Scientific Discussion of the Results of Micronucleus Studies Funded by Wireless Technology Research, LLC

Abstract

Wireless Technology Research, LLC (WTR) has funded a large number of genotoxicity studies, all of which have been negative except for studies using the micronucleus (MN) assay. In a number of experiments a significant increase in the frequency of cells with micronuclei was measured. This positive increase occurred with exposures of human blood to 837 MHz using analog, TDMA, and CDMA modulations and at 1900 MHz using a GSM modulation of 217 Hz. The increase was measured in the bottom 1 ml of media with average SARF of 10 and 5 W/kg for a duration of 24 hours. The increase was not measured at 10 and 5 W/kg for 3 hours of exposure or at 1 W/kg with 24 hours of exposure.

As part of the peer review process of the research funded by WTR, a meeting of members of the Harvard Peer Review Board and the Inter Agency Working Group was held on 31 March 1999. A number of persons were present at the meeting while others participated by teleconference. The MN exposure, dosimetry, and results were reported to the participants by WTR staff and contractors conducting the research. Much of the discussion related to the dosimetry and the distribution of SARs in the test tube and the sensitivity of MN formation to increased temperature and/or temperature gradients. From these discussions the participants recommended that certain studies be done to determine the mechanisms producing the effect and to determine the ability of other laboratories to produce similar results.