[Endocrine mechanism of placental circulatory disturbances induced by microwave in pregnant rats].
Yoshida Y, Seto T, Ohsu W, Hayashi S, Okazawa T, Nagase H, Yoshida M, Nakamura H, · 1995
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation at 10 mW/cm2 significantly reduced placental blood flow in pregnant rats, suggesting wireless devices may pose pregnancy risks.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed pregnant rats to microwave radiation at the same frequency used in microwave ovens (2,450 MHz) and measured blood flow to the placenta. They found that microwave exposure significantly reduced placental blood flow and disrupted multiple pregnancy hormones including estradiol and progesterone. This matters because reduced placental blood flow can harm fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.
Why This Matters
This study reveals concerning effects on pregnancy from microwave radiation at levels that aren't dramatically higher than what we encounter daily. The exposure level of 10 mW/cm2 is roughly 50 times higher than typical cell phone emissions, but well within ranges that could occur from multiple wireless devices or closer proximity to microwave ovens. The disruption of placental blood flow is particularly significant because adequate blood supply to the placenta is essential for healthy fetal development. The researchers identified specific hormonal pathways affected by the radiation, suggesting the effects aren't just from heating but involve biological mechanisms. While this is animal research, the consistency of findings across multiple pregnancy hormones strengthens the evidence that wireless radiation may pose risks during this vulnerable period.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 10 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 2,450 MHz
- Exposure Duration
- 45-90 min
Exposure Context
This study used 10 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 1,000Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 16.7Mx 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 demonstrate the placental circulatory disturbances induced by microwaves and to clarify the endocrine pathogenesis.
placental blood flow and five endocrine indicators, i.e., corticosterone (CS), estradiol (E2), proge...
The placental blood flow at 45-90 min after exposure was significantly decreased in the rats exposed...
The present results indicate that excessive exposure to whole-body microwave disorders pregnancy in terms of placental circulatory dysfunction. The data suggest the involvement of endocrine mechanisms in the decrease in placental blood flow which is induced via a detrimental effect of microwaves on PGF2 alpha and on pituitary functions such as general emotional stress.
Show BibTeX
@article{y_1995_endocrine_mechanism_of_placental_1453,
author = {Yoshida Y and Seto T and Ohsu W and Hayashi S and Okazawa T and Nagase H and Yoshida M and Nakamura H and},
title = {[Endocrine mechanism of placental circulatory disturbances induced by microwave in pregnant rats].},
year = {1995},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7706849/},
}