8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body

Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

DNA & Genetic Damage

Cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz (GSM) microwaves on human lymphocytes

No Effects Found

Maes A, Collier M, Verschaeve L · 2001

View Original Abstract
Share:

This study found no chromosomal damage from 900 MHz cell phone radiation, but DNA breaks represent just one potential health pathway.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed human immune cells (lymphocytes) to 900 MHz cell phone radiation at various power levels to see if it caused DNA damage or made cells more vulnerable to other harmful substances. They found no evidence that this type of radiofrequency radiation damaged chromosomes or increased genetic damage when combined with known cancer-causing chemicals or X-rays.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz (GSM)

Study Details

To study the cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz (GSM) microwaves on human lymphocytes

The cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency fields were investigated with the chromosome aberr...

Overall, no indication was found of a mutagenic, and/or co-mutagenic/synergistic effect of this kind of nonionizing radiation.

Cite This Study
Maes A, Collier M, Verschaeve L (2001). Cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz (GSM) microwaves on human lymphocytes Bioelectromagnetics 22(2):91-96, 2001 .
Show BibTeX
@article{a_2001_cytogenetic_effects_of_900_3218,
  author = {Maes A and Collier M and Verschaeve L },
  title = {Cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz (GSM) microwaves on human lymphocytes},
  year = {2001},
  doi = {10.1002/1521-186X(200102)22:2%3C91::AID-BEM1011%3E3.0.CO;2-W},
  url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1521-186X(200102)22:2%3C91::AID-BEM1011%3E3.0.CO;2-W},
}
DOI: 10.1002/1521-186X(200102)22:2%3C91::AID-BEM1011%3E3.0.CO;2-W

Quick Questions About This Study

No, a 2001 study by Maes and colleagues found no chromosome damage when human lymphocytes were exposed to 900 MHz GSM radiation at various power levels. The researchers specifically tested for genetic damage and found no evidence of mutagenic effects from this radiofrequency radiation.
No, research shows 900 MHz radiation doesn't increase vulnerability to cancer-causing chemicals. The 2001 lymphocyte study tested whether GSM radiation enhanced damage from known carcinogens and X-rays, finding no co-mutagenic or synergistic effects with other harmful substances.
Human immune cells (lymphocytes) showed no damage from 900 MHz radiofrequency exposure in controlled laboratory testing. Researchers exposed the cells to various power levels of GSM radiation and found no indication of genetic damage or increased susceptibility to other toxins.
The 2001 study tested various power levels of 900 MHz GSM radiation on human lymphocytes, though specific values aren't detailed in available summaries. Researchers found no mutagenic effects across the range of power levels tested in their laboratory experiments.
No, 900 MHz GSM radiation doesn't enhance DNA damage from X-rays. The lymphocyte study specifically tested whether radiofrequency radiation would increase genetic damage when combined with X-ray exposure, finding no synergistic effects between these two types of radiation.