[Effects of different dose microwave radiation on protein components of cultured rabbit lens]
Wang KJ, Yao K, Lu DQ. · 2007
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation above 1.0 mW/cm² damaged rabbit eye lens proteins and caused opacity, suggesting WiFi-frequency EMF may contribute to cataract formation.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rabbit eye lenses to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz (the same frequency as WiFi and microwave ovens) for 8 hours at various power levels. They found that exposure levels of 1.0 mW/cm² and higher caused the lens proteins to change structure, leading to decreased transparency and cloudiness that could impair vision. The higher the exposure level, the more severe the protein damage and opacity became.
Why This Matters
This study provides concerning evidence that microwave radiation can directly damage the delicate proteins in eye lenses, potentially leading to cataracts. The 2450 MHz frequency tested is identical to what WiFi routers, smartphones, and microwave ovens emit. While the 8-hour continuous exposure used here is longer than typical device use, the power densities that caused effects (starting at 1.0 mW/cm²) are within range of what people experience from close proximity to wireless devices. The research demonstrates a clear dose-response relationship, meaning higher exposures caused progressively more damage. What makes this particularly significant is that lens proteins don't regenerate like other tissues, so damage accumulates over time. This adds to growing evidence that our eyes may be especially vulnerable to microwave radiation, warranting more protective exposure guidelines.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 5.00 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 2450 MHz
- Exposure Duration
- 8 Hours
Exposure Context
This study used 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 5.00 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 25Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 416.7Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
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 Details
To study the effects of different dose microwave radiation on protein components of cultured rabbit lens, and analyze the mechanisms of lens injury caused by microwave radiation.
Cultured rabbit lens were exposed to microwave radiation with frequency of 2450 MHz and power densit...
Transparency of lens decreased after radiation. There was obvious opacification of lens cortex after...
Microwave radiation higher than 1.00 mW/cm(2) can affect the proportion of WSP and USP in cultured rabbit lens, and cause changes of lens transparency and refractive power, which leads to lens opacity.
Show BibTeX
@article{kj_2007_effects_of_different_dose_1424,
author = {Wang KJ and Yao K and Lu DQ.},
title = {[Effects of different dose microwave radiation on protein components of cultured rabbit lens]},
year = {2007},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17535651/},
}