Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This study investigates the impact of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) among adolescent students.

Methodology

The research measured HRV during an ortho-clinostatic test, which involves transitions from lying to standing. The study included 46 healthy grammar school students exposed to a 1788 MHz pulsed wave at 54 ± 1.6 V/m intermittently over 18 minutes during each session. The maximum specific absorption rate (SAR10) was 0.405 W/kg.

• Additional measurements included respiration rate and a subjective perception of EMF exposure.

Findings

RF exposure significantly affected the HRV of subjects in a lying position, displaying a decrease in heart rate and an increase in high-frequency HRV indices, indicative of enhanced parasympathetic nerve activity. However, these changes were not observed in subjects in a standing position.

• No significant heating effects—either tympanic or skin temperature—were noted under RF exposure conditions, nor were any effects on respiration rate identified.
• Subjects could not reliably distinguish between actual and sham EMF exposures.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to RF EMF in a controlled setting affects the ANS, particularly increasing parasympathetic activity while subjects are lying down during physiological testing scenarios. This underscores the need for further research into the effects of electromagnetic fields on human physiology.