Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Use of laptop computers connected to internet through Wi-Fi decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm DNA fragmentation med./bio.

By: Avendano C, Mata A, Sanchez Sarmiento CA, Doncel GF
Published in: Fertil Steril 2012; 97 (1): 39-45.e2
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of laptop computers connected to local area networks wirelessly (WiFi) on human spermatozoa.

Background/further details

Semen samples of 29 healthy donors were divided into two aliquots for exposure and sham exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.4 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for 4 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 2.4 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 4 h
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 3 cm
Setup 400 µl sperm suspension sample placed in 35 mm x 10 mm Petri dish, covered with 3 ml of embryo oil (to avoid evaporation); placed under a laptop computer connected via WiFi to the internet; computer worked actively uploading and downloading information; temperature kept constant at 25°C
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.45 µW/cm² minimum measured - -
power density 1.1 µW/cm² maximum measured - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Exposed sperm samples showed a significant decrease in progressive sperm motility and an increase in DNA fragmentation. Levels of dead sperms showed no significant differences between the two groups.
The authors speculate that keeping a laptop connected wirelessly to the internet on the lap near the testes may result in decreased male fertility.

Study character:

Study funded by

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