Effect of Radiation Leakage of Microwave Oven on Hematological Parameters of Rat at Pre and Post Pubertal Stage

Background: High frequency waves are widely used in telecommunication and cooking. The
biological effects of microwaves are in great attention. It is supposed that microwaves may increase
the risk of hematological problems and the age at exposure may play an important role in this
process. In this study, we evaluated the hematological parameters in rats by exposing them to
microwave radiation at pre and post pubertal stages.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 18 adult (2 months old) and 18 immature (1 month old)
male rats were involved and each group was randomly divided into two groups; the test and the
control group. The rats in the test group were exposed to 2450 MHz microwaves produced by a
microwave oven three times a day for 30 minutes at each time. Control groups were kept in
laboratory at the same temperature and light condition. After 60 days, blood samples were taken by
heart puncture and hematological parameters including Hb, MCHC, MCV, RBC and WBC counts
and total number of platelets were measured. The means of hematological parameters were
compared by T-test and P<0/05 considered to be was significant.
Results: The results showed a significant decrease in Hb, MCHC, WBC and lymphocyte count in
immature group compare to control group; while MCV, RBC and platelet count increased
(P<0.05). The RBC count increased significantly in mature group compare to control group
(P<0.05).
Conclusion: Exposure to microwaves leakage of microwave oven significantly affected
hematological parameters in immature rats while changes in matures was limited to RBC count.
This effect maybe due to direct effect of microwaves on bone marrow or peripheral blood cells.