IMPACT OF HOUSEHOLD MICROWAVE OVEN NON-IONIZING RADIATION ON BLOOD PLASMA CORTISOL LEVELS IN RATS AND THEIR BEHAVIOR

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Electromagnetic waves, particularly non-ionizing radiation from household appliances, are known to have potential harmful effects on biological organisms.
• Household microwave ovens are a common source of non-ionizing radiation leakage, necessitating an investigation into their biological impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of non-ionizing radiation from household microwave ovens on rat body weight, emotional state, locomotor activity, and plasma cortisol levels.
• To assess the physiological and behavioral responses of Wistar rats exposed to controlled microwave radiation leakage.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were exposed to microwave radiation (727.24±84.55 Mw/m²) from a household microwave oven for 3 minutes, twice daily over 10 days.
• Body weight was measured before and after the exposure period.
• Emotional and locomotor activity were assessed using the open field test.
• Plasma cortisol levels were measured to determine stress responses.

Main Results:

• Rats exposed to microwave radiation exhibited a greater increase in body weight gain compared to the control group.
• The exposed group showed increased time spent in the center of the open field, more line crossings, and more stretch-attend postures, indicating altered activity and emotional states.
• Plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated in the microwave radiation-exposed group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Exposure to non-ionizing radiation from household microwave ovens can lead to increased body weight, altered behavioral patterns, and elevated stress levels in rats.
• These findings highlight the need for further comprehensive studies on the health implications of household microwave oven non-ionizing radiation exposure.