The Effects of 2100 MHz Radio Frequency Radiation on Thyroid Tissues

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Objective: To reveal the effect of 2100 MHz radio frequency (RF) radiation on thyroid tissues of rats in the 10 days (group E1) and 40 days (group G1) exposure groups. Methods: In this study, 30 healthy female Wistar albino rats, weighing 200−256 g each, were used. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (E1, E2, G1 and G2). Groups E2 and G2 served as the control groups. The exposure groups were exposed to 2100 MHz RF radiation emitted by a generator, simulating a 3G-mobile phone for 6 hours/day, 5 consecutive days/week, at the same time of the day (between 9 am and 3 pm), for 10 days (group E1) and 40 days (group G1). Results: Catalase and xanthine oxidase enzyme activities were compared between the groups E1 and E2; it was found that the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Between the groups G1 and G2, the difference was found to be significant with respect to catalase activities. Tissue samples of the early and late groups showed no serious pathological findings in the histopathological examination. Conclusion: We believe that comprehensive, clinical and experimental studies are needed to assess the effect of the RF exposure duration and dosage of exposure on thyroid tissues.