Environment
Cell phone radiation may change protein expression in human skin
By Sue Mueller
Feb 14, 2008 - 4:18:19 PM

THURSDAY FEB 14, 2008(Foodconsumer.org) -- Use of cell phone might change protein expression in human skin, potentially leading to some skin condition, suggests a study published Feb 11, 2008 in the BMC Genomics.

The study led by Dariusz Leszczynski at Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority in Helsinki, Finland and colleagues showed exposure to radiofrequency modulated electromagnetic fields or RF-EMF, could alter 8 proteins.

Earlier, the researchers have showed RF-EMF alters protein expression in human endothelial cell line. The current study was conducted on a small area of forearm’s skin in 10 female volunteers to see how RF-EMF would affect skin proteins in humans.

The specific absorption rate used in the study was 1.3 W/kg. After exposure, exposed skin and unexposed skin were collected through biopsies for protein analysis.

Among 8 proteins that were found to have been changed, two of the proteins were present in all 10 volunteers.  The observations were similar to what's observed in earlier in vitro studies.

Earlier studies showed use of cell phones were linked to increased risk of cancer although some short term studies failed to find such an association.

One study by Örjan Hallberg, MSEE showed radio and TV tower were linked to high incidence of melanoma; the highly deadly skin cancer suggesting that radio wave may have an effect on the increased risk of skin cancer.
 
Exclusive: Radio, TV towers linked to increased risk of melanoma