Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Radiofrequency-radiation exposure does not induce detectable leakage of albumin across the blood-brain barrier
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 2009
Air Force study found no blood-brain barrier damage from 915 MHz radiation exposure in rats, contradicting earlier concerning findings.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Air Force researchers exposed rats to 915 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 30 minutes at various power levels to test whether it damages the blood-brain barrier. They found no detectable leakage of albumin proteins across this protective barrier, contradicting earlier studies from Lund University that reported blood-brain barrier damage from similar exposures.
Exposure Information
Cite This Study
Unknown (2009). Radiofrequency-radiation exposure does not induce detectable leakage of albumin across the blood-brain barrier.
Show BibTeX
@article{radiofrequency_radiation_exposure_does_not_induce_detectable_leakage_of_albumin_across_the_blood_brain_barrier_ce1938,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Radiofrequency-radiation exposure does not induce detectable leakage of albumin across the blood-brain barrier},
year = {2009},
doi = {10.1667/RR1507.1},
}Quick Questions About This Study
This Air Force study found no detectable damage to the blood-brain barrier from 915 MHz radiation exposure in rats, even at power levels up to 20 W/kg SAR, contradicting earlier research that suggested such damage occurs.
Researchers tested SAR levels from 0.0018 to 20 W/kg, covering a wide range from very low exposures to levels well above typical cell phone use (which is usually under 2 W/kg).
Scientists used albumin immunohistochemistry on brain tissue sections to detect protein leakage. Albumin normally cannot cross the healthy blood-brain barrier, so its presence in brain tissue indicates barrier damage.
This was designed as a confirmation study to replicate concerning findings from Lund University researchers who reported blood-brain barrier alterations after exposure to 915 MHz energy at similar parameters.
Researchers tested both continuous-wave and modulated 915 MHz energy (pulsed at 16 or 217 Hz) for 30 minutes, finding no blood-brain barrier effects with either exposure type.