Interactions of radiofrequency radiation on 2-methoxyethanol teratogenicity in rats.

Nelson BK, Conover DL, Shaw PB, Snyder DL, Edwards RM

J Appl Toxicol 17(1):31-39, 1997

Concurrent exposures to chemical and physical agents occur in the workplace; exposed workers include those involved with microelectronics industry, plastic sealers and electrosurgical units. Previous animal research indicates that hyperthermia induced by an elevation in ambient temperature can potentiate the toxicity and teratogenicity of some chemical agents.

We previously demonstrated that combined exposure to radiofrequency (RF 10 MHz) radiation, which also induces hyperthermia and is teratogenic to exposed animals, and the industrial solvent 2-methoxyethanol (2ME) produces enhanced teratogenicity in rats. A subsequent study replicated and extended that research by investigating the interactive dose-related teratogenicity of RF radiation (sham exposure or maintaining colonic temperatures at 42.0 degrees C for 0, 10, 20 or 30 min by r.f. radiation absorption) and 2ME (0, 75, 100, 125 or 150 mg/kg) on gestation days 9 or 13 of rats.

The purpose of the present research is to determine the effects of RF radiation (sufficient to maintain colonic temperatures at 42.0 degrees C for 10 min) on a range of doses of 2ME (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg kg-1) administered on gestation day 13 of rats. Focusing on characterizing the dose-response pattern of interactions, this research seeks to determine the lowest interactive effect level. Day 20 fetuses were examined for external and skeletal malformations. The results are consistent with previous observations.