Cell phone radiation effects on cytogenetic abnormalities of oral mucosal cells.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.
Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Natália Batista
NB
Daroit
Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Fernanda
F
Visioli
Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Alessandra Selinger
AS
Magnusson
Prefeitura Municipal de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Geila Radunz
GR
Vieira
Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Pantelis Varvaki
PV
Rados
D000328:Adult; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D040421:Cell Phone; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D060733:Electromagnetic Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055815:Young Adult