Effects of fetal microwave radiation exposure on offspring behavior in mice

Authored By:

This animal study looked into any effects in the behaviour of mice due to in utero exposure to 9.417 GHz microwave radiation (type of radiofrequency, RF, radiation) during gestation. In some tests, the mice demonstrated less mobility indicating increased anxiety-related behaviour. Whilst in other tests less immobility was observed which correlates to decreased depression-related behaviour. It was also observed that male offspring showed decreased learning and memory, which was not observed in the female offspring. The authors suggested that microwaves may have gender-dependent effects on behaviour.

Link to PubMed abstract

Published In:

To date there is still no established evidence that microwave radiation exposure during gestational period causes any neurobehavioural issues in animals. Although there are some studies such as this one showing possible effects other studies do not corroborate these findings. In this study the exposure was at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 Watts per kilogram (W/kg), which is at the public exposure limit in the current Australian Standard. The frequency used in this experiment is typically used for satellite communication and radar and is not normally encountered by the public in the everyday environment.