Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation and Memory Performance: Sources of Uncertainty in Epidemiological Cohort Studies

Abstract

Uncertainty in experimental studies of exposure to radiation from mobile phones has in the past only been framed within the context of statistical variability. It is now becoming more apparent to researchers that epistemic or reducible uncertainties can also affect the total error in results. These uncertainties are derived from a wide range of sources including human error, such as data transcription, model structure, measurement and linguistic errors in communication. The issue of epistemic uncertainty is reviewed and interpreted in the context of the MoRPhEUS, ExPOSURE and HERMES cohort studies which investigate the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones on memory performance. Research into this field has found inconsistent results due to limitations from a range of epistemic sources. Potential analytic approaches are suggested based on quantification of epistemic error using Monte Carlo simulation. It is recommended that future studies investigating the relationship between radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation and memory performance pay more attention to treatment of epistemic uncertainties as well as further research into improving exposure assessment. Use of directed acyclic graphs is also encouraged to display the assumed covariate relationship.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure assessment: a pilot study on mobile phone signal strength and transmitted power levels

“…The strong negative correlations and significant increases in Tx power found with signal strength level within an urban environment show a potentially substantial source of measurement error uncertainty that has not previously been controlled for in epidemiological studies. Various sources of uncertainty have already been identified in RF-EMF exposure assessment for both near and far-field sources [15].…”

“…However, the study also had some limitations. The use of one model (Sony Xperia XZ) of mobile phone is limiting as different phone models can have different SAR limits, and different locations for antennae that could vary RF-EMF exposure [15]. Despite, all mobile phone models operating within the SAR safety limits other handsets may be more efficient and use less Tx power at poorer signal levels.…”

“…Also billing records lack data on important variables for RF-EMF exposure assessment, as mobile phone users who make the same number and duration of calls can have vastly different levels of RF-EMF exposure. This includes information on the model of phone used, as different models can have different Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits as well as different antennae locations which can vary the level of RF-EMF exposure received [15]. Data on the use of loudspeaker, earphones, and the distance the phone is held from the body is also important, as RF-EMF exposure greatly reduces with the distance the phone is held away from the body.…”

“…Data on the use of loudspeaker, earphones, and the distance the phone is held from the body is also important, as RF-EMF exposure greatly reduces with the distance the phone is held away from the body. Base station signal strength also greatly affects the amount of RF-EMF exposure, as using a mobile phone in an area of poor signal requires the phone to use more power and increases RF-EMF exposure [15].…”

Research on the Mechanism of Radiation-Related Cognitive Impairment—A Review

“…There is no doubt that radiation damage caused by high doses of radiation, but accumulating evidence suggests that various degrees of cognitive deficit can develop after much lower doses of ionizing radiation, as well [21]. A recent study showed that the longer the exposure, the greater the degree of brain damage [33]. The study also found a significant role for gender in radiation-induced cognitive impairment.…”