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DNA & Genetic Damage244 citations

Genotoxicity of radiofrequency signals. I. Investigation of DNA damage and micronuclei induction in cultured human blood cells.

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Tice RR, Hook GG, Donner M, McRee DI, Guy AW. · 2002

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Exposure to RF signals for 24 hours at SARs of 5.0 or 10.0 W/kg significantly increased micronucleated lymphocytes about fourfold, while 3-hour exposures and DNA damage were not significantly increased.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

DNA damage in leukocytes was assessed with the alkaline comet assay and chromosomal damage in lymphocytes with the micronucleus assay. No significant increase in DNA damage was seen after 3 or 24 hours, and no increase in micronucleated lymphocytes occurred after 3 hours. However, 24-hour exposures at 5.0 or 10.0 W/kg significantly increased micronucleated lymphocytes about fourfold, regardless of signal type, modulation, or frequency.

Why This Matters

The study was designed as an in vitro evaluation of DNA and chromosomal damage in human blood leukocytes and lymphocytes. The authors concluded that under extended exposure conditions RF signals at an average SAR of at least 5.0 W/kg can induce chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes.

Exposure Details

SAR
01-Oct W/kg
Source/Device
837 MHz, voice modulated 1909.8 MHz
Exposure Duration
3 or 24 Hours

Exposure Context

This study used 01-Oct W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

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 Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 01-Oct W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 2 times higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 837 MHz - 1.91 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 837 MHz - 1.91 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

In vitro studies evaluated the induction of DNA and chromosomal damage in human blood leukocytes and lymphocytes, respectively.

The signals were voice modulated 837 MHz produced by an analog signal generator or by a time divisio...

Exposure for either 3 or 24 h did not induce a significant increase in DNA damage in leukocytes, nor...

This research demonstrates that, under extended exposure conditions, RF signals at an average SAR of at least 5.0 W/kg are capable of inducing chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes.

Cite This Study
Tice RR, Hook GG, Donner M, McRee DI, Guy AW. (2002). Genotoxicity of radiofrequency signals. I. Investigation of DNA damage and micronuclei induction in cultured human blood cells. Bioelectromagnetics 23:113-126, 2002.
Show BibTeX
@article{rr_2002_genotoxicity_of_radiofrequency_signals_1363,
  author = {Tice RR and Hook GG and Donner M and McRee DI and Guy AW.},
  title = {Genotoxicity of radiofrequency signals. I. Investigation of DNA damage and micronuclei induction in cultured human blood cells.},
  year = {2002},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11835258/},
}
PubMed: 11835258

Cited By (244 papers)

View all 244 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

The study tested voice-modulated 837 MHz signals from an analog generator or TDMA phone, non-voice-modulated 837 MHz CDMA signals, and voice-modulated 1909.8 MHz GSM-type PCS signals.
Cells were exposed for 3 or 24 hours at average SARs ranging from 1.0 to 10.0 W/kg at 37°C.
No significant increase in DNA damage was observed in leukocytes after either 3 or 24 hours of exposure.
Exposure for 24 hours at 5.0 or 10.0 W/kg significantly increased the frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes approximately fourfold, independent of signal technology, modulation, or frequency.
DNA damage was measured using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay, and chromosomal damage was measured using the cytochalasin B-binucleate cell micronucleus assay.