The application of cell culture technology in the assessment of ultrawide band electromagnetic field hazards

As part of a programme addressing the potential health hazard of pulsed radiofrequency radiation (RFR), isolated cells in culture were exposed to pulsed, ultrawide band (UWB), RFR of low mean pulse power. The effects on human foetal fibroblast (HFFF2), rabbit corneal epithelium (SIRC) and human leukaemia cell line (KG1) were assessed using a variety of biochemical parameters, principally cell growth cycle analysis and protein expression. The study indicated that exposure of cells to UWB radiation can induce subtle biochemical changes. Effects appeared to be cell type specific; nonadherent floating cell lines such as KG1 appeared relatively insensitive. SIRC cells, in conjunction with cell cycle analysis, showed alterations in the balance of the cell cycle, and in production of the stress response protein, HSP70. SIRC cells constitute a valuable model system for determining the effects of exposure to UWB radiation and for ascertaining the mechanism of action. The effects found in SIRC cell cultures are the first reports of overt biochemical changes occurring as a consequence of exposure to pulsed UWB radiation