No effects of GSM-modulated 900 MHz electromagnetic fields on survival rate and spontaneous development of lymphoma in female AKR/J mice

Sommer AM, Streckert J, Bitz AK, Hansen VW, Lerchl A

BMC Cancer.;4(1):77 Nov 11 2004

[Epub ahead of print]

BACKGROUND: There are several reports that indicate that non-thermal electromagnetic radiation such as from mobile phones and base stations may promote cancer. Therefore, it was investigated experimentally, whether 900 MHz electromagnetic field exposure influences lymphoma development in a mouse strain that is genetically predisposed to this disease. The AKR/J mice genome carries the AK-virus, which leads within one year to spontaneous development of thymic lymphoblastic lymphoma.

METHODS: 48 groups of 6-7 unrestrained female mice were sham-exposed or exposed (each n = 160 animals) to GSM like 900 MHz electromagnetic fields for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at an average whole body specific absorption rates (SAR) values of 0.4 W/Kg. Animals were visually checked daily and were weighed and palpated weekly. Starting with an age of 6 months, blood samples were taken monthly from the tail. Animals with signs of disease or with an age of about 42 weeks were sacrificed and a gross necropsy was performed.

RESULTS: There was no effect of electromagnetic field exposure on body weight gain or survival rate, and lymphoma incidence did not differ between exposed and sham-exposed animals.

CONCLUSION: These data do not support the hypothesis that exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields is a significant risk factor for developing lymphoma in a genetically predisposed species, even at a relatively high exposure level.