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Navarro EA, Navarro-Modesto E. A mathematical model and experimental procedure to analyze the cognitive effects of audio frequency magnetic fields. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1135511. [PMID: 37250701 PMCID: PMC10218710 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1135511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Audio frequency magnetic fields (20 Hz-20 kHz) are magnetic fields in extremely low frequency-very low frequency (ELF-VLF) bands that are present near audio equipment and acoustic transducers. These devices transform and operate the electrical signal from the recordings or other devices into acoustic and audio signals. The cognitive influence of sound and noise has been widely studied and recognized since the times of ancient Rome; however, the cognitive effects of the magnetic fields of these frequencies have not been studied. Due to the extensive use of audio devices that use this type of transducer near the temporal-parietal area, we believe that it is of interest to study their impact on short-term memory or working memory (WM) and to analyze their potential as they operate as a transcranial magnetic stimulation. In this study, a mathematical model and an experimental tool are introduced to analyze memory performance. The model dissociates the reaction time of a cognitive task. We analyze the model in data from a group of 65 young, healthy subjects. WM is assessed in our experimental setup by means of the Sternberg test (ST), whereby during the ST, one subgroup was exposed to an audio frequency magnetic stimulus, and the other subgroup received a sham stimulus. The magnetic stimulus was ~0.1 μT and was applied to both sides of the head at the frontal cortex near the temporal-parietal area, which is where WM is expected to be located. The ST records reaction times when determining whether an object displayed on the computer screen is one of the objects to be remembered. The results are analyzed within the mathematical model and changes are observed, including the deterioration of WM, which could affect 32% of its operability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique A. Navarro
- Departament de Informàtica, ETSE, Universitat de València, València, Spain
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2
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Leszczynski D. Review of the scientific evidence on the individual sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EHS). REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:423-450. [PMID: 34229366 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Part of the population considers themselves as sensitive to the man-made electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by powerlines, electric wiring, electric home appliance and the wireless communication devices and networks. Sensitivity is characterized by a broad variety of non-specific symptoms that the sensitive people claim to experience when exposed to EMF. While the experienced symptoms are currently considered as a real life impairment, the factor causing these symptoms remains unclear. So far, scientists were unable to find causality link between symptoms experienced by sensitive persons and the exposures to EMF. However, as presented in this review, the executed to-date scientific studies, examining sensitivity to EMF, are of poor quality to find the link between EMF exposures and sensitivity symptoms of some people. It is logical to consider that the sensitivity to EMF exists but the scientific methodology used to find it is of insufficient quality. It is time to drop out psychology driven provocation studies that ask about feelings-based non-specific symptoms experienced by volunteers under EMF exposure. Such research approach produces only subjective and therefore highly unreliable data that is insufficient to prove, or to disprove, causality link between EHS and EMF. There is a need for a new direction in studying sensitivity to EMF. The basis for it is the notion of a commonly known phenomenon of individual sensitivity, where individuals' responses to EMF depend on the genetic and epigenetic properties of the individual. It is proposed here that new studies, combining provocation approach, where volunteers are exposed to EMF, and high-throughput technologies of transcriptomics and proteomics are used to generate objective data, detecting molecular level biochemical responses of human body to EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Huang PC, Chiang JC, Cheng YY, Cheng TJ, Huang CY, Chuang YT, Hsu T, Guo HR. Physiological changes and symptoms associated with short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields: a randomized crossover provocation study. Environ Health 2022; 21:31. [PMID: 35255916 PMCID: PMC8902720 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biological association between electromagnetic fields (EMF) and idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF) has not been established. To assess the physiological changes and symptoms associated with exposure to EMF, we conducted a randomized crossover provocation study. METHODS We recruited 58 individuals with IEI-EMF (IEI-EMF group) and 92 individuals without IEI-EMF (control group). In a controlled environment, all participants received EMF signals mimicking those from mobile phone base stations in a randomized sequence under the blinded condition. During the course, participants reported their symptoms and whether they perceived EMF, and we monitored their physiological parameters, including blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and HR variability. RESULTS The IEI-EMF and control groups reported similar frequencies of symptoms during both the provocation and sham sessions. No participant could accurately identify the provocation. In both groups, physiological parameters were similar between the two sessions. The control group, but not the IEI-EMF group, had elevated HR when they perceived EMF exposure. CONCLUSIONS No symptoms or changes in physiological parameters were found to be associated with short-term exposure to EMF, and no participant could accurately detect the presence of EMF. Moreover, the participants in the control group, but not those in the IEI-EMF group, had elevated HR when they perceived EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chang Huang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Chin Chiang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yun Cheng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan
| | - Tain-Junn Cheng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yuan Huang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan
- Tainan Science-Based Industrial Park Clinic, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chuang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ti Hsu
- Occupational Safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - How-Ran Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan, 70428, Taiwan.
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Occupational Safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Andrianome S, Yahia-Cherif L, Selmaoui B. Effect of short exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on saliva biomarkers: a study on the electrohypersensitive individuals. Int J Radiat Biol 2019; 95:788-792. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1569776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Soafara Andrianome
- Department of Experimental Toxicology, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Laboratoire PériTox UMR-I 01, UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Lydia Yahia-Cherif
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière (CRICM) et Centre de Neuroimagerie de Recherche (CENIR), Paris, France
| | - Brahim Selmaoui
- Department of Experimental Toxicology, Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques, (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- Laboratoire PériTox UMR-I 01, UFR de Médecine, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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Huang PC, Li KH, Guo HR. Association between media coverage and prevalence of idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic field in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 161:329-335. [PMID: 29182909 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) describes symptoms sufferers attribute to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). In Taiwan, the prevalence rate of IEI-EMF was 13.3% in 2007, but a survey using the same method found the rate declined to 4.6% in 2012. Because media reports may encourage readers to attribute their symptoms to EMF, the change might be related to media coverage. We searched articles indexed in the largest newspaper database in Taiwan to evaluate the association between media coverage and the prevalence of IEI-EMF. We also assessed the effects of other potential affecting factors. The number of newspaper articles related to EMF and IEI-EMF increased from 2005 to 2007 and then has been decreasing until 2012, which is compatible with the change in the prevalence of IEI-EMF. However, from 2007 to 2012, the other potential affecting factors such as density of mobile phone base stations, number of mobile phone users, total mobile phone calling time, and number of text messages sent through mobile phones all increased in Taiwan. This finding indicated a positive association between media coverage and the prevalence of IEI-EMF in Taiwan, which might also be true in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chang Huang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Hua Li
- Occupational safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
| | - How-Ran Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; Occupational safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70428, Taiwan.
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Andrianome S, Gobert J, Hugueville L, Stéphan-Blanchard E, Telliez F, Selmaoui B. An assessment of the autonomic nervous system in the electrohypersensitive population: a heart rate variability and skin conductance study. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2017; 123:1055-1062. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00229.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was twofold: first, to compare the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) between the population self-declared as electrohypersensitive (EHS) and their matched control individuals without intended exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The second objective was to determine whether acute exposure to different radiofrequency signals modifies ANS activity in EHS. For that purpose, two different experiments were undertaken, in which ANS activity was assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance (SC). In the first experiment, a comparison between the EHS group ( n = 30) and the control group ( n = 25) showed that the EHS has an increased number of responses to auditory stimuli as measured by skin conductance activity, and that none of the short-term heart rate variability parameters differ between the two matched study groups. The second experiment, performed in a shielded chamber, involved 10 EHS from the first experiment. The volunteers participated in two different sessions (sham and exposure). The participants were consecutively exposed to four EMF signals (GSM 900, GSM 1800, DECT, and Wi-Fi) at environmental level (1 V/m). The experiment was double blinded and counterbalanced. The HRV variables studied did not differ between the two sessions. Concerning electrodermal activity, the data issued from skin conductance and tonic activity did not differ between the sessions, but showed a time variability. In conclusion, the HRV and SC profiles did not significantly differ between the EHS and control populations under no exposure. Exposure did not have an effect on the ANS parameters we have explored. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provided analysis on the skin conductance parameters using a newly developed method (peak/min, extraction of skin conductance responses) that had not been performed previously. Additionally, the skin conductance signal was decomposed, considering tonic and phasic activities to be a distinct compound. Moreover, this is the first time a study has been designed into two steps to understand whether the autonomic nervous system is disturbed in the EHS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soafara Andrianome
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- PériTOX, UPJV, Institut d’Ingénierie de la Santé-UFR de Médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Jonathan Gobert
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- PériTOX, UPJV, Institut d’Ingénierie de la Santé-UFR de Médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Laurent Hugueville
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre MEG-EEG, CRICM et CENIR, UMR 7225, Paris, France; and
| | - Erwan Stéphan-Blanchard
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- PériTOX, UPJV, Institut d’Ingénierie de la Santé-UFR de Médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Frederic Telliez
- PériTOX, UPJV, Institut d’Ingénierie de la Santé-UFR de Médecine, Amiens, France
| | - Brahim Selmaoui
- Unité de toxicologie expérimentale TOXI-PériTox UMR-I 01, Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
- PériTOX, UPJV, Institut d’Ingénierie de la Santé-UFR de Médecine, Amiens, France
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Modolo J, Thomas AW, Legros A. Human exposure to power frequency magnetic fields up to 7.6 mT: An integrated EEG/fMRI study. Bioelectromagnetics 2017. [PMID: 28628224 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the effects of power-line frequency (60 Hz in North America) magnetic fields (MF) in humans using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Twenty-five participants were enrolled in a pseudo-double-blind experiment involving "real" or "sham" exposure to sinusoidal 60 Hz MF exposures delivered using the gradient coil of an MRI scanner following two conditions: (i) 10 s exposures at 3 mT (10 repetitions); (ii) 2 s exposures at 7.6 mT (100 repetitions). Occipital EEG spectral power was computed in the alpha range (8-12 Hz, reportedly the most sensitive to MF exposure in the literature) with/without exposure. Brain functional activation was studied using fMRI blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD, inversely correlated with EEG alpha power) maps. No significant effects were detected on occipital EEG alpha power during or post-exposure for any exposure condition. Consistent with EEG results, no effects were observed on fMRI BOLD maps in any brain region. Our results suggest that acute exposure (2-10 s) to 60 Hz MF from 3 to 7.6 mT (30,000 to 76,000 times higher than average public exposure levels for 60 Hz MF) does not induce detectable changes in EEG or BOLD signals. Combined with previous findings in which effects were observed on the BOLD signal after 1 h exposure to 3 mT, 60 Hz MF, this suggests that MF exposure in the low mT range (<10 mT) might require prolonged durations of exposure to induce detectable effects. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:425-435, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Modolo
- Human Threshold Research and Bioelectromagnetics Group, Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Canada.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Rennes, France.,Laboratoire Traitement du Signal et de l'Image (LTSI), University of Rennes 1, LTSI, Rennes, France
| | - Alex W Thomas
- Human Threshold Research and Bioelectromagnetics Group, Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Alexandre Legros
- Human Threshold Research and Bioelectromagnetics Group, Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada.,EuroMov, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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8
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Oftedal G, Straume A, Johnsson A, Stovner LJ. Mobile Phone Headache: A Double Blind, Sham-Controlled Provocation Study. Cephalalgia 2016; 27:447-55. [PMID: 17359515 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01336.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to test whether exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields from mobile phones may cause head pain or discomfort and whether it may influence physiological variables in individuals attributing symptoms to mobile phones, but not to electromagnetic fields in general. Seventeen eligible individuals, who experienced these symptoms in an open provocation test, took part in a double-blind, randomized provocation study with cross-over design. Sixty-five pairs of sham and mobile phone RF exposures were conducted. The increase in pain or discomfort (visual analogue scales) in RF sessions was 10.1 and in sham sessions 12.6 ( P = 0.30). Changes in heart rate or blood pressure were not related to the type of exposure ( P: 0.30-0.88). The study gave no evidence that RF fields from mobile phones may cause head pain or discomfort or influence physiological variables. The most likely reason for the symptoms is a nocebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Oftedal
- Faculty of Technology, Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST), Trondheim, Norway.
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9
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Medeiros LN, Sanchez TG. Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 82:97-104. [PMID: 26602000 PMCID: PMC9444668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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10
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Navarro EA, Gomez-Perretta C, Montes F. Low intensity magnetic field influences short-term memory: A study in a group of healthy students. Bioelectromagnetics 2015; 37:37-48. [PMID: 26661640 DOI: 10.1002/bem.21944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzes if an external magnetic stimulus (2 kHz and approximately 0.1 μT applied near frontal cortex) influences working memory, perception, binary decision, motor execution, and sustained attention in humans. A magnetic stimulus and a sham stimulus were applied to both sides of the head (frontal cortex close to temporal-parietal area) in young and healthy male test subjects (n = 65) while performing Sternberg's memory scanning task. There was a significant change in reaction time. Times recorded for perception, sustained attention, and motor execution were lower in exposed subjects (P < 0.01). However, time employed in binary decision increased for subjects exposed to magnetic fields. From results, it seems that a low intensity 2 kHz exposure modifies short-term working memory, as well as perception, binary decision, motor execution, and sustained attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique A Navarro
- Department of Applied Physics and Electromagnetism, Universitat de València, Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Montes
- Department of Statistics and Operation Research, Universitat de València, Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
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Legros A, Modolo J, Brown S, Roberston J, Thomas AW. Effects of a 60 Hz Magnetic Field Exposure Up to 3000 μT on Human Brain Activation as Measured by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26214312 PMCID: PMC4516358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several aspects of the human nervous system and associated motor and cognitive processes have been reported to be modulated by extremely low-frequency (ELF, < 300 Hz) time-varying Magnetic Fields (MF). Due do their worldwide prevalence; power-line frequencies (60 Hz in North America) are of particular interest. Despite intense research efforts over the last few decades, the potential effects of 60 Hz MF still need to be elucidated, and the underlying mechanisms to be understood. In this study, we have used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to characterize potential changes in functional brain activation following human exposure to a 60 Hz MF through motor and cognitive tasks. First, pilot results acquired in a first set of subjects (N=9) were used to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using fMRI to detect subtle changes in functional brain activation with 60 Hz MF exposure at 1800 μT. Second, a full study involving a larger cohort of subjects tested brain activation during 1) a finger tapping task (N=20), and 2) a mental rotation task (N=21); before and after a one-hour, 60 Hz, 3000 μT MF exposure. The results indicate significant changes in task-induced functional brain activation as a consequence of MF exposure. However, no impact on task performance was found. These results illustrate the potential of using fMRI to identify MF-induced changes in functional brain activation, suggesting that a one-hour 60 Hz, 3000 μT MF exposure can modulate activity in specific brain regions after the end of the exposure period (i.e., residual effects). We discuss the possibility that MF exposure at 60 Hz, 3000 μT may be capable of modulating cortical excitability via a modulation of synaptic plasticity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Legros
- Human Threshold Research Group, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Julien Modolo
- Human Threshold Research Group, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha Brown
- Human Threshold Research Group, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Roberston
- Human Threshold Research Group, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex W. Thomas
- Human Threshold Research Group, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Eltiti S, Wallace D, Russo R, Fox E. Aggregated data from two double-blind base station provocation studies comparing individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance with attribution to electromagnetic fields and controls. Bioelectromagnetics 2015; 36:96-107. [PMID: 25644455 DOI: 10.1002/bem.21892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Data from two previous studies were aggregated to provide a statistically powerful test of whether exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by telecommunication base stations negatively affects well-being in individuals who report idiopathic environmental illness with attribution to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) and control participants. A total of 102 IEI-EMF and 237 controls participated in open provocation trials and 88 IEI-EMF and 231 controls went on to complete double-blind trials in which they were exposed to EMFs from a base station emitting either a Global System for Mobile Communication and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System or a Terrestrial Trunked Radio Telecommunications System signal. Both experiments included a comparison sham condition. Visual analog and symptom scales measured subjective well-being. Results showed that IEI-EMF participants reported lower levels of well-being during real compared to sham exposure during open provocation, but not during double-blind trials. Additionally, participants reported lower levels of well-being during high compared to low load trials and this did not interact with radiofrequency-EMF exposure. These findings are consistent with a growing body of literature indicating there is no causal relationship between short-term exposure to EMFs and subjective well-being in members of the public whether or not they report perceived sensitivity to EMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Eltiti
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Essex, UK; Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, California
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13
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Nordin S, Neely G, Olsson D, Sandström M. Odor and noise intolerance in persons with self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:8794-805. [PMID: 25166918 PMCID: PMC4198991 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110908794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lack of confirmation of symptoms attributed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and triggered by EMF exposure has highlighted the role of individual factors. Prior observations indicate intolerance to other types of environmental exposures among persons with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This study assessed differences in odor and noise intolerance between persons with EHS and healthy controls by use of subscales and global measures of the Chemical Sensitivity Scale (CSS) and the Noise Sensitivity Scale (NSS). The EHS group scored significantly higher than the controls on all CSS and NSS scales. Correlation coefficients between CSS and NSS scores ranged from 0.60 to 0.65 across measures. The findings suggest an association between EHS and odor and noise intolerance, encouraging further investigation of individual factors for understanding EMF-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Nordin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Gregory Neely
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - David Olsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Monica Sandström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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Baliatsas C, Van Kamp I, Lebret E, Rubin GJ. Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF): a systematic review of identifying criteria. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:643. [PMID: 22883305 PMCID: PMC3504528 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) remains a complex and unclear phenomenon, often characterized by the report of various, non-specific physical symptoms (NSPS) when an EMF source is present or perceived by the individual. The lack of validated criteria for defining and assessing IEI-EMF affects the quality of the relevant research, hindering not only the comparison or integration of study findings, but also the identification and management of patients by health care providers. The objective of this review was to evaluate and summarize the criteria that previous studies employed to identify IEI-EMF participants. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed for studies published up to June 2011. We searched EMBASE, Medline, Psychinfo, Scopus and Web of Science. Additionally, citation analyses were performed for key papers, reference sections of relevant papers were searched, conference proceedings were examined and a literature database held by the Mobile Phones Research Unit of King's College London was reviewed. RESULTS Sixty-three studies were included. "Hypersensitivity to EMF" was the most frequently used descriptive term. Despite heterogeneity, the criteria predominantly used to identify IEI-EMF individuals were: 1. Self-report of being (hyper)sensitive to EMF. 2. Attribution of NSPS to at least one EMF source. 3. Absence of medical or psychiatric/psychological disorder capable of accounting for these symptoms 4. Symptoms should occur soon (up to 24 hours) after the individual perceives an exposure source or exposed area. (Hyper)sensitivity to EMF was either generalized (attribution to various EMF sources) or source-specific. Experimental studies used a larger number of criteria than those of observational design and performed more frequently a medical examination or interview as prerequisite for inclusion. CONCLUSIONS Considerable heterogeneity exists in the criteria used by the researchers to identify IEI-EMF, due to explicit differences in their conceptual frameworks. Further work is required to produce consensus criteria not only for research purposes but also for use in clinical practice. This could be achieved by the development of an international protocol enabling a clearly defined case definition for IEI-EMF and a validated screening tool, with active involvement of medical practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Baliatsas
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Van Kamp
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Lebret
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - G James Rubin
- King’s College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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Kim DW, Choi JL, Nam KC, Yang DI, Kwon MK. Origins of electromagnetic hypersensitivity to 60 Hz magnetic fields: A provocation study. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 33:326-33. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Legros A, Corbacio M, Beuter A, Modolo J, Goulet D, Prato FS, Thomas AW. Neurophysiological and behavioral effects of a 60 Hz, 1,800 μT magnetic field in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 112:1751-62. [PMID: 21894451 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-2130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The effects of time-varying magnetic fields (MF) on humans have been actively investigated for the past three decades. One important unanswered question is the potential for MF exposure to have acute effects on human biology. Different strategies have been used to tackle this question using various physiological, neurophysiological and behavioral indicators. For example, researchers investigating electroencephalography (EEG) have reported that extremely low frequency (ELF, <300 Hz) MF can increase resting occipital alpha rhythm (8-12 Hz). Interestingly, other studies have demonstrated that human motricity can be modulated by ELF MF: a reduction of anteroposterior standing balance or a decrease of physiological tremor intensity have been reported as consequences of exposure. However, the main limitation in this domain lies in the lack of results replication, possibly originating from the large variety of experimental approaches employed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of a 60 Hz, 1,800 μT MF exposure on neurophysiological (EEG) and neuromotor (standing balance, voluntary motor function, and physiological tremor) aspects in humans using a single experimental procedure. Though results from this study suggest a reduction of human standing balance with MF exposure, as well as an increase of physiological tremor amplitude within the frequency range associated with central nervous system contribution, no exposure effect appeared on other investigated parameters (e.g., EEG or voluntary motor control). These results suggest that 1 h of 60 Hz, 1,800 μT MF exposure may modulate human involuntary motor control without being detected in the cortical electrical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Legros
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, St Joseph's Health Care, 268 Grosvenor St, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada.
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Rubin GJ, Hillert L, Nieto-Hernandez R, van Rongen E, Oftedal G. Do people with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields display physiological effects when exposed to electromagnetic fields? A systematic review of provocation studies. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 32:593-609. [PMID: 21769898 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) is a controversial illness in which people report symptoms that they believe are triggered by exposure to EMF. Double-blind experiments have found no association between the presence of EMF and self-reported outcomes in people with IEI-EMF. No systematic review has assessed whether EMF exposure triggers physiological or cognitive changes in this group. Using a systematic literature search, we identified 29 single or double-blind experiments in which participants with IEI-EMF were exposed to different EMF levels and in which objectively measured outcomes were assessed. Five studies identified significant effects of exposure such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure, altered pupillary light reflex, reduced visual attention and perception, improved spatial memory, movement away from an EMF source during sleep and altered EEG during sleep. In most cases, these were isolated results that other studies failed to replicate. For the sleep EEG findings, the results reflected similar changes in the IEI-EMF participants and a non-IEI-EMF control group. At present, there is no reliable evidence to suggest that people with IEI-EMF experience unusual physiological reactions as a result of exposure to EMF. This supports suggestions that EMF is not the main cause of their ill health.
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Affiliation(s)
- G James Rubin
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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Wallace D, Eltiti S, Ridgewell A, Garner K, Russo R, Sepulveda F, Walker S, Quinlan T, Dudley S, Maung S, Deeble R, Fox E. Cognitive and physiological responses in humans exposed to a TETRA base station signal in relation to perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 33:23-39. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Nam KC, Choi JL, Kwon MK, Jang KH, Kim DW. Physiological variables and subjective symptoms by 60 Hz magnetic field in EHS and non-EHS persons. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2011; 2011:1925-1928. [PMID: 22254708 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2011.6090544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a set of claims of adverse medical symptoms self attributed by exposure to electromagnetic field. In this study, we simultaneously investigated both physiological changes (heart rate, respiration rate, and heart rate variability) and subjective symptoms to determine the origin of EHS. Two volunteer groups (15 self-reported EHS and 16 non-EHS participants) were tested under both sham and real exposure to 12.5 μT magnetic fields at 60 Hz that lasted a half an hour. The magnetic field exposure did not have any effect on physiological variables or subjective symptoms in either group. We conclude that the subjective symptoms did not result from exposure to 12.5 μT magnetic field at 60 Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Chang Nam
- Dept of Medical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Szemerszky R, Köteles F, Lihi R, Bárdos G. Polluted places or polluted minds? An experimental sham-exposure study on background psychological factors of symptom formation in ‘Idiophatic Environmental Intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields’. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:387-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wallace D, Eltiti S, Ridgewell A, Garner K, Russo R, Sepulveda F, Walker S, Quinlan T, Dudley S, Maung S, Deeble R, Fox E. Do TETRA (Airwave) base station signals have a short-term impact on health and well-being? A randomized double-blind provocation study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:735-41. [PMID: 20075020 PMCID: PMC2898847 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND "Airwave" is the new communication system currently being rolled out across the United Kingdom for the police and emergency services, based on the Terrestrial Trunked Radio Telecommunications System (TETRA). Some police officers have complained about skin rashes, nausea, headaches, and depression as a consequence of using their Airwave handsets. In addition, a small subgroup in the population self-report being sensitive to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in general. OBJECTIVES We conducted a randomized double-blind provocation study to establish whether short-term exposure to a TETRA base station signal has an impact on the health and well-being of individuals with self-reported "electrosensitivity" and of participants who served as controls. METHODS Fifty-one individuals with self-reported electrosensitivity and 132 age- and sex-matched controls participated in an open provocation test; 48 sensitive and 132 control participants went on to complete double-blind tests in a fully screened semianechoic chamber. Heart rate, skin conductance, and blood pressure readings provided objective indices of short-term physiological response. Visual analog scales and symptom scales provided subjective indices of well-being. RESULTS We found no differences on any measure between TETRA and sham (no signal) under double-blind conditions for either controls or electrosensitive participants, and neither group could detect the presence of a TETRA signal at rates greater than chance (50%). When conditions were not double blind, however, the self-reported electrosensitive individuals did report feeling worse and experienced more severe symptoms during TETRA compared with sham. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the adverse symptoms experienced by electrosensitive individuals are due to the belief of harm from TETRA base stations rather than to the low-level EMF exposure itself.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacy Eltiti
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science
| | | | - Kelly Garner
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science
| | | | | | - Stuart Walker
- Department of Electronic Systems Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Terence Quinlan
- Department of Electronic Systems Engineering, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Dudley
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Communications Engineering, South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sithu Maung
- Lensfield Medical Practice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Deeble
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science
| | - Elaine Fox
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science
- Address correspondence to E. Fox, Department of Psychology and Centre for Brain Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, Essex, UK. Telephone: 44-0-1206873784. Fax: 44-0-1206 873801. E-mail:
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Eltiti S, Wallace D, Ridgewell A, Zougkou K, Russo R, Sepulveda F, Fox E. Short-term exposure to mobile phone base station signals does not affect cognitive functioning or physiological measures in individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic fields and controls. Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30:556-63. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Carrubba S, Marino AA. The Effects of Low-Frequency Environmental-Strength Electromagnetic Fields on Brain Electrical Activity: A Critical Review of the Literature. Electromagn Biol Med 2009; 27:83-101. [DOI: 10.1080/15368370802088758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Carrubba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Andrew A. Marino
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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Association of tinnitus and electromagnetic hypersensitivity: hints for a shared pathophysiology? PLoS One 2009; 4:e5026. [PMID: 19325894 PMCID: PMC2657824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2008] [Accepted: 03/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tinnitus is a frequent condition with high morbidity and impairment in quality of life. The pathophysiology is still incompletely understood. Electromagnetic fields are discussed to be involved in the multi-factorial pathogenesis of tinnitus, but data proofing this relationship are very limited. Potential health hazards of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been under discussion for long. Especially, individuals claiming themselves to be electromagnetic hypersensitive suffer from a variety of unspecific symptoms, which they attribute to EMF-exposure. The aim of the study was to elucidate the relationship between EMF-exposure, electromagnetic hypersensitivity and tinnitus using a case-control design. Methodology Tinnitus occurrence and tinnitus severity were assessed by questionnaires in 89 electromagnetic hypersensitive patients and 107 controls matched for age-, gender, living surroundings and workplace. Using a logistic regression approach, potential risk factors for the development of tinnitus were evaluated. Findings Tinnitus was significantly more frequent in the electromagnetic hypersensitive group (50.72% vs. 17.5%) whereas tinnitus duration and severity did not differ between groups. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity and tinnitus were independent risk factors for sleep disturbances. However, measures of individual EMF-exposure like e.g. cell phone use did not show any association with tinnitus. Conclusions Our data indicate that tinnitus is associated with subjective electromagnetic hypersensitivity. An individual vulnerability probably due to an over activated cortical distress network seems to be responsible for, both, electromagnetic hypersensitivity and tinnitus. Hence, therapeutic efforts should focus on treatment strategies (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy) aiming at normalizing this dysfunctional distress network.
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Furubayashi T, Ushiyama A, Terao Y, Mizuno Y, Shirasawa K, Pongpaibool P, Simba AY, Wake K, Nishikawa M, Miyawaki K, Yasuda A, Uchiyama M, Yamashita HK, Masuda H, Hirota S, Takahashi M, Okano T, Inomata-Terada S, Sokejima S, Maruyama E, Watanabe S, Taki M, Ohkubo C, Ugawa Y. Effects of short-term W-CDMA mobile phone base station exposure on women with or without mobile phone related symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics 2009; 30:100-13. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.20446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Kwon MS, Koivisto M, Laine M, Hämäläinen H. Perception of the electromagnetic field emitted by a mobile phone. Bioelectromagnetics 2008; 29:154-9. [PMID: 18027840 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Electromagnetic sensibility refers to the ability to perceive the electromagnetic field (EMF) without necessarily developing health symptoms attributed to EMF exposure. A large sample of young healthy adults (n = 84) performed two forced-choice tasks on the perception of the GSM mobile phone EMF (902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz), "Was the field on?" and "Did the field change?" (3 conditions x 100 trials for each task, n = 600 trials in total). A monetary prize was announced for good performance (correct response rate > or =75%, n = 600 trials). The performance was no better than expected by chance, and thus none of the participants won the prize. Two participants showed extraordinary performance in one of the task conditions ("Was the field on?", n = 100 trials), with correct response rates of 97% (P = 1.28 x 10(-25)) and 94% (P = 9.40 x 10(-22)), but they failed to replicate the result in the retest of six blocks of the same condition 1 month later. Six participants had reported being able to perceive the mobile phone EMF in the preliminary inquiry, but they performed no better than the others. This study provides empirical evidence against the existence of electromagnetic sensibility to the mobile phone EMF, demonstrating the necessity for replication in EMF studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Soo Kwon
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Mobile Phone Base Stations: Eltiti et al. Respond. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116. [PMCID: PMC2235229 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10733r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
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Eltiti S, Wallace D, Ridgewell A, Zougkou K, Russo R, Sepulveda F, Mirshekar-Syahkal D, Rasor P, Deeble R, Fox E. Does short-term exposure to mobile phone base station signals increase symptoms in individuals who report sensitivity to electromagnetic fields? A double-blind randomized provocation study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:1603-8. [PMID: 18007992 PMCID: PMC2072835 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2007] [Accepted: 06/24/2007] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with idiopathic environmental illness with attribution to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF) believe they suffer negative health effects when exposed to electromagnetic fields from everyday objects such as mobile phone base stations. OBJECTIVES This study used both open provocation and double-blind tests to determine if sensitive and control individuals experience more negative health effects when exposed to base station-like signals compared with sham. METHODS Fifty-six self-reported sensitive and 120 control participants were tested in an open provocation test. Of these, 12 sensitive and 6 controls withdrew after the first session. The remainder completed a series of double-blind tests. Subjective measures of well-being and symptoms as well as physiological measures of blood volume pulse, heart rate, and skin conductance were obtained. RESULTS During the open provocation, sensitive individuals reported lower levels of well-being in both the global system for mobile communication (GSM) and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) compared with sham exposure, whereas controls reported more symptoms during the UMTS exposure. During double-blind tests the GSM signal did not have any effect on either group. Sensitive participants did report elevated levels of arousal during the UMTS condition, whereas the number or severity of symptoms experienced did not increase. Physiological measures did not differ across the three exposure conditions for either group. CONCLUSIONS Short-term exposure to a typical GSM base station-like signal did not affect well-being or physiological functions in sensitive or control individuals. Sensitive individuals reported elevated levels of arousal when exposed to a UMTS signal. Further analysis, however, indicated that this difference was likely to be due to the effect of order of exposure rather than the exposure itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Eltiti
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom.
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Mortazavi SMJ, Ahmadi J, Shariati M. Prevalence of subjective poor health symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields among university students. Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28:326-30. [PMID: 17330851 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The number of people complaining about different symptoms that may be associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has increased rapidly during past years. Students use both mobile phones and video display terminals frequently. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of mobile phone use and EMF health hazards. Basic demographic data and self-reported symptoms were sought using a questionnaire administered to all apparently healthy students at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) and Vali-e-Asr University (VAU). Questions about some major confounding factors such as age, gender, amount of video display terminal work were also included. Exact Fischer Test was used for data analysis. Among self-reported symptoms, headache (53.5%), fatigue (35.6%), difficulties in concentration (32.5%), vertigo/dizziness (30.4%), attention disorders (28.8%), nervousness (28.1%), palpitation (14.7%), low back pain (14.3%), myalgia (12.4%), and tinnitus (9.9%) were the main self-reported symptoms. No significant differences in the prevalence of these symptoms were found between CRT users and those who did not use CRTs. A significant association was found between cordless phone use and difficulties in concentration (P < .05) or attention disorders (P < .05). However, after correction of the gender role, these differences were not significant. No association was found between mobile phone use and the above-mentioned symptoms. No significantly higher prevalence of self-reported symptoms was found in individuals who had used mobile phones, video display terminals or cordless phones more frequently than others. Mass-media's lack of interest in the possible hazards of exposure to EMF in developing countries can explain the difference observed between the results of this study and those of other researchers in some developed countries who have shown an association between EMF exposure and the prevalence of self-reported subjective symptoms. This finding can confirm the results obtained in provocative studies which indicated the role of psychological factors in electromagnetic hypersensitivity. More research is needed to clarify whether daily environmental EMF may cause health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M J Mortazavi
- Biophysics-Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS), Rafsanjan, Iran
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Landgrebe M, Hauser S, Langguth B, Frick U, Hajak G, Eichhammer P. Altered cortical excitability in subjectively electrosensitive patients: results of a pilot study. J Psychosom Res 2007; 62:283-8. [PMID: 17324677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Revised: 11/02/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields is frequently claimed to be linked to a variety of unspecific somatic and/or neuropsychological complaints. Whereas provocation studies often failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and symptom formation, neurophysiological examinations highlight baseline deviations in people claiming to be electrosensitive. METHODS To elucidate a potential role of dysfunctional cortical regulations in mediating hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields, cortical excitability parameters were measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation in subjectively electrosensitive patients (n=23) and two control groups (n=49) differing in their level of unspecific health complaints. RESULTS Electrosensitive patients showed reduced intracortical facilitation as compared to both control groups, while motor thresholds and intracortical inhibition were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study gives additional evidence that altered central nervous system function may account for symptom manifestation in subjectively electrosensitive patients as has been postulated for several chronic multisymptom illnesses sharing a similar clustering of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Landgrebe
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Wilén J, Johansson A, Kalezic N, Lyskov E, Sandström M. Psychophysiological tests and provocation of subjects with mobile phone related symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics 2006; 27:204-14. [PMID: 16304699 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exposure to a mobile phone-like radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field on persons experiencing subjective symptoms when using mobile phones (MP). Twenty subjects with MP-related symptoms were recruited and matched with 20 controls without MP-related symptoms. Each subject participated in two experimental sessions, one with true exposure and one with sham exposure, in random order. In the true exposure condition, the test subjects were exposed for 30 min to an RF field generating a maximum SAR(1g) in the head of 1 W/kg through an indoor base station antenna attached to a 900 MHz GSM MP. The following physiological and cognitive parameters were measured during the experiment: heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), respiration, local blood flow, electrodermal activity, critical flicker fusion threshold (CFFT), short-term memory, and reaction time. No significant differences related to RF exposure conditions were detected. Also no differences in baseline data were found between subject groups, except for the reaction time, which was significantly longer among the cases than among the controls the first time the test was performed. This difference disappeared when the test was repeated. However, the cases differed significantly from the controls with respect to HRV as measured in the frequency domain. The cases displayed a shift in low/high frequency ratio towards a sympathetic dominance in the autonomous nervous system during the CFFT and memory tests, regardless of exposure condition. This might be interpreted as a sign of differences in the autonomous nervous system regulation between persons with MP related subjective symptoms and persons with no such symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Wilén
- National Institute for Working Life, Umeå, Sweden
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Radiofrequency Biology: In vivo. ELECTROMAGNETICS IN BIOLOGY 2006. [PMCID: PMC7120720 DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-27914-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Nevelsteen S, Legros JJ, Crasson M. Effects of information and 50 Hz magnetic fields on cognitive performance and reported symptoms. Bioelectromagnetics 2006; 28:53-63. [PMID: 16988993 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the role of expectancies and beliefs about the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (what the subject thought the effect was going to be) and the effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields (400 microT(rms)) acute exposure on cognitive performance, the reporting of physical symptoms and some psychological and physiological parameters. Seventy-four healthy male volunteers aged between 40 and 60 years of age were randomly assigned to one of five groups, which differed in (1) the type of information they were given concerning the expected magnetic field effect on performance in cognitive tests (positive = enhancement of the performance; negative = impairment of the performance; neutral) and (2) the type of exposure (real or sham). Three groups were sham exposed with positive (group+), negative (group-) and neutral information (group+/-); one group was really exposed with neutral information (group expo) and one group was not exposed, though they wore the helmet, and did not receive any field-related information (control group). All the volunteers, except the control group, were led to believe that they would be exposed to a magnetic field of 400 microT(rms). The experimental design respected a double blind procedure and the experimental session involved three steps (pre-testing, exposure, and post-testing). Various measurements were taken, including cognitive performance, psychological parameters such as mood, vigilance, and reporting of symptoms. Physiological parameters such as blood pressure and pulse rate were also recorded. The information given did not significantly modify beliefs. No significant difference was found among the five groups depending on the type of information and the type of exposure in cognitive performance, psychological and physiological parameters. In the context of the study, with our population, the type of information given failed to induce expected changes in parameters measured. Our results do not support the hypothesis that an acute exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz, 400 microT(rms)) affects the parameters measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Nevelsteen
- BelgianBioElectroMagnetic Group, Psychoneuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Carlsson F, Karlson B, Ørbaek P, Osterberg K, Ostergren PO. Prevalence of annoyance attributed to electrical equipment and smells in a Swedish population, and relationship with subjective health and daily functioning. Public Health 2005; 119:568-77. [PMID: 15925670 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2004.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2003] [Revised: 07/05/2004] [Accepted: 07/29/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-reported annoyance from electrical equipment has been in evidence since the mid-1980s, and the first reports of illness from everyday chemicals arose in the 1960s. However, the extent of the problem has not yet been fully established. AIMS The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of annoyance related to electrical and chemical factors in a Swedish general population, and to assess possible relationships with subjective health and daily functioning. METHODS In total, 13,604 subjects, representative of the population of Scania, Sweden, answered a survey containing five questions regarding annoyance from five environmental factors: fluorescent tube lighting, visual display units, other electrical equipment, air that smells of chemicals, and other smells. The survey also obtained data on self-reported health (SRH-7), mental well-being [General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12], work situation and daily functioning. RESULTS Almost one-third of the respondents reported annoyance from at least one environmental factor. Annoyance was more frequent among women, subjects of working age and immigrants. Subjects who reported environmental annoyance scored higher on GHQ-12 and lower on SRH-7, indicating impaired subjective physical and mental well-being. They were also more likely to report deteriorated daily functioning. CONCLUSIONS Annoyance related to electrical and/or chemical factors was common in a Swedish population. Subjects reporting environmental annoyance rated their overall health significantly poorer than the general population. The association with subjective health and functional capacity increased with severity of annoyance, which suggests that there is some connection between environmental annoyance, well-being and functional capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Carlsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Lund University, Bamgatan 2, Lund, Sweden.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to assess whether people who report hypersensitivity to weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are better at detecting EMF under blind or double-blind conditions than nonhypersensitive individuals, and to test whether they respond to the presence of EMF with increased symptom reporting. METHODS An extensive systematic search was used to identify relevant blind or double-blind provocation studies. This involved searching numerous literature databases and conference proceedings, and examining the citations of reviews and included studies. The results of relevant studies were tabulated and metaanalyses were used to compare the proportions of "hypersensitive" and control participants able to discriminate active from sham EMF exposures. RESULTS Thirty-one experiments testing 725 "electromagnetically hypersensitive" participants were identified. Twenty-four of these found no evidence to support the existence of a biophysical hypersensitivity, whereas 7 reported some supporting evidence. For 2 of these 7, the same research groups subsequently tried and failed to replicate their findings. In 3 more, the positive results appear to be statistical artefacts. The final 2 studies gave mutually incompatible results. Our metaanalyses found no evidence of an improved ability to detect EMF in "hypersensitive" participants. CONCLUSIONS The symptoms described by "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" sufferers can be severe and are sometimes disabling. However, it has proved difficult to show under blind conditions that exposure to EMF can trigger these symptoms. This suggests that "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" is unrelated to the presence of EMF, although more research into this phenomenon is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- G James Rubin
- Mobile Phones Research Unit, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry and Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College London, UK.
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Crasson M. L'hypersensibilité à l'électricité : une approche multidisciplinaire pour un problème multifactoriel. Revue de la littérature. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-REVUE EUROPEENNE DE PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.erap.2004.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Frick U, Kharraz A, Hauser S, Wiegand R, Rehm J, Kovatsits UV, Eichhammer P. Comparison perception of singular transcranial magnetic stimuli by subjectively electrosensitive subjects and general population controls. Bioelectromagnetics 2005; 26:287-98. [PMID: 15832334 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex by single pulses of varying field intensities was used to measure thresholds of individual perception and motor response in three groups of subjects: subjectively electrosensitive people, general population controls with a high burden of complaints related to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in the literature (highest decile in complaint burden), and general population controls with a low burden of complaints (lowest decile in complaint burden). The major study endpoint was the ability of the subjects to differentiate between real magnetic stimulation and a sham condition. There were no significant differences between groups in the thresholds, neither of detecting the real magnetic stimulus nor in motor response. But the three groups differed significantly in differentiating between stimulation and sham condition, with the subjectively electrosensitive people having the lowest ability to differentiate and the control group with high level of EMF-related complaints having the best ability to differentiate. Differences between groups were mostly due to false alarm reactions in the sham condition reported by subjectively electrosensitives (SES). We found no objective correlate of the self perception of being "electrosensitive." Overall, our experiment does not support the hypothesis that subjectively electrosensitive patients suffer from a physiological hypersensitivity to EMFs or stimuli. Further research should focus on disposing factors explaining the unspecific sensory hyperresponsiveness of subjectively electrosensitive subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Frick
- Psychiatric University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
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Delhez M, Legros JJ, Crasson M. No influence of 20 and 400 µT, 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on cognitive function in humans. Bioelectromagnetics 2004; 25:592-8. [PMID: 15515037 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate cognitive effects of a continuous, vertical extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) of 20 and 400 microT 50 Hz in healthy young men during performance on cognitive tests. Thirty-two volunteers (20-30 years old, mean 22.6 +/- 2.2 years) participated in this double blind study. The test protocol consisted of a set of tests: divided attention, flexibility, memory updating, digit span, digit span with articulary suppression, and time perception. The total duration of the exposure was 65 min. Participants were assigned four sessions: three conditions in the helmet (sham exposure, 20 and 400 microT) and one condition out of the helmet (to control the expectancy effect). No effect of MF exposure was observed on performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Delhez
- BelgianBioElectroMagnetic Group, Psychoneuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgium
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Marino AA, Nilsen E, Chesson AL, Frilot C. Effect of low-frequency magnetic fields on brain electrical activity in human subjects. Clin Neurophysiol 2004; 115:1195-201. [PMID: 15066545 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2003.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the response rate of normal human subjects to a low-strength, low-frequency magnetic field (MF), using nonlinear quantitative analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG). METHODS Eight subjects were exposed to a series of trials, each consisting of the application of the MF (1 G, 60 Hz) for 2 s followed by a field-free period of 5 s, and the EEG was analyzed statistically using phase-space methods to assess whether the subject detected the MF. RESULTS Each subject exhibited statistically significant changes in the EEG during presentation of the MF, as evidenced by increases in percent determinism and percent recurrence, two different measures of deterministic structure in the recorded signal, thereby indicating that the MF had been detected. CONCLUSIONS The 100% response rate manifested by the study group suggested that the ability to detect low-strength, low-frequency MFs is a common property of the human nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Marino
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 33932, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA.
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Abstract
Electromagnetic sensibility, the ability to perceive electric and electromagnetic exposure, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), developing health symptoms due to exposure to environmental electromagnetic fields, need to be distinguished. Increased electrosensibility is a necessary, however, not a sufficient condition for electromagnetic hypersensitivity. At an extended sample of the general population of 708 adults, including 349 men and 359 women aged between 17 and 60 years, electrosensibility was investigated and characterized by perception threshold and its standard deviation. By analyzing the probability distributions of the perception threshold of electric 50 Hz currents, evidence could be found for the existence of a subgroup of people with significantly increased electrosensibility (hypersensibility) who as a group could be differentiated from the general population. The presented data show that the variation of the electrosensibility among the general population is significantly larger than has yet been estimated by nonionizing radiation protection bodies, but much smaller than claimed by hypersensitivity self-aid groups. These quantitative results should contribute to a less emotional discussion of this problem. The investigation method presented, is capable of exclusion diagnostics for persons suffering from the hypersensitivity syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Leitgeb
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
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Sandström M, Lyskov E, Hörnsten R, Hansson Mild K, Wiklund U, Rask P, Klucharev V, Stenberg B, Bjerle P. Holter ECG monitoring in patients with perceived electrical hypersensitivity. Int J Psychophysiol 2003; 49:227-35. [PMID: 14507441 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8760(03)00145-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Earlier studies have indicated that patients claiming to be sensitive to electromagnetic fields, so-called electrical hypersensitivity (EHS), have a dysbalance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation. This paper focuses on a possible dysbalance in the ANS among EHS patients by the use of long-term monitoring of electrocardiogram (ECG) in both a patient and a matched control group. At the same time, the environmental power frequency magnetic field was recorded for both groups in order to see if there was any difference in exposure between the groups. ECG, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) as well as the magnetic field exposure were monitored for 24 h. Fourteen patients with perceived EHS symptoms were selected from the University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. Symptoms indicating autonomic nervous dysregulation were not part of the inclusion criteria of the patient group. Age and sex matched healthy subjects were used as controls. No differences were found between the groups regarding magnetic field exposure or the mean HR for 24 h. The HRV analyses showed that the high-frequency (HF) component did not have the expected increase with sleep onset and during nighttime in the EHS group. When separating the sleeping and awake time even less differences between the two conditions in the EHS patients, both for the low-frequency and HF components in the HRV spectrum, were seen. EHS patients had a disturbed pattern of circadian rhythms of HRV and showed a relatively 'flat' representation of hourly-recorded spectral power of the HF component of HRV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sandström
- National Institute for Working Life, P.O. Box 7654, S-907 13, Umea, Sweden.
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