Association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields dose and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents

Authors: Alba Cabré-Riera, Luuk van Wel, Ilaria Liorni, Arno Thielens, Laura Ellen Birks, Livia Pierotti, Wout Joseph, Llúcia González-Safont, Jesús Ibarluzea, Amparo Ferrero, Anke Huss, Joe Wiart, Loreto Santa-Marina, Maties Torrent, Tanja Vrijkotte, Myles Capstick, Roel Vermeulen, Martine Vrijheid, Elisabeth Cardis, Martin Röösli, Mònica Guxens

Year: 2020 Nov 19

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Int J Hyg Environ Health

Institution: INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113659

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33221634/

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the potential impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on cognitive functions among preadolescents and adolescents. Using an improved RF-EMF exposure model, this cross-sectional analysis explores how RF-EMF exposure might relate to various cognitive functions.

Methods

Population: Preadolescents aged 9-11 years and adolescents aged 17-18 years from two different studies.
RF-EMF sources: Mobile and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications phone calls, other mobile phone uses, tablet, and laptop use, along with far-field sources.
Assessment: Cognitive function evaluated through validated neurocognitive tests assessing non-verbal intelligence, information processing speed, attentional function, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and semantic fluency.

Findings

Key data point to an interesting relationship between RF-EMF exposure and cognitive function:

A higher overall estimated whole-brain RF-EMF dose was associated with lower non-verbal intelligence in Dutch and Spanish preadolescents.
No direct correlation was found between RF-EMF exposure and other assessed cognitive functions, such as attentional function or memory.

Conclusion

The study suggests a link between RF-EMF exposure and lower non-verbal intelligence, raising important considerations for adolescent cognitive developments. However, the lack of associations with other cognitive functions and the limitations noted by the study call for further research, particularly long-term longitudinal studies, to better understand this relationship.

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