Assessing the potential of carbon fibre reinforced polymer shielding in protecting male reproductive health from mobile phone radiation

Purpose: This study evaluates the protective potential of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) shielding against the adverse effects of 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from mobile phones on male reproductive indicators in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 8): i. control (no treatment); ii. EMR exposure; iii. EMR exposure with CFRP shielding. The exposure groups were exposed to EMR from an activated 1800 MHz and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) = 0.897 W/Kg mobile phone for 2 hours/day for 30 days. The shielding consisted of four CFRP prepreg layers (two layers of 210 g/m² and two layers of 450 g/m²), with a total thickness of 2 mm. After the exposure period, sperm analysis (motility, viability, and morphology), serum testosterone, testicular histology, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were examined. Results: EMR significantly reduced testosterone levels, sperm viability, sperm morphology, diameter of the seminiferous tubule (ST) (p < 0.05), and interstitial cells of Leydig counts compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). The results also revealed a significant increase in MDA levels in the EMR-exposed group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the treatment had a positive effect on the CFRP shield group, as these variables were actually better compared to the EMR group without shield. Conclusions: CFRP shielding is proven to reduce the negative impacts of 1800 MHz EMR emitted from mobile phone exposure on sperm quality, testosterone levels, histological testicular, and MDA levels of male Wistar rats.