Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of weak mobile phone - electromagnetic fields (GSM, UMTS) on event related potentials and cognitive functions med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29 (6): 488-497

Aim of study (acc. to author)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of both types presented mobile phone electromagnetic fields, 1950 MHz UMTS and pulsed 900 MHz GSM, on event related potentials and cognitive function in human.

Background/further details

15 healthy, right handed, male subjects (aged between 20-35 years) participated. Each subject performed five sessions at 1-week intervals, each at the same day and the same time.
The maximal spatial peak specific absorption rate did not exceed one half of the value of 2 W/kg proposed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) as the limit for localized exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 0.9 GHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for about 30 min
  • SAR: 1 W/kg maximum (10 g) (spatial peak in the head)
Exposure 2: 1.95 GHz
Exposure duration: continuous for about 30 min
  • SAR: 0.1 W/kg maximum (10 g) (spatial peak in the head)
  • SAR: 1 W/kg maximum (10 g) (spatial peak in the head)

General information

Each subject performed one training and four exposure sessions at 1-week intervals, each at the same day and time. Computer controlled EMF or sham exposure was applied in a double-blind randomized crossover design.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 0.9 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for about 30 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Additional info

GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift keying) signal modulated with pulses of 2, 8, and 217 Hz

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber The recording area was shielded with EMF radiation absorbers, separated by a curtain, dimly lit, and supplied with fresh air. After fixation of the electrodes on the scalp, subjects were seated on a comfortable chair in front of a table with a chin support at a distance of 70 cm to a screen.
Setup Subjects were exposed by a small broadband antenna placed like a mobile phone directly over the left ear.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info The RF or sham exposure period was preceded by 4 min and followed by 6 min of recording under sham exposure.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1 W/kg maximum - 10 g spatial peak in the head

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 1.95 GHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for about 30 min
Additional info UMTS
Modulation
Modulation type cf. additional info
Additional info

UMTS (generic handset-like W-CDMA signal with fast power control of 1500 Hz and fading characteristics)

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 0.1 W/kg maximum - 10 g spatial peak in the head
SAR 1 W/kg maximum - 10 g spatial peak in the head

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Not any evidence for a deleterious effect of the electromagnetic fields on healthy mobile phone users was found.

Study character:

Study funded by

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