ABSTRACT
The influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by cellular telephones on preparatory slow brain potentials (SP) was studied in two experiments, about 6 months apart. In the first experiment, a significant decrease of SP was found during exposure to EMF in a complex visual monitoring task (VMT). This effect was replicated in the second experiment. In addition to the VMT, EMF effects on SP were analysed in two further, less demanding tasks: in a simple finger movement task to elicit a Bereitschaftspotential (BP) and in a two-stimulus task to elicit a contingent negative variation (CNV). In comparison to the VMT, no significant main EMF effects were found in BP and CNV tasks. The results accounted for a selective EMF effect on particular aspects of human information processing, but did not indicate any influence on human performance, well-being and health.
Subject(s)
Brain/physiology , Brain/radiation effects , Microwaves , Telephone , Adult , Contingent Negative Variation/radiation effects , Evoked Potentials/radiation effects , Evoked Potentials, Motor/radiation effects , Evoked Potentials, Visual/radiation effects , Humans , Male , Pursuit, Smooth/physiology , Reaction Time/radiation effectsABSTRACT
The influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by cellular phones on preparatory slow brain potentials (SP) was studied in two different experimental tasks: In the first, healthy male human subjects had to perform simple self-paced finger movements to elicit a Bereitschaftspotential; in the second, they performed a complex and cognitive demanding visual monitoring task (VMT). Both tasks were performed with and without EMF exposure in counterbalanced order. Whereas subjects' performance did not differ between the EMF exposure conditions, SP parameters were influenced by EMF in the VMT: EMF exposure effected a significant decrease of SPs at central and temporo-parieto-occipital brain regions, but not at the frontal one. In the simple finger movement task, EMF did not affect the Bereitschaftspotential.
Subject(s)
Brain Mapping , Brain/radiation effects , Electromagnetic Fields , Evoked Potentials/radiation effects , Microwaves , Telephone , Brain/physiology , Evoked Potentials/physiology , Fingers/innervation , Humans , Male , Motor ActivityABSTRACT
The problem of potential health implications in visual display units (VDUS) workers does not exist when the requested ergonomic equipment of the working place is realized. Repetitive gestures and compulsive attitudes must be avoided. A healthy or optimally corrected visual organ is a prerequisite, as well. According to the hitherto knowledge there is neither to observe a harm of the germ-cells with a raised risk of malformations and abortions due to the emission of electromagnetic waves of the VDUs nor health implication of the pregnant woman. The works doctor has to realize the medical care.
Subject(s)
Data Display , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Vision Disorders/etiology , Female , Humans , Joint Diseases/etiology , Male , Posture , Pregnancy , Radiation Injuries/etiology , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
In a sample of 8 male subjects the effect of an ultra-highfrequency electromagnetic field (f = 2.45 GHz) with power densities of 1,000, 500 and 100 microW/cm2 was investigated. As parameters were used the perceptional threshold in a tachistoscopic perceptional test, the total time from the numbersearch-test and the sum of acute symptoms and complaints measured by a special questionnaire. At the highest field intensity on the one side increases of the total times and of the sum of complaints occurred. The differential threshold increased distinctly under 500 microW/cm2 exposure, whereas the total times and the sum of symptoms were not affected. At the lowest power density no differences between exposure and nonexposure conditions have been found. The intraindividual variability was considerable.
