Quantitative Determination of Serum Proteins in Persons Occupationally Exposed to Radar

Radio-wave communications are used extensively in the modern society. We are all subject to radio frequency radiation (RFR) created by a radio, television, wireless telephony, emergency communications, and radar. The interest in the health effects of RFR has been motivated the rapid growth in wireless communications. Recently, many investigations are headed to the influence of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation to people. The interpretation of nonionizing radiation effects depends on apsorption characteristics of biological material and on thermoregulative system of exposed persons. This article includes serum protein analysis of 14 people who work in a radar zone. All the examinees are men aged 39 in average. The average exposure period in the radar zone was 16 years (twelve hours each second day). Human serum proteins in all samples were detected by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes (Cellogel 500, Chemeton, Italy) in sodium-Veronal-Veronal-TRIS buffer pH 8.6. The duration of electrophoresis was two hours at 130-140 V at 11 cm bridge. Electroferograms were stained with 0.1 % Ponceau,s (w/v) (Chemetron, Italy) in 5% trichloracetic acid (v/v). Quantitative determination, i.e. densitometry of five serum protein fractions (albumin, α1- , α2- , β1- and γ -globulin) was carried out by photometry at multipolar densitometer. The results show gradual decrease of albumin 58.0 - 44.0 g/l versus control (64.05 g/l), except in three examinees where the values were almost equal to the normal value. One can also observe the changes in γ -globulin levels. All examinees except one showed increase in g -globulin levels (19.0 - 30.0 g/l vs. normal 15.0 g/l). The effect of nonionizing electromagnetic and microwave radiation on those who work in related field certainly needs much more investigation. (author)