EVIDENCE OF in vivo GENOTOXICITY INDUCED BY EXTREMELY-LOW FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS COMPARED WITH IONIZING RADIATION AND A CHEMICAL MUTAGEN

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and waves encompass a ubiquitous and very broad range of frequencies in the modern environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of 60-Hz EMFs compared with ionizing (gamma rays) radiation and Mitomycin-C (MMC), a well-known genotoxic agent. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MN) in bone marrow was evaluated in three-month-old male BALB/c mice exposed to 0.1, 0.2 and 1.0 Gy gamma rays, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 mT EMF, 5 mg/kg MMC alone or the combinations 0.1, 0.2, or 1 Gy + MMC, and 2.0 mT EMF + MMC. Statistically significant differences on MN frequency due to genotoxic effect were observed after exposure to 1.0 Gy gamma rays, 1.5 and 2.0 EMFs, and MMC, as compared with controls. In addition, co-exposure to gamma rays and MMC significantly increased MN frequency, as compared with treatments alone. In contrast, an antagonistic effect between EMF treatment and MMC was observed. In conclusion, the present study indicates in vivo susceptibility of mice to the genotoxicity potential of EMFs compared with ionizing radiation and a chemical mutagen.