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

DNA & Genetic Damage

Mobile phone radiofrequency exposure has no effect on DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in human lymphocytes.

No Effects Found

Danese E, Lippi G, Buonocore R, Benati M, Bovo C, Bonaguri C, Salvagno GL, Brocco G, Roggenbuck D, Montagnana M. · 2017

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Short 30-minute mobile phone exposures showed no DNA damage in lab tests, but this doesn't address long-term cumulative effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Italian researchers exposed blood samples from 14 healthy volunteers to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation from a commercial mobile phone for 30 minutes, then examined the cells for DNA damage markers called gamma-H2AX foci. They found no significant increase in DNA breaks or genetic damage compared to unexposed blood samples. This suggests that short-term mobile phone radiation exposure at typical frequencies may not cause immediate detectable DNA damage in human immune cells.

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 Duration: 30 minutes call

Study Details

This study was aimed to investigate the potential genotoxic effect of mobile phone radiofrequency exposure on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro.

The study population consisted in 14 healthy volunteers. After collection of two whole blood samples...

No measure of γ-H2AX foci was significantly influenced by mobile phone RF exposure, nor mobile phone...

The results of this experimental study demonstrate that exposure of human lymphocytes to a conventional 900 MHz RF emitted by a commercial mobile phone for 30 min does not significantly impact DNA integrity.

Cite This Study
Danese E, Lippi G, Buonocore R, Benati M, Bovo C, Bonaguri C, Salvagno GL, Brocco G, Roggenbuck D, Montagnana M. (2017). Mobile phone radiofrequency exposure has no effect on DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in human lymphocytes. Ann Transl Med. 5(13):272, 2017.
Show BibTeX
@article{e_2017_mobile_phone_radiofrequency_exposure_2992,
  author = {Danese E and Lippi G and Buonocore R and Benati M and Bovo C and Bonaguri C and Salvagno GL and Brocco G and Roggenbuck D and Montagnana M.},
  title = {Mobile phone radiofrequency exposure has no effect on DNA double strand breaks (DSB) in human lymphocytes.},
  year = {2017},
  
  url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5515807/},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

No, a 2017 Italian study found that 900 MHz radiation from commercial mobile phones does not break DNA in human lymphocytes. Researchers exposed blood samples from 14 healthy volunteers for 30 minutes and detected no significant increase in DNA damage markers compared to unexposed samples.
Blood cells were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation from a commercial mobile phone for exactly 30 minutes. Italian researchers then examined the lymphocytes for DNA damage markers called gamma-H2AX foci, finding no significant genetic damage compared to control samples.
Gamma-H2AX foci are cellular markers that indicate DNA double strand breaks, which are serious forms of genetic damage. Scientists measure these markers because they provide a reliable way to detect DNA damage in cells after exposure to potentially harmful radiation.
No, 30 minutes of 900 MHz mobile phone radiation does not damage human lymphocytes according to 2017 research. Italian scientists found no significant increase in DNA breaks or genetic damage in blood samples from 14 healthy volunteers after this exposure duration.
The odds ratio for genetic damage from 900 MHz mobile phone exposure ranged between 0.27 and 1.00, indicating no significant risk. An odds ratio below 1.0 suggests the exposure may actually be protective, while 1.0 indicates no effect on DNA integrity.