Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effects of 902 MHz electromagnetic field emitted by cellular telephones on response times in humans med./bio.

Published in: NeuroReport 2000; 11 (2): 413-415

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To examine possible influences of a 902 MHz electromagnetic field emitted by cellular phones on cognitive functioning in healthy humans.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 902 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for about 1 h

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 902 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for about 1 h
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Pulse width 577 µs
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 4 cm
Setup A GSM telephone was mounted on the subject's head in normal position for use. The antenna was located about 4 cm apart from the head, over the posterior areas of the left temporal lobe. The RF power was switched on and off via a data cable from a laptop.
Additional info Each subject participated in two testing sessions with or without RF exposure which were separated by 24 hours.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 0.25 W mean - - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed that the exposure to the electromagnetic field speeded up response times in simple reaction time and vigilance tasks. The cognitive time needed in a mental arithmetics task was decreased. The data indicate that exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by cellular phones may have a facilitatory effect on brain functioning, especially in tasks requiring attention and manipulation of information in working memory.

Study character:

Study funded by

Replication studies

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