Effects of exposure to nearby mobile phone base stations and mobile phone usage on human blood parameters

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of RF-EMF (900 and 1800 MHz) emissions from mobile phone base stations (MPBS) as well as from mobile phone usage on the hematological parameters and stress markers of exposed individuals. Members of MPBS highly exposed (N = 50) and a reference group (N = 51) were tested using a complete blood count and two stress markers, amylase and cortisol. Different effects were found for different blood parameters, based on various combinations of exposure type, demographics, and lifestyle behaviors. Subsequent stepwise regression analysis revealed that exposure from MPBS contributed significantly to TLC, while various combinations of gender, age and power density contributed significantly to differential and absolute basophil counts and absolute monocyte counts. MPBS exposures contributed to absolute monocytes similar to smoking. Furthermore, hours of daily mobile phone exposure together with age contributed significantly to absolute and differential basophil counts and absolute lymphocyte counts. Of concern, almost a quarter of those with high MPBS exposures had basophil counts above the clinical reference limits, while over half of those with heavy daily mobile phone use (4 to 6 hours) had lymphocyte counts above the limits, and most were under 30 years old. While smoking and age contributed to amylase levels, no exposure variables contributed to amylase or cortisol levels. Altogether, there is an indication that RF-EMF from mobile phones and MPBS together with age and gender can differentially impact leucocytes, indicating biological stress and potentially affecting health. These results suggest the necessity for increasing awareness regarding adverse effects of RF-EMF exposures.