Chandel S.Kaur S.Issa M.Singh H.P.Batish D.R.Kohli R.K.2020-01-312024-08-132020-01-312024-08-1320190033183X10.1007/s00709-019-01386-yhttp://10.2.3.109/handle/32116/2517The present study evaluated the potential of 2100�MHz radiofrequency radiations to act as cytotoxic and genotoxic agent. Fresh onion (Allium cepa L.) roots were exposed to electromagnetic field radiations (EMF-r) for different durations (1�h and 4�h) and evaluated for mitotic index (MI), phase index, chromosomal aberrations, and DNA damage. DNA damage was investigated with the help of the comet assay by assessing various parameters like % head DNA (HDNA), % tail DNA (TDNA), tail moment (TM), and olive tail moment (OTM). Effects of EMF-r exposure were also compared with that of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; 90�?M), which acted as a positive control. The post-exposure effects of EMF-r after providing the test plants with an acclimatization period of 24�h were also evaluated. Compared to the control, a significant increase in the MI and aberration percentage was recorded upon 4�h of exposure. However, no specific trend of phase index in response to exposure was detected. EMF-r exposure incited DNA damage with a significant decrease in HDNA accompanied by an increase in TDNA upon exposure of 4�h. However, TM and OTM did not change significantly upon exposure as compared to that of control. Analysis of the post-exposure effects of EMF-r did not show any significant change/recovery. Our data, thus, suggest the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic nature of 2100�MHz EMF-r. Our study bears great significance in view of the swiftly emergent EMF-r in the surrounding environment and their potential for inciting aberrations at the chromosomal level, thus posing a genetic hazard. � 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.en-USChromosomal aberrationsElectromagnetic field radiationsGenotoxicityOnionRecoveryArticlehttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00709-019-01386-y