Medical/biological study (experimental study)

The effect of GSM and TETRA mobile handset signals on blood pressure, catechol levels and heart rate variability med./bio.

By: Barker AT, Jackson PR, Parry H, Coulton LA, Cook GG, Wood SM

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28 (6): 433-438

Aim of study (acc. to author)

1) To study whether the radiofrequency signals from GSM and TETRA handsets cause acute changes in the blood pressure of normal volunteers (n=120).
2) To study heart rate variability and blood catechol concentrations as markers of sympathetic nervous system activity, and to measure blood pressure for 24 h after exposure to determine the duration of any blood pressure changes observed.

Endpoint

effects on the cardiovascular system: blood pressure, heart rate variability

Exposure

- mobile communications
- digital mobile phone
- GSM
- TETRA/TETRAPOL

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: RF (≥ 10 MHz) Modulation type: pulsed, CW Exposure duration: continuous for 40 min	SAR: 1.3 W/kg peak value (10 g) (70 % of the ICNIRP general public exposure limits of 2 W/kg averaged over 10 g to head and trunk)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	RF (≥ 10 MHz)
Type	electromagnetic field
Exposure duration	continuous for 40 min

Modulation

Modulation type	pulsed, CW
Additional info	GSM and TETRA: for both simulated a) modulated mode b) carrier wave mode c) sham mode

Exposure setup

Exposure source	mobile phone-type handset
Setup	handset fitted in a standard position against the left side of the head
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
SAR	1.3 W/kg	peak value	calibration	10 g	70 % of the ICNIRP general public exposure limits of 2 W/kg averaged over 10 g to head and trunk

Exposed system:

human
partial body: head (left side)

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the cardiovascular system: blood pressure, heart rate variability (RR interval)
effects on the neurological system: blood catechol concentrations (as markers of sympathetic nervous system activity)

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
blood samples
investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure
after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed no effect of GSM and TETRA signals on blood pressure and related cardiovascular parameters.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
double-blind study

Study funded by

Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR), UK

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