Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Effect of 902 MHz mobile phone transmission on cognitive function in children med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2005; 26 Suppl 7: S138-S143

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether a standard mobile phone exposure at 902 MHz has a significant effect on cognitive function in 18 children 10-12 years of age.

Background/further details

The children were in a single group in which each child was given a single training session and then three test sessions using the cognitive drug research cognitive assessment system.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 902 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 30 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 902 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 30 min
Additional info Reference article: CENELEC. 2000. Basic standard for the measurement of specific absorption rate related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields from mobile phones (300 MHz to 3 GHz). Draft proposal l. European Committee for Electro-Technical Standardization.
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Chamber Children sat in a quiet room with good uniform lighting and only the tester was present.
Setup The phone in normal use position was placed in an acrylic cradle mounted on a plastic ear defender, replacing the earmuff on the left side. The phone was handed over after checking against a RF signal strength meter.
Additional info Each child was given three test sessions on sequential days, in a randomized, three-way crossover design. During the power off mode (sham condition), the mobile phone was not on standby but switched off. The phone was modified by removing the audio transducer in order to prevent low level buzzing during high power operation.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W peak value measured - -
power 0.25 W mean measured - -
SAR 0.28 W/kg maximum measured and calculated brain -
power 0.2 W peak value measured - -
power 0.025 W mean measured - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

This findings showed trends toward faster reaction times, higher accuracy, and higher sensitivity in the presence of irradiation from a GSM mobile phone. However, none of these effects reached statistical significance. Although, the tests employed were very similar to those used in a previous study in adults (see publication 162) the effects seen in that study were not replicated. However, the present study investigated the effects of irradiation from a GSM mobile phone, whereas in the previous study the effect on reaction time was observed only with a more powerful analogue handset.

Study character:

Study funded by

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