Effect of a 902 MHz electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones on human cognitive function: A replication study

Haarala, Christian; Björnberg, Linda; Ek, Maria; Laine, Matti; Revonsuo, Antti; Koivisto, Mika; Hämäläinen, Heikki

doi:10.1002/bem.10105

Cited by 110 publications

(151 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…While the present study's findings are consistent with early reports that exposure to PM RF affects working memory performance (Koivisto et al, 2000, Regel et al, 2007a, Regel et al, 2007b, the majority of the literature has not found such an influence (Haarala et al, 2003, Haarala et al, 2004, Haarala et al, 2007, Krause et al, 2007, Leung et al, 2011). Although we cannot be conclusive, a number of reasons related to the methodological improvements employed by this study may explain the results.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

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Pulse modulated radiofrequency exposure influences cognitive performance

Verrender

Loughran

Dalecki

et al. 2016

International Journal of Radiation Biology

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Purpose: To investigate whether exposure to pulse modulated radiofrequency (PM RF) influences human cognitive performance, and whether it does so in a dose-dependent manner. Materials and methods: Thirtysix healthy adults participated in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced provocation study. Cognitive performance was assessed using a visual discrimination task and a modified Sternberg working memory task, which were calibrated to individual performance levels in a preliminary testing session. An sXh920 planar exposure system was used to generate a 920 MHz GSM-like signal, providing three conditions (peak-spatial SAR averaged over 10 g) of 0 W/kg (sham), 1 W/kg (low RF) and 2 W/kg (high RF). Results: A significant decrease in reaction time (RT) in the Sternberg working memory task was found during exposure compared to sham. This effect was not dose-dependent. Conclusions: Cognitive performance was shown to be faster under PM RF conditions, relative to sham, in a working memory task. While the majority of the literature has not found effects of PM RF exposure on cognitive performance, it is possible that the methodological improvements employed in the present study increased sensitivity, and thus the ability to detect potential effects. influences human cognitive performance, and whether it does so in a dose dependent manner. Materials and Methods:Thirty six healthy adults participated in a randomised, double blind, counterbalanced provocation study. Cognitive performance was assessed using a visual discrimination task and a modified Sternberg working memory task, which were calibrated to individual performance levels in a preliminary testing session. An sXh920 planar exposure system was used to generate a 920 MHz GSM-like signal, providing three conditions (peakspatial SAR averaged over 10g) of 0 W/kg (Sham), 1 W/kg (Low RF) and 2 W/kg (High RF).Results: A significant decrease in reaction time (RT) in the Sternberg working memory task was found during exposure compared to Sham. This effect was not dose dependent.Conclusions: PM RF exposure was shown to influence cognitive performance in a working memory task. While the majority of the literature has not found effects of PM RF exposure on cognitive performance, it is possible that the methodological improvements employed in the present study increased sensitivity, and thus the ability to detect potential effects.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…The majority of studies using this task, however, have not found any effects of PM RF exposure on performance (Haarala et al, 2003, Haarala et al, 2004, Haarala et al, 2007, Krause et al, 2007, Leung et al, 2011.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Pulse modulated radiofrequency exposure influences cognitive performance

Verrender

Loughran

Dalecki

et al. 2016

International Journal of Radiation Biology

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“…In particular, Preece et al [1999] and Koivisto et al [2000a,b] reported a shortening of the RT. Some work on verification of these reports failed to confirm their findings [Haarala et al, 2003.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…In two replications and an extension study done by Haarala et al 2003Haarala et al , 2004 subjects in two different laboratories in Finland and Sweden performed doubleblind cognitive and short-term memory tasks. The phone was attached to the left side of the head.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted by cellular telephones on the cognitive functions of humans

Eliyahu¹,

Luria

Hareuveny³

et al. 2006

Bioelectromagnetics

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The present study examined the effects of exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation emitted by a standard GSM phone at 890 MHz on human cognitive functions. This study attempted to establish a connection between the exposure of a specific area of the brain and the cognitive functions associated with that area. A total of 36 healthy right-handed male subjects performed four distinct cognitive tasks: spatial item recognition, verbal item recognition, and two spatial compatibility tasks. Tasks were chosen according to the brain side they are assumed to activate. All subjects performed the tasks under three exposure conditions: right side, left side, and sham exposure. The phones were controlled by a base station simulator and operated at their full power. We have recorded the reaction times (RTs) and accuracy of the responses. The experiments consisted of two sections, of 1 h each, with a 5 min break in between. The tasks and the exposure regimes were counterbalanced. The results indicated that the exposure of the left side of the brain slows down the left-hand response time, in the second-laterpart of the experiment. This effect was apparent in three of the four tasks, and was highly significant in only one of the tests. The exposure intensity and its duration exceeded the common exposure of cellular phone users.

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“…In a replication and extension of Koivisto et al [2000a] with methodological improvements, Haarala et al [2003] had subjects perform a battery of nine cognitive tasks, including six tasks repeated from Koivisto et al [2000a] twice in two independent laboratories in Sweden and Finland. Improvements included a double blind study, multicenter testing with order of subjects counter balanced across subjects and gender, measurements of the SAR of the phones with the SPEAG's Dosimetric Assessment System 3 (DASY3, Schmid & Partner Engineering AG, Zurich, Switzerland), measurements of the temperature with a type K thermocouple sensor and a TES-1300 thermometer (TES Electrical Electronic Corp., Taipei, Taiwan), and statistical analyses performed using SPSS software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL).…”

Section: Cognitive Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microwave effects on the nervous system

D'Andrea

Chou

Johnston³

et al. 2003

Bioelectromagnetics

117

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Studies have evaluated the electroencephalography (EEG) of humans and laboratory animals during and after Radiofrequency (RF) exposures. Effects of RF exposure on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have been generally accepted for exposures that are thermalizing. Low level exposures that report alterations of the BBB remain controversial. Exposure to high levels of RF energy can damage the structure and function of the nervous system. Much research has focused on the neurochemistry of the brain and the reported effects of RF exposure. Research with isolated brain tissue has provided new results that do not seem to rely on thermal mechanisms. Studies of individuals who are reported to be sensitive to electric and magnetic fields are discussed. In this review of the literature, it is difficult to draw conclusions concerning hazards to human health. The many exposure parameters such as frequency, orientation, modulation, power density, and duration of exposure make direct comparison of many experiments difficult. At high exposure power densities, thermal effects are prevalent and can lead to adverse consequences. At lower levels of exposure biological effects may still occur but thermal mechanisms are not ruled out. It is concluded that the diverse methods and experimental designs as well as lack of replication of many seemingly important studies prevents formation of definite conclusions concerning hazardous nervous system health effects from RF exposure. The only firm conclusion that may be drawn is the potential for hazardous thermal consequences of high power RF exposure.

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Effect of a 902 MHz electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones on human cognitive function: A replication study

Cited by 110 publications

References 12 publications

Pulse modulated radiofrequency exposure influences cognitive performance

Pulse modulated radiofrequency exposure influences cognitive performance

Effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted by cellular telephones on the cognitive functions of humans

Microwave effects on the nervous system

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