Effects of electromagnetic radiation from a cellular phone on human sperm motility: an in vitro study.
BACKGROUND
There has been growing public concern on the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by cellular phones on human health. Many studies have recently been published on this topic. However, possible consequences of the cellular phone usage on human sperm parameters have not been investigated adequately.


METHODS
A total number of 27 males were enrolled in the study. The semen sample obtained from each participant was divided equally into two parts. One of the specimens was exposed to EMR emitted by an activated 900 MHz cellular phone, whereas the other was not. The concentration and motility of the specimens were compared to analyze the effects of EMR. Assessment of sperm movement in all specimens was performed using four criteria: (A) rapid progressive, (B) slow progressive, (C) nonprogressive, (D) no motility.


RESULTS
Statistically significant changes were observed in the rapid progressive, slow progressive and no-motility categories of sperm movement. EMR exposure caused a subtle decrease in the rapid progressive and slow progressive sperm movement. It also caused an increase in the no-motility category of sperm movement. There was no statistically significant difference in the sperm concentration between two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that EMR emitted by cellular phone influences human sperm motility. In addition to these acute adverse effects of EMR on sperm motility, long-term EMR exposure may lead to behavioral or structural changes of the male germ cell. These effects may be observed later in life, and they are to be investigated more seriously.
Erogul
Osman
O
Biomedical and Clinical Engineering Centre, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
Oztas
Emin
E
Yildirim
Ibrahim
I
Kir
Tayfun
T
Aydur
Emin
E
Komesli
Gokhan
G
Irkilata
Hasan Cem
HC
Irmak
Mehmet Kemal
MK
Peker
Ahmet Fuat
AF
D040421:Cell Phone; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*