Effects of Long-Term Low-Level Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure on Rats. Volume 7. Metabolism, Growth, and Development

摘要

For 25 months 100 male SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) rats were exposed to pulsed 2450-MHz circularly polarized microwaves at an average power density of .480 microwave/sq cm; 100 rats served as sham-exposed controls. Analysis of daily body weight and food and water consumption failed to distinguish the treatment groups. Periodic assessment of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and respiratory quotient also failed to reliably differentiate the groups. Whole-body carcass analyses, including organ mass, fatty acid profile, and mineral content, were conducted on 20 rats killed after 13 months exposure and 20 killed at termination of the project. With one exception, these measures did not indicate significant differences between the treatment groups. A 75% increase in adrenal mass were shown for the exposed animals at the termination kill. When the animals with adrenal tumors were excluded, there was no statistical significant difference between the exposed and sham groups. Respiratory gas exchange measures were obtained from an additional 36 young male rats during a subsequent 3-month period of exposure. No consistent significant effects were observed in these young animals.