Studies on Microwave Induction of Genotoxicity: A Laboratory Report

Abstract

An extensive series of investigations has been undertaken to determine, using standard genetic toxicology assay protocols, whether or not microwave radiation can cause genetic damage at power density and specific absorption rate (SAR) levels at or above the guidelines existing at the time the studies were initiated. Using both pulsed wave and continuous wave exposures at 350, 850, and 1200 MHz, DNA repair could not be induced in normal human fibroblasts exposed in vitro. In addition, microwave exposure did not interfere with the DNA repair synthesis occurring after UV radiation. Where the medium temperature increased by 3° C, microwave radiation exposures at 2450 MHz, pulsed wave, at higher SAR levels did not induce mutation at the thymidine kinase locus in L5178Y mouse leukemic cells, or chromosome aberrations or sister chromatid exchanges in CHO cells. For all three endpoints, the cells were treated simultaneously with genotoxic chemicals and microwave radiation, the effect of the chemicals alone was the same as treatment with the chemicals alone. Several different chemicals were examined, each with a different known mechanism of action. Comments will be made as to the relationship of positive reports from laboratories and their obvious or likely association with heating of the exposed cells.