Acute effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phone on brain function

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Zhang, J., Sumich, A. ORCID: 0000-0003-4333-8442 and Wang, G.Y., 2017. Acute effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phone on brain function. Bioelectromagnetics, 38 (5), pp. 329-338. ISSN 0197-8462

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1002/bem.22052

Abstract

Due to its attributes, characteristics and technological resources, mobile phone (MP) has become one of the most commonly used communication devices. Historically, ample evidence has ruled out the substantial short-term impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) emitted by MP on human cognitive performance. However, more recent evidence suggests the potential harmful effects associated with MP EMF exposure. The aim of this review is to readdress the question of whether the effect of MP EMF exposure on brain function should be reopened. We strengthen our argument focusing on recent neuroimaging and electroencephalography studies, in order to present a more specific analysis of effects of MP EMF exposure on neurocognitive function. Several studies indicate an increase in cortical excitability and/or efficiency with EMF exposure, which appears to be more prominent in fronto- temporal regions and has been associated with faster reaction time. Cortical excitability might also underpin disruption to sleep. Notably however, several inconsistent findings exist, and conclusions regarding adverse effects of EMF exposure are currently limited. It also should be noted that the crucial scientific question of the effect of longer-term MP EMF exposure on brain function remains unanswered and essentially unaddressed.

Item Type:

Journal article

Alternative Title:

Phone and brain [running head]

Publication Title:

Bioelectromagnetics

Creators:

Zhang, J., Sumich, A. and Wang, G.Y.

Publisher:

Elsevier

Date:

July 2017