Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of modulated microwave radiation on human EEG asymmetry med./bio.

By: Suhhova A, Bachmann M, Lass J, Karai D, Hinrikus H

Published in: Environmentalist 2009; 29 (2): 210-214

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the effect of microwave irradiation modulated at low frequencies on the difference of EEG rhythms between brain hemispheres (inter-hemispheric asymmetry).

Background/further details

Two groups of healthy volunteers were exposed to 450 MHz microwave irradiation modulated at 14 Hz (n=13) and 40 Hz (n=15). All subjects completed the sessions with microwave and sham exposure during which the resting eyes closed EEG were continuously recorded.

Endpoint

effects on the neurological system: EEG

Exposure

- microwaves

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 450 MHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: 1 min on - 1 min off - 10 cycles	power: 1 W power density: 0.16 mW/cm² (at the left side of the head) SAR: 0.303 W/kg peak value (1 g)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	450 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	1 min on - 1 min off - 10 cycles

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Duty cycle	50 %
Additional info	modulation frequency: 14 Hz or 40 Hz

Exposure setup

Exposure source	quarter-wave antenna
Distance between exposed object and exposure source	10 cm
Setup	rod antenna located at the left side of the head
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	1 W	-	-	-	-
power density	0.16 mW/cm²	-	measured	-	at the left side of the head
SAR	0.303 W/kg	peak value	calculated	1 g	-

Exposed system:

human
partial body: head (left side)

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the neurological system: inter-hemispheric EEG asymmetry

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS

Time of investigation:

during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The results showed an increase in the EEG energy from the left hemisphere caused by microwave exposure, except for the alpha rhythm at 14 Hz and the theta rhythm at 40 Hz modulation frequency. In the whole group of subjects no significant differences in inter-hemispheric asymmetry between exposure and sham exposure were found. Statistical analysis performed for individual subjects detected significant differences in asymmetry caused by exposure for two individuals at 14 Hz and five individuals at 40 Hz modulation frequency.
The results showed that 450 MHz microwave irradiation modulated at 14 and 40 Hz altered EEG asymmetry between hemispheres and increased EEG energy from the left side where the microwave power density was higher.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
double-blind study

Study funded by

Estonian Science Foundation (ETF), Estonia
European Union (EU)/European Commission

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