The Effects of 900-MHz Mobile Phone Radiation on Survival and Proliferation Rate of Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells: An In-vitro Study

Background: Nowadays, investigation of the biological effects of mobile phones is important due to increasing use of these devices. This study aimed to assess the effects of exposure with 900-MHz mobile phone radiation on survival and proliferation of breast cancer Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7) cells. Methods: Breast cancer MCF-7 cells was used and divided into 3 radiation groups which located at 10 and 20 cm from Global System Mobile Communication (GSM) antenna signal simulator that is able to produce electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 900 MHz. The cells were exposed 6, 15 and 30 minutes per day with an interval of 10 minutes during exposure time for 3 and 5 days, respectively. After 3 and 5 days, MTT assay [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] was used to evaluate the growth and viability. Trypan blue test was done to assess the rate of cells proliferation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Findings: Irradiation times and periods of 3 and 5 days had a significant impact on viability of MCF-7 cells (P < 0.05); but radiation intervals at distances 10 and 20 cm showed no significant effect on viability of MCF-7 cells (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that 900-MHz radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) signal radiation may reduce cell viability and proliferation rates of the MCF-7 cells regarding to the duration of exposure.