Pulsed radio frequency radiation affects cognitive performance and the waking electroencephalogram.
We investigated the effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields on brain physiology. Twenty-four healthy young men were exposed for 30 min to pulse-modulated or continuous-wave radio frequency electromagnetic fields (900 MHz; peak specific absorption rate 1 W/kg), or sham exposed. During exposure, participants performed cognitive tasks. Waking electroencephalogram was recorded during baseline, immediately after, and 30 and 60 min after exposure. Pulse-modulated radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure reduced reaction speed and increased accuracy in a working-memory task. It also increased spectral power in the waking electroencephalogram in the 10.5-11 Hz range 30 min after exposure. No effects were observed for continuous-wave radio frequency electromagnetic fields. These findings provide further evidence for a nonthermal biological effect of pulsed radio frequency electromagnetic fields.
Regel
Sabine J
SJ
University of Zürich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zürich, Switzerland.
Gottselig
Julie M
JM
Schuderer
Jürgen
J
Tinguely
Gilberte
G
Rétey
Julia V
JV
Kuster
Niels
N
Landolt
Hans-Peter
HP
Achermann
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011846:Radio Waves; D013997:Time Factors; D014851:Wakefulness