Acute Mobile Phones Exposure Affects Frontal Cortex Hemodynamics as Evidenced by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the effects induced by an acute exposure (40 mins) to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) signal emitted by a mobile phone (MP) on the oxygenation of the frontal cortex. Eleven healthy volunteers underwent two sessions (Real and Sham exposure) after a crossover, randomized, double-blind paradigm. The whole procedure lasted 60 mins: 10-mins baseline (Bsl), 40-mins (Exposure), and 10-mins recovery (Post-Exp). Together with frontal hemodynamics, heart rate, objective and subjective vigilance, and self-evaluation of subjective symptoms were also assessed. The fNIRS results showed a slight influence of the GSM signal on frontal cortex, with a linear increase in [HHb] as a function of time in the Real exposure condition (F 4,40 = 2.67; P = 0.04). No other measure showed any GSM exposure-dependent changes. These results suggest that fNIRS is a convenient tool for safely and noninvasively investigating the cortical activation in MP exposure experimental settings. Given the short-term effects observed in this study, the results should be confirmed on a larger sample size and using a multichannel instrument that allows the investigation of a wider portion of the frontal cortex.

Assessment of intermittent UMTS electromagnetic field effects on blood circulation in the human auditory region using a near‐infrared system

“…These findings agree with Wolf et al [2006], but disagree with Curcio et al [2009], who found a decrease in [O 2 Hb] and an increase in [HHb]. The analysis indicated that these changes represent a superficial increase in blood flow.…”

“…No slow effect was found during 20 min of exposure. Curcio et al [2009] found a significant linear increase in [HHb] during 40 min of exposure.…”

“…Thus, our aim was to investigate potential effects of UMTS-EMF using NIRS. Since previous studies using GSM-EMF indicated effects on different time scales [Wolf et al, 2006;Curcio et al, 2009], we analyzed two time scales. In addition, we studied subjective parameters and counting speed.…”

Changes in Brain Glioma Incidence and Laterality Correlates with Use of Mobile Phones - a Nationwide Population Based Study in Israel

“…Notably the finding in that study, an increase in intracellular metabolism of glucose should be viewed in light of the fact that a decrease in the brain glucose metabolism is associated with the development of Alzheimer disease (Daulatzai, 2010;Herholz, 2010). Other studies have shown other, non-carcinogens effects on the brain such as local increase in oxygen consumption (Curcio et al, 2009) and an effect on regional cerebral blood flow (Alto et al, 2006) Interpretation of those results and their clinical relevance and implication is not clear; as is the debate weather they represent a deleterious effect or a protective effect.…”

“…Concerns regarding the possibility of RF radiation associated health hazards; specifically tumor formation were raised soon after mobile phones use became prevalent. Over the years multiple studies were published in order to resolve this issue using several approaches: evaluating the ability of RF exposure lead to genetic and epigenetic alterations which may promote transformation of a normal cell into a malignant (or benign) tumor (Aalto et al, 2006;Khiat, 2006;Vecchio et al, 2007;Kaprana et al, 2008;Curcio et al, 2009;Gerner et al, 2010 ;Salama, 2010) Animal experiments to test the notion of a tumor promoting effects of RF radiation (Heimans et al, 1990; Special report to the Knesset on CT and MRI scanners, 2008;Luxemburg et al, 2010) and human (case control or population-based) studies employing a retrospective approach trying to assess tumor rates and odds ratios (Primarily CNS tumors) by length of mobile phone use and tumor laterality (Lonn et al, 2005;Moulder et al, 2005;Milham, 2006;Takebayashi et al, 2006;Lahkola et al, 2007;Ahlbom et al, 2009;Myung et al, 2009;Saracci and Samet, 2010;The Interphone Study Group. Brain tumour risk, 2010).…”