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 completely blocked DNA replication and caused chromosome damage in laboratory cells.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed Chinese hamster cells to microwave radiation at 7.7 GHz (similar to radar frequencies) for up to one hour and found significant DNA damage. The radiation completely blocked cells from entering their normal DNA replication phase and caused chromosome abnormalities that persisted even after exposure ended. This demonstrates that microwave radiation can directly interfere with genetic processes at the cellular level.
Why This Matters
This 1990 study provides compelling evidence that microwave radiation causes measurable genetic damage at power densities of 30 mW/cm². What makes these findings particularly significant is that the researchers used two independent methods to confirm their results, and they found both immediate effects on DNA synthesis and lasting chromosome damage. The power density used (30 mW/cm²) is substantially higher than typical consumer device exposures but within ranges that could occur near radar installations or industrial microwave equipment. The science demonstrates that EMF can interfere with fundamental cellular processes, not just generate heat. While this was a laboratory study using isolated cells rather than whole organisms, it adds to the growing body of evidence showing biological effects from non-ionizing radiation at levels previously considered safe.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 30 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 7.7 GHz
- 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
The aim of this study is 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_994,
author = {Garaj-Vrhovac V and Horvat D and Koren Z and},
title = {The effect of microwave radiation on the cell genome.},
year = {1990},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2304485/},
}