title: Influence of GSM signals on human peripheral lymphocytes: study of genotoxicity.
abstract: Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) is continuously increasing worldwide. Yet, conflicting results of a possible genotoxic effect of RF EMF continue to be discussed. In the present study, a possible genotoxic effect of RF EMF (GSM, 1,800 MHz) in human lymphocytes was investigated by a collaboration of six independent institutes (institutes a, b, c, d, e, h). Peripheral blood of 20 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers of two age groups (10 volunteers 16-20 years old and 10 volunteers 50-65 years old) was taken, stimulated and intermittently exposed to three specific absorption rates (SARs) of RF EMF (0.2 W/kg, 2 W/kg, 10 W/kg) and sham for 28 h (institute a). The exposures were performed in a setup with strictly controlled conditions of temperature and dose, and randomly and automatically determined waveguide SARs, which were designed and periodically maintained by ITIS (institute h). Four genotoxicity tests with different end points were conducted (institute a): chromosome aberration test (five types of structural aberrations), micronucleus test, sister chromatid exchange test and the alkaline comet assay (Olive tail moment and % DNA). To demonstrate the validity of the study, positive controls were implemented. The genotoxicity end points were evaluated independently by three laboratories blind to SAR information (institute c = laboratory 1; institute d = laboratory 2; institute e = laboratory 3). Statistical analysis was carried out by institute b. Methods of primary statistical analysis and rules to adjust for multiple testing were specified in a statistical analysis plan based on a data review before unblinding. A linear trend test based on a linear mixed model was used for outcomes of comet assay and exact permutation test for linear trend for all other outcomes. It was ascertained that only outcomes with a significant SAR trend found by at least two of three analyzing laboratories indicated a substantiated suspicion of an exposure effect. On the basis of these specifications, none of the nine end points tested for SAR trend showed a significant and reproducible exposure effect. Highly significant differences between sham exposures and positive controls were detected by each analyzing laboratory, thus validating the study. In conclusion, the results show no evidence of a genotoxic effect induced by RF EMF (GSM, 1,800 MHz).
authors: Incos Boté GmbH, D-55232 Alzey, Friedhofstrasse 6, Germany.
authors: Petra
authors: P
authors: Waldmann
authors: Susanne
authors: S
authors: Bohnenberger
authors: Rüdiger
authors: R
authors: Greinert
authors: Beate
authors: B
authors: Hermann-Then
authors: Anja
authors: A
authors: Heselich
authors: Stefanie J
authors: SJ
authors: Klug
authors: Jochem
authors: J
authors: Koenig
authors: Kathrin
authors: K
authors: Kuhr
authors: Niels
authors: N
authors: Kuster
authors: Mandy
authors: M
authors: Merker
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Murbach
authors: Dieter
authors: D
authors: Pollet
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Schadenboeck
authors: Ulrike
authors: U
authors: Scheidemann-Wesp
authors: Britt
authors: B
authors: Schwab
authors: Beate
authors: B
authors: Volkmer
authors: Veronika
authors: V
authors: Weyer
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Blettner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D040421:Cell Phone; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires