EMFs have also been reported to produce chromosomal aberrations in nonsomatic cells (45).
Adult male mice were exposed 1 hour/day for 2 weeks to 9.4 GHz, 100-10,000 µW/cm2. After
exposure, the animals were sacrificed and the sperm-cell chromosomes were analyzed. At each
intensity, there was an increase in both translocations and univalent chromosome pairs.
Mutagenetic effects of EMFs have been reported in in vitro studies, and in studies involving
insects and plants (46-51). Rat kangaroo cells exposed in vitro to 2.4 GHz for 10-30 minutes exhibited
chromosomal aberrations similar to those induced by X-rays (46). The results also that the EMF
disrupted RNA synthesis and reduced protein production and cell proliferation. EMFs in the 15-40
MHz range and at K band (23 GHz) caused chromosomal abnormalities in Chinese hamster lung cells
in culture (47). When cells of the same type were exposed as a monolayer for 15 minutes to a DC
magnetic field of 15,000 gauss, it was found that of the 400 metaphase cells examined in the 24-hour
period after exposure, approximately 3% exhibited a chromosomal aberration; this rate was 6 times
higher than that seen in the controls (48). Exposure of monkey epithelial cells to 7000 µW/cm2, 2.9
GHz also caused chromosomal abnormalities (49).
Radiowave pulses (20-30 MHz) applied to male Drosophila for 5-6 minutes resulted in the
production of numerous mutations in the off-spring, including singed bristle, white eye, spotted eye,
yellow body, and blister wing (50). The genetic effect exerted on the male germ cells was similar to
that seen from the application of ionizing radiation (50). An EMFs has also been reported in plants
(51).
Uncontrolled Variables
When the long bones are immobilized, (e.g., by casting) a frequent physiological response is a
loss of bone material - a condition known as osteoporosis. As we have seen in chapter 2, bone is a
piezoelectric material and, consequently, it exhibits the converse piezoelectric effect (mechanical
deformation under the influence of an applied electric field). McElhaney et al. (52) hypothesized that
an electric field could simulate the naturally present mechanical stresses in bone via the converse
piezoelectric effect, and thereby eliminate the osteoporosis associated with disuse. The theory was
tested by immobilizing the hind limbs of rats and then observing the effect of an electric field; it was
found that the osteoporosis caused by immobilization was reduced by exposure to 7 kv/m, 3-30 Hz.
However, in addition, 44% of the EMF-exposed animals developed bone tumors; none were seen in the
sham-irradiated rats. Martin and Gutman (53), (Martin worked with McElhaney et al. on the original
study) performed a replicate study and confirmed the observation that the EMF ameliorated the
immobilization-induced osteoporosis. No tumors, however, or other malformations were observed
ELECTROMAGNETISM & LIFE - 115