The present study investigates the impact of RF-EMF (900 and 1800 MHz) emissions from mobile phone base stations (MPBS) as well as from mobile phone usage on the hematological parameters and stress markers of exposed individuals. Members of MPBS highly exposed (N = 50) and a reference group (N = 51) were tested using a complete blood count and two stress markers, amylase and cortisol. Different effects were found for different blood parameters, based on various combinations of exposure type, demographics, and lifestyle behaviors. Subsequent stepwise regression analysis revealed that exposure from MPBS contributed significantly to TLC, while various combinations of gender, age and power density contributed significantly to differential and absolute basophil counts and absolute monocyte counts. MPBS exposures contributed to absolute monocytes similar to smoking. Furthermore, hours of daily mobile phone exposure together with age contributed significantly to absolute and differential basophil counts and absolute lymphocyte counts. Of concern, almost a quarter of those with high MPBS exposures had basophil counts above the clinical reference limits, while over half of those with heavy daily mobile phone use (4 to 6 hours) had lymphocyte counts above the limits, and most were under 30 years old. While smoking and age contributed to amylase levels, no exposure variables contributed to amylase or cortisol levels. Altogether, there is an indication that RF-EMF from mobile phones and MPBS together with age and gender can differentially impact leucocytes, indicating biological stress and potentially affecting health. These results suggest the necessity for increasing awareness regarding adverse effects of RF-EMF exposures.
Keywords: Mobile phone base stations (MPBS); amylase; cortisol; hematological parameters; leucocytes; mobile phone use; power density.
This study aimed to test whether people who live closer to mobile phone towers (MPBS) and those with greater mobile phones use show any changes in their red and white blood cells, or to their stress hormones. Two groups of volunteers were recruited, a reference group of those living more than 300 m away, and a highly exposed group, living less than 60 m away from the closest MPBS. Blood samples were taken from both groups and analyzed. The strength of the radiofrequency signal from the MPBS in participants’ homes was measured, and mobile phone use, lifestyle factors, and demographics that could affect the blood parameters were also recorded. Results showed that different white blood cells were affected by different combinations of gender, age, smoking, many hours of daily mobile phone use and high exposures from MPBS. Concerning effects on lymphocytes were found in a large group of residents under 30 years old with high daily mobile phone use (4 to 6 hours). These results indicate human biological systems are under stress from both mobile phone use and local mobile phone tower exposures, leading to potential health effects. Placement and signal strength from MPBS, and guidance regarding daily mobile phone use need to be informed by these results.