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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

Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Kärst U, Schrader T, Stopper H

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2012

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Terahertz radiation from body scanners showed no DNA damage in cells even above safety limits.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

German researchers exposed cells to terahertz electromagnetic fields (0.1-10 THz) - the same frequencies used in airport body scanners - for up to 24 hours at various power levels. They found no DNA damage or chromosomal harm even at exposure levels above current safety limits. This suggests terahertz radiation may be safer than other EMF frequencies.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 0.1-10 THz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 0.1-10 THzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale
Cite This Study
Unknown (2012). Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Kärst U, Schrader T, Stopper H.
Show BibTeX
@article{hintzsche_h_jastrow_c_kleine_ostmann_t_krst_u_schrader_t_stopper_h_ce2821,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Kärst U, Schrader T, Stopper H},
  year = {2012},
  doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0046397},
  
}
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046397PubMed: 23029508

Quick Questions About This Study

This study found no DNA damage from terahertz frequencies (0.1-10 THz) used in body scanners, even at power levels above current safety limits. Cells showed no chromosomal damage after 24-hour exposures.
Researchers tested power intensities from 0.04 to 2 mW/cm², representing levels below, at, and above current safety limits. Even the highest exposures caused no detectable genetic damage.
Cells were exposed for 2, 8, and 24 hours with no DNA strand breaks or chromosomal damage detected. However, this represents only short-term laboratory testing, not chronic exposure.
Yes, terahertz frequencies (0.1-10 THz) are much higher than cell phone radiation (around 1-5 GHz). They sit between microwave and infrared light on the electromagnetic spectrum.
Researchers used two sensitive tests: the comet assay to detect DNA strand breaks and micronucleus formation to measure chromosomal damage. Both tests showed no harmful effects.