Epidemiological study (observational study)

Exposure to wireless phone emissions and serum beta-trace protein epidem.

By: Hardell L, Söderqvist F, Carlberg M, Zetterberg H, Hansson Mild K

Published in: Int J Mol Med 2010; 26 (2): 301-306

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effect of exposure to mobile phones and cordless phones on the level of the human serum beta-trace protein was investigated.

Further details

Beta-trace protein regulates sleep through the prostaglandin D system and is present in high concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid.
The beta-trace protein levels in the blood were investigated in 40 volunteers aged 18-30 years who were exposed to a 890 MHz GSM signal for 30 minutes (for more details see Söderqvist et al, 2009a). Four blood samples were drawn at arrival at the hospital, after 30 min rest, immediately after 30 min exposure and 60 min after ending of exposure.
Furthermore, the serum beta-trace protein levels were determined in 22 volunteers in blood samples drawn at the same time intervals as in the exposure group to test the stability of the protein before analysis (no control group for exposure).
In addition, all 62 participants filled in a questionnaire on the use of wireless phones (see Söderqvist et al, 2009b).

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

concentration of beta-trace protein in the blood

Exposure

- mobile communications
- analog mobile phone
- digital mobile phone
- GSM
- UMTS
- DECT
- personal

Assessment

questionnaire: use of mobile phones and DECT phones, type of mobile phone, average daily use, year of first use
measurement: 890 MHz GSM signal for 30 min

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Group 1	group exposed to 890 MHz GSM signal for 30 min
Group 2	mobile phone and DECT phone use
Group 3	mobile phone use
Group 4	analog mobile phone use
Group 5	digital mobile phone use
Group 6	UMTS mobile phone use
Group 7	DECT phone use

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Age: 18–30 years
Observation period: not stated
Study location: Sweden

Study size

Type	Value
Total	62

Statistical analysis method:

linear regression
ANOVA
t-test

Results (acc. to author)

No statistically significant change of beta-trace-protein level compared to prior exposure was found in the blood of 40 volunteers exposed to 890 MHz GSM signal for 30 min. Among the volunteers to test the protein stability, the level of beta-trace protein increased significantly over time, probably due to a relaxed situation.
The analysis of the questionnaires showed that the concentration of beta-trace protein decreased with increasing number of years of combined use of mobile phones and cordless phones (beta coefficient -0.32, CI -0.60 to -0.04). The concentration of beta-trace protein decreased also with increasing number of cumulative hours of combined use of mobile phones and cordless phones, however not statistically significant (beta coefficient -0.17; CI -0.41 to 0.07).
The authors conclude that exposure to mobile phones and cordless phones may downregulate the synthesis of beta-trace protein which might be involved in sleep disturbances.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The results must be interpreted with caution since the use of mobile phones and cordless phones were self-reported by the voluteers. Awareness of exposure condition in the experimental study may have influenced beta-trace-protein concentrations.

Study funded by

Cancer och Allergifonden (Cancer and Allergy Foundation), Sweden
Cancerhjälpen (Cancerhelp), Sweden
Örebro University Hospital Cancer Fund, Sweden

Soderqvist F et al. (2015): Biomarkers in volunteers exposed to mobile phone radiation
Söderqvist F et al. (2012): Use of wireless phones and serum beta-trace protein in randomly recruited persons aged 18-65 years: a cross-sectional study
Söderqvist F et al. (2009): Use of wireless telephones and serum S100B levels: a descriptive cross-sectional study among healthy Swedish adults aged 18-65 years
Söderqvist F et al. (2009): Exposure to an 890-MHz mobile phone-like signal and serum levels of S100B and transthyretin in volunteers