Modification of membrane fluidity in melanin-containing cells by low-level microwave radiation.
Phelan AM, Lange DG, Kues HA, Lutty GA · 1992
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation at cell phone levels selectively damages melanin-containing cells, suggesting people with darker skin may face greater EMF health risks.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed melanoma cells to low-level microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz (the same frequency as microwave ovens) and found it altered cell membrane structure, making them more rigid. The effect only occurred in cells containing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) and was caused by oxygen radicals - harmful molecules that can damage cells. This suggests people with darker skin may be more vulnerable to microwave radiation effects.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a troubling mechanism by which microwave radiation can selectively damage cells based on melanin content. The exposure level used (0.2 W/kg SAR) is well below current safety limits and comparable to what you might experience from a cell phone held close to your body. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates how EMF effects can vary dramatically between different populations - in this case, those with more melanin in their cells. The finding that oxygen radicals drive these membrane changes also connects to broader research showing EMF exposure increases oxidative stress throughout the body. This selective vulnerability based on melanin content raises important questions about whether current one-size-fits-all safety standards adequately protect everyone, particularly people of color who have higher melanin levels in their skin and other tissues.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.2 W/kg
- Power Density
- 10 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 2.45-GHz
- Exposure Duration
- 1h
Exposure Context
This study used 10 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 1,000Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 16.7Mx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
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 study the modification of membrane fluidity in melanin-containing cells by low-level microwave radiation
The treatment of a B16 melanoma cell line with 2.45-GHz pulsed microwaves (10 mW/cm2, 10-microsecond...
The data indicate that a significant, specific alteration of cell-membrane ordering followed microwave exposure. This alteration was unique to melanotic membranes and was due, at least in part, to the generation of oxygen radicals.
Show BibTeX
@article{am_1992_modification_of_membrane_fluidity_1269,
author = {Phelan AM and Lange DG and Kues HA and Lutty GA},
title = {Modification of membrane fluidity in melanin-containing cells by low-level microwave radiation.},
year = {1992},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1317176/},
}