Cytogenetic effects of 935.2-MHz (GSM) microwaves alone and in combination with mitomycin C.
Maes A, Collier M, Van Gorp U, Vandoninck S, Verschaeve L · 1997
View Original AbstractCell phone frequency radiation may enhance DNA damage from chemical carcinogens, suggesting potential co-carcinogenic effects in real-world mixed exposures.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed human blood cells to 935.2 MHz microwaves (the same frequency used by GSM cell phones) to test whether this radiation could damage DNA or chromosomes. They found no direct genetic damage from the microwaves alone, but discovered a very weak increase in DNA damage when cells were exposed to both microwaves and a known cancer-causing chemical called mitomycin C.
Why This Matters
This 1997 study represents an early attempt to understand whether cell phone radiation could damage our genetic material - a critical question since DNA damage can lead to cancer and other health problems. While the researchers found no direct chromosomal damage from 935.2 MHz radiation alone, the fact that microwaves appeared to slightly enhance damage from a known carcinogen is concerning. This suggests that cell phone radiation might act as what scientists call a 'co-carcinogen' - not causing cancer directly, but potentially making other cancer-causing agents more effective. What makes this finding particularly relevant is that we're all exposed to multiple potential carcinogens daily through air pollution, food additives, and household chemicals. The science demonstrates that even weak interactions between EMF and other toxins deserve serious attention, especially given our exponentially increased exposure to wireless radiation since 1997.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 935.2-MHz (GSM)
Study Details
This paper focuses on the genetic effects of microwaves from mobile communication frequencies (935.2 MHz) alone and in combination with a chemical DNA-damaging agent (mitomycin C).
Three cytogenetic endpoints were investigated after in vitro exposure of human whole blood cells. Th...
No direct cytogenetic effect was found. The combined exposure of the cells to the radiofrequency fie...
Show BibTeX
@article{a_1997_cytogenetic_effects_of_9352mhz_2404,
author = {Maes A and Collier M and Van Gorp U and Vandoninck S and Verschaeve L},
title = {Cytogenetic effects of 935.2-MHz (GSM) microwaves alone and in combination with mitomycin C.},
year = {1997},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383571897001009},
}