Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Aug 2009)
Effect of Radiation Leakage of Microwave Oven on Pregnant Mice
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Continuous leakage microwaves from microwave oven may be harmful for users especially for ladies who have highest contact with microwave oven. No study has been done on the microwave effect on fetal health hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leakage microwave on gestational period, fetal health and weight in mice.METHODS: In this experimental study was performed on 20 female mice (mean age of 60±3 days old and 26±2 gr weight) were randomly divided into two group control and test. Leakage wave from a commercial brand oven was measured. They become pregnant following determination of stage of estrous cycle by natural mating. During pregnancy, test groups were exposed to microwaves produced by microwave oven, three times a day, 30 minutes each time. At the end general health, litter size, newborn mortality rate, mean body weight of newborn and gestational period was determined. FINDINGS: The results showed that in test group litter size (10.9 ± 0.43 vs. 6.2±0.62), mean body weight (1.1±0.09 vs.1.7±0.06) decreased significantly (p<0.05). Number of dead fetus was significantly higher in test group (2.16±0.54 vs. 0), whilst gestational period did not altered significantly (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: In conclusion exposure to leakaged waves of microwave (oven) during pregnancy is harmful for fetal development and will increase risk of fetal death and early abortion. So it is recommended that user especially pregnant woman should be careful when they use microwave ovens.
