Background: High-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) is generated by differentsources such as radar installations, radio and television transmitters, medical microwave diathermy device and domestic use of microwave ovens. Radiation leakage of microwave oven may be harmful for users. Kids who are residing near their mothers may expose to electromagnetic field. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of radiation leakage of microwave oven on body weight, cortisol, thyroid hormones and plasma lipid profile. Methods: Radiation leakage of microwave oven was measured by RF measuring instrument. For this study 20 immature (7±3 days old and 5±1 g weight) mice were selected and randomly divided in two groups, control and test group. Test groups were exposed to 2450 MHZ microwaves produced by microwave oven three times a day, 30 minute each time. After 60 days, body weights of both groups were determined and the blood samples were collected by heart puncture. Serum cortisol and thyroid hormones levels were evaluated using RIA method. Results: Radiation leakage from oven showed variations from 6.5 to 57.5 mW/cm2. Mean body weight in test group was 29.5% lower than control group. Serum cortisol, T3 and T4 level were significantly higher in test group compare to control group,(17.44±1.78 vs. 9.94±1.21 ng/ml), (1.39±0.15 vs. 0.86±0.09 nmol/L) and (77.80±7.67 vs.54.6±6.2 nmol/L) respectively. Compare to control group serum Triglyceride level increased while HDL decreased significantly in test group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Microwaves leaked from oven have deleterious effect on body weight, T4 and cortisol level by decreasing weight gain and increasing these hormones.

Keywords: Microwaves, hormone, thyroid, cortisol, plasma lipids

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