Research Article

The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the alpha rhythm of human electroencephalogram

  1. R.J. Croft1,2,*,
  2. D.L. Hamblin1,2,
  3. J. Spong1,
  4. A.W. Wood2,3,
  5. R.J. McKenzie2,
  6. C. Stough1

Article first published online: 4 SEP 2007

DOI: 10.1002/bem.20352

Issue

Bioelectromagnetics

Bioelectromagnetics

Volume 29, Issue 1, pages 1–10, January 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Croft, R., Hamblin, D., Spong, J., Wood, A., McKenzie, R. and Stough, C. (2008), The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the alpha rhythm of human electroencephalogram. Bioelectromagnetics, 29: 1–10. doi: 10.1002/bem.20352

Author Information

  1. 1

    Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

  2. 2

    Australian Centre for Radiofrequency Bioeffects Research, Melbourne, Australia

  3. 3

    Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

*Brain Sciences Institute, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John St., Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 14 DEC 2007
  2. Article first published online: 4 SEP 2007
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 26 MAY 2007
  4. Manuscript Received: 20 NOV 2006

Funded by

  • National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Grant Number: 154905

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Keywords:

  • GSM900;
  • acute exposure;
  • EEG;
  • alpha power

Abstract

Mobile phones (MP) emit low-level electromagnetic fields that have been reported to affect neural function in humans; however, demonstrations of such effects have not been conclusive. The purpose of the present study was to test one of the strongest findings in the literature; that of increased “alpha” power in response to MP-type radiation. Healthy participants (N = 120) were tested using a double-blind counterbalanced crossover design, with each receiving a 30-min Active and a 30-min Sham Exposure 1 week apart, while electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded. Resting alpha power (8–12 Hz) was then derived as a function of time, for periods both during and following exposure. Non-parametric analyses were employed as data could not be normalized. Previous reports of an overall alpha power enhancement during the MP exposure were confirmed (relative to Sham), with this effect larger at ipsilateral than contralateral sites over posterior regions. No overall change to alpha power was observed following exposure cessation; however, there was less alpha power contralateral to the exposure source during this period (relative to ipsilateral). Employing a strong methodology, the current findings support previous research that has reported an effect of MP exposure on EEG alpha power. Bioelectromagnetics 29:1–10, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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