RF Safe

Influence of GSM signals on human peripheral lymphocytes: study of genotoxicity.

Radiation research · 2013 · No effect · Moderate evidence

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No effectModerate evidencePaper 4630

Human peripheral lymphocytes were intermittently exposed to GSM 1,800 MHz at SARs of 0.2, 2, and 10 W/kg (and sham) for 28 h. Across nine genotoxicity end points, no significant and reproducible SAR-trend effect was observed under the study’s predefined crite…

Study snapshot

PublicationRadiation research · 2013
Study typeother
Reported directionNo effect
Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) is continuously increasing worldwide. Yet, conflicting results of a possible genotoxic effect of RF EMF continue to be discussed. In the present study, a possible genotoxic effect of RF EMF (GSM, 1,800 MHz) in human lymphocytes was investigated by a collaboration of six independent institutes (institutes a, b, c, d, e, h). Peripheral blood of 20 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers of two age groups (10 volunteers 16-20 years old and 10 volunteers 50-65 years old) was taken, stimulated and intermittently exposed to three specific absorption rates (SARs) of RF EMF (0.2 W/kg, 2 W/kg, 10 W/kg) and sham for 28 h (institute a). The exposures were performed in a setup with strictly controlled conditions of temperature and dose, and randomly and automatically determined waveguide SARs, which were designed and periodically maintained by ITIS (institute h). Four genotoxicity tests with different end points were conducted (institute a): chromosome aberration test (five types of structural aberrations), micronucleus test, sister chromatid exchange test and the alkaline comet assay (Olive tail moment and % DNA). To demonstrate the validity of the study, positive controls were implemented. The genotoxicity end points were evaluated independently by three laboratories blind to SAR information (institute c = laboratory 1; institute d = laboratory 2; institute e = laboratory 3). Statistical analysis was carried out by institute b. Methods of primary statistical analysis and rules to adjust for multiple testing were specified in a statistical analysis plan based on a data review before unblinding. A linear trend test based on a linear mixed model was used for outcomes of comet assay and exact permutation test for linear trend for all other outcomes. It was ascertained that only outcomes with a significant SAR trend found by at least two of three analyzing laboratories indicated a substantiated suspicion of an exposure effect. On the basis of these specifications, none of the nine end points tested for SAR trend showed a significant and reproducible exposure effect. Highly significant differences between sham exposures and positive controls were detected by each analyzing laboratory, thus validating the study. In conclusion, the results show no evidence of a genotoxic effect induced by RF EMF (GSM, 1,800 MHz).

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother
Effect directionno_effect
PopulationHuman peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (10 aged 16–20; 10 aged 50–65)
Sample size20
ExposureRF · 1800 MHz · 28 h (intermittent exposure)
Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Human peripheral lymphocytes were intermittently exposed to GSM 1,800 MHz at SARs of 0.2, 2, and 10 W/kg (and sham) for 28 h. Across nine genotoxicity end points, no significant and reproducible SAR-trend effect was observed under the study’s predefined criteria; positive controls differed strongly from sham, supporting assay validity.

Outcomes measured

  • Chromosome aberrations (five types of structural aberrations)
  • Micronucleus test
  • Sister chromatid exchange
  • Alkaline comet assay (Olive tail moment, % DNA)
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "GSM",
    "frequency_mhz": 1800,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "28 h (intermittent exposure)"
  },
  "population": "Human peripheral blood lymphocytes from 20 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (10 aged 16–20; 10 aged 50–65)",
  "sample_size": 20,
  "outcomes": [
    "Chromosome aberrations (five types of structural aberrations)",
    "Micronucleus test",
    "Sister chromatid exchange",
    "Alkaline comet assay (Olive tail moment, % DNA)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Human peripheral lymphocytes were intermittently exposed to GSM 1,800 MHz at SARs of 0.2, 2, and 10 W/kg (and sham) for 28 h. Across nine genotoxicity end points, no significant and reproducible SAR-trend effect was observed under the study’s predefined criteria; positive controls differed strongly from sham, supporting assay validity.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency",
    "RF EMF",
    "GSM",
    "1800 MHz",
    "specific absorption rate",
    "SAR",
    "genotoxicity",
    "human lymphocytes",
    "chromosome aberrations",
    "micronucleus",
    "sister chromatid exchange",
    "comet assay"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1667/rr2914.1
PubMed: 23316708

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