Abstract

Overview

The extensive adoption of mobile phones has spurred numerous studies to explore their effects on brain activity. In particular, this study investigates how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phones affect EEG recordings, focusing on the alpha band power spectral density (PSD).

Purpose

The primary objective was to understand if the individual variability in brain physiological state could be influencing the alpha band responses observed during RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones.

Materials & Methods

• Participants: 21 healthy volunteers participated, following a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced crossover design.
• Procedure: Tests involved baseline EEG recordings without exposure, a phase with the exposure system placed against the left ear, and a final post-exposure phase without mobile phone exposure.
• Exposure System: A real versus sham GSM 900 MHz mobile phone pulse-modulated at 217 Hz, with power levels and specific absorption rates specified.

Findings

The study observed fluctuations in EEG power for alpha oscillations across different testing conditions. However, these changes were not statistically significant, suggesting no direct correlation between RF-EMF exposure and modulation of alpha band activity in this context.

Conclusion

There was no significant modulation of alpha band activity during RF-EMF exposure. The study discusses potential delays needed post-exposure to observe any relevant modulations in EEG spectra related to EMF exposure, indicating possible long-term effects not immediately detectable.