Exposure of Japanese Quail Embryos to 2.45-GHz Microwave Radiation during Development

Japanese quail embryos were exposed during the first 12 days of development to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation at an incident power density of <tex-math>$5\ {\rm mW}/{\rm cm}^{2}$</tex-math> and specific absorption rate of 4.03 mW/g. No gross deformities were observed in the exposed quail when examined and sacrificed at 24-36 hr after hatch. No significant changes in the total body weight or weights of the heart, liver, gizzard, adrenals, and pancreas were found in the treated birds. Hematological parameters were also measured in the study. The results showed a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin and statistically significant decrease in monocytes in birds treated with microwave radiation. No statistically significant changes in hematocrits, red blood cells, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, basophils, or eosinophils were detected.