Preview

Hygiene and Sanitation

Advanced search
Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access

2–5 G mobile communication electromagnetic field chronic animal exposure assessment

https://doi.org/10.47470/0016-9900-2025-104-3-258-264

EDN: vgtvcv

Abstract

Introduction. The intensive implementation of modern wireless communications networks using multi-frequency modulated electromagnetic fields radiofrequency (EMF RF) has led to a significant change in the electromagnetic background, which requires scientific research to assess the human health risk.

The aim of the study. To study the features of the biological effects chronic exposure to multi-frequency EMF RF from mobile communication systems of GSM (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G) and 5G NR IMT-2020 (5G) standards on some state of indices in animals.

Materials and methods. Male Wistar rats of 180–200 g weight were subjected to round-the-clock 4-month exposure: group 1 – EMF exposure according to 2–5G standards (1.8; 2.1; 2.6; 3.6; 28 ; 37 GHz) with a total power density (PD) of 500 µW/cm2, group 2 – EMF exposure according to 5G NR IMT-2020 standard (3.6; 28; 37 GHz) with a PD 250 µW/cm2 with sham-exposure (parallel control). After every exposure month 12 animals from each group were decapitated and peripheral blood was collected for evaluation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and leukogram.

Results. Wave-like significant changes in ACTH and corticosterone blood concentrations were revealed in exposure periods, more pronounced in the 2–5G exposure group. In this group, by the end of the 3rd and 4th months, carbonyls, diene conjugates and ketodienes concentrations had significant decrease; in the 5G group, in the 1st–3rd months of exposure, only the concentration of carbonyls changed, and in the 1st and 4th months the concentration of catalase decreased, which indicates an imbalance of pro- and antioxidant systems. The identified significant formed elements of white blood, especially lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils, indicate to the instability of the immune status of exposure animals.

Limitations of the study are related to the number of experimental animals and exposure modes.

Conclusion. The data obtained indicate to the sensitivity of animals for multi-frequency EMF biological effects, more pronounced in the 2–5G exposure group, which differs from the 5G group in a larger set of frequencies used and 2 times higher level exposure. These research results indicate to adaptive-compensatory changes that with continued exposure can lead to failure the of adaptation.

Compliance with ethical standards. A positive expert opinion was received from the local ethics committee of the Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, 105275, Russian Federation (protocol No. 3 dated of 19.04.2023).

Contribution:
Perov S.Yu. – study concept and design, text writing, editing;
Pokhodzey L.V. – study concept and design, data collection and processing, text writing, editing;
Paltsev Yu.P. – study concept and design, data collection and processing, text writing, editing.
Lifanova R.Z. – data collection and processing, text writing.
All authors
are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: July 13, 2024 / Revised: September 18, 2024 / Accepted: December 3, 2024 / Published: March 31, 2025

About the Authors

Sergey Yu. Perov
Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health
Russian Federation

DSc (Biology), Head of the Electromagnetic field laboratory, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, 105275, Russian Federation

e-mail: perov@irioh.ru



Larisa V. Pokhodzey
Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health
Russian Federation

DSc (Medicine), leading researcher of the Electromagnetic field laboratory Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, 105275, Russian Federation

e-mail: Lapokhodzey@yandex.ru



Yuriy P. Paltsev
Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health
Russian Federation

DSc (Medicine), Professor, chief researcher of the Electromagnetic field laboratory Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, 105275, Russian Federation

e-mail: paltsev@irioh.ru



Rano Z. Lifanova
Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health
Russian Federation

Junior researcher of the Electromagnetic field laboratory, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, 105275, Russian Federation

e-mail: lifanova@irioh.ru



References

1. Gajšek P. Public exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. In: Markov M.S., ed. Mobile Communications and Public Health. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group LLC; 2019: 47–63.

2. Pokhodzey L.V., Palkov Yu.P. Critical analysis of Russian and foreign hygienic regulations of electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by modern wireless communication and communication systems. Meditsina truda i promyshlennaya ekologiya. 2023; 63(6): 397–405. https://doi.org/10.31089/1026-9428-2023-63-6-397-405 https://elibrary.ru/vxfsxv (in Russian)

3. Perov S.Yu., Belaya O.V. Electromagnetic environment created by mobile communication base stations in the 5G pilot area. Gigiena i Sanitaria (Hygiene and Sanitation, Russian journal). 2023; 102(6): 538–43. https://doi.org/10.47470/0016-9900-2023-102-6-538-543 https://elibrary.ru/xutaxy (in Russian)

4. GSMA report. The Mobile Economy 2024. Available at: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-economy/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/260224-The-Mobile-Economy-2024.pdf

5. Taheri M., Roshanaei G., Ghaffari J., Rahimnejad S., Khosroshahi B.N., Aliabadi M., et al. The effect of Base Transceiver Station waves on some immunological and hematological factors in exposed persons. Hum. Antibodies. 2017; 25(1–2): 31–7. https://doi.org/10.3233/hab-160303

6. Pall M.L. Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health. Environ. Res. 2018; 164: 405–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.035

7. Vlasova I.I., Mikhalchik E.V., Gusev A.A., Balabushevich N.G., Gusev S.A., Kazarinov K.D. Extremely high-frequency electromagnetic radiation enhances neutrophil response to particulate agonists. Bioelectromagnetics. 2018; 39(2): 144–55. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.22103

8. Kazarinov K.D., Shelkonogov V.A., Chekanov A.V. The study of the sensitivity of human blood cells to microwave radiation. Zhurnal radioelektroniki. 2019; (8): 8. https://doi.org/10.30898/1684-1719.2019.8.10 https://elibrary.ru/fhbyxm (in Russian)

9. Israel M., Vangelova K., Tschobanoff P. Study of the secretion of melatonin and stress hormones in operators from broadcasting and TV stations exposed to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR). In: Bioelectromagnetics: Current Concepts. NATO Security through Science. Series – B: Physics and Biophysics. Springer; 2006: 271–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4278-7_16

10. Hinrikus H., Koppel T., Lass J., Orru H., Roosipuu P., Bachmann M. Possible health effects on the human brain by various generations of mobile telecommunication: a review based estimation of 5G impact. Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 2022; 98(7): 1210–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2022.2026516

11. Schuermann D., Mevissen M. Manmade electromagnetic fields and oxidative stress-biological effects and consequences for health. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021; 22(7): 3772. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22073772

12. Kuzmina L.P., Izmerova N.I., Khotuleva A.G., Tsidilkovskaya E.S., Kislyakova A.A., Mili H. The influence of physical occupational factors on the immune system. Meditsina truda i promyshlennaya ekologiya. 2023; 63(11): 694–701. https://doi.org/10.31089/1026-9428-2023-63-11-694-701 https://elibrary.ru/hansax (in Russian)

13. Bouji M., Lecomte A., Hode Y., de Seze R., Villégier A.S. Effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency on corticosterone, emotional memory and neuroinflammation in middle-aged rats. Exp. Gerontol. 2012; 47(6): 444–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2012.03.015

14. Karadede B., Akdag M.Z., Kanay Z., Bozbiyik A. The effect of 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation on some hormonal and biochemical parameters in rabbits. J. Int. Dental. Med. Res. 2009; 2(3): 110–5.

15. Shahryar H.A., Lotfi A.R., Bahojb M., Karami A.R. Effects of electromagnetic Fields of cellular phone on cortisol and testosterone hormones rate in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Int. J. Zool. Res. 2008; 4(4): 230–3. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijzr.2008.230.233

16. Koyu A., Gökalp O., Özgüner F., Cesur G., Mollaoglu H., Özer M.K., et al. The effects of subchronic 1800 MHz electromagnetic field exposure on the levels of TSH, T3, T4, cortisol and testosterone hormones. Genel. Tıp. Dergisi. 2005; 15(3): 101–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.03.006

17. Li M., Wang Y., Zhang Y., Zhou Z., Yu Z. Elevation of plasma corticosterone levels and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor translocation in rats: a potential mechanism for cognition impairment following chronic low-power-density microwave exposure. J. Radiat. Res. 2008; 49(2): 163–70. https://doi.org/10.1269/jrr.07063

18. Adebayo E.A., Adeeyo A.O., Ogundiran M.A., Olabisi O. Bio-physical effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on blood parameters, spermatozoa, liver, kidney and heart of albino rats. J. King Saud Univ. – Sci. 2019; 31(4): 813–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2018.11.007

19. Amirov D.R., Tamimdarov B.F., Shageeva A.R. Clinical Hematology of Animals [Klinicheskaya gematologiya zhivotnykh]. Kazan’; 2020. (in Russian)

20. Pompella A., Maellaro E., Casini A.F., Ferrali M., Ciccoli L., Comporti M. Measurement of lipid peroxidation in vivo: a comparison of different procedures. Lipids. 1987; 22(3): 206–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02537304

21. Korolyuk M.A., Ivanova L.I., Mayorova I.G., Tokarev V.E. Method for determination of catalase activity. Laboratornoe delo. 1988; (1): 16–9. https://elibrary.ru/sicxej (in Russian)

22. The R Project for Statistical Computing. Available at: https://R-project.org/

23. Pryakhin E.A., Akleev A.V. Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Systems: Stress and Adaptation [Elektromagnitnye polya i biologicheskie sistemy: stress i adaptatsiya]. Chelyabinsk: Poligraf-Master; 2011. https://elibrary.ru/qktyob (in Russian)

24. Pall M.L. Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects. J. Cell. Mol. Med. 2013; 17(8): 958–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.12088

25. Yao C., Zhao L., Peng R. The biological effects of electromagnetic exposure on immune cells and potential mechanisms. Electromagn. Biol. Med. 2022; 41(1): 108–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368378.2021.2001651

26. Perov S.Yu., Belaya O.V., Kisljakova A.A., Levchenkov D.I. Prooxidant and antioxidant status in rat blood under chronic multifrequency electromagnetic field exposure of GSM, UMTS and LTE mobile systems. Meditsina truda i ekologiya cheloveka. 2023; (1): 139–50. https://doi.org/10.24412/2411-3794-2023-10111 https://elibrary.ru/rebovv (in Russian)

27. Perov S.Yu., Konshina T.A., Kislyakova A.A. Oxidative fluctuations in rat blood exposed to GSM, UMTS and LTE multi-frequency electromagnetic field. Radiatsiya i risk (Byulleten’ Natsional’nogo radiatsionno-epidemiologicheskogo registra). 2023; 32(2): 88–95. https://doi.org/10.21870/0131-3878-2023-32-2-88-95 https://elibrary.ru/vklhod (in Russian)

28. Megha K., Deshmukh P.S., Banerjee B.D., Tripathi A.K., Ahmed R., Abegaonkar M.P. Low intensity microwave radiation induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and DNA damage in rat brain. Neurotoxicology. 2015; 51: 158–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2015.10.009

29. Gulati S., Kosik P., Durdik M., Skorvaga M., Jakl L., Markova E., et al. Effects of different mobile phone UMTS signals on DNA, apoptosis and oxidative stress in human lymphocytes. Environ. Pollut. 2020; 267: 115632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115632

30. Sharma S., Shukla S. Effect of electromagnetic radiation on redox status, acetylcholine esterase activity and cellular damage contributing to the diminution of the brain working memory in rats. J. Chem. Neuroanat. 2020; 106: 101784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101784

31. Asl J.F., Goudarzi M., Shoghi H. The radio-protective effect of rosmarinic acid against mobile phone and Wi-Fi radiation-induced oxidative stress in the brains of rats. Pharmacol. Rep. 2020; 72(4): 857–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43440-020-00063-9

32. Dasdag S., Akdag M.Z. The link between radiofrequencies emitted from wireless technologies and oxidative stress. J. Chem. Neuroanat. 2016; 75(Pt. B): 85–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.09.001

33. Perov S.Yu., Orlova V.S., Lifanova R.Z., Kislyakova A.A. Electromagnetic field chronic exposure effects of cellular base stations on rat hemopoesis. Radioekologiya. 2022; 62(1): 70–4. https://doi.org/10.31857/S086980312201012X https://elibrary.ru/oszuqx (in Russian)


Review

For citations:


Perov S.Yu., Pokhodzey L.V., Paltsev Yu.P., Lifanova R.Z. 2–5 G mobile communication electromagnetic field chronic animal exposure assessment. Hygiene and Sanitation. 2025;104(3):258-264. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.47470/0016-9900-2025-104-3-258-264. EDN: vgtvcv

Views: 222


ISSN 0016-9900 (Print)
ISSN 2412-0650 (Online)