GSM base station electromagnetic radiation and oxidative stress in rats

Electromagn Biol Med. 2006;25(3):177-88. doi: 10.1080/15368370600875042.

Abstract

The ever increasing use of cellular phones and the increasing number of associated base stations are becoming a widespread source of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation. Some biological effects are likely to occur even at low-level EM fields. In this study, a gigahertz transverse electromagnetic (GTEM) cell was used as an exposure environment for plane wave conditions of far-field free space EM field propagation at the GSM base transceiver station (BTS) frequency of 945 MHz, and effects on oxidative stress in rats were investigated. When EM fields at a power density of 3.67 W/m2 (specific absorption rate = 11.3 mW/kg), which is well below current exposure limits, were applied, MDA (malondialdehyde) level was found to increase and GSH (reduced glutathione) concentration was found to decrease significantly (p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was a less significant (p = 0.0190) increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity under EM exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Burden
  • Cell Phone*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Male
  • Microwaves*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Oxidative Stress / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism*
  • Relative Biological Effectiveness
  • Whole-Body Irradiation

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species