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./bio.

By: Arnetz BB, Akerstedt T, Hillert L, Lowden A, Kuster N, Wiholm C

Published in: PIERS Online 2007; 3 (7): 1148-1150

Aim of study (acc. 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

- 884 MHz
- mobile communications
- digital mobile phone
- GSM
- wireless transmitter

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 884 MHz Modulation type: pulsed Exposure duration: continuous for 3 h	SAR: 1.4 W/kg mean

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	884 MHz
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 3 h

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed
Additional info	GSM signal including periods of DTX and Non-DTX

Exposure setup

Exposure source	884MHz GSM wireless exposure unit
Chamber	The exposure areas in two separate rooms were shielded with screens, covered with RF absorbing material.
Setup	The exposure was directed to the left hemisphere of the head.
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info	Each participant attended three different sessions, one habituation session and two subsequent exposure sessions randomly selected for sham or RF exposure.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
SAR	1.4 W/kg	mean	-	-	-

Additional parameter details

All mobile phone use outside the exposure laboratory was eliminated during exposure sessions.

Measurement and calculation details

RF and EMF background assessments were conducted prior to the study and quarterly.

Exposed system:

human
partial body: 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)
sleep pattern (EEG)

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. 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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