University Publications

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the security of living nearby cell phone towers, which emit Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation (RF EMR). Two experiments were used to monitor that radiation affection in vivo, to study the alteration of TSH and thyroid hormones (T4, T3) in the articulture structures well as histopathological changes of thyroid gland in young and adult males Wistar rats for long term exposure. 28 days old male rats of weight ranging between 35 - 54.2 g. were used. Rats were exposed to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base station in Khartoum State. The rats were divided into 4 groups. Control animals were kept without exposure to any RF EMR. The rats were exposed for 8 weeks to RF EMR (57nw/m2), (37nw/m 2) and (10nw/m2). The exposure to radiation was on daily basis for 10 hours at temperature 30 –33ºC. The experiment was repeated using adult male rats with 101.8 to 127.2 g BW (body weights) for 4 weeks. Thyroid functions test (TSH, T4, T3) were estimated. Thyroid glands were removed for histological changes. Mean serum levels of TSH in all young exposed to radiation showed significance increase levels (P<0.05=0.004). No significant difference in TSH level was detected between control adult and adult rats exposed to RF EMR (P>0.05=0.099). Significant decrease of levels of T4 were recorded in young male rats P=0.000. No significant difference in the levels of T4 of groups of adult male and control (P=0.834). However, the levels of T3 recorded a significant increase in adultradiated only (P>0.05=0.046). Histopathological examination of the thyroid glands among groups of young and adult males rats exposed to RF EMR showed various changes. Most of thyroid follicles were enlarged indicating hypothyroidism especially in young rats. In both young and adults, even exposure to the lowest radiation exhibited hyperplasia and vaculation of some follicular cells. A compact tumor was detected in a young male exposed to 57 nw/m2 RF EMR. Dilated blood vessels were observed in an adult male exposed to 10 nw/m2 RF EMR. Hyperplasia, vaculation, disruption of some follicles walls with fusion of neighboring follicles and blood vessels congestion were observed in an adult male exposed to37nw/m2 RF EMR.