Local vasodilator response to mobile phones.
OBJECTIVE
The use of mobile phones with the resulting generation of potentially harmful electromagnetic fields (EMF) is the focus of public interest. Heat generation and the activation of the inducible form of nitric oxide (NO) synthase may be possible causes of the biological effects of EMF exposure. We investigated if a mobile telephone conversation can modify skin temperature, NO, and nasal resistance.


METHODS
We studied the effect of an EMF (900 MHz) generated by a commercially available cellular phone during a 30-minute telephone conversation on skin temperature, nasal NO measured by chemiluminescence, and nasal minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) measured by rhinometry. Eleven normal subjects (mean age +/- standard error of mean [SEM], 32 +/- 5 y; 10 male) were studied.


RESULTS
There was a similar and significant increase in skin temperature of the nostril and occipital area on the same side as the telephone (maximal increase 2.3 +/- 0.2 degrees C at 6 min) as well as a tendency for higher nasal NO levels (maximal increase 12.9 +/- 4.9% at 10 min), whereas the MCA was significantly reduced (maximal decrease -27 +/- 6% at 15 min). Such changes were not recorded when an earpiece was used to avoid the direct exposure to the electromagnetic field. There were no changes in the skin temperature and nasal NO measured on the opposite side to the mobile phone, whereas the MCA was significantly increased (38 +/- 10%).


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to EMF produced by a mobile phone produces biological effects that can be easily measured. Microwaves may increase skin temperature and therefore cause vasodilation and reduce MCA. Further studies are needed to study the long-term effects of mobile phone use and the relation among NO production, vasodilation, and temperature.
Paredi
P
P
Department of Thoracic Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.
Kharitonov
S A
SA
Hanazawa
T
T
Barnes
P J
PJ
D000162:Acoustics; D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000528:radiation effects; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000528:radiation effects; D009666:Nose / Q000528:radiation effects; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000528:radiation effects; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000528:radiation effects; D013689:Telephone; D013821:Thermometers; D013997:Time Factors; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000528:radiation effects
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase