Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the haematological effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation from Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM) base stations on four successive generations of albino mice Mus musculus were evaluated.
Methods: Each generation of mice were exposed to the RF radiation from birth till they reproduced and blood samples collected. After the mice had given birth to the young ones and weaned off, the parent group was sacrificed and 500μl of blood was obtained. Estimation of hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood cell count, lymphocyte, pack cell volume (PCV) and red cell indices were carried out using electronic coulter counter.
Results: The level of radiofrequency radiation around the base station was found to range between 0.6129V/m to 1.695V/m. In the successive generations of mice, a pattern of pancytosis was observed and significant increases were observed in the Packed Cell Volume, White Blood Cell Count, Platelet Count and Red Blood Cell Count.
Conclusion: In the successive generations of exposed mice, a pattern of pancytosis was observed, as well as, an increase in the haemopoetic process which caused significant effects on bone marrow stem cell proliferation of differentiation. The effects of chronic exposure to radiofrequency radiations on peripheral blood parameters is found to be sufficient to apply the precautionary principle to discourage the indiscriminate location of GSM base stations in areas where prolonged exposure to radiofrequency radiations are likely to occur.
Key words: Haematological effects, electromagnetic radiation, mobile phones, haemopoesis, pancytosis
|
