Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

No effects of acute exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones on brainstem auditory potentials in young volunteers med./bio.

Published in: Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2003; 16 (3): 201-208

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the effects of electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones (at all standard wavelengths: 450, 935 and 1800 MHz used in Poland) on the auditory brainstem-evoked responses (ABR) during and after the exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 450 MHz
Exposure duration: intermittent, 4 times/min with 1 s break, for 20 min per ear
Exposure 2: 935 MHz
Exposure duration: intermittent, 4 times/min with 1 s break, for 20 min per ear
Exposure 3: 1,800 MHz
Exposure duration: intermittent, 4 times/min with 1 s break, for 20 min per ear

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 450 MHz
Type
Exposure duration intermittent, 4 times/min with 1 s break, for 20 min per ear
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 0 cm
Chamber The examination was performed in a darkened, sound-proof room with the subject lying comfortably.
Setup The external antenna of the mobile phone was attached directly to the skin above the ear at the tempo-occipital region of the head.
Additional info The exposure consisted of repeated activation of the phone, 4 times/min at 1s intervals between exposures. The stimulation was performed for 20 min first on the right ear and then on the left ear.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.15 W/m² - measured - -

Exposure 2

Main characteristics
Frequency 935 MHz
Type
Exposure duration intermittent, 4 times/min with 1 s break, for 20 min per ear
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 0 cm
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.052 W/m² - measured - -

Exposure 3

Main characteristics
Frequency 1,800 MHz
Type
Exposure duration intermittent, 4 times/min with 1 s break, for 20 min per ear
Modulation
Modulation type unspecified
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 0 cm
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power density 0.11 W/m² - measured - -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

For neither electromagnetic field frequency, differences were revealed in wave and inter-wave latencies during and after exposure to electromagnetic field compared to the initial auditory brainstem response pattern. This implies that commonly used mobile phones do not affect neural conduction along the auditory nerve to auditory brainstem centers.

Study character:

Study funded by

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