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DNA & Genetic Damage

Effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on DNA damage in Chinese hamster lung cells

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Zhang DY, Xu ZP, Chiang H, Lu DQ, Zeng QL. · 2006

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Exposure to 1800 MHz RF EMF at 3.0 W/kg for 24 hours was associated with increased DNA damage markers in Chinese hamster lung cells, while 1-hour exposure showed no significant difference from sham.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers studied the effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on DNA damage in Chinese hamster lung cells. Cells were intermittently exposed to GSM 1800 MHz RF EMF at a SAR of 3.0 W/kg for either 1 hour or 24 hours, using a pattern of 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off. After 24 hours of exposure, the percentage of gammaH2AX foci positive cells was 37.9 +/- 8.6%, significantly higher than the sham-exposed group at 28.0 +/- 8.4%. The 1-hour exposure showed no significant difference from sham exposure.

Why This Matters

DNA damage was measured using gammaH2AX immunofluorescence, where cells were classified as positive when more than five foci were detected. For each exposure condition, at least 50 cells were selected to detect gammaH2AX foci. As a positive control, cells were exposed to 2-acetylaminofluorene, a DNA damage agent, at a final concentration of 20 mg/L for 2 hours, which produced a foci positive rate of 50.9 +/- 9.4%.

Exposure Details

SAR
3 W/kg
Source/Device
1800 MHz GSM RF EMF
Exposure Duration
(5 minutes on/10 minutes off) for 1 hour or 24 hours

Exposure Context

This study used 3 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 3 W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)This level is 2 times the FCC limit
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

To study the effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on DNA damage in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells.

The cells were intermittently exposed or sham-exposed to GSM 1800 MHz RF EMF (5 minutes on/10 minute...

The percentage of gammaH2AX foci positive cell of 1800 MHz RF EMF exposure for 24 hours (37.9 +/- 8....

1800 MHz RF EMF (SAR, 3.0 W/kg) for 24 hours might induce DNA damage in CHL cells.

Cite This Study
Zhang DY, Xu ZP, Chiang H, Lu DQ, Zeng QL. (2006). Effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on DNA damage in Chinese hamster lung cells Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 40(3):149-152, 2006.
Show BibTeX
@article{dy_2006_effects_of_gsm_1800_29,
  author = {Zhang DY and Xu ZP and Chiang H and Lu DQ and Zeng QL.},
  title = {Effects of GSM 1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on DNA damage in Chinese hamster lung cells},
  year = {2006},
  
  url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16836873},
}
PubMed: 16836873

Cited By (34 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

The study used Chinese hamster lung cells.
DNA damage was measured using gammaH2AX immunofluorescence, with cells counted as positive when more than five foci were detected.
There was no significant difference between the sham-exposed group and cells exposed for 1 hour.
Cells were exposed at a specific absorption rate of 3.0 W/kg.
The researchers concluded that 1800 MHz RF EMF at 3.0 W/kg for 24 hours might induce DNA damage in CHL cells.