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Hinrikus H, Koppel T, Lass J, Orru H, Roosipuu P, Bachmann M. Possible health effects on the human brain by various generations of mobile telecommunication: a review based estimation of 5G impact. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1210-1221. [PMID: 34995145 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2026516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The deployment of new 5G NR technology has significantly raised public concerns in possible negative effects on human health by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). The current review is aimed to clarify the differences between possible health effects caused by the various generations of telecommunication technology, especially discussing and projecting possible health effects by 5G. The review of experimental studies on the human brain over the last fifteen years and the discussion on physical mechanisms and factors determining the dependence of the RF EMF effects on frequency and signal structure have been performed to discover and explain the possible distinctions between health effects by different telecommunication generations. CONCLUSIONS The human experimental studies on RF EMF effects on the human brain by 2G, 3G and 4G at frequencies from 450 to 2500 MHz were available for analyses. The search for publications indicated no human experimental studies by 5G nor at the RF EMF frequencies higher than 2500 MHz. The results of the current review demonstrate no consistent relationship between the character of RF EMF effects and parameters of exposure by different generations (2G, 3G, 4G) of telecommunication technology. At the RF EMF frequencies lower than 10 GHz, the impact of 5G NR FR1 should have no principal differences compared to the previous generations. The radio frequencies used in 5G are even higher and the penetration depths of the fields are smaller, therefore the effect is rather lower than at previous generations. At the RF EMF frequencies higher than 10 GHz, the mechanism of the effects might differ and the impact of 5G NR FR2 becomes unpredictable. Existing knowledge about the mechanism of RF EMF effects at millimeter waves lacks sufficient experimental data and theoretical models for reliable conclusions. The insufficient knowledge about the possible health effects at millimeter waves and the lack of in vivo experimental studies on 5G NR underline an urgent need for the theoretical and experimental investigations of health effects by 5G NR, especially by 5G NR FR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiie Hinrikus
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Tarmo Koppel
- Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Hans Orru
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Roosipuu
- Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Maie Bachmann
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Hinrikus H, Lass J, Bachmann M. Threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field effect on human brain. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:1505-1515. [PMID: 34402382 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1969055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to estimate the threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) effects on human brain based on analyses of published research results. To clarify the threshold of the RF EMF effects, two approaches have been applied: (1) the analyses of restrictions in sensitivity for different steps of the physical model of low-level RF EMF mechanism and (2) the analyses of experimental data to clarify the dependence of the RF EMF effect on exposure level based on the results of published original neurophysiological and behavioral human studies for 15 years 2007-2021. CONCLUSIONS The analyses of the physical model of nonthermal mechanisms of RF EMF effect leads to conclusion that no principal threshold of the effect can be determined. According to the review of experimental data, the rate of detected RF EMF effects is 76.7% in resting EEG studies, 41.7% in sleep EEG and 38.5% in behavioral studies. The changes in EEG probably appear earlier than alterations in behavior become evident. The lowest level of RF EMF at which the effect in EEG was detected is 2.45 V/m (SAR = 0.003 W/kg). There is a preliminary indication that the dependence of the effect on the level of exposure follows rather field strength than SAR alterations. However, no sufficient data are available for clarifying linearity-nonlinearity of the dependence of effect on the level of RF EMF. The finding that only part of people are sensitive to RF EMF exposure can be related to immunity to radiation or hypersensitivity. The changes in EEG caused by RF EMF appeared similar in the majority of analyzed studies and similar to these in depression. The possible causal relationship between RF EMF effect and depression among young people is highly important problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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3
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Bouji M, Lecomte A, Gamez C, Blazy K, Villégier AS. Impact of Cerebral Radiofrequency Exposures on Oxidative Stress and Corticosterone in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:467-476. [PMID: 31796670 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia. Several studies suggested that mobile phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures modified AD memory deficits in rodent models. OBJECTIVE Here we aimed to test the hypothesis that RF-EMF exposure may modify memory through corticosterone and oxidative stress in the Samaritan rat model of AD. METHODS Long-Evans male rats received intracerebroventricular infusion with ferrous sulphate, amyloid-beta 1-42 peptide, and buthionine-sufloximine (AD rats) or with vehicle (control rats). To mimic cell phone use, RF-EMF were exposed to the head for 1 month (5 days/week, in restraint). To look for hazard thresholds, high brain averaged specific absorption rates (BASAR) were tested: 1.5 W/Kg (15 min), 6 W/Kg (15 min), and 6 W/Kg (45 min). The sham group was in restraint for 45 min. Endpoints were spatial memory in the radial maze, plasmatic corticosterone, heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), and amyloid plaques. RESULTS Results indicated similar corticosterone levels but impaired memory performances and increased cerebral staining of thioflavine and of HO1 in the sham AD rats compared to the controls. A correlative increase of cortical HO1 staining was the only effect of RF-EMF in control rats. In AD rats, RF-EMF exposures induced a correlative increase of hippocampal HO1 staining and reduced corticosterone. DISCUSSION According to our data, neither AD nor control rats showed modified memory after RF-EMF exposures. Unlike control rats, AD rats showed higher hippocampal oxidative stress and reduced corticosterone with the higher BASAR. This data suggests more fragility related to neurodegenerative disease toward RF-EMF exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bouji
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Anthony Lecomte
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Christelle Gamez
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Kelly Blazy
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Villégier
- Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Parc Technologique ALATA, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.,PERITOX UMR I-01 INERIS 01 UFR de médecine, Amiens, France
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Višnjić A, Veličković V, Sokolović D, Stanković M, Mijatović K, Stojanović M, Milošević Z, Radulović O. Relationship between the Manner of Mobile Phone Use and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040697. [PMID: 29642471 PMCID: PMC5923739 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: There is insufficient evidence regarding the potential risk of mobile phone use on mental health. Therefore, the aim of this research was to examine the relationship between mobile phone use and mental health by measuring the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Serbia and Italy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at two distinguished universities in Serbia and Italy from March to May of the 2015/2016 academic year and included 785 students of both genders. The questionnaire was compiled and developed from different published sources regarding the manner and intensity of mobile phone use, along with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 42) for measuring psychological health. The statistical analysis of the data included the application of binary logistic regression and correlation tests. Results: Statistical analysis indicates that anxiety symptoms are somewhat more present in younger students (odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–0.96), in those who send more text messages (SMSs) (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11–1.31), and in those who browse the internet less frequently (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.95). Stress is more common in students who make fewer calls a day (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.97), as well in those who spend more time talking on the mobile phone per day (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12–1.56). The strongest predictor of high stress levels was keeping the mobile phone less than 1 m away during sleeping (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12–2.08). Conclusions: The results indicated that the intensity and modality of mobile phone use could be a factor that can influence causal pathways leading to mental health problems in the university student population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Višnjić
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
- Institute of Public Health of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Vladica Veličković
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Dušan Sokolović
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Miodrag Stanković
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
- Clinic for Mental Health Protection, Clinical Centre of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Kristijan Mijatović
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Miodrag Stojanović
- Institute of Public Health of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical Faculty of University, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Zoran Milošević
- Institute of Public Health of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical Faculty of University, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Olivera Radulović
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
- Institute of Public Health of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
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Curcio G. Exposure to Mobile Phone-Emitted Electromagnetic Fields and Human Attention: No Evidence of a Causal Relationship. Front Public Health 2018. [PMID: 29527523 PMCID: PMC5829032 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years of research regarding effects of mobile phone-derived electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on human cognition, attention has been one of the first and most extensively investigated functions. Different domains investigated covered selective, sustained, and divided attention. Here, the most relevant studies on this topic have been reviewed and discussed. A total of 43 studies are reported and summarized: of these, 31 indicated a total absence of statistically significant difference between real and sham signal, 9 showed a partial improvement of attentional performance (mainly increase in speed of performance and/or improvement of accuracy) as a function of real exposure, while the remaining 3 showed inconsistent results (i.e., increased speed in some tasks and slowing in others) or even a worsening in performance (reduced speed and/or deteriorated accuracy). These results are independent of the specific attentional domain investigated. This scenario allows to conclude that there is a substantial lack of evidence about a negative influence of non-ionizing radiations on attention functioning. Nonetheless, published literature is very heterogeneous under the point of view of methodology (type of signal, exposure time, blinding), dosimetry (accurate evaluation of specific absorption rate-SAR or emitted power), and statistical analyses, making arduous a conclusive generalization to everyday life. Some remarks and suggestions regarding future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Curcio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Heuser G, Heuser SA. Functional brain MRI in patients complaining of electrohypersensitivity after long term exposure to electromagnetic fields. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2017; 32:291-299. [PMID: 28678737 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ten adult patients with electromagnetic hypersensitivity underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans. All scans were abnormal with abnormalities which were consistent and similar. It is proposed that fMRI brain scans be used as a diagnostic aid for determining whether or not a patient has electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Over the years we have seen an increasing number of patients who had developed multi system complaints after long term repeated exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These complaints included headaches, intermittent cognitive and memory problems, intermittent disorientation, and also sensitivity to EMF exposure. Regular laboratory tests were within normal limits in these patients. The patients refused to be exposed to radioactivity. This of course ruled out positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scanning. This is why we ordered fMRI brain scans on these patients. We hoped that we could document objective abnormalities in these patients who had often been labeled as psychiatric cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients first underwent a regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan, using a 3 Tesla Siemens Verio MRI open system. A functional MRI study was then performed in the resting state using the following sequences: A three-dimensional, T1-weighted, gradient-echo (MPRAGE) Resting state network. The echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequences for this resting state blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) scan were then post processed on a 3D workstation and the independent component analysis was performed separating out the various networks. Arterial spin labeling. Tractography and fractional anisotropy. RESULTS All ten patients had abnormal functional MRI brain scans. The abnormality was often described as hyper connectivity of the anterior component of the default mode in the medial orbitofrontal area. Other abnormalities were usually found. Regular MRI studies of the brain were mostly unremarkable in these patients. CONCLUSION We propose that functional MRI studies should become a diagnostic aid when evaluating a patient who claims electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and has otherwise normal studies. Interestingly, the differential diagnosis for the abnormalities seen on the fMRI includes head injury. It turns out that many of our patients indeed had a history of head injury which was then followed sometime later by the development of EHS. Many of our patients also had a history of exposure to potentially neurotoxic chemicals, especially mold. Head injury and neurotoxic chemical exposure may make a patient more vulnerable to develop EHS.
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Zubko O, Gould RL, Gay HC, Cox HJ, Coulson MC, Howard RJ. Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by GSM phones on working memory: a meta-analysis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2017; 32:125-135. [PMID: 27645289 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Current treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) do not affect the course of the illness and brain stimulation techniques are increasingly promoted as potential therapeutic interventions for AD. This study reviews the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure versus sham exposure on working memory (WM) performance of healthy human participants. METHOD Online literature databases and previous systematic reviews were searched for studies of EMF and WM in participants without reported memory problems. Two thousand eight hundred and fifty seven studies were identified, and 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. An assessment of study quality was completed, and separate, random effects meta-analyses were conducted for each of the three WM tasks included: n-back, substitution and digit span forward. RESULTS No differences were found between participants exposed to active EMF versus sham conditions in any of the three working memory tasks examined. CONCLUSION Results indicate that EMF does not affect WM during the n-back, substitution and digit-span tasks. Future studies should focus on the possible effects of chronic exposure to EMF in older adults with AD using a battery of comparable WM and attention tasks, before EMF can be seriously considered as a potential modulator of WM in AD. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Zubko
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - R L Gould
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - H C Gay
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - H J Cox
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
| | - M C Coulson
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University, UK
| | - R J Howard
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, King's College London, UK.,Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
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Barthélémy A, Mouchard A, Bouji M, Blazy K, Puigsegur R, Villégier AS. Glial markers and emotional memory in rats following acute cerebral radiofrequency exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:25343-25355. [PMID: 27696165 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7758-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The widespread mobile phone use raises concerns on the possible cerebral effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). Reactive astrogliosis was reported in neuroanatomical structures of adaptive behaviors after a single RF EMF exposure at high specific absorption rate (SAR, 6 W/kg). Here, we aimed to assess if neuronal injury and functional impairments were related to high SAR-induced astrogliosis. In addition, the level of beta amyloid 1-40 (Aβ 1-40) peptide was explored as a possible toxicity marker. Sprague Dawley male rats were exposed for 15 min at 0, 1.5, or 6 W/kg or for 45 min at 6 W/kg. Memory, emotionality, and locomotion were tested in the fear conditioning, the elevated plus maze, and the open field. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, total and cytosolic fractions), myelin basic protein (MBP), and Aβ1-40 were quantified in six brain areas using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to our data, total GFAP was increased in the striatum (+114 %) at 1.5 W/kg. Long-term memory was reduced, and cytosolic GFAP was increased in the hippocampus (+119 %) and in the olfactory bulb (+46 %) at 6 W/kg (15 min). No MBP or Aβ1-40 expression modification was shown. Our data corroborates previous studies indicating RF EMF-induced astrogliosis. This study suggests that RF EMF-induced astrogliosis had functional consequences on memory but did not demonstrate that it was secondary to neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Barthélémy
- Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Parc Technologique ALATA, BP no. 2, 60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR 3212, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amandine Mouchard
- Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Parc Technologique ALATA, BP no. 2, 60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives CNRS UMR5293 Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Bouji
- Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Parc Technologique ALATA, BP no. 2, 60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Campus des sciences et technologies, Université Saint-Joseph, Dekwaneh, Mar Roukos, Lebanon
| | - Kelly Blazy
- Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Parc Technologique ALATA, BP no. 2, 60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Unité mixte PERITOX EA 4285-UM INERIS 01 Laboratoire Périnatalité et risques toxicologiques CHU Amiens-Picardie Hôpital, Sud Avenue Laënnec, 80 480, Salouël, France
| | - Renaud Puigsegur
- Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Parc Technologique ALATA, BP no. 2, 60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Sous-direction de la police technique et scientifique, 31 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Villégier
- Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Unité de Toxicologie Expérimentale, Parc Technologique ALATA, BP no. 2, 60550, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
- Unité mixte PERITOX EA 4285-UM INERIS 01 Laboratoire Périnatalité et risques toxicologiques CHU Amiens-Picardie Hôpital, Sud Avenue Laënnec, 80 480, Salouël, France.
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Verrender A, Loughran SP, Dalecki A, McKenzie R, Croft RJ. Pulse modulated radiofrequency exposure influences cognitive performance. Int J Radiat Biol 2016; 92:603-10. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2016.1213454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Verrender
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong, Australia
- Centre for Health Initiatives, School of Psychology, Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Sarah P. Loughran
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong, Australia
- Centre for Health Initiatives, School of Psychology, Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
- Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Anna Dalecki
- Centre for Health Initiatives, School of Psychology, Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
- Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ray McKenzie
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong, Australia
- Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Croft
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Wollongong, Australia
- Centre for Health Initiatives, School of Psychology, Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia
- Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy, Wollongong, Australia
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10
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Neurobiological effects of repeated radiofrequency exposures in male senescent rats. Biogerontology 2016; 17:841-857. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-016-9654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Arendash GW. Review of the Evidence that Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment will be a Safe and Effective Therapeutic Against Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 53:753-71. [PMID: 27258417 PMCID: PMC4981900 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We have demonstrated in multiple studies that daily, long-term electromagnetic field (EMF) treatment in the ultra-high frequency range not only protects Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic mice from cognitive impairment, but also reverses such impairment in aged AD mice. Moreover, these beneficial cognitive effects appear to be through direct actions on the AD process. Based on a large array of pre-clinical data, we have initiated a pilot clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of EMF treatment to mild-moderate AD subjects. Since it is important to establish the safety of this new neuromodulatory approach, the main purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive assessment of evidence supporting the safety of EMFs, particularly through transcranial electromagnetic treatment (TEMT). In addition to our own pre-clinical studies, a rich variety of both animal and cell culture studies performed by others have underscored the anticipated safety of TEMT in clinical AD trials. Moreover, numerous clinical studies have determined that short- or long-term human exposure to EMFs similar to those to be provided clinically by TEMT do not have deleterious effects on general health, cognitive function, or a variety of physiologic measures-to the contrary, beneficial effects on brain function/activity have been reported. Importantly, such EMF exposure has not been shown to increase the risk of any type of cancer in human epidemiologic studies, as well as animal and cell culture studies. In view of all the above, clinical trials of safety/efficacy with TEMT to AD subjects are clearly warranted and now in progress.
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Nirwane A, Sridhar V, Majumdar A. Neurobehavioural Changes and Brain Oxidative Stress Induced by Acute Exposure to GSM900 Mobile Phone Radiations in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Toxicol Res 2016; 32:123-32. [PMID: 27123163 PMCID: PMC4843974 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2016.32.2.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of mobile phone (MP) radiation on the brain is of specific interest to the scientific community and warrants investigations, as MP is held close to the head. Studies on humans and rodents revealed hazards MP radiation associated such as brain tumors, impairment in cognition, hearing etc. Melatonin (MT) is an important modulator of CNS functioning and is a neural antioxidant hormone. Zebrafish has emerged as a popular model organism for CNS studies. Herein, we evaluated the impact of GSM900MP (GSM900MP) radiation exposure daily for 1 hr for 14 days with the SAR of 1.34W/Kg on neurobehavioral and oxidative stress parameters in zebrafish. Our study revealed that, GSM900MP radiation exposure, significantly decreased time spent near social stimulus zone and increased total distance travelled, in social interaction test. In the novel tank dive test, the GSM900MP radiation exposure elicited anxiety as revealed by significantly increased time spent in bottom half; freezing bouts and duration and decreased distance travelled, average velocity, and number of entries to upper half of the tank. Exposed zebrafish spent less time in the novel arm of the Y-Maze, corroborating significant impairment in learning as compared to the control group. Exposure decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities whereas, increased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was encountered showing compromised antioxidant defense. Treatment with MT significantly reversed the above neurobehavioral and oxidative derangements induced by GSM900MP radiation exposure. This study traced GSM900MP radiation exposure induced neurobehavioral aberrations and alterations in brain oxidative status. Furthermore, MT proved to be a promising therapeutic candidate in ameliorating such outcomes in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Nirwane
- Department of Pharmacology, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina, Mumbai, India
| | - Vinay Sridhar
- Department of Pharmacology, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina, Mumbai, India
| | - Anuradha Majumdar
- Department of Pharmacology, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Kalina, Mumbai, India
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Tang J, Zhang Y, Yang L, Chen Q, Tan L, Zuo S, Feng H, Chen Z, Zhu G. Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats. Brain Res 2015; 1601:92-101. [PMID: 25598203 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid increase in the number of mobile phone users, the potential adverse effects of the electromagnetic field radiation emitted by a mobile phone has become a serious concern. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the blood-brain barrier and cognitive changes in rats exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) and aims to elucidate the potential molecular pathway underlying these changes. A total of 108 male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a 900 MHz, 1 mW/cm(2) EMF or sham (unexposed) for 14 or 28 days (3h per day). The specific energy absorption rate (SAR) varied between 0.016 (whole body) and 2 W/kg (locally in the head). In addition, the Morris water maze test was used to examine spatial memory performance determination. Morphological changes were investigated by examining ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus and cortex, and the Evans Blue assay was used to assess blood brain barrier (BBB) damage. Immunostaining was performed to identify heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-positive neurons and albumin extravasation detection. Western blot was used to determine HO-1 expression, phosphorylated ERK expression and the upstream mediator, mkp-1 expression. We found that the frequency of crossing platforms and the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant were lower in rats exposed to EMF for 28 days than in rats exposed to EMF for 14 days and unexposed rats. Moreover, 28 days of EMF exposure induced cellular edema and neuronal cell organelle degeneration in the rat. In addition, damaged BBB permeability, which resulted in albumin and HO-1 extravasation were observed in the hippocampus and cortex. Thus, for the first time, we found that EMF exposure for 28 days induced the expression of mkp-1, resulting in ERK dephosphorylation. Taken together, these results demonstrated that exposure to 900 MHz EMF radiation for 28 days can significantly impair spatial memory and damage BBB permeability in rat by activating the mkp-1/ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qianwei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liang Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shilun Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Choi SB, Kwon MK, Chung JW, Park JS, Chung K, Kim DW. Effects of short-term radiation emitted by WCDMA mobile phones on teenagers and adults. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:438. [PMID: 24886241 PMCID: PMC4108016 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the rapid increasing use of third generation (3 G) mobile phones, social concerns have arisen concerning the possible health effects of radio frequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted by wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) mobile phones in humans. The number of people, who complain of various symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue, has also increased. Recently, the importance of researches on teenagers has been on the rise. However, very few provocation studies have examined the health effects of WCDMA mobile phone radiation on teenagers. Methods In this double-blind study, two volunteer groups of 26 adults and 26 teenagers were simultaneously investigated by measuring physiological changes in heart rate, respiration rate, and heart rate variability for autonomic nervous system (ANS), eight subjective symptoms, and perception of RF-EMFs during sham and real exposure sessions to verify its effects on adults and teenagers. Experiments were conducted using a dummy phone containing a WCDMA module (average power, 250 mW at 1950 MHz; specific absorption rate, 1.57 W/kg) within a headset placed on the head for 32 min. Results Short-term WCDMA RF-EMFs generated no significant changes in ANS, subjective symptoms or the percentages of those who believed they were being exposed in either group. Conclusions Considering the analyzed physiological data, the subjective symptoms surveyed, and the percentages of those who believed they were being exposed, 32 min of RF radiation emitted by WCDMA mobile phones demonstrated no effects in either adult or teenager subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Deok Won Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Kwon MK, Kim SK, Koo JM, Choi JY, Kim DW. EHS subjects do not perceive RF EMF emitted from smart phones better than non-EHS subjects. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2012:2190-3. [PMID: 23366357 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2012.6346396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
As the use of smart phones increases, social concerns have arisen concerning the possible effects of radio frequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted from wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) mobile phones on human health. The number of people with self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) who complain of various subjective symptoms, such as headache, insomnia, etc., has also recently increased. However, it is unclear whether EHS subjects can detect RF-EMFs exposure or not. In this double-blind study, two volunteer groups of 17 EHS and 20 non-EHS subjects were investigated in regards to their perception of RF-EMFs with real and sham exposure sessions. Experiments were conducted using a WCDMA module inside a dummy phone with an average power of 24 dBm at 1950 MHz and a specific absorption rate of 1.57 W/kg using a dummy headphone for 32 min. In conclusion, there was no indication that EHS subjects perceive RF-EMFs better than non-EHS subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Kwon
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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16
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Kwon MK, Choi JY, Kim SK, Yoo TK, Kim DW. Effects of radiation emitted by WCDMA mobile phones on electromagnetic hypersensitive subjects. Environ Health 2012; 11:69. [PMID: 22998837 PMCID: PMC3465190 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the use of the third generation (3 G) mobile phones on the rise, social concerns have arisen concerning the possible health effects of radio frequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted by wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) mobile phones in humans. The number of people with self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), who complain of various subjective symptoms such as headache, dizziness and fatigue, has also increased. However, the origins of EHS remain unclear. METHODS In this double-blind study, two volunteer groups of 17 EHS and 20 non-EHS subjects were simultaneously investigated for physiological changes (heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiration rate), eight subjective symptoms, and perception of RF-EMFs during real and sham exposure sessions. Experiments were conducted using a dummy phone containing a WCDMA module (average power, 24 dBm at 1950 MHz; specific absorption rate, 1.57 W/kg) within a headset placed on the head for 32 min. RESULTS WCDMA RF-EMFs generated no physiological changes or subjective symptoms in either group. There was no evidence that EHS subjects perceived RF-EMFs better than non-EHS subjects. CONCLUSIONS Considering the analyzed physiological data, the subjective symptoms surveyed, and the percentages of those who believed they were being exposed, 32 min of RF radiation emitted by WCDMA mobile phones demonstrated no effects in either EHS or non-EHS subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Kwon
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joon Yul Choi
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Kean Kim
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Keun Yoo
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Deok Won Kim
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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17
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Leung S, Croft R, McKenzie R, Iskra S, Silber B, Cooper N, O’Neill B, Cropley V, Diaz-Trujillo A, Hamblin D, Simpson D. Effects of 2G and 3G mobile phones on performance and electrophysiology in adolescents, young adults and older adults. Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 122:2203-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Ng TP, Lim ML, Niti M, Collinson S. Long-term digital mobile phone use and cognitive decline in the elderly. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 33:176-85. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Barth A, Ponocny I, Gnambs T, Winker R. No effects of short-term exposure to mobile phone electromagnetic fields on human cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 33:159-65. [PMID: 21853449 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During recent years, a large number of studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by cellular mobile phones on human cognitive performance have been carried out. However, the results have been ambiguous. We carried out the current meta-analysis in order to investigate the impact of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones on human cognition. Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis as they fulfill several requirements such as single- or double-blind experimental study design, and documentation of means and standard deviations of dependent variables. The meta-analysis was carried out as a group comparison between exposed and non-exposed subjects. No significant effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile phones were found. Cognitive abilities seem to be neither impaired nor facilitated. Results of the meta-analysis suggest that a substantial short-term impact of high frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones on cognitive performance can essentially be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Barth
- Institute of Working and Organisational Psychology, UMIT-University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Linz, Austria.
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20
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Wallace D, Eltiti S, Ridgewell A, Garner K, Russo R, Sepulveda F, Walker S, Quinlan T, Dudley S, Maung S, Deeble R, Fox E. Cognitive and physiological responses in humans exposed to a TETRA base station signal in relation to perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 33:23-39. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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21
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Juutilainen J, Höytö A, Kumlin T, Naarala J. Review of possible modulation-dependent biological effects of radiofrequency fields. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 32:511-34. [PMID: 21480304 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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22
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Regel SJ, Achermann P. Cognitive performance measures in bioelectromagnetic research--critical evaluation and recommendations. Environ Health 2011; 10:10. [PMID: 21266038 PMCID: PMC3041732 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-10-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The steady increase of mobile phone usage has led to a rising concern about possible adverse health effects of radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure at intensities even below the existing safety limits. Accumulating evidence suggests that pulse-modulated RF EMF may alter brain physiology. Yet, whereas effects on the human electroencephalogram in waking and sleep have repeatedly been shown in recent years, results on cognitive performance are inconsistent. METHODS This review compares 41 provocation studies regarding the effects of RF EMF exposure similar to mobile telephones on cognitive performance measures in humans. The studies were identified via systematic searches of the databases Pub Med and ISI Web of Science and were published in peer-reviewed journals between 1998 and the end of 2009. RESULTS Based on a critical discussion within the scope of methodological standards it is concluded that state-of-the-art-methods in bio-electromagnetic research on RF EMF effects and cognition have neither been specified nor fully implemented over the last 10-11 years. The lack of a validated tool, which reliably assesses changes in cognitive performance caused by RF EMF exposure, may contribute to the current inconsistencies in outcomes. The high variety of findings may also be due to methodological issues such as differences in sample size and the composition of study groups, experimental design, exposure setup as well as the exposure conditions, and emphasizes the need for a standardized protocol in bioelectromagnetic research. CONCLUSIONS At present, no underlying biological mechanism has been identified which mediates the effects on brain functioning as observed in electroencephalographic (EEG) studies. A future aim must be to identify this mechanism as well as a reliable exposure protocol in order to gain more insights into possible behavioral and related health consequences of high-frequency EMF exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine J Regel
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Achermann
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Neuroscience Center Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Kwon MK, Nam KC, Lee DS, Jang KH, Kim DW. Effects of RF fields emitted from smart phones on cardio-respiratory parameters: a preliminary provocation study. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011; 2011:1961-1964. [PMID: 22254717 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2011.6090553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes an experimental setup for evaluating the physiological effects of radiofrequency (RF) emitted from a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) module with a 24 dBm at 1950 MHz for specific absorption rate (SAR(1g)) of 1.57 W/kg. This provocation study was executed in a double-blind study of two volunteer groups of 10 self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) and 10 non-EHS subjects under both sham and real exposures in a randomly assigned and counter-balanced order. In the preliminary results, WCDMA RF exposure of 30 min did not have any effects on physiological changes in either group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Kwon
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
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24
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Kwon MS, Hämäläinen H. Effects of mobile phone electromagnetic fields: Critical evaluation of behavioral and neurophysiological studies. Bioelectromagnetics 2010; 32:253-72. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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25
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Sauter C, Dorn H, Bahr A, Hansen ML, Peter A, Bajbouj M, Danker-Hopfe H. Effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by GSM 900 and WCDMA mobile phones on cognitive function in young male subjects. Bioelectromagnetics 2010; 32:179-90. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2010] [Revised: 09/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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26
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Riddervold IS, Kjaergaard SK, Pedersen GF, Andersen NT, Franek O, Pedersen AD, Sigsgaard T, Zachariae R, Mølhave L, Andersen JB. No effect of TETRA hand portable transmission signals on human cognitive function and symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics 2010; 31:380-90. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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27
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van Rongen E, Croft R, Juutilainen J, Lagroye I, Miyakoshi J, Saunders R, de Seze R, Tenforde T, Verschaeve L, Veyret B, Xu Z. Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on the human nervous system. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2009; 12:572-597. [PMID: 20183535 DOI: 10.1080/10937400903458940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF), specifically related to the use of mobile telephones, on the nervous system in humans have been the subject of a large number of experimental studies in recent years. There is some evidence of an effect of exposure to a Global System for Mobile Telecommunication (GSM)-type signal on the spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG). This is not corroborated, however, by the results from studies on evoked potentials. Although there is some evidence emerging that there may be an effect of exposure to a GSM-type signal on sleep EEG, results are still variable. In summary, exposure to a GSM-type signal may result in minor effects on brain activity, but such changes have never been found to relate to any adverse health effects. No consistent significant effects on cognitive performance in adults have been observed. If anything, any effect is small and exposure seems to improve performance. Effects in children did not differ from those in healthy adults. Studies on auditory and vestibular function are more unequivocal: neither hearing nor the sense of balance is influenced by short-term exposure to mobile phone signals. Subjective symptoms over a wide range, including headaches and migraine, fatigue, and skin itch, have been attributed to various radiofrequency sources both at home and at work. However, in provocation studies a causal relation between EMF exposure and symptoms has never been demonstrated. There are clear indications, however, that psychological factors such as the conscious expectation of effect may play an important role in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric van Rongen
- Health Council of the Netherlands, Den Haag, The Netherlands.
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28
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Maaroufi K, Had-Aissouni L, Melon C, Sakly M, Abdelmelek H, Poucet B, Save E. Effects of prolonged iron overload and low frequency electromagnetic exposure on spatial learning and memory in the young rat. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 92:345-55. [PMID: 19394433 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 04/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been suggested to affect the brain via alterations of blood-brain barrier permeability to iron. Because of an immature blood-brain barrier, the young brain may be particularly vulnerable to EMF exposure. It is therefore possible that behavioral and neurotoxic effects resulting from EMF-induced iron excess in the brain would be greater in young adults. The objective of the present study was to investigate the interaction between low-frequency EMF and iron overload in young rats. In Experiment 1, we tested the effects of iron overload on spatial learning and memory. Iron treatment did not affect performance in a reference (Morris water maze) and a working memory task (8-arm radial maze). In contrast, detection of a spatial change in an object exploration task was impaired. These effects correlated with modifications of the serotoninergic metabolism. In Experiment 2, the combination of EMF exposure and iron overload was tested. As in Experiment 1, rats were not impaired in reference and working memory tasks but were mildly impaired in the detection of the spatial change. Overall, the results showed an effect of iron overload on spontaneous spatial memory processes. However, low-frequency EMF exposure did not potentiate the effects of iron overload in young rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Maaroufi
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Cognition, UMR 6155 Aix-Marseille Université CNRS, Marseille, France
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29
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Kwon MS, Kujala T, Huotilainen M, Shestakova A, Näätänen R, Hämäläinen H. Preattentive auditory information processing under exposure to the 902 MHz GSM mobile phone electromagnetic field: A mismatch negativity (MMN) study. Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30:241-8. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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30
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Habash RWY, Elwood JM, Krewski D, Lotz WG, McNamee JP, Prato FS. Recent advances in research on radiofrequency fields and health: 2004-2007. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2009; 12:250-288. [PMID: 20183523 DOI: 10.1080/10937400903094125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of wireless telecommunications devices, particularly mobile phones and wireless networks, has resulted in increased human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. Although national and international agencies have established safety guidelines for exposure to RF fields, concerns remain about the potential for adverse health outcomes to occur in relation to RF field exposure. The extensive literature on RF fields and health was reviewed by a number of authorities, including the Royal Society of Canada (1999). This report is the third in a series of updates to the original report of the Royal Society of Canada, covering the period 2004-2007. In particular, the present study examined new data on (1) dosimetry and exposure assessment, (2) biological effects of RF fields such as enzyme induction, and (3) toxicological effects, including genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Epidemiological studies of the potential health effects of RF exposure, particularly from mobile phones, were determined, along with human and animal studies of neurological and behavioural effects. Within the last 4 yrs investigators concluded that there is no clear evidence of adverse health effects associated with RF fields, although continued research is recommended to address specific areas of concern, including exposure to RF fields among children using mobile phones. The results of the ongoing 13-country World Health Organization INTERPHONE study of mobile phones may provide important new information on the potential cancer risks associated with mobile phone use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh W Y Habash
- R. Samuel McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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31
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Blackman C. Cell phone radiation: Evidence from ELF and RF studies supporting more inclusive risk identification and assessment. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2009; 16:205-16. [PMID: 19264460 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2009.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Revised: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many national and international exposure standards for maximum radiation exposure from the use of cell phone and other similar portable devices are ultimately based on the production of heat particularly in regions of the head, that is, thermal effects (TE). The recent elevation in some countries of the allowable exposure, that is, averaging the exposure that occurs in a 6min period over 10g of tissue rather than over 1g allows for greater heating in small portions of the 10-g volume compared to the exposure that would be allowed averaged over 1-g volume. There is concern that 'hot' spots, that is, momentary higher intensities, could occur in portions of the 10-g tissue piece, might have adverse consequences, particularly in brain tissue. There is another concern about exposure to cell phone radiation that has been virtually ignored except for the National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) advice given in a publication in 1986 [National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements, Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields, National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements, 1986, 400 pp.]. This NCRP review and guidance explicitly acknowledge the existence of non-thermal effects (NTE), and included provisions for reduced maximum-allowable limits should certain radiation characteristics occur during the exposure. If we are to take most current national and international exposure standards as completely protective of thermal injury for acute exposure only (6min time period) then the recent evidence from epidemiological studies associating increases in brain and head cancers with increased cell phone use per day and per year over 8-12 years, raises concerns about the possible health consequences on NTE first acknowledged in the NCRP 1986 report [National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements, Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields, National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements, 1986, 400 pp.]. This paper will review some of the salient evidence that demonstrates the existence of NTE and the exposure complexities that must be considered and understood to provide appropriate, more thorough evaluation and guidance for future studies and for assessment of potential health consequences. Unfortunately, this paper is necessary because most national and international reviews of the research area since the 1986 report [National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements, Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields, National Council for Radiation Protection and Measurements, 1986, 400 pp.] have not included scientists with expertise in NTE, or given appropriate attention to their requests to include NTE in the establishment of public-health-based radiation exposure standards. Thus, those standards are limited because they are not comprehensive.
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32
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Wiholm C, Lowden A, Kuster N, Hillert L, Arnetz BB, Akerstedt T, Moffat SD. Mobile phone exposure and spatial memory. Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30:59-65. [PMID: 18792947 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Radiofrequency (RF) emission during mobile phone use has been suggested to impair cognitive functions, that is, working memory. This study investigated the effects of a 2 1/2 h RF exposure (884 MHz) on spatial memory and learning, using a double-blind repeated measures design. The exposure was designed to mimic that experienced during a real-life mobile phone conversation. The design maximized the exposure to the left hemisphere. The average exposure was peak spatial specific absorption rate (psSAR10g) of 1.4 W/kg. The primary outcome measure was a "virtual" spatial navigation task modeled after the commonly used and validated Morris Water Maze. The distance traveled on each trial and the amount of improvement across trials (i.e., learning) were used as dependent variables. The participants were daily mobile phone users, with and without symptoms attributed to regular mobile phone use. Results revealed a main effect of RF exposure and a significant RF exposure by group effect on distance traveled during the trials. The symptomatic group improved their performance during RF exposure while there was no such effect in the non-symptomatic group. Until this new finding is further investigated, we can only speculate about the cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clairy Wiholm
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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Kleinlogel H, Dierks T, Koenig T, Lehmann H, Minder A, Berz R. Effects of weak mobile phone-Electromagnetic fields (GSM, UMTS) on event related potentials and cognitive functions. Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29:488-97. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Nittby H, Grafström G, Tian DP, Malmgren L, Brun A, Persson BRR, Salford LG, Eberhardt J. Cognitive impairment in rats after long-term exposure to GSM-900 mobile phone radiation. Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29:219-32. [PMID: 18044737 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Considering the frequent use of mobile phones, we have directed attention to possible implications on cognitive functions. In this study we investigated in a rat model the long-term effects of protracted exposure to Global System for Mobile Communication-900 MHz (GSM-900) radiation. Out of a total of 56 rats, 32 were exposed for 2 h each week for 55 weeks to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation at different SAR levels (0.6 and 60 mW/kg at the initiation of the experimental period) emitted by a (GSM-900) test phone. Sixteen animals were sham exposed and eight animals were cage controls, which never left the animal house. After this protracted exposure, GSM-900 exposed rats were compared to sham exposed controls. Effects on exploratory behaviour were evaluated in the open-field test, in which no difference was seen. Effects on cognitive functions were evaluated in the episodic-like memory test. In our study, GSM exposed rats had impaired memory for objects and their temporal order of presentation, compared to sham exposed controls (P = 0.02). Detecting the place in which an object was presented was not affected by GSM exposure. Our results suggest significantly reduced memory functions in rats after GSM microwave exposure (P = 0.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Nittby
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lund University, The Rausing Laboratory and Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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Kwon MS, Koivisto M, Laine M, Hämäläinen H. Perception of the electromagnetic field emitted by a mobile phone. Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29:154-9. [PMID: 18027840 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Electromagnetic sensibility refers to the ability to perceive the electromagnetic field (EMF) without necessarily developing health symptoms attributed to EMF exposure. A large sample of young healthy adults (n = 84) performed two forced-choice tasks on the perception of the GSM mobile phone EMF (902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz), "Was the field on?" and "Did the field change?" (3 conditions x 100 trials for each task, n = 600 trials in total). A monetary prize was announced for good performance (correct response rate > or =75%, n = 600 trials). The performance was no better than expected by chance, and thus none of the participants won the prize. Two participants showed extraordinary performance in one of the task conditions ("Was the field on?", n = 100 trials), with correct response rates of 97% (P = 1.28 x 10(-25)) and 94% (P = 9.40 x 10(-22)), but they failed to replicate the result in the retest of six blocks of the same condition 1 month later. Six participants had reported being able to perceive the mobile phone EMF in the preliminary inquiry, but they performed no better than the others. This study provides empirical evidence against the existence of electromagnetic sensibility to the mobile phone EMF, demonstrating the necessity for replication in EMF studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Soo Kwon
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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