In vitro assessment of clastogenicity of mobile-phone radiation (835 MHz) using the alkaline comet assay and chromosomal aberration test.
Kim JY, Hong SY, Lee YM, Yu SA, Koh WS, Hong JR, Son T, Chang SK, Lee M. · 2008
View Original AbstractCell phone radiation at 835-MHz didn't directly damage DNA but amplified genetic damage from cancer-causing chemicals.
Plain English Summary
Korean researchers exposed mammalian cells to 835-MHz radiofrequency radiation (the frequency used in Korean CDMA cell phones) to test whether it causes genetic damage. While the radiation alone didn't directly damage DNA or chromosomes, it amplified the genetic damage when cells were also exposed to known cancer-causing chemicals. The researchers concluded they couldn't rule out increased genetic damage risk from this cell phone frequency.
Why This Matters
This study adds important evidence to the growing body of research suggesting cell phone radiation may not directly cause genetic damage, but could make existing cellular damage worse. The 835-MHz frequency tested here was widely used in Korean CDMA networks and remains relevant today as it falls within current cellular frequency ranges. What makes this research particularly significant is its focus on 'potentiation effects' - the idea that EMF exposure might amplify damage from other environmental toxins we encounter daily. The reality is that we're never exposed to just one potential carcinogen at a time. This research suggests that cell phone radiation could act as a co-factor, making our cells more vulnerable to genetic damage from chemicals in our food, air, and consumer products. The researchers' careful conclusion that they 'cannot confidently exclude any possibility of increased risk' reflects the precautionary approach that should guide both research and personal EMF protection strategies.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 835-MHz
Study Details
The aim of this study is to observe In vitro assessment of clastogenicity of mobile-phone radiation (835 MHz) using the alkaline comet assay and chromosomal aberration test.
Two kinds of cytogenetic endpoints were further investigated on mammalian cells exposed to 835-MHz R...
No direct cytogenetic effect of 835-MHz RF-EMF was found in the in vitro CA test. The combined expos...
Thus, our results imply that we cannot confidently exclude any possibility of an increased risk of genetic damage, with important implications for the possible health effects of exposure to 835-MHz electromagnetic fields
Show BibTeX
@article{jy_2008_in_vitro_assessment_of_1792,
author = {Kim JY and Hong SY and Lee YM and Yu SA and Koh WS and Hong JR and Son T and Chang SK and Lee M.},
title = {In vitro assessment of clastogenicity of mobile-phone radiation (835 MHz) using the alkaline comet assay and chromosomal aberration test.},
year = {2008},
doi = {10.1002/tox.20347},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tox.20347},
}