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Prevalence of nuclear cataract in Swiss veal calves and its possible association with mobile telephone antenna base stations.

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Hässig M, Jud F, Naegeli H, Kupper J, Spiess B. · 2009

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Developing calves near cell towers during pregnancy showed 32% cataract rates with increased oxidative stress, suggesting embryos may be especially vulnerable to wireless radiation.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Swiss researchers tracked 253 veal calves from conception to slaughter, examining eye cataracts and their proximity to cell phone towers during pregnancy. They found that 32% of calves developed cataracts, with higher rates in animals whose mothers were closer to mobile phone base stations during the critical first trimester of pregnancy. The study also measured increased oxidative stress (cellular damage from free radicals) in the eyes of affected calves.

Why This Matters

This study provides compelling evidence that radiofrequency radiation from cell towers may affect developing organisms during their most vulnerable stage. What makes this research particularly significant is its focus on embryonic development, when cells are rapidly dividing and most susceptible to environmental stressors. The 32% cataract rate is striking, especially given that severe cataracts occurred in calves whose mothers were closer to base stations during organogenesis. The researchers' finding of increased oxidative stress in affected eyes points to a biological mechanism we see repeatedly in EMF research. While the authors acknowledge other factors could contribute to cataracts, the geographical correlation with antenna proximity during pregnancy suggests we should be particularly cautious about EMF exposure during critical developmental windows. This adds to growing evidence that developing fetuses may be more vulnerable to wireless radiation than adults.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

The purpose of this study was to valuate the prevalence of nuclear cataract in veal calves and to elucidate a possible impact by mobile phone base stations (MPBS).

For this experiment a cohort study was conducted. A follow-up of the geographical location of each d...

Of 253 calves, 79 (32 %) had various degrees of nuclear cataract, but only 9 (3.6 %) calves had seve...

Further studies on the influence of electromagnetic fields during embryonic development animal or person at risk are indicated.

Cite This Study
Hässig M, Jud F, Naegeli H, Kupper J, Spiess B. (2009). Prevalence of nuclear cataract in Swiss veal calves and its possible association with mobile telephone antenna base stations. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 151(10):471-478, 2009.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2009_prevalence_of_nuclear_cataract_2186,
  author = {Hässig M and Jud F and Naegeli H and Kupper J and Spiess B.},
  title = {Prevalence of nuclear cataract in Swiss veal calves and its possible association with mobile telephone antenna base stations.},
  year = {2009},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19780007/},
}
PubMed: 19780007

Cited By (21 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 2009 Swiss study found that 32% of veal calves developed cataracts, with higher rates in animals whose mothers lived closer to cell phone base stations during the first trimester of pregnancy. The research tracked 253 calves from conception to slaughter.
Swiss researchers found that pregnant cattle closer to mobile phone base stations during the first trimester had calves with higher cataract rates. The study measured increased oxidative stress (cellular damage) in the eyes of affected animals.
The Swiss veal calf study found associations between cataract development and antenna proximity, particularly within 100-199 meters. However, researchers noted the accuracy was only 11% for predicting positive cases, indicating other factors also contribute to cataracts.
A 2009 study of 253 Swiss veal calves found 79 animals (32%) developed various degrees of nuclear cataracts, with only 9 having severe cases. The research linked cataract formation to mothers' proximity to cell phone towers during pregnancy.
Swiss researchers found increased oxidative stress in the eyes of veal calves with cataracts whose mothers were exposed to cell phone base stations during pregnancy. The study measured cellular damage from free radicals in affected animals.