Effect of GSM 900-MHz Mobile Phone Radiation on the Reproductive Capacity of Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Pulsed radio frequency, (RF), electromagnetic radiation from common GSM mobile phones, (Global System for Mobile Telecommunications) with a carrier frequency at 900 MHz, “modulated” by human voice, (speaking emission) decreases the reproductive capacity of the insect Drosophila melanogaster by 50%–60%, whereas the corresponding “nonmodulated” field (nonspeaking emission) decreases the reproductive capacity by 15%–20%. The insects were exposed to the near field of the mobile phone antenna for 6 min per day during the first 2–5 days of their adult lives. The GSM field is found to affect both females and males. Our results suggest that this field-radiation decreases the rate of cellular processes during gonad development in insects.

• RF
• GSM radiation
• Electromagnetic fields
• Biological effects
• Drosophila
• Reproductive capacity