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Microwaves emitted by cellular telephones affect human slow brain potentials
G Freude1, P Ullsperger, S Eggert
1Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Noeldnerstrasse 40-42, D-10317 Berlin, Germany. freude@baua.de
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|November 7, 1999
Summary
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) from cell phones selectively decreased slow brain potentials (SP) during a complex visual task. This effect on brain activity was consistent but did not impact performance or well-being.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Cellular telephones emit electromagnetic fields (EMF).
- Preparatory slow brain potentials (SP) reflect cognitive processes.
- Previous research has explored EMF effects on brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of EMF from cellular telephones on preparatory slow brain potentials (SP).
- To determine if EMF effects vary across different cognitive tasks.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments conducted approximately six months apart.
- Exposure to EMF during a complex visual monitoring task (VMT).
- Analysis of SP, Bereitschaftspotential (BP), and contingent negative variation (CNV) in VMT, BP, and CNV tasks.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in SP was observed during EMF exposure in the VMT, replicated across both experiments.
- No significant main EMF effects were found for BP and CNV tasks.
- EMF effects were selective to specific aspects of human information processing.
Conclusions:
- EMF from cellular telephones can selectively influence preparatory slow brain potentials.
- The observed effects are task-dependent, more pronounced in complex cognitive tasks.
- No evidence suggests EMF influences overall human performance, well-being, or health.