Theta band brainwaves in human resting EEG modulated by mobile phone radiofrequency

Abstract

Purpose

Wireless communication has become an integral part of our lives. The growing number of antennas in our environment and the expanding use of mobile phones (MPs) are increasing the population’s exposure to electromagnetic fields. The present study aimed to examine the potential impact of MPs radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure on the brainwaves of the resting electroencephalogram (EEG) in humans.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-one healthy volunteers were exposed to Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) signal at 900 MHz MP RF-EMF. The maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) of the MP averaged on 10 g tissue and 1 g tissue were measured at 0.49 W/kg, 0.70 W/kg, respectively.

Results

Results showed that while delta and beta rhythms of resting EEG were not affected, theta brainwaves were significantly modulated during exposure to RF-EMF related to MPs. For the first time, it was shown that this modulation is dependent on the eye condition, i.e. closed or open.

Conclusions

This study strongly suggests that acute exposure to RF-EMF alters the EEG theta rhythm at rest. Long-term exposure studies are required to explore the effect of this disruption in high-risk or sensitive populations.

Keywords:

• Electromagnetic fields
• radiofrequency
• mobile phone
• human EEG
• resting-state

Acknowledgments

The authors thank René de Seze (Department of Experimental Toxicology and Modeling, INERIS) for the clinical support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was fully funded by Program 190 of INERIS, supported by the French Ministry for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition.

Notes on contributors

Jasmina Wallace

Jasmina Wallace, PhD, is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal and the University of Montreal, Montreal, QC Canada, after receiving the degree of Doctor of Health Biology and Human physiology from the University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.

Wendi Shang

Wendi Shang, Master student at INERIS. Christophe Gitton, technical Staff responsible of data acquisition and stimulation for EEGMEG.

Laurent Hugueville

Laurent Hugueville, PhD, Engineer and responsible of EEG/MEG platform at ICM. Lydia Yahia Cherif, PhD, Data Scientist, Neurostatistician. Skilled in Mathematical Modeling, Matlab, Python, Computer Science, and Life Sciences.

Brahim Selmaoui

Brahim Selmaoui, PhD, HDR, is Sr Scientist at the department of Toxicology Experimental and modeling at INERIS and deputy director of Peritox Lab at university of Picardie Jules Verne in Amiens, France.