Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Nonlinear changes in brain electrical activity due to cell phone radiation med./bio.

By: Marino AA, Nilsen E, Frilot C
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2003; 24 (5): 339-346
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of an electromagnetic field from a cellular telephone on brain electrical activity, using a novel analytical method based on a nonlinear model.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 824–849 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: intermittent, 2 s on/5 s off (one trial) for a total of 60 trials

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 824–849 MHz
Type
Exposure duration intermittent, 2 s on/5 s off (one trial) for a total of 60 trials
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Additional info

TDMA
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1 cm
Chamber The rabbit was restrained in an acrylic box, 20 cm high, 18 cm x 48 cm at the base, tapering to 18 cm x 41 cm at the top, made of 1.3 cm Plexiglas and mounted in a wooden box made of 1.3 cm painted plywood lined with 1.3 cm thick Styrofoam.
Setup After call establishment, the transmission path of the signal was alternated (in less than 1 µs) between two antennas. One antenna was placed horizontally along the rabbit's midline, 1 cm above its head and the other antenna was 3 m away (producing the "field free" period). Antennas were external magnetic mount models with the ceramic magnet removed. Some experiments were performed with the head antenna repositioned parallel to one side of the rabbit, 1 cm from the thoracic region.
Additional info In separate sessions, the experiments were repeated using light as the stimulus. A weak red light was used as a positive control coming from a light emitting diode mounted 10 cm from the rabbit, and producing approx. 50 lumens at the corneal surface of the eye.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 600 mW maximum - - -
Measurement and calculation details

The actual radiated power determined by the distance between the telephone and the base station antenna was not measured. The presence or absence of the signal, however, was observed directly using a field detection meter (CellSensor).

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The results showed that radiation from a standard cellular telephone affected the brain electrical activity of rabbits exposed to the radiation under conditions that simulated normal human use of the telephone. No effect was seen when the possible contribution of the brain to the specific absorption rate (SAR) was minimized (by repositioning the radiating antenna from the head to the chest). It was concluded that the fields from standard cellular telephone can alter brain function as a consequence of absorption of energy by the brain.

Study character:

Study funded by

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