Microwave radiation exposures affect hematological parameters and antioxidants modify the effects in rats

Purpose: The immediate effects of whole body exposure to 2.450 GHz microwave (MW) radiation on hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: 140 adult Wistar rats were grouped into 7 of 20 rats each for the 7 hematological parameters studied. 5 from each group served as control, irradiated with vitamins C and E and without administration of vitamin. After exposures to 2.45 GHz MW, Hb, RBC, WBC, PCV, Platelet, Neutrophill and Lymphocyte counts were determined. Results: Hb reduced from 16.5 to 10.0 g/dl immediately after exposure, and the normal valued was recovered 8 weeks after. Vitamins C and E cushioned the effect and recovery of normal values attained within 2 weeks. RBC reduced from 50.0 to 41.0 x 104 cells/mm3 immediately after exposure, and the normal valued was recovered 2 weeks after. Vitamins C and E cushioned the effect and recovery of normal values within 24 hours. WBC reduced from 6880.0 to 4000.0 x 106 cells/mm3 immediately after exposure, and the normal valued was recovered a week after. Vitamins C and E cushioned the effect and there was no reduction at all in the values, rather there was an increase in each case. PCV reduced from 49.0% to 30.0% immediately after exposure, and the normal valued was recovered 8 weeks after. Vitamins C and E cushioned the effect and recovery of normal values within 2 weeks. Platelet counts reduced from 300.0 x 109/l to 210.0 x 109/l immediately after exposure, and did not recover the normal value within the study period. Vitamins C and E cushioned the effect and recovery of normal values within a week. Neutrophill and Lymphocyte counts were not significantly affected. Conclusion: Exposures to MW radiation affect the peripheral blood parameters that may have negative health impacts. Administration of vitamins C and E may cushion the potential deleterious heath impacts.