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Immunohistopathologic demonstration of deleterious effects on growing rat testes of radiofrequency waves emitted from conventional Wi-Fi devices

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Atasoy HI, Gunal MY, Atasoy P, Elgun S, Bugdayci G · 2013

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Twenty weeks of Wi-Fi exposure caused DNA damage in rat reproductive organs at radiation levels considered 'safe' by current standards.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed young male rats to Wi-Fi radiation (2.4 GHz) 24 hours a day for 20 weeks and found significant DNA damage in their reproductive organs. The Wi-Fi exposure caused increased markers of genetic damage and reduced the activity of protective enzymes that normally defend against cellular harm. These findings suggest that chronic Wi-Fi exposure during development may threaten reproductive health and fertility.

Why This Matters

This study adds to mounting evidence that Wi-Fi radiation poses risks to reproductive health, particularly during critical developmental periods. The researchers used standard 802.11g Wi-Fi equipment operating at 2.437 GHz with a SAR of 0.091 W/kg-well within current safety limits but still causing measurable DNA damage after chronic exposure. What makes this research particularly concerning is the duration: 20 weeks of continuous exposure mirrors how many of us live today, surrounded by Wi-Fi networks operating around the clock in our homes, schools, and workplaces. The finding that protective antioxidant enzymes were suppressed suggests the body's natural defense systems were overwhelmed by the constant RF exposure. While this was an animal study, the biological mechanisms involved-oxidative stress and DNA damage-are fundamental processes that operate similarly across mammalian species.

Exposure Details

SAR
0.091 W/kg
Source/Device
2.437 GHz
Exposure Duration
24 h a day for 20 weeks

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.091 W/kgExtreme Concern0.1 W/kgFCC Limit1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Severe Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 18x higher than this exposure level

Study Details

To investigate effects on rat testes of radiofrequency radiation emitted from indoor Wi-Fi Internet access devices using 802.11.g wireless standards.

Ten Wistar albino male rats were divided into experimental and control groups, with five rats per gr...

We observed significant increases in serum 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels and 8-hydroxyguanosine...

These findings raise questions about the safety of radiofrequency exposure from Wi-Fi Internet access devices for growing organisms of reproductive age, with a potential effect on both fertility and the integrity of germ cells.

Cite This Study
Atasoy HI, Gunal MY, Atasoy P, Elgun S, Bugdayci G (2013). Immunohistopathologic demonstration of deleterious effects on growing rat testes of radiofrequency waves emitted from conventional Wi-Fi devices J Pediatr Urol. 9(2): 223-229, 2013. (LI).
Show BibTeX
@article{hi_2013_immunohistopathologic_demonstration_of_deleterious_509,
  author = {Atasoy HI and Gunal MY and Atasoy P and Elgun S and Bugdayci G},
  title = {Immunohistopathologic demonstration of deleterious effects on growing rat testes of radiofrequency waves emitted from conventional Wi-Fi devices},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S147751311200054X},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers exposed young male rats to Wi-Fi radiation (2.4 GHz) 24 hours a day for 20 weeks and found significant DNA damage in their reproductive organs. The Wi-Fi exposure caused increased markers of genetic damage and reduced the activity of protective enzymes that normally defend against cellular harm. These findings suggest that chronic Wi-Fi exposure during development may threaten reproductive health and fertility.