Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

[Modification of clinically important neurotransmitters under the influence of modulated high-frequency fields - A long-term study under true-to-life conditions] epidem.

Veränderung klinisch bedeutsamer Neurotransmitter unter dem Einfluss modulierter hochfrequenter Felder - Eine Langzeiterhebung unter lebensnahen Bedingungen

Published in: Umwelt · Medizin · Gesellschaft 2011; 24 (1): 44-57
Journal partially peer-reviewed/peer-review process unclear

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A long-term study was conducted in Germany to investigate the influence of a mobile phone base station on neurotransmitters under true-to-life conditions.

Further details

Neurotransmitter levels in urine of 60 volunteers were determined at four points of time: shortly before starting a GSM base station in January 2004, and after starting the base station in July 2004, January 2005, and July 2005.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Group 1 averaged peak values of power density: < 60 µW/m²
Group 2 averaged peak values of power density: 60 - 100 µW/m²
Group 3 averaged peak values of power density: > 100 µW/m²

Population

Study size

Type Value
Participants 60
Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

24 out of 60 participants were exposed to a power density of < 60 µW/m², 20 participants to 60 - 100 µW/m², and 16 participants to more than 100 µW/m² .
The values of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline grew significantly during the first 6 months after starting the GSM base station; the values of the precursor substance dopamine substantially decreased in this time period. The initial condition was not restored even after 1.5 years. Due to the not regulable chronic difficulties of the stress balance, the phenylethylamine levels dropped until the end of the investigation period. The effects show a dose-effect relationship and are situated far under the valid limit values.

Study funded by

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