Cytological effects of microwave radiation in Chinese hamster cells in vitro

Cytological effects were investigated in the Chinese hamster cell line (CHO-K1) exposed to microwave radiation of 2450 MHz frequency and incident power of 25 to 200 W for a period of 30 min. Nuclear vacuoles, pycnotic and decondensed chromosomes were observed in cells exposed to 25 W under elevated temperature conditions (uncontrolled temp). In addition a significant increase in chromosomal breakages/cell was observed. Cells exposed to relatively higher power, 75-200 W, under hypothermic conditions (29 degrees C) revealed no significant increase in either nuclear vacuoles or other chromosomal anomalies over control cells. Radiation-induced temperature elevation appears to be an essential factor in the cytological effects of microwave.