Effect of Ultra High Frequency Radiation from 2G&3G Cell Phone on Histology of Chick Embryo Retina - A Comparative Study

The mobile phones have become popular due to faster communication, convenience and lower costs. The electromagnetic fields emitted by them are absorbed into the users body. The scientific reports on the possible health effects of these radiations on both human and animal models are contradictory. The present study is undertaken to evaluate the possible tissue damage in developing retina of chick embryo following chronic exposure of radiation emitted from 2G and 3G cell phone. Fertilized chick embryos were incubated in four groups - Group A-experimental group exposed to 2G radiation, Group B- experimental group exposed to 3G radiation, Group C- sham exposed control group and Group D control group. After the scheduled duration, the embryos were processed for routine histological studies. The thickness of each layer of retina was measured using oculometer and statistically compared using one way ANOVA. The eyes of one batch of eggs of all groups were processed for assessment of DNA damage using the alkaline comet assay technique. Our study conclude that the 2G and 3G cell phone radiation caused significant changes in the thicknesses of different layers of retina and structural changes in the form of increased intercellular spaces and disintegration of optic nerve fibre. The DNA damage was highly significant in the experimental groups. The changes were more pronounced in 3G group.