The effect of microwave radiation on the cell genome
Garaj-Vrhovac V, Horvat D, Koren Z · 1990
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation at 30 mW/cm2 caused DNA damage and chromosome abnormalities in cells within 15-60 minutes of exposure.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed hamster cells to microwave radiation at 7.7 GHz for up to one hour and found significant DNA damage. The radiation prevented cells from properly replicating their DNA and caused chromosome abnormalities. While the cells recovered their normal DNA synthesis within one generation, the structural damage to DNA molecules persisted.
Why This Matters
This 1990 study provides compelling evidence that microwave radiation can directly damage DNA at the cellular level. The researchers used a power density of 30 mW/cm2, which is comparable to what you might experience very close to some wireless devices or in areas with strong cell tower signals. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates two distinct types of genetic damage: interference with normal DNA replication and structural damage to chromosomes themselves. The fact that cells could recover their DNA synthesis ability but still showed lasting chromosome damage suggests that even brief exposures may have persistent effects. This study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that radiofrequency radiation can affect our genetic material in ways that weren't fully understood when many of our current safety standards were established.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 30 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 7.7 GHz continuous radiation
- Exposure Duration
- 15, 30 and 60 min
Exposure Context
This study used 30 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 3,000Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 50Mx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
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 Details
To investigate the effect of microwave radiation on the cell genome.
Cultured V79 Chinese hamster cells were exposed to continuous radiation, frequency 7.7 GHz, power de...
Data obtained by 2 methods (the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA and autoradiography) showed ...
Results discussed in this study suggest that microwave radiation causes changes in the synthesis as well as in the structure of DNA molecules.
Show BibTeX
@article{v_1990_the_effect_of_microwave_57,
author = {Garaj-Vrhovac V and Horvat D and Koren Z},
title = {The effect of microwave radiation on the cell genome},
year = {1990},
url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/016579929090028I},
}