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Exposure to non-ionizing radiation provokes changes in rat thyroid morphology and expression of HSP-90

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Misa-Agustiño MJ, Jorge-Mora T, Jorge-Barreiro FJ, Suarez-Quintanilla J, Moreno-Piquero E, Ares-Pena FJ, López-Martín E. · 2015

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Thyroid glands showed structural damage from 2.45 GHz radiation exposure, the same frequency emitted by Wi-Fi and cell phones.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Spanish researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz radiation (the same frequency as Wi-Fi and microwave ovens) and found significant changes in thyroid gland structure. The radiation caused thyroid follicles to swell and shrink in different patterns depending on exposure duration and power levels. These structural changes suggest the thyroid gland was responding to radiation stress, raising questions about potential long-term effects on thyroid function in humans exposed to similar frequencies.

Why This Matters

This study adds important evidence to our understanding of how radiofrequency radiation affects endocrine function, specifically the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism, growth, and development. The 2.45 GHz frequency used is identical to what you encounter from Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and microwave ovens. What makes this research particularly relevant is that the thyroid sits in your neck, directly in the path of radiation from cell phones held to your ear. The researchers observed measurable structural changes in thyroid tissue after just 30-minute exposures, with different effects from single versus repeated exposures. While we can't directly extrapolate from rat studies to humans, the thyroid's sensitivity to radiation stress documented here aligns with growing concerns about EMF effects on hormone-producing glands. The researchers themselves noted these changes 'may indicate a glandular response to acute or repeated stress from radiation' and called for further research into potential disease development over time.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 2.45 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 2.45 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 2.45 GHz Duration: (10 times in two weeks) for 30 min

Study Details

We used a diathermy model on laboratory rats subjected to maximum exposure in the left front leg, in order to study the effects of radiation on the nearby thyroid tissue.

Fifty-six rats were individually exposed once or repeatedly (10 times in two weeks) for 30 min to 2....

Ninety minutes after radiation with the highest SAR, the central and peripheral follicles presented ...

Cite This Study
Misa-Agustiño MJ, Jorge-Mora T, Jorge-Barreiro FJ, Suarez-Quintanilla J, Moreno-Piquero E, Ares-Pena FJ, López-Martín E. (2015). Exposure to non-ionizing radiation provokes changes in rat thyroid morphology and expression of HSP-90 Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2015 Feb 2. pii: 1535370214567611.
Show BibTeX
@article{mj_2015_exposure_to_nonionizing_radiation_2427,
  author = {Misa-Agustiño MJ and Jorge-Mora T and Jorge-Barreiro FJ and Suarez-Quintanilla J and Moreno-Piquero E and Ares-Pena FJ and López-Martín E. },
  title = {Exposure to non-ionizing radiation provokes changes in rat thyroid morphology and expression of HSP-90},
  year = {2015},
  doi = {10.1177/1535370214567611},
  url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1535370214567611},
}
DOI: 10.1177/1535370214567611

Cited By (15 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Research suggests WiFi radiation may impact thyroid structure. A 2015 Spanish study found that 2.45 GHz radiation (the same frequency as WiFi) caused thyroid follicles in rats to swell and shrink, indicating the gland was responding to radiation stress.
Studies show 2.45 GHz radiation can cause structural changes in thyroid tissue. Researchers found this frequency caused thyroid follicles to change size and affected surrounding tissue thickness, suggesting potential stress responses in the thyroid gland.
Microwave ovens use 2.45 GHz radiation, which research shows can alter thyroid structure. A rat study found this frequency caused thyroid follicles to swell and shrink, though more research is needed to understand long-term effects on thyroid function.
Wireless devices emit 2.45 GHz radiation that may stress thyroid tissue. Research found this frequency caused structural changes in rat thyroid glands, including swollen follicles and altered tissue thickness, raising questions about potential long-term thyroid effects.
WiFi exposure at 2.45 GHz appears to trigger structural changes in thyroid tissue. Studies show this radiation causes thyroid follicles to change size and affects surrounding tissue, suggesting the thyroid responds to this type of electromagnetic stress.