Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Human short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones decreases computer-assisted visual reaction time med./bio.

Published in: Acta Neurol Belg 2012; 112 (2): 171-175

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the acute and chronic effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones on reaction time in male and female students (n=160).

Background/further details

Each experiment (either real or sham exposed) was repeated five times. The test persons were not aware of the order of real/sham exposure.
For chronic effects, the test persons were divided into three groups according to the duration of their mobile phone usage: low level (total exposure <200 h, n=35), moderate (201-600 h, n=98) and frequent (>600 h, n=27) users of mobile phones.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1:
  • unspecified
Exposure duration: 5 x 10 min. (in random order with sham exposure and 30 min. rest in between)
  • SAR: 1.23 W/kg maximum (at the ear - manufacturer's data)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency
  • unspecified
Type
Exposure duration 5 x 10 min. (in random order with sham exposure and 30 min. rest in between)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup mute phone in talking mode placed on the right ear of the test person
Additional info for control ("sham exposure") mobile phone was in standby mode
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
SAR 1.23 W/kg maximum - - at the ear - manufacturer's data

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

It was shown that the visual reaction time was significantly decreased after exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by a mobile phone.
No chronic effects were observed. There was no significant difference between low level, moderate and frequent users of mobile phones.

Study character:

Study funded by

Related articles