Electromagnetic fields and DNA damage
This review discusses the comet assay and summarizes research on non-ionizing EMF exposure and DNA/chromosomal damage. It describes both positive and negative findings across studies, noting no consistent overall pattern for radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The authors nonetheless conclude that under certain exposure conditions RFR appears genotoxic and may affect DNA damage and repair, with evidence discussed as most applicable to exposures typical of cell phone use.
Key points
- Describes the comet assay as a common method in EMF research to assess DNA strand breaks and crosslinks.
- Summarizes studies reporting increased DNA strand breaks in rat brain cells after 2450 MHz exposure for 2 hours at SAR 0.6–1.2 W/kg.
- Notes that antioxidant blocking of reported effects suggests a possible role for free radicals in some experiments.
- States that many studies have examined ELF EMF and reports that numerous studies indicate ELF exposure could lead to DNA damage.
- Emphasizes that the RF literature contains contradictory results and no consistent pattern of DNA damage emerges across studies.
- Concludes that under certain exposure conditions RFR is genotoxic and may affect DNA damage and repair.
- Indicates that discussed data are mainly applicable to exposure typical during cell phone use, with limited indication for exposures near base stations.
Referenced studies & papers
Relevant papers in OpenMel
Source:
Open original
AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
AI-generated summaries may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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