EMF-Portal | Replication of heart rate variability provocation study with 2.4-GHz cordless phone confirms original findings (RETRACTED)

Replication of heart rate variability provocation study with 2.4-GHz cordless phone confirms original findings (RETRACTED) retracted

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Background/further details

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 2.4 GHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 3 min	power density: 3 µW/cm² minimum (at the subject's head) power density: 8 µW/cm² maximum (at the subject's head)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	2.4 GHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Waveform	pulsed
Exposure duration	continuous for 3 min

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Repetition frequency	100 Hz

Exposure setup

Exposure source	cordless phone base station (similar to DECT)
Setup	tests were done at six different locations (either in a private home or doctor's office); GS Filters (Graham Stetzer filters, that filter frequencies between 4 kHz and 100 kHz) were installed where needed before testing to improve power quality; phone (base station) placed 30 cm - 50 cm from the subject's head
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power density	3 µW/cm²	minimum	-	-	at the subject's head
power density	8 µW/cm²	maximum	-	-	at the subject's head

Reference articles

Havas M et al. (2010): Provocation study using heart rate variability shows microwave radiation from 2.4 GHz cordless phone affects autonomic nervous system

Exposed system:

human
partial body: head

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

cardiovascular system

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

A remarkable percentage of the test persons were moderately sensitive to very sensitive to exposure generated by a cordless phone based on heart rate variability, and these reactions were not psychosomatic. Under exposure conditions, a significantly increased heart rate, an altered heart rate variability and changes in the sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the autonomic nervous system were found in comparison to the sham exposure.
The results of this study are similar to those of the previous study (Havas et al., 2010). The authors conclude that the exposure to a 2.4 GHz-cordless phone could affect the autonomic nervous system of humans.

Replicated studies

Havas M et al. (2010): Provocation study using heart rate variability shows microwave radiation from 2.4 GHz cordless phone affects autonomic nervous system

Comments on this article

Lai H et al. (2014): Statement of retraction: Havas M, Marrongelle J. "Replication of heart rate variability provocation study with 2.4-GHz cordless phone confirms original findings"