Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field in Onion Root Tip Cells and Mouse Polychromatic Erythrocytes

Introduction: Mobile phone users and base stations have increased exponentially in recent decades. These expansions have extended worries about the potential risk of long-lasting Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) exposure on human health and environmental quality. The current study was designed to explore the cytogenetic consequences of subjecting two biological systems to RF-EMF at a frequency of 1800MHz and a specific absorption rate of 0.27 W/kg. Material and Methods: Chromosome aberration test (onion meristematic cells) and micronucleus assay (mouse erythrocytes) were used to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the in vivo exposure to RF-EMF at a frequency of 1800 MHz. The two living systems were subjected to RF-EMF for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours daily for seven successive days. We recorded the percent aberrant cells (%Abc), the percentage of micronuclei formation in erythrocytes (%MN), and the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (%MNPCE). Results: It was demonstrated that the short- and intermediate-term exposure to RF-EMF may cause a gradual time-dependent boost in root growth. However, significant growth inhibition was observed following 4-hour exposure. Exposure to RF-EMF did not change mitotic indices of onion meristematic cells. Significant increases in Abc, MN, and MNPCE percentages were recorded. Conclusion: The outcome of this study proposes that unlimited exposure of living organisms to RF-EMF may lead to adverse effects. Therefore, unnecessary use of mobile phones should be avoided.