Below is a detailed blog post that discusses and contextualizes the paper published in the Open Veterinary Journal (2024), Vol. 14(11) titled “Hematological and thermographical changes in rat’s model exposed to long-term RF modulated signals” 100-1722433634 by Omar B. Aghaa and Bashaer K. Hameed. This article highlights new research coming out of Iraq—where investigators are examining the biological effects of LTE (Long-Term Evolution) radiofrequency (RF) exposures on rat models, despite the United States having largely halted its own federal wireless radiation research after earlier studies showed a clear link to cancer.
Why This Research Matters
There was a time when the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) investigated wireless radiation’s potential to cause cancer and found “clear evidence” that non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) radiation could lead to certain tumors in animal models. Yet, soon after those disturbing findings, large-scale federal research in the United States effectively ground to a halt.
In a remarkable turn, we now see countries like Iraq stepping up, publishing robust animal studies on the influence of RF signals—particularly LTE (Long-Term Evolution) frequencies—on mammalian health. The newly published Open Veterinary Journal (2024) paper by Aghaa and Hameed underscores this fact: meticulously exploring the impact of multiple LTE frequencies (850 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz) on rat models.
This blog post digs into the details of their study—covering the methodology, results, and what it all might mean for global health policies in a world saturated with wireless signals.
Context: The U.S. and Its Suspended Wireless Research
Despite the earliest wave of research in the U.S. raising serious questions about wireless radiation, federal agencies effectively reduced or ended substantial funding for long-term RF studies. The official reason often given is that non-ionizing radiation (like what comes from cell phones, Wi-Fi, 5G, etc.) is still believed, under industry standards, to be safe below certain thermal (heating) limits.
However, non-thermal biological effects—such as changes in calcium ion gating, changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, and even potential oxidative stress—have been repeatedly observed in smaller labs worldwide. Researchers in Iraq are now among those picking up the torch, investigating these same signals in controlled rat models to see whether long-term (60-day) daily exposures provoke health changes.
Paper Overview: A New RF Study from Iraq
In “Hematological and thermographical changes in rat’s model exposed to long-term RF modulated signals,” authors Omar B. Aghaa and Bashaer K. Hameed from the University of Mosul and the University of Tikrit describe:
- A two-month exposure paradigm for lab rats, focusing on 850 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2600 MHz (the common LTE bands in many countries).
- Hematological changes (like red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, white blood cells, platelets).
- Thermographic (infrared) imaging to detect subtle temperature rises across the rats’ bodies over time.
Ultimately, the authors conclude that these varying LTE frequencies could alter both blood parameters and body temperature regulation through thermal mechanisms—aligning with a growing body of literature that suggests long-term wireless exposure can’t be brushed aside as harmless.
Study Design and Methods
1. Animals and RF Exposure Setup
Forty adult male rats (weighing ~170 to 190 g) were randomly divided into four groups:
- Control Group: No RF exposure.
- 850 MHz Group: Exposed to modulated signals at 850 MHz, 2 hours/day.
- 1800 MHz Group: Exposed at 1800 MHz, 2 hours/day.
- 2600 MHz Group: Exposed at 2600 MHz, 2 hours/day.
This regimen extended for up to 60 consecutive days—far longer than many older “acute” studies that only tested short bursts of RF. The entire experiment took place in a temperature-controlled environment (~25°C ± 1°C, 60% ± 10% humidity).
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) was set at ~0.974 W/kg, aligning with typical smartphone exposures. The radiofrequency generator was placed in a specially built acrylic box that housed the rats during each 2-hour exposure period.
2. Hematological Analysis
Blood samples (2 mL each) were drawn via the tail vein at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. These samples were run through a hematological analyzer for complete blood count (CBC) parameters:
- RBC count (Red Blood Cells)
- Hemoglobin (Hb)
- Hematocrit (HCT)
- WBC count (White Blood Cells) and differential (lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes)
- Platelet counts
This approach allowed the researchers to map changes in blood parameters over time, seeing if any dose-response trends emerged with certain frequencies.
3. Thermographic Assessments
One of the unique aspects of this study is the use of infrared thermography cameras (model FLIR-i5) to assess body surface temperatures in different body regions (head, trunk, tail).
- They measured baseline temperatures before exposure.
- Then, recorded temperature “hot spots” immediately after exposure, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours post-exposure.
- Rats were photographed at each interval, and software (FLIR Tools) analyzed maximum, minimum, and average temperatures.
This method provides a non-invasive window into whether tissue heating occurs, which is a hotly debated topic in the RF hazard arena, especially for public-safety guidelines.
4. Statistical Analysis
All data were input into SPSS (v.23) for a two-way ANOVA, given multiple groups (control vs. each RF frequency) and multiple time points (2, 4, 6, 8 weeks). Significance was set at p < 0.05.
The authors also performed normality tests (kurtosis) to ensure data distribution was suitable for parametric analysis.
Key Results: Hematological and Thermographic Changes
1. Hematological Shifts
Across the 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-week marks, each group showed distinct trends:
- 850 MHz Group
- Often displayed increases in RBC counts and hemoglobin compared to controls at certain time intervals.
- Tended to show decreased WBC counts and lower platelets, suggesting possible immunological or hemostatic disruption.
- 1800 MHz Group
- RBC and Hb levels often stayed close to control but showed higher WBC counts at some intervals.
- Platelet counts also fluctuated— sometimes higher, sometimes lower—indicating complex or time-dependent changes.
- 2600 MHz Group
- Frequently exhibited lower RBC counts and lower hemoglobin.
- However, platelet counts in this group were often elevated, suggesting a different compensatory mechanism at higher frequencies.
In essence, different frequencies did not produce a one-size-fits-all pattern: some frequencies increased certain blood parameters while decreasing others. This underscores that “higher frequency = more damage” is too simplistic; the body’s reaction may depend on modulation, frequency band, and exposure duration.
2. Thermal Effects and Infrared Imaging
Thermographic images showed statistically significant rises in surface temperatures for all RF-exposed groups compared to controls:
- Head and Whole-Body: Typically the 850 MHz group had a noticeable temperature increase immediately post-exposure, persisting for up to 4 hours.
- Tail: Possibly linked to thermoregulatory processes, temperature increases suggested vasodilation or heat retention triggered by the chronic RF exposure.
Notably, the 2600 MHz group sometimes displayed the greatest post-exposure spikes, although changes were observed in all exposure groups. The tail region, a known site for rats’ thermoregulation (via vasodilation and heat dissipation), sometimes showed high variability in temperature—further reinforcing that LTE signals may disrupt normal thermoregulatory cycles.
Discussion: RF-Induced Biological Alterations
This Iraqi study resonates with—and adds new data to—a growing international body of research:
- Hematological Alterations: Some earlier rat and mouse studies also noted RBC, WBC, or platelet anomalies after chronic RF exposure, sometimes attributing this to oxidative stress or calcium channel interference.
- Thermoregulation: Despite claims that many devices operate within “safe” thermal standards, this study’s thermographic evidence suggests even sub-1 W/kg exposures (close to typical phone SAR levels) can produce prolonged surface heating in small mammals.
- Frequency-Specific Responses: The differential effects at 850 MHz (lower RBC, lowered WBC) vs. 2600 MHz (increases in RBC but decreased hemoglobin) show how each band might influence the body differently. Regulatory agencies often overlook these complex frequency-band differences, regulating everything by a single overarching standard.
Moreover, the study highlights how long-term daily exposures (60 days) are more realistic simulations of how humans use wireless technology—since we don’t typically get exposed to short bursts alone but rather a chronic barrage from phones, routers, cell towers, and more.
Conclusion: Implications for Ongoing RF Research
As the authors point out, these findings demonstrate the potential “detrimental effect” of LTE signals on rat hematology—especially mediated through thermal mechanisms. They also stress the importance of continuing research, given the global proliferation of devices and the next wave of network upgrades (5G, 6G, etc.).
Key takeaways:
- LTE exposures at 850, 1800, and 2600 MHz produce measurable changes in red and white blood cell parameters.
- Thermographic analysis shows persistent temperature elevation in RF-exposed rats for hours after exposure.
- Patterns differ by frequency, suggesting more nuanced research is needed before concluding broad safety across all bands.
Final Thoughts: A Global Need for Transparent Research
It is notable that while the United States once led in investigating RF safety, much of its large-scale research infrastructure has gone quiet. Meanwhile, countries like Iraq have moved forward with relevant, careful experiments that mirror real-world exposures. Such research should serve as a wake-up call for renewed, unbiased international investigations, especially as:
- Wireless usage continues to explode worldwide.
- 5G and soon 6G will introduce higher frequencies and more complex modulations.
- The debate around non-thermal biological impacts—beyond the traditional “it doesn’t heat you, so it’s safe” argument—grows ever more pressing.
If you’re concerned about wireless radiation’s potential health effects, keep an eye on independent research labs, studies from various countries (beyond North America and Europe), and global expert panels that still engage with long-term animal and human research. The more diverse and international the findings, the better we can understand what might be truly at stake.
Reference for the Discussed Paper
- O. B. Aghaa, & B. K. Hameed (2024). Hematological and thermographical changes in rat’s model exposed to long-term RF modulated signals. Open Veterinary Journal, 14(11), 2837-2847. [DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i11.12]
