Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from GSM (0.9/1.8GHz) mobile phones induces oxidative stress and reduces sperm motility in rats.
Mailankot M, Kunnath AP, Jayalekshmi H, Koduru B, Valsalan R. · 2009
View Original AbstractCell phone radiation reduced sperm motility in rats after daily one-hour exposures, suggesting wireless devices may impair male fertility through oxidative damage.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed male rats to cell phone radiation for one hour daily over 28 days. The radiation significantly reduced sperm movement ability and increased cellular damage in reproductive organs, while sperm count stayed normal. This suggests cell phone use may harm male fertility.
Why This Matters
This study adds important evidence to growing concerns about wireless radiation and male reproductive health. The researchers used realistic exposure conditions - GSM frequencies that match standard cell phones - and carefully controlled for heat effects by using phones without batteries as controls. What makes this research particularly relevant is that the exposure duration (one hour daily) mirrors typical phone usage patterns for many people. The finding that sperm motility decreased while sperm count remained normal is significant because it shows radiation may impair sperm function without affecting production. The oxidative stress findings provide a biological mechanism for how this damage occurs. While this is animal research, multiple human studies have reported similar associations between cell phone use and reduced sperm quality, strengthening the case for precautionary measures around wireless devices and reproductive health.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: GSM (0.9/1.8 GHz) Duration: 1 hour continuously per day for 28 days
Study Details
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of RF-EMR from mobile phones on free radical metabolism and sperm quality.
Male albino Wistar rats (10-12 weeks old) were exposed to RF-EMR from an active GSM (0.9/1.8 GHz) mo...
One hour of exposure to the phone did not significantly change facial temperature in either group of...
Given the results of the present study, we speculate that RF-EMR from mobile phones negatively affects semen quality and may impair male fertility.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2009_radio_frequency_electromagnetic_radiation_1671,
author = {Mailankot M and Kunnath AP and Jayalekshmi H and Koduru B and Valsalan R.},
title = {Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from GSM (0.9/1.8GHz) mobile phones induces oxidative stress and reduces sperm motility in rats.},
year = {2009},
url = {https://www.scielo.br/j/clin/a/NjjgphnfxrKbtWfVvW8GjQf/abstract/?format=html&lang=en},
}