Microwave exposure affecting reproductive system in male rats.
Kesari KK, Behari J. · 2010
View Original Abstract50 GHz microwave exposure damaged sperm cells and disrupted reproduction in rats, suggesting 5G frequencies may contribute to male fertility decline.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed male rats to 50 GHz microwave radiation (similar to 5G frequencies) for 2 hours daily over 45 days and examined the effects on sperm cells. The exposed rats showed significant damage to sperm quality, including increased cell death, disrupted cell division cycles, and reduced antioxidant defenses that normally protect cells from damage. These changes suggest the radiation could contribute to male fertility problems.
Why This Matters
This study adds to growing evidence that microwave radiation can harm male reproductive health, even at relatively low power levels. The 50 GHz frequency tested falls within the millimeter wave spectrum used by 5G networks, making these findings particularly relevant as this technology expands globally. What's striking is that the researchers observed multiple types of cellular damage in sperm cells - from increased programmed cell death to disrupted DNA replication cycles. The science demonstrates that reproductive cells appear especially vulnerable to EMF exposure, likely because they're rapidly dividing and have high metabolic activity. While this was an animal study, the biological mechanisms observed mirror those found in human studies examining cell phone radiation and sperm quality. The reality is that male fertility rates have been declining for decades in developed countries, and EMF exposure represents one potential contributing factor that deserves serious consideration.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.0008 W/kg
- Source/Device
- 50 GHz
- Exposure Duration
- 2 h a day for 45 days continuously
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The object of present study is to investigate the effects of 50 GHz microwave frequency electromagnetic fields on reproductive system of male rats.
Male rats of Wistar strain were used in the study. Animals 60 days old were divided into two groups—...
Result shows a significant decrease in the level of sperm GPx and SOD activity (p ≤ 0.05), whereas c...
We conclude that these radiations may have a significant effect on reproductive system of male rats, which may be an indication of male infertility.
Show BibTeX
@article{kk_2010_microwave_exposure_affecting_reproductive_537,
author = {Kesari KK and Behari J.},
title = {Microwave exposure affecting reproductive system in male rats.},
year = {2010},
doi = {10.1007/s12010-009-8722-9},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-009-8722-9},
}