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Laboratory studies and epidemiology
Effects of pulse-modulated radio frequency electromagnetic fields on the human brain: Critical field parameters, site of interaction and sensitivity in early adolescence
Background
In recent years it has been shown that radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF), emitted by mobile phones, for example, can have various effects on brain physiology. The observed effects include changes in electrical activity and regional blood flow in the brain and in cognitive function. However, it is not yet known how these changes are caused or whether they have adverse consequences for human health.
Aim
To gain some insights into the physiological mechanisms, this project will investigate what low frequency modulation components of the RF signal are responsible for the observed changes in brain activity. To this purpose, various exposure conditions will be applied and brain activity will be recorded in healthy young males during waking and sleep. Another aim of the project is to examine whether the thalamus, an important structure in the human brain, is involved in the interaction. So far, it has not been possible to localise the site of interaction. In a third experiment, changes in brain activity and cognitive function will be investigated during waking in adolescents aged 12 to 13 using two different field strengths. Children and young people may be more sensitive to RF EMF, as their brains are still in development.
Significance
The project will enhance our understanding of the interplay between RF EMF and brain function and help direct future research in the area of assessing the underlying mechanisms. The investigation in adolescents will clarify whether the brain is particularly sensitive to RF EMF during brain maturation, the knowledge of which will be particularly important with respect to health risk assessment.
Duration: 36 months
Grant: CHF 477’364.--
Prof. Dr. Peter Achermann
Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
University of Zurich
Winterthurerstrasse 190
CH-8057 Zurich
acherman@pharma.unizh.ch
Further applicants:
Prof. Dr. Niels Kuster, Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society IT’IS, Zurich
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