Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (UMTS) on reproduction and development of mice: a multi-generation study

Radiat Res · 2009 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 6666

Across four generations of C57BL mice chronically exposed to UMTS-like fields (~1966 MHz) at mean whole-body SARs of 0.08, 0.4, and 1.3 W/kg (plus sham), the study reports no harmful effects on fertility or development; pup number and development were not aff…

Study snapshot

PublicationRadiat Res · 2009

Study typeanimal

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Male and female mice (C57BL) were chronically exposed (life-long, 24 h/day) to mobile phone communication electromagnetic fields at approximately 1966 MHz (UMTS). Their development and fertility were monitored over four generations by investigating histological, physiological, reproductive and behavioral functions. The mean whole-body SARs, calculated for adult animals at the time of mating, were 0 (sham), 0.08, 0.4 and 1.3 W/kg. Power densities were kept constant for each group (0, 1.35, 6.8 and 22 W/m(2)), resulting in varying SARs due to the different numbers of adults and pups over the course of the experiment. The experiment was done in a blind fashion. The results show no harmful effects of exposure on the fertility and development of the animals. The number and the development of pups were not affected by exposure. Some data, albeit without a clear dose-response relationship, indicate effects of exposure on food consumption that is in accordance with some data published previously. In summary, the results of this study do not indicate harmful effects of long-term exposure of mice to UMTS over several generations.

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 typeanimal

Effect directionmixed

PopulationC57BL mice (male and female)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 1966 MHz · 1.3 W/kg · life-long, 24 h/day; monitored over four generations

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

fertility
development
histological functions
physiological functions
reproductive functions
behavioral functions
number of pups
pup development
food consumption

Limitations

Sample size not reported in the provided abstract/metadata
Food consumption effects reported without a clear dose-response relationship
SARs varied over the course of the experiment due to changing numbers of adults and pups (power density held constant)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": 1966,
    "sar_wkg": 1.3,
    "duration": "life-long, 24 h/day; monitored over four generations"
  },
  "population": "C57BL mice (male and female)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "fertility",
    "development",
    "histological functions",
    "physiological functions",
    "reproductive functions",
    "behavioral functions",
    "number of pups",
    "pup development",
    "food consumption"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Across four generations of C57BL mice chronically exposed to UMTS-like fields (~1966 MHz) at mean whole-body SARs of 0.08, 0.4, and 1.3 W/kg (plus sham), the study reports no harmful effects on fertility or development; pup number and development were not affected. Some data suggested effects on food consumption, without a clear dose-response relationship.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in the provided abstract/metadata",
    "Food consumption effects reported without a clear dose-response relationship",
    "SARs varied over the course of the experiment due to changing numbers of adults and pups (power density held constant)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "UMTS",
    "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
    "1966 MHz",
    "mouse",
    "multi-generation",
    "chronic exposure",
    "whole-body SAR",
    "fertility",
    "development",
    "food consumption",
    "blinded experiment"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "mobile-phones",
      "weight": 0.9,
      "reason": "Exposure described as mobile phone communication electromagnetic fields (UMTS) at ~1966 MHz."
    }
  ]
}

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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/rr1460.1
PubMed: 19138054

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