, eyes, ears, liver, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, testes, small and large intestines and skin of the rats were observed histologically. The decrease of epididymal sperm counts in the speech groups were not found to be significant (P > 0.05). Differences in terms of normal and abnormal sperm forms were not observed (P > 0.05). Histological changes were especially observed in the testes of rats of the speech groups. Seminiferous tubular diameter of rat testes in the standby and speech groups was found to be lower than the sham group (P < 0.05). Rectal temperatures of rats in the speech group were found to be higher than the sham and standby groups (P < 0.05). The rectal temperatures of rats before and after exposure were also found to be significantly higher in the speech group (P < 0.05). Specific absorption rate (SAR) was determined as 0.141 W/kg.

Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Waves and Its Effect on Human Ejaculated Semen: An in vitro Study

“…However, results of animal studies related to the effects of cell phone radiation on reproductive functions are conflicting. [14][15][16][17][18][19] An animal model does not give us valuable information and inference cannot be drawn from it for several reasons, including the smaller dimensions of the testes, the nonpendulous scrotum, the free migration of the testes through the inguinal canal between the abdomen and the scrotum and the unavoidable exposure of the animal's entire body to RF-EMW at the time of the experiment. 20 Hence, an in vitro model would be the best scientific way to assess the effects of mobile phone exposure.…”

Long-Term Effect of 900 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure on Cochlear Functions

“…A very low average power density can cause an acoustic response in the head, and there is the potential of exposure of the public and workers to pulses that induce such effects (11,18,19,20). Because of the widespread use of mobile phones, studies on the effect of radiofrequencies emitted from mobile phones are performed by scientists not only on the hearing function, but also on the other organs (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10). the studies on the relation between radiofrequencies and hearing function can sometimes be controversial.…”

The Effect of GSM Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Field on Femur Fracture Healing in a Rat Model

“…To date, microwave radiation from GSM mobile phones and base stations has not been found to be dangerous to humans [3][4][5]. However, microwave emissions from mobile phones have been reported in some studies to have beneficial effects on human tissues [6,7]. Sert et al reported no significant changes in mean serum calcium, magnesium, lithium, and creatinine levels after rats were exposed to 50 MHz electromagnetic radiation [8].…”

“…Acceleration of fracture healing has been attempted with both pharmaceuticals and physical interventions. EM radiation also has been found to have effects on cellular systems, and may have beneficial effects on fracture healing [1,3,6]. An animal model for studies of the effects of EM on fracture repair has yet to be performed.…”