cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic field in onion root tip cells and mouse polychromatic erythrocytes

Introduction: mobile phone users and base stations have increased exponentially in recent decades. these expansions have extended worries about the potential risk of long-lasting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (rf-emf) exposure on human health and environmental quality. the current study was designed to explore the cytogenetic consequences of subjecting two biological systems to rf-emf at a frequency of 1800mhz and a specific absorption rate of 0.27 w/kg.material and methods: chromosome aberration test (onion meristematic cells) and micronucleus assay (mouse erythrocytes) were used to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the in vivo exposure to rf-emf at a frequency of 1800 mhz. the two living systems were subjected to rf-emf for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours daily for seven successive days. we recorded the percent aberrant cells (%abc), the percentage of micronuclei formation in erythrocytes (%mn), and the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (%mnpce).results: it was demonstrated that the short- and intermediate-term exposure to rf-emf may cause a gradual time-dependent boost in root growth. however, significant growth inhibition was observed following 4-hour exposure. exposure to rf-emf did not change mitotic indices of onion meristematic cells. significant increases in abc, mn, and mnpce percentages were recorded.conclusion: the outcome of this study proposes that unlimited exposure of living organisms to rf-emf may lead to adverse effects. therefore, unnecessary use of mobile phones should be avoided.