Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of Mobile Phones on Trace Elements Content in Rat Teeth med./bio.

Published in: Biotechnol Biotechnol Equip 2008; 22 (4): 998-1001

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of a chronic exposure of the head of rats to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field on the content of some trace elements in teeth should be investigated.

Background/further details

The authors examined teeth because of their close proximity to a cell phone during a call. 31 rats were divided into the following three groups: 1) exposure (n=14), 2) sham exposure (n=7) and 3) cage control (n=10). Subsequent to the exposure, all rats were anesthetized and teeth were removed and examined.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure of 2 h for 10 months
  • power density: 0.0252 mW/cm² cf. remarks (average at the center of cages)
  • power density: 0.0045 mW/cm² cf. remarks (average in cages at the area of rat tail)
  • power: 2 W (fixed emitted power of generator (circular space distribution))

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure of 2 h for 10 months
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1.5 cm
Chamber rats were placed in a Plexiglas tube carousel with single chambers for each rat
Setup rats were oriented headwards to the antenna of the GSM generator in the middle
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.0252 mW/cm² cf. remarks measured - average at the center of cages
power density 0.0045 mW/cm² cf. remarks measured - average in cages at the area of rat tail
power 2 W - calibration - fixed emitted power of generator (circular space distribution)

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The concentrations of calcium and phosphorus did not show any significant differences in the exposure group compared to sham exposure and cage control, whereas the concentration of magnesium was significantly reduced and the concentration of zinc was significantly increased. No significant differences were observed between sham exposure and cage control.
The authors conclude that a chronic exposure of the head of rats to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field can change the content of some trace elements in teeth and that further studies should investigate this topic.

Study character:

Study funded by

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