Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of 450 MHz Microwave Modulated with 217 Hz on Human EEG in Rest med./bio.

Published in: Environmentalist 2005; 25 (2-4): 165-171

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The hypothesis, evaluated in this study, is that modulated at 217 Hz microwave exposure increases variability of the EEG signal and causes changes in the power spectrum of the EEG in humans.

Background/further details

During the study 19 healthy volunteers were sham-exposed or exposed to microwaves.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 450 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: intermittent, 60 s on/60 s off, for 20 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 450 MHz
Type
Exposure duration intermittent, 60 s on/60 s off, for 20 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Duty cycle 50 %
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 10 cm
Chamber The subjects lay in a dark room in a relaxed position, eyes closed and ears blocked.
Setup The antenna was located at 10 cm from the skin on the left side of the head.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info Only one EEG recording was performed for a subject per day. Test sessions were double blind, and the exposed and sham exposed subjects were randomly assigned.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.16 mW/cm² - estimated - at the scalp

Reference articles

  • Lass J et al. (2002): Effects of 7 Hz-modulated 450 MHz electromagnetic radiation on human performance in visual memory tasks

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Low-level 450 MHz microwaves modulated at 217 Hz produced statistically significant changes in time variability and intensity of the EEG signal for 10-20 % of the subjects. The effect was stronger on EEG beta waves in temporal and parietal regions of the brain.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles