Cytogenetic investigation of subjects professionally exposed to radiofrequency radiation.

Maes A, Van Gorp U, Verschaeve L.

Mutagenesis. Feb 15; 2006

[Epub ahead of print]

Nowadays, virtually everybody is exposed to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from mobile phone base station antennas or other sources. At least according to some scientists, this exposure can have detrimental health effects.

We investigated cytogenetic effects in peripheral blood lymphocytes from subjects who were professionally exposed to mobile phone electromagnetic fields in an attempt to demonstrate possible RFR-induced genetic effects. These subjects can be considered well suited for this purpose as their RFR exposure is 'normal' though rather high, and definitely higher than that of the 'general population'.

The alkaline comet assay, sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and chromosome aberration tests revealed no evidence of RFR-induced genetic effects. Blood cells were also exposed to the well known chemical mutagen mitomycin C in order to investigate possible combined effects of RFR and the chemical.

No cooperative action was found between the electromagnetic field exposure and the mutagen using either the comet assay or SCE test.