Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

[Investigation of Cerebro-Biological Effects in Low-Frequency Pulsed RF Fields] med./bio.

Untersuchung biologisch-zerebraler Effekte in niederfrequent gepulsten Hochfrequenzfeldern

Published in: Frequenz 1997; 51 (11-12): 276-279

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To investigate the possible effects of the electromagnetic fields on the human cerebral functions using a commercial GSM mobile phone.

Background/further details

In this study 52 subjects (aged 20 to 38) were investigated.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 914 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 10 min

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 914 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 10 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Additional info

random GSM signal

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 45 cm
Chamber The RF-absorbing material had a return loss better than -20 dB above 450 MHz. The furniture in the room was made from wood.
Setup The mobile phone was held by a plastic holder with the monopole antenna positioned horizontally above the head of the subject sitting in an armchair.
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info The EEG was recorded in three sections of 10 min each with exposure in the middle section. The neuropsychological tests were performed on subsequent days with or without exposure. The tests were carried out incompletely double-blind. Interference of the exposure field with the EEG recording was avoided by selecting a higher sampling rate at 500 Hz.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 7.41 W peak value measured - nominal 8 W
electric field strength 40 V/m peak value measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant impact of the electromagnetic field on the human EEG as well as on the cognitive performance could be observed.

Study character:

Study funded by

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