Effects Of Microwave Radiation On Neurobehavioral Of Human And Mice

Microwave in the frequency range of 300MHz-300GHz has long been used in radar, space research, telecommunications, industrial processing and medicine. The number of people exposed to microwave radiation increased with the application of household microwave ovens (2450 MHz) and mobile communication devices (800-1800 MHz). The public has been concerned with the health hazards from exposure to microwave radiation.Objective: To explore the effects and characteristic of microwave radiation on neurobehavioral of human and animal to provide experimental data for reasonable use and health protection to microwave.Methods:Two hundred and four residents near and around a base station have been investigated. The intensity of electromagnetic field near the base station was measured. General information correlated with the investigation was collected by questionnaire. Neurobehavioral functions of the residents were examined by the B.NESC assessment system. Fifty-four male KunMing mice were randomly divided into a control group and 8 exposure groups. The exposure groups were irradiated with flux density of 1.5mW/cm2, 3mW/cm2, 6mW/cm2 and 12mW/cm2. The 900MHz groups were named as S1.5, S3, S6, S12; the 2450MHz groups were named as P1.5, P3, P6, P12. The mice were irradiated 1 h a day for 7d. Changes of learning and memory ability after radiation were measured by open field test and step-through test. The morphology of neurocyte in hippocampus of mice was observed by light microscope and transmission electromicroscope. The levels of Hsp70 and Hsp27 were detected with RT-PCR and immunochemistry.Results: The intensity of electromagnetic radiation from this base station was below the national standard. No significant difference was found between the exposure group and the control group in the neurasthenia symptom. However, as the time of exposure extended, abnormal incidences of headache, dizziness, and memory drop increased (p<0.05). In addition, exposure of electromagnetic radiation could lead to an increase in scores of profile of mood state (POMS) test and semi-structural project test.In animal experiment, the time and total distance of movement at S1.5, S6, S12 and P1.5 group increased, with a decrease in rest and latency time and a high frequency of mistake(p<0.05). No pathological changes in hippocampus were observed after radiation. The levels of Hsp70 in hippocampus of S1.5, S6, S12 and P1.5 group were significantly increased (p<0.05). Compared to the 2450MHz groups the levels of Hsp70 in 900MHz groups were not significant changed.Conclusions: 1. Microwave radiation from the mobile base station could affect the emotional status of the residents nearby.2. 900MHz and 2450MHz microwave radiation could impair neurobehavioral of mice such as learning and memory ability. The over expression of Hsp70 could be an early index of neuron functional damage induced by microwave.