Rat fertility and embryo fetal development: influence of exposure to the Wi-Fi signal

Reprod Toxicol. 2013 Apr:36:1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.11.003. Epub 2012 Nov 23.

Abstract

In recent decades, concern has been growing about decreasing fecundity and fertility in the human population. Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF), especially radiofrequency (RF) fields used in wireless communications has been suggested as a potential risk factor. For the first time, we evaluated the effects of exposure to the 2450MHz Wi-Fi signal (1h/day, 6days/week) on the reproductive system of male and female Wistar rats, pre-exposed to Wi-Fi during sexual maturation. Exposure lasted 3 weeks (males) or 2 weeks (females), then animals were mated and couples exposed for 3 more weeks. On the day before delivery, the fetuses were observed for lethality, abnormalities, and clinical signs. In our experiment, no deleterious effects of Wi-Fi exposure on rat male and female reproductive organs and fertility were observed for 1h per days. No macroscopic abnormalities in fetuses were noted, even at the critical level of 4W/kg.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Embryo Implantation / radiation effects
  • Embryo Loss / etiology
  • Embryonic Development / radiation effects*
  • Energy Intake / radiation effects
  • Female
  • Fetal Development / radiation effects*
  • Genitalia, Male / growth & development
  • Genitalia, Male / immunology
  • Genitalia, Male / radiation effects
  • Infertility, Female / etiology*
  • Infertility, Male / etiology*
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure / adverse effects
  • Organ Size / radiation effects
  • Ovary / growth & development
  • Ovary / immunology
  • Ovary / radiation effects
  • Paternal Exposure / adverse effects
  • Radio Waves / adverse effects*
  • Random Allocation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sexual Maturation / radiation effects*
  • Wireless Technology*