No increased sensitivity in brain activity of adolescents exposed to mobile phone-like emissions

Abstract

Objective: To examine the potential sensitivity of adolescents to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposures, such as those emitted by mobile phones.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, crossover design, 22 adolescents aged 11-13 years (12 males) underwent three experimental sessions in which they were exposed to mobile phone-like RF EMF signals at two different intensities, and a sham session. During exposure cognitive tasks were performed and waking EEG was recorded at three time-points subsequent to exposure (0, 30 and 60 min).

Results: No clear significant effects of RF EMF exposure were found on the waking EEG or cognitive performance.

Conclusions: Overall, the current study was unable to demonstrate exposure-related effects previously observed on the waking EEG in adults, and also provides further support for a lack of an influence of mobile phone-like exposure on cognitive performance.

Significance: Adolescents do not appear to be more sensitive than adults to mobile phone RF EMF emissions.