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EMR Literature Survey - May 2009
By: Eltiti S et al
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics. 2009 May 27. [Epub ahead of print]
The aim of this human provocation study was to test whether short-term (50 min) exposure at 10 mW/m2 to typical mobile phone base station signals (Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM; and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, UMTS) affects attention, memory, and physiological endpoints. In the experiment 44 sensitive (ie electromagnetic hypersensitive) and 44 matched-control participants performed several tasks testing cognitive function while being exposed to GSM, UMTS, and sham signals under double-blind conditions. The authors report that in general cognitive function was not affected by short-term exposure to either GSM or UMTS signals nor did exposure affect the physiological measurements that were taken while participants performed the cognitive tasks.
A number of provocation studies in humans have examined the possible effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields in the frequency range of mobile telephony on cognitive function. These are reviewed by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks in a recent report titled .Health effects of exposure to EMF. Previous research in this area has produced mixed results. Some older studies have suggested that exposure to RF fields may impair cognitive function with changes in memory tasks and response patterns. Other studies, however, have demonstrated improved cognitive function in volunteers exposed to RF fields. More recent studies with larger sample sizes in contrast to some earlier studies, have not found effects on cognitive functions.
As noted by the authors of this study previous research in this area did not include sensitive individuals, that is, individuals who believed they were sensitive to electromagnetic fields. The .Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme report in 2007 noted that there appears to be no need for further studies on cognitive performance in healthy volunteers. However it recommended that studies on cognitive function be carried out on individuals reporting hypersensitivity to mobile telephony. In the current study the authors reported no difference in cognitive function between sensitive and control participants when exposed to either the GSM or UMTS signals.
By: Dolan M and Rowley J
Published in: Environ Health Perspect doi:10.1289/ehp.0900727
The aim of this paper is to examine the international evolution of calls for precautionary measures in relation to mobile phones and base stations with particular focus on Australia and the United Kingdom. The authors argue that the precautionary principle is difficult to define and there is no widespread agreement as to how it should be implemented, however, there is a strong argument that precautionary measures should not be implemented in the absence of reliable scientific data indicating a possible health hazard. The authors add that there is also experimental evidence that precautionary advice may increase public concern.
The paper is available at http://www.ehponline.org/members/2009/0900727/0900727.pdf
By: Vrijheid M et al
Published in: J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2009 May;19(4):369-81
This is a validation study within the INTERPHONE project to quantify errors in recalled phone use. Mobile phone records of 212 cases and 296 controls were collected from network operators in three INTERPHONE countries over an average of 2 years, and compared with mobile phone use reported at interview. The authors report that there was little evidence for recall errors overall or in recent time periods. However, apparent overestimation by cases in more distant time periods could cause positive bias in estimates of disease risk associated with mobile phone use.
By: Feychting M and Cardis E
Published in: EMF-NET
This is a report summarising new epidemiological studies published since a previous report from EMF-NET which was published in March 2006. Interpretation and discussion of the studies are presented in three separate reports on health effects of ELF fields, RF fields, and other frequencies.
The report is available at: http://web.jrc.ec.europa.eu/emf-net/reports.cfm
By: Schüz J et al
Published in: Bioelectromagnetics [epub ahead of print]
This paper summarises the current epidemiological knowledge on exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and the risk of adverse health effects. The review places emphasis on studies investigating mobile phone use and brain tumours and exposure to power lines and childhood leukaemia. The authors highlight that various sources of bias and other errors make clear conclusions in some areas difficult and point out that in order to move forward improvements in study design and exposure assessment are necessary.
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