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Electromagnetic field emitted by 902 MHz mobile phones shows no effects on children's cognitive function

Christian Haarala1, Monica Bergman, Matti Laine

  • 1Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. christian.haarala@utu.fi

Bioelectromagnetics
|August 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study found that standard mobile phone use, specifically 902 MHz Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), does not impact cognitive function in children aged 10-14. Cognitive performance remained consistent whether the phone was active or inactive.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Health
  • Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Research

Background:

  • Growing concerns exist regarding the impact of mobile phone electromagnetic fields (EMF) on cognitive development in children.
  • Previous research has yielded conflicting results on whether EMF exposure affects cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a standard 902 MHz Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) mobile phone on the cognitive function of children aged 10-14 years.
  • To assess reaction times and accuracy in cognitive tests during active vs. inactive mobile phone exposure.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 32 children (10-14 years old) underwent a battery of cognitive tests.
  • Testing was conducted twice under counter-balanced conditions: once with an active mobile phone and once with an inactive phone.
  • Cognitive tests previously validated in adult studies were utilized.

Main Results:

  • Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in reaction times or accuracy between the active and inactive mobile phone conditions.
  • This lack of difference was observed across all cognitive tests and individually.

Conclusions:

  • Standard 902 MHz GSM mobile phone usage does not affect cognitive function in 10-14 year old children, based on measures of response speed and accuracy.
  • These findings challenge prior studies suggesting potential cognitive facilitation from mobile phone EMF exposure in children.

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