Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Wave Exposure from Cellular Phones on the Reproductive Pattern in Male Wistar Rats.
Kesari KK, Kumar S, Behari J. · 2011
View Original AbstractCell phone radiation at typical usage levels damaged rat sperm through oxidative stress, indicating potential male fertility risks.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed male rats to cell phone radiation for 2 hours daily over 35 days at levels similar to what humans experience during phone calls (SAR 0.9 W/kg). The radiation significantly damaged sperm cells by creating harmful free radicals and disrupting the body's natural antioxidant defenses. These changes indicate potential fertility problems, suggesting that regular cell phone use might affect male reproductive health.
Why This Matters
This study adds to mounting evidence that radiofrequency radiation at levels we encounter daily can disrupt male fertility. The SAR level of 0.9 W/kg falls within the range of typical cell phone exposure during calls, making these findings directly relevant to human health. What's particularly concerning is that the researchers documented multiple biological pathways of damage - from increased oxidative stress to disrupted sperm cell cycles - all pointing toward reduced fertility potential. The science demonstrates that EMF exposure doesn't just heat tissue, as industry often claims, but triggers complex biochemical changes that can affect reproduction. While this is an animal study, the biological mechanisms identified here are fundamental to mammalian reproduction, suggesting similar risks may exist for men who regularly use cell phones.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.9 W/kg
- Exposure Duration
- 2 h a day for 35 days
Exposure Context
This study used 0.9 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 2.3x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
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
The present study investigates the effect of free radical formation due to mobile phone exposure and effect on fertility pattern in 70-day-old male Wistar rats (sham exposed and exposed)
Exposure took place in Plexiglas cages for 2 h a day for 35 days to mobile phone frequency. The spec...
An analysis of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.001) and superoxide dismutase (P < ...
It is concluded that radiofrequency electromagnetic wave from commercially available cell phones might affect the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa
Show BibTeX
@article{kk_2011_effects_of_radiofrequency_electromagnetic_539,
author = {Kesari KK and Kumar S and Behari J.},
title = {Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Wave Exposure from Cellular Phones on the Reproductive Pattern in Male Wistar Rats.},
year = {2011},
doi = {10.1007/s12010-010-9156-0},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-010-9156-0},
}