Effects of 1950 MHz W‐CDMA‐like signal on human spermatozoa

Abstract

There are growing concerns about how electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted from mobile phones affect human spermatozoa. Several experiments have suggested harmful effects of EMW on human sperm quality, motility, velocity, or the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of spermatozoa. In this study, we analyzed the effects on human spermatozoa (sperm motility and kinetic variables) induced by 1 h of exposure to 1950 MHz Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA)-like EMW with specific absorption rates of either 2.0 or 6.0 W/kg, using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer system. We also measured the percentage of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) positive spermatozoa with flow cytometry to evaluate damage to DNA. No significant differences were observed between the EMW exposure and the sham exposure in sperm motility, kinetic variables, or 8-OHdG levels. We conclude that W-CDMA-like exposure for 1 h under temperature-controlled conditions has no detectable effect on normal human spermatozoa. Differences in exposure conditions, humidity, temperature control, baseline sperm characteristics, and age of donors may explain inconsistency of our results with several previous studies. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:373-381, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Manmade Electromagnetic Fields and Oxidative Stress—Biological Effects and Consequences for Health

“…Ex vivo investigation yielded ambivalent observations and conclusions in a few studies with human sperm on the influence of RF-EMF with respect to oxidative stress and quality, although similar exposure durations (45-90 min) and doses (SAR: 1-6 W/kg) were applied [165][166][167][168]. Two studies reported no signs of increased ROS, no oxidative DNA damage, or any other negative effects such as induced cell death and reduction in sperm quality, when sperm was exposed to a 900 MHz GSM or a 1.95 GHz UMTS signal [166,167]. In contrast, oxidative stress and, in some cases, massive DNA damage and loss of sperm vitality were observed after exposure to 900 MHz GSM or 2.45 GHz WiFi signal [165,168].…”

Influence of radiofrequency–electromagnetic waves from 3rd‐generation cellular phones on fertilization and embryo development in mice

“…One such study reported a significant reduction in the sperm motility rate [Mailankot et al, ], while other reports found no significant effects [Dasdag et al, ; Ribeiro et al, ; Imai et al, ; Yildirim et al, ]. In addition, we reported that cellular phone RF‐EMWs have no adverse effects on human spermatozoa [Nakatani‐Enomoto et al, ]. While some investigators have reported effects of cellular phone RF‐EMW exposure on spermatozoa, there are almost no reports of effects on oocytes.…”