Medical/biological Study (experimental study)

Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by cellular phones on the electroencephalogram during a visual working memory task. med./biol.

Aim of study (according to author)
To assess the possible effects of electromagnetic field exposure by mobile phones on the event related desynchronisation/synchronisation (ERD/ERS) responses of the 4-6, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-12 Hz EEG frequency bands during cognitive processing.
Background/further details:
ERD/ERS is a pattern in the EEG signal, that shows functional alterations of neuronal networks. EEG frequencies are subdivided into frequency bands. The simultaneously recorded responses of different EEG frequency bands differ from each other and reflect different cognitive and/or mental processes.

Endpoint

• effects on the neurological system: EEG (during a visual working memory task)

Exposure
General category: mobile communication system, GSM

Field characteristics	Parameters
902 MHz pulsed (PW) exposure duration: continuous for about 30 min	power: 0.25 W mean value

Exposed system:
human
partial body exposure: head (rigth side)

Methods
Endpoint/Measurement parameters/Methodology

• effects on the neurological system: EEG (event related desynchronisation/synchronisation (ERD/ERS))
• cognitive/behavioral endpoints: memory task (visual sequential letter task (n-back task) with three different memory load conditions: 0, 1, and 2 items) (number of errors, reaction time)
• others: EOG

Main outcome of study (according to author)
The presence of electromagnetic fields altered the ERD/ERS responses in the 6-8 and 8-10 Hz frequency bands during mental processes requiring attention. The data do not, however, allow any conclusions concerning the possible effects of mobile phone use on cognition.

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

Study funded by

• Academy of Finland
• Nokia
• University of Turku, Finland

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