ID Number		658
Study Type		Human / Provocation
Model		27, 433, 2450 MHz (CW), 1950 (GSM) exposure to diathermy and other health care workers and analysis of immune function from their peripheral blood cells
Details		Diathermy operators occupationally exposed to 27.12, 433.92, and 2450 MHz MW at levels above 67.9 V/m Austrian standard (under worst-case exposure conditions) during diathermy treatments were evaluated for hematological parameters. No effect on total leukocyte or lymphocyte count, T and B subpopulations, lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin , DNA synthesis, or IL-2 expression was observed. The authors conclude that, although diathermy unit operators are likely to be exposed to RF fields in excess of Austrian standards, the exposure does not seem to present an immunotoxicity hazard. In a related study (Int J Occup Med Environ Health (2000) 13:39-50), hospital personnel operating MRI units and industrial workers using induction heaters were analyzed for similar immune parameters. Induction heater workers did show a statistically significant increase in NK cells as well as in oxidative bursts in monocytes. This observation was reconfirmed in a second investigation. In a related study, blood cells from hospital employees (n = 22) in Vienna were exposed (following cytokine induction) to 1950 MHz (GSM) for 8 hours at an SAR of 1 W/kg. The authors report no effect on cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-2, IFN-lambda, TNF-alpha levels), immune related gene expression, or immune cell activity.
Findings		Effects
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		Austrian Res. Centre, Seibersdorf, Austria - georg.neubauer@arcs.ac.at
Funding Agency		Private/Instit.
Country		AUSTRIA
References		Tuschl, H et al. Bioelectromagnetics, (2006) 27:188-196 Tuschl, H et al. Int J Occup Med Environ Health, (1999) 12:239-251 Tuschl, H et al. Int J Occup Med Environ Health, (2000) 13:39-50
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