Influence of radiofrequency-electromagnetic waves from 3rd-generation cellular phones on fertilization and embryo development in mice

Bioelectromagnetics. 2017 Sep;38(6):466-473. doi: 10.1002/bem.22063. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3rd-generation (3G) cellular phone radiofrequency-electromagnetic wave (RF-EMW) exposure on fertilization and embryogenesis in mice. Oocytes and spermatozoa were exposed to 3G cellular phone RF-EMWs, 1.95 GHz wideband code division multiple access, at a specific absorption rate of 2 mW/g for 60 min, or to sham exposure. After RF-EMW exposure, in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection were performed. Rates of fertilization, embryogenesis (8-cell embryo, blastocyst), and chromosome aberration were compared between the combined spermatozoa and oocyte groups: both exposed, both non-exposed, one exposed, and the other non-exposed. Rates of fertilization, embryogenesis, and blastocyst formation did not change significantly across the four groups. Considering that the degree of exposure in the present study was ≥100 times greater than daily exposure of human spermatozoa and even greater than daily exposure of oocytes, the present results indicate safety of RF-EMW exposure in humans. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:466-473, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: chromosomal aberration; early development; in vitro fertilization; intracytoplasmic sperm injection; mobile phone.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Phone*
  • Chromosome Aberrations / radiation effects
  • Embryonic Development / radiation effects*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Oocytes / physiology
  • Oocytes / radiation effects
  • Radio Waves / adverse effects*
  • Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / radiation effects*
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Spermatozoa / radiation effects