Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Comparison of the effects of continuous and pulsed mobile phone like RF exposure on the human EEG med./bio.

By: Perentos N, Croft RJ, McKenzie RJ, Cvetkovic D, Cosic I

Published in: Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 2007; 30 (4): 274-280

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The first aim of this study was to compare the possible effects arising from continuous wave radio frequency versus pulse modulation irradiation on human EEG. The second aim was to investigate the usefuleness of non-linear EEG analysis method.

Background/further details

Twelve healthy subjects (six females and six males) in the age of 10 to 32 years participated. They were seated comfortably with eyes closed while resting EEG was monitored.
An increase in alpha wave power as found in a previous study of Huber et.al. (publication 9345) should be replicated in this study.

Endpoint

effects on the neurological system: EEG pattern

Exposure

- mobile communications
- digital mobile phone
- GSM

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz Modulation type: pulsed, CW Exposure duration: intermittent, 3 x 15 min, see add. information	power: 2 W peak value (simulated) SAR: 1.56 W/kg peak value (10 g) (at 276 mW peak input power?)

General information

The study followed a fully counterbalanced cross-over design, but analysis was only single blind due to ELF artefacts present during exposure.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	900 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	intermittent, 3 x 15 min, see add. information

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed, CW
Additional info	GSM handset signal in DTX mode including 2, 8, 217, and 1736 Hz plus harmonics [Pedersen et al., 1999]

Exposure setup

Exposure source	monopole crude approximation of a GSM handset
Chamber	Sessions took place in a shielded room with the signal generator and amplifier located outside. Physiological recording equipment and a person monitoring it were also present.
Setup	The exposure device was a model handset consisting of a metallic casing acting as ground and a monopole antenna. It was placed according to the IEEE standard 'touch' ear to mouth position for exposure of the left hemisphere.
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info	Participants attended a 2-h recording session in which three 15-min periods (2 x 7.5 min) were randomly assigned to CW, PW, and sham exposure and were each enclosed by 7.5 min of pre- and post-exposure. After each 7.5-min period, there was a 1-min break in which subjects were instructed to open their eyes and stretch.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	2 W	peak value	-	-	simulated
SAR	1.56 W/kg	peak value	measured	10 g	at 276 mW peak input power?

Measurement and calculation details

A dosimetric evaluation performed at a commercial facility showed the indicated SAR value at the base of the handset's antenna corresponding to the left ear region of the SAM phantom.

Reference articles

Pedersen GF et al. (1999): RF and ELF Exposure from Cellular Phone Handsets: TDMA and CDMA Systems

Exposed system:

human
partial body: left hemisphere

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the neurological system: EEG pattern (EEG evaluation using linear Fourier analysis and non-linear Aprroximate Entropy analysis)

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No changes to alpha wave power were found for either using linear nor non-linear analysis methods, and thus the results of Huber et al. could not be confirmed.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
counterbalanced cross-over study, blind study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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