Effects of exposure to nearby mobile phone base stations and mobile phone usage on human blood parameters

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of RF-EMF (900 and 1800 MHz) emissions from mobile phone base stations (MPBS) as well as from mobile phone usage on the hematological parameters and stress markers of exposed individuals. Members of MPBS highly exposed (N = 50) and a reference group (N = 51) were tested using a complete blood count and two stress markers, amylase and cortisol. Different effects were found for different blood parameters, based on various combinations of exposure type, demographics, and lifestyle behaviors. Subsequent stepwise regression analysis revealed that exposure from MPBS contributed significantly to TLC, while various combinations of gender, age and power density contributed significantly to differential and absolute basophil counts and absolute monocyte counts. MPBS exposures contributed to absolute monocytes similar to smoking. Furthermore, hours of daily mobile phone exposure together with age contributed significantly to absolute and differential basophil counts and absolute lymphocyte counts. Of concern, almost a quarter of those with high MPBS exposures had basophil counts above the clinical reference limits, while over half of those with heavy daily mobile phone use (4 to 6 hours) had lymphocyte counts above the limits, and most were under 30 years old. While smoking and age contributed to amylase levels, no exposure variables contributed to amylase or cortisol levels. Altogether, there is an indication that RF-EMF from mobile phones and MPBS together with age and gender can differentially impact leucocytes, indicating biological stress and potentially affecting health. These results suggest the necessity for increasing awareness regarding adverse effects of RF-EMF exposures.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Exposure to RF-EMF from mobile phone base stations and mobile phone usage was associated with significant changes in various blood parameters including leucocytes. High exposure groups showed basophil and lymphocyte counts above clinical reference limits. No exposure variables contributed to amylase or cortisol levels. Age and gender also influenced some blood parameters.

Outcomes measured

• total leucocyte count (TLC)
• differential and absolute basophil counts
• absolute monocyte counts
• absolute lymphocyte counts
• amylase levels
• cortisol levels

Limitations

• Cross-sectional design limits causal inference
• Potential confounding by demographics and lifestyle factors
• Exposure assessment based on proximity and self-reported usage

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.6)
  Study involves RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations relevant to telecommunications policy.

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    "study_type": "cross_sectional",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone base stations and mobile phone usage",
        "frequency_mhz": 900,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "hours of daily mobile phone use (4 to 6 hours) and chronic exposure to base stations"
    },
    "population": "humans highly exposed to mobile phone base stations and mobile phone users",
    "sample_size": 101,
    "outcomes": [
        "total leucocyte count (TLC)",
        "differential and absolute basophil counts",
        "absolute monocyte counts",
        "absolute lymphocyte counts",
        "amylase levels",
        "cortisol levels"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Exposure to RF-EMF from mobile phone base stations and mobile phone usage was associated with significant changes in various blood parameters including leucocytes. High exposure groups showed basophil and lymphocyte counts above clinical reference limits. No exposure variables contributed to amylase or cortisol levels. Age and gender also influenced some blood parameters.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Cross-sectional design limits causal inference",
        "Potential confounding by demographics and lifestyle factors",
        "Exposure assessment based on proximity and self-reported usage"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.6999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF-EMF",
        "mobile phone base stations",
        "mobile phone usage",
        "blood parameters",
        "leucocytes",
        "stress markers",
        "amylase",
        "cortisol"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.59999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Study involves RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations relevant to telecommunications policy."
        }
    ]
}

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