New Research: Mobile Phone EMF Alters Brainwaves in Healthy Individuals

The study by Johan N. van der Meer and colleagues aimed to assess the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones on brainwaves, specifically focusing on changes in the alpha band power density of brainwaves as measured by EEG. Here’s a summary of their findings and the power levels they studied:

1. Study Design and Groups: The study included 32 healthy participants, divided into two groups in a double-blinded, crossover counterbalanced design. The participants underwent EEG recordings with 63 electrodes across six brain regions.
2. Experimental Protocol: Participants were exposed to two 18-minute sessions of alternating blocks of eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Group 1 received EMF exposure in the first session and a sham (placebo) exposure in the second session, while Group 2 had the reverse order.
3. EMF Exposure and Power Levels: The study utilized a controlled EMF exposure setup, with significant efforts to measure and control the EMF dosage. The EMF was delivered using GSM antennas, with a specific focus on the conventional 2G (GSM) protocol that operates at a carrier frequency of 900 MHz. The power density levels at the volunteer’s location during EMF exposure were comparable to those near a mobile phone during a call, but significantly lower than typical values in a public space. Unfortunately, the exact power density measurements in µW/m² or dBm are not provided in the summary, but it’s noted that the levels were carefully measured and controlled.
4. Results – Alpha Band Power Density: The Bayesian statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of EMF exposure on alpha band power density during the eyes open condition. The study specifically found an increase in alpha power during EMF exposure compared to the sham condition.
5. Interpretation: The increase in alpha power suggests a subtle but measurable effect of EMF on brain activity. Alpha waves are typically associated with a relaxed but awake state and are most prominent when the eyes are closed. The observed increase during EMF exposure indicates a potential change in brain state due to EMF.
6. Conclusion: The study provides evidence that EMF exposure at levels similar to those encountered during mobile phone use can affect brain activity, particularly in the alpha frequency band. This contributes to the broader discussion on the safety of EMF exposure from mobile phones and other devices.

The significance of this study lies in its rigorous design and the careful control and measurement of EMF exposure, providing more reliable evidence than many previous studies in this area. However, the exact health implications of these changes in brain activity are not yet fully understood and warrant further investigation.