Topic

Long-term study on the effects of UMTS signals on laboratory rodents

Start

01.12.2004

End

31.07.2007

Project Management

Jacobs University Bremen (ehem. International University Bremen)

Objective

The study was concerned with the question whether long term exposure to RF-fields of mobile communication systems according to the UMTS standard do influence the parameters fertility and development. In vivo experiments were performed with male and female mice.

Results

Male and female mice (C57BL) were chronically exposed (life-long, 24 hrs/day) to mobile phone communication electromagnetic fields (UMTS). Their development and fertility were monitored over several generations by investigating histological, physiological and reproductive functions. The development of the pups were monitored closely. The SAR values tested were 0 (sham), 0.08, 0.4, and 1.3 W/kg. Exposure was blinded. In summary, there were no indications for a harmful effect of exposure on fertility parameters. Some tests showed statistically significant effects on food consumption and a tendency on weight gain in pregnant females. The number and weight development of the pups as well as the markers for their development were unaffected by exposure.

The final report is available as PDF-file in German (691 KB).

References

• Sommer AM, Grote K, Reinhardt T, Streckert J, Hansen V, Lerchl A (2009): Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (UMTS) on Reproduction and Development of Mice: A Multi-generation Study, Radiation Research 171, 89-95

Conclusions

The results of this study did not indicate harmful effects of long-term exposure over several generations.