Genotoxic Effects of Amplitude-Modulated Microwaves on Human Lymphocytes Exposed in Vitro under Controlled Conditions

Abstract

Peripheral human blood from 23 healthy donors aged between 23 and 95 years was exposed to continuous wave (CW) or 50 Hz amplitude modulated (AM) microwave radiation and was cultured for 72 h. Other exposure parameters were: frequency 9 GHz, specific absorption rate (SAR) 90 mW/g, exposure duration 10 min. The possible genotoxic effect was evaluated by means of cytokinesis-block micronucleus method. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in micronuclei was found following AM microwave exposure.

Key Words:

• Microwave exposure
• Human lymphocytes
• Micronuclei