Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Electromagnetic fields produced by GSM cellular phones and heart rate variability med./bio.

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28 (2): 122-129

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To assess cardiac regulatory mechanism in different autonomic nervous system states during exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic fields (GSM, 900 MHz). A group of 26 healthy subjects was investigated.

Background/further details

Autonomic nervous system was evaluated in quiet condition (vagal prevalence; 13 minutes laying on a bed) and after a sympathetic activation (stand; after laying on a bed the subject was instructed to stand up,- also for 13 minutes).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 900 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 26 min
  • power: 2 W (software-controlled)
  • SAR: 0.02 W/kg maximum (10.5-13.5 cm deep)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 900 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 26 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup A phone positioning system (headband, adjustable arm, and phone holder) made of non-metallic plastic materials held the phone on the subject's dominant-hand side so that its longitudinal axis followed an imaginary line from the entrance to the ear canal to the corner of the mouth, in accordance with the "touch position" of CENELEC standard EN 50361 [2002].
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Additional info The mobile phone was controlled via cable by a PC. The sham or genuine exposure was realized using a 50 Ω resistive load or an open-circuit dummy load connected to the remote antenna connector of the phone. Each subject participated in two sessions with real or sham exposure in double-blind random order performed on separate days at least 24 h apart. Each session lasted 26 min: 13 min in supine rest condition followed by 13 min in stand condition.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W - - - software-controlled
SAR 0.02 W/kg maximum measured - 10.5-13.5 cm deep

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed no statistically significant effect due to electromagnetic field exposure both on main (i.e., RR interval mean) and most of the other heart rate variability parameters. A weak interaction between some heart rate variability parameters and radiofrequency exposure was found and this effect seemed to be gathered around the sympathetic response to stand.

Study character:

Study funded by

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