Effects of 950 MHz mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the peripheral blood cells of male rabbits

Today, mobile phones are used frequently and held close to the body. It is believed that microwaves may interfere with the cellular signaling systems, affecting the mechanisms by which the cells balance their functions. The objective of this work is the evaluation of the influence of different intensities of 950 MHz cell phone electromagnetic field (EMF) on the hematological parameters of male rabbits. This study was conducted on 54 male rabbits of average mass of 1400 to 1700 g. The exposure period of simulated mobile phone radiations (950 MHz, 3 and 6 W) was 2 h/day for 2 weeks. The blood from the heart was collected on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and was analyzed for hematological parameters, and was then compared with the control group. The results showed an increase (P < 0.05) in the white blood cells (WBC) counts in 6 W group when compared with both 3 W and control groups. Platelets (PLT) counts decreased in 3 W group but increased in 6 W group. Lymphocyte counts decreased in 3 and 6 W groups when compared with each other and control group. There were no differences in red blood cells (RBC) counts and related indices of any groups. In conclusions, mobile phone EMF disturb the constant number of some hematological parameters which may reflects from thermal or non-thermal effects of such radiations, but the exact reason for such discrepancies is not easy to identify.   Key words: Mobile phone 950 MHz radiations, hematological parameters, rabbits.