Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

The Effects of 884 MHz GSM Wireless Communication Signals on Self-reported Symptom and Sleep (EEG)- An Experimental Provocation Study. med./biol.

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
This study was conducted to assess possible effects of prolonged (for 3 hours) exposure to 884 MHz GSM wireless communication signals on self-reported symptoms, cognitive function, and sleep.
Background/further details:
The study group consisted of 36 women and 35 men (age range: 18-45 years). 22 women and 16 men reported symptoms they specifically related to mobile phone use. This group was described as electrosensitive. The rest of the participants reported no mobile phone-related symptoms. In choosing this two groups, it should be established whether electrosensitive persons would be able to differentiate exposure conditions from sham exposure.

Endpoint

• sleep: sleep pattern

Exposure
General category: mobile communication system, digital mobile phone, GSM, wireless transmitter (RF)

Field characteristics	Parameters
884 MHz pulsed (PW) exposure duration: continuous for 3 h	SAR: 1.4 W/kg mean value

Exposed system:
human
partial body exposure: left part of the head

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• cognitive/behavioral endpoints: cognitive function (performance test, memory test)
• sleep: subject complaints (e.g. headache, questionnaire about self-reported symptoms, state of mood)
• others: sleep pattern (EEG)

Main outcome of study (according to author)
Concerning sleep, there was a prolonged latency to reach the first cycle of deep sleep in exposed volunteers. The amount of deep sleep (sleep stage 4) was also decreased in exposed subjects.
Subjects who were not characterized as electrosensitive reported more headaches during exposures versus sham exposure. Neither the electrosensitive group nor the not electrosensitive group was able to detect the true exposure status.

(Study character: medical/biological study, experimental study, full/main study)

Study funded by

• Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF), Belgium

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