Induction of oxidative stress in male rats subchronically exposed to electromagnetic fields at non-thermal intensities
Achudume A, Onibere B, Aina F, Tchokossa P · 2010
View Original AbstractProlonged cell tower radiation exposure weakened rats' antioxidant defenses after 60 days, suggesting cumulative EMF exposure may cause oxidative stress over time.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to cell phone tower frequencies for 40-60 days. After 60 days, the rats' natural antioxidant defenses significantly weakened, making cells more vulnerable to damage. This suggests prolonged exposure to non-thermal radiation levels may compromise the body's ability to protect against cellular harm.
Why This Matters
This study adds important evidence to the growing body of research showing that EMF exposure below heating levels can still cause biological effects. The SAR levels used (0.95-3.9 W/kg) are within the range of what people experience from cell phones and living near cell towers, making these findings directly relevant to everyday exposure scenarios. What makes this research particularly significant is the time-dependent effect - no changes at 40 days, but clear oxidative stress markers at 60 days. This suggests that cumulative exposure duration may be more important than intensity alone. The researchers' recommendation for regular health monitoring of people working around base stations reflects the practical implications of these findings and acknowledges that current safety standards may not account for long-term oxidative stress effects.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.95-3.9 W/kg
- Electric Field
- 0.0000023 ± 0.00000082 V/m
- Source/Device
- 900 MHz and 1800 Mhz
- Exposure Duration
- For 40 and/or 60 days continuously
Exposure Context
This study used 0.95-3.9 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 2.4x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
To investigate the oxidative stress-inducing potential of non-thermal electromagnetic fields in rats.
Male Wister rats were exposed to electrical field intensity of 2.3 ± 0.82 µV/m . Exposure was in thr...
At 40 days, electromagnetic radiation failed to induce any significant alterations. However, at 60 d...
The present studies showed some biochemical changes that may be associated with a prolong exposure to electromagnetic fields and its relationship to the activity of antioxidant system in rat Regular assessment and early detection of antioxidative defense system among people working around the base stations are recommended.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_2010_induction_of_oxidative_stress_503,
author = {Achudume A and Onibere B and Aina F and Tchokossa P},
title = {Induction of oxidative stress in male rats subchronically exposed to electromagnetic fields at non-thermal intensities},
year = {2010},
url = {https://www.scirp.org/html/5-9801048_2593.htm?pagespeed=noscript},
}