EMF-Portal | The influence of electromagnetic fields on human brain activity

The influence of electromagnetic fields on human brain activity med./bio.

By: Reiser H, Dimpfel W, Schober F

Published in: Eur J Med Res 1995; 1: 27-32

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Endpoint

effects on the neurological system: EEG

Exposure

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 902.4 MHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 15 min	power: 8 W
Exposure 2: 150 kHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 15 min	magnetic flux density: 0.4 nT

General information

In this single-blind, cross-over designed study, subjects were exposed to three different exposure conditions with at least one day between sessions: digital mobile telephone (T), "MEGA-WAVE" therapy instrument (M) (positive control), and no field exposure = placebo (P). Each volunteer had to go through one of the following sequences: P/M/T, T/P/M, M/T/P, P/T/M, M/P/T or T/M/P. All permutations occurred randomized and with the same frequency.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	902.4 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 15 min

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Repetition frequency	217 Hz
Additional info	D-network

Exposure setup

Exposure source	cellular phone
Distance between exposed object and exposure source	40 cm
Chamber	Subjects were seated in a comfortable armchair in a well ventilated room.
Setup	The mobile phone was placed 40 cm behind the subject's head with the antenna being centred.
Additional info	Each single session lasted one hour and six min with breaks of 2 min every 15 min and exposure (if any) only in the second quarter. The instruments remained in position and were switched on or off during breaks.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
power	8 W	-	-	-	-

Measurement and calculation details

The EEG signals (16 EEG + 1 EOG) were acquired using an electro cap and amplified close to the head.

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Frequency	150 kHz
Type	magnetic field
Waveform	sinusoidal
Exposure duration	continuous for 15 min

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Pulse width	80 µs
Repetition frequency	9.6 Hz
Additional info	off-pulses

Exposure setup

Exposure source	MEGA-WAVE 150/1
Distance between exposed object and exposure source	3 cm
Setup	The magnetic applicator (coil) of the MEGA-WAVE was positioned just below the occipital electrodes O1 and O2 in the centre, 3 to 5 cm from the skin.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.4 nT	-	-	-	-

Exposed system:

human
partial body: head

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Application of the MEGA-WAVE instrument caused an increase in EEG power in the frequency bands Alpha2, Beta1 and Beta2 during and after irradiation. Operation of the mobile telephone caused an increase in the same frequency bands with a delay of approximately 15 minutes after irradiation.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study

Study funded by

Deutsche Telekom/T-Systems, Germany

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Vecchio F et al. (2007): Mobile phone emission modulates interhemispheric functional coupling of EEG alpha rhythms

Leitgeb N (2007): [Investigation of sleep quality in electrohypersensitive residents near base stations under domestic conditions]

Yuasa K et al. (2006): Effects of thirty minutes mobile phone use on the human sensory cortex

Maby E et al. (2006): Short-term effects of GSM mobiles phones on spectral components of the human electroencephalogram

Hinrichs H et al. (2006): High Frequency GSM-1800 Fields with Various Modulations and Field Strengths: No Short Term Effect on Human Awake EEG

The influence of electromagnetic fields on human brain activity med./bio.

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Endpoint

Exposure

General information

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Modulation

Exposure setup

Parameters

Measurement and calculation details

Exposure 2

Main characteristics

Modulation

Exposure setup

Parameters

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Study funded by

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