[Antagonistic effect of microwave on hematopoietic damage of mice induced by gamma-ray irradiation.]
Cao Y, Xu Q, Lu MX, Jin ZD, DU HB, Li JX, Nie JH, Tong J. · 2009
View Original AbstractLow-level 900 MHz radiation protected mice from severe radiation damage, suggesting complex biological responses at cell phone-level exposures.
Plain English Summary
Chinese researchers exposed mice to low-level 900 MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by cell phones) before subjecting them to high-dose gamma radiation that typically damages blood-forming cells. They found that the microwave pre-exposure actually protected the mice, improving their survival rates and helping maintain healthy blood cell production. This suggests that certain levels of microwave radiation might stimulate protective biological responses rather than cause harm.
Why This Matters
This study presents a fascinating paradox that challenges our understanding of microwave radiation effects. The researchers found that 900 MHz radiation at 0.12 mW/cm² - a level comparable to what you might experience from a cell phone during a call - actually protected mice from severe radiation damage. This finding aligns with a concept called hormesis, where low doses of potentially harmful agents can trigger protective biological responses. What makes this particularly relevant is that the exposure level used falls within the range of everyday cell phone use. However, we must be cautious about extrapolating these results to conclude that cell phone radiation is beneficial. The protective effect was observed only in the context of severe gamma radiation exposure, and the biological mechanisms that protect against ionizing radiation may not translate to protection against other health effects. This research highlights how much we still don't understand about EMF bioeffects and underscores the need for more nuanced research beyond simple 'harmful or not harmful' questions.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 0.12 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 900 MHz
Exposure Context
This study used 0.12 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 12Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 200Kx 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 antagonistic effect of microwave on hematopoietic damage of mice induced by gamma-ray irradiation.
Male healthy Kunning mice were treated with low dose microwave radiation before exposure to (60)Co g...
Pre-exposure with 120 microW/cm(2) 900 MHz microwave increased the 30-day survival rate (P < 0.05) a...
Low dose microwave radiation may exert potential antagonistic effects on hematopoietic injuries induced by ionizing radiation. The underlying mechanisms might be related with stimulation of hematopoietic growth factors expression, promotion of HSCs/HPCs proliferation, suppression on the reduction of HSCs/HPCs caused by (60)Co gamma-ray, and enhanced construction of the hematopoietic system.
Show BibTeX
@article{y_2009_antagonistic_effect_of_microwave_893,
author = {Cao Y and Xu Q and Lu MX and Jin ZD and DU HB and Li JX and Nie JH and Tong J.},
title = {[Antagonistic effect of microwave on hematopoietic damage of mice induced by gamma-ray irradiation.]},
year = {2009},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/med/20137296},
}