Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Evaluation in humans of the effects of radiocellular telephones on the circadian patterns of melatonin secretion, a chronobiological rhythm marker med./bio.

Published in: J Pineal Res 1999; 27 (4): 237-242

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study humans for the effect of microwaves emitted by phones on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks
  • power: 2 W peak value
  • SAR: 0.3 W/kg maximum (brain) (0.1-0.3 W/kg)
Exposure 2: 1.8 GHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure, 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks
  • power: 1 W peak value
  • SAR: 0.3 W/kg maximum (brain) (0.1-0.3 W/kg)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 576 µs
Duty cycle 12.5 %
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Additional info

GSM system

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup Listening sessions were always performed using the same ear. Movies were projected during the exposure period, and the sound was heard via the GSM handset.
Additional info A sham-exposure was performed on the days of the first and the last drawing sessions. On these days the RF output was switched to a 50 Ω non-emitting load, and the movie sound was heard from the TV speakers.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W peak value unspecified - -
SAR 0.3 W/kg maximum calculated brain 0.1-0.3 W/kg

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 1.8 GHz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure, 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 576 µs
Duty cycle 12.5 %
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Additional info

DCS (Digital Communication System)

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup Movies were projected during the exposure period, and the sound was heard from normal TV speakers, the phones being controlled by insertion of test cards.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 1 W peak value unspecified - -
SAR 0.3 W/kg maximum calculated brain 0.1-0.3 W/kg

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Melatonin circadian profile was not disrupted in male subjects submitted to a typical pattern of exposure to the electromagnetic fields generated by two common types of cell phones.

Study character:

Study funded by

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