ID Number		2123
Study Type		Epidemiology
Model		900 MHz (GSM) base station exposure of bovines and correlation with cataract formation in calves and redox proteins in cows.
Details		Eyes from veal calves (n = 253) obtained from slaughterhouses throughout Switzerland were analyzed for cataracts and correlations made with the proximity of mobile phone base stations to the respective farms where they were raised. 32% of the calves had some form of cataract. Although no statistically significant odd ratio was reported for severe cataracts, an association was observed for exposure (strength of the nearest base station) within the first trimester (OR = 2.50; 95% CI 1.21-5.20), last trimester (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.17-4.94), or from birth to slaughter (OR = 2.09; 95% CI 0.99-4.44). Of 9 calves with severe cataracts, 4 had regular expososures of more than 1 V/m from the nearest base station, 2 had exposures between 0.5 - 0.99 V/m, and 3 had exposures below 0.5 V/m. The levels of oxidized glutathione in the eyes was also increased with closer proximity of the farm to base stations, suggesting to the authors that oxidative stress might have been the mechanism. AUTHORS' ABSTRACT: Hässig et al. 2014 (IEEE #5896): BACKGROUND: The influence of electromagnetic fields on the health of humans and animals is still an intensively discussed and scientifically investigated issue (Prakt Tierarzt 11:15-20, 2003; Umwelt Medizin Gesellschaft 17:326-332, 2004; J Toxicol Environment Health, Part B 12:572-597, 2009). We are surrounded by numerous electromagnetic fields of variable strength, coming from electronic equipment and its power cords, from high-voltage power lines and from antennas for radio, television and mobile communication. Particularly the latter cause's controversy, as everyone likes to have good mobile reception at anytime and anywhere, whereas nobody wants to have such a basestation antenna in their proximity. RESULTS: In this experiment, the NIR has resulted in changes in the enzyme activities. Certain enzymes were disabled, others enabled by NIR. Furthermore, individual behavior patterns were observed. While certain cows reacted to NIR, others did not react at all, or even inversely. CONCLUSION: The present results coincide with the information from the literature, according to which NIR leads to changes in redox proteins, and that there are individuals who are sensitive to radiation and others that are not. However, the latter could not be distinctly attributed - there are cows that react clearly with one enzyme while they do not react with another enzyme at all, or even the inverse. The study approach of testing ten cows each ten times during three phases has proven to be appropriate. Future studies should however set the post-exposure phase later on.
Findings		Effects
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		University of Zürich, Switzerland
Funding Agency		Private/Instit.
Country		SWAZILAND
References		Hassig, M et al. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, (2009) 151:471-478 Hässig, M et al. BMC Veterinary Research., (2014) 10:136-11 pages
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