Scientists in Chicago, Illinois, carried out a two-year study to establish rodent toxicology and carcinogenesis of radiation at frequencies and modulations used in the US telecommunications industry. During the study, 21 rooms were designed to ensure radiation produced by cell phones was distributed evenly to caged rats and mice.
Exposure to radiation
Ninety groups of animals were exposed to cell phone radiation for nine hours. Some of the rats received radiation of 1.5 watts per kilogramme of body weight. The Federal Communications Commission sets the limit at 1.6 watts.
Others got double and quadruple that dose, while other sets were not exposed at all. According to the study, male rats were the most affected by radiation. Scientists are trying to establish why.
The study appeared online on May 26 and was first posted on the bioRxiv preprint server. Even though researchers say it is incomplete, the study is likely to trigger worries over the impact of cell phones on health. The US Food and Drug Administration has weighed in and is reviewing the findings.
The study found that a low incidence of malignant gliomas and glial cell hyperplasia was observed in all groups of male rats exposed to a global system for mobile communications. Glial cells are a collection of specialised, non-neuronal, support cells. They maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons of the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
Return to News Home
