Memory performance, wireless communication and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A prospective cohort study in adolescents

Environ Int · 2015 · Harm · Moderate evidence

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HarmModerate evidencePaper 2711

Study snapshot

PublicationEnviron Int · 2015

Study typecohort

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate whether memory performance in adolescents is affected by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from wireless device use or by the wireless device use itself due to non-radiation related factors in that context. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 439 adolescents. Verbal and figural memory tasks at baseline and after one year were completed using a standardized, computerized cognitive test battery. Use of wireless devices was inquired by questionnaire and operator recorded mobile phone use data was obtained for a subgroup of 234 adolescents. RF-EMF dose measures considering various factors affecting RF-EMF exposure were computed for the brain and the whole body. Data were analysed using a longitudinal approach, to investigate whether cumulative exposure over one year was related to changes in memory performance. All analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: The kappa coefficients between cumulative mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF brain and whole body dose were 0.62 and 0.67, respectively for the whole sample and 0.48 and 0.28, respectively for the sample with operator data. In linear exposure-response models an interquartile increase in cumulative operator recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory performance score by -0.15 (95% CI: -0.33, 0.03) units. For cumulative RF-EMF brain and whole body dose corresponding decreases in figural memory scores were -0.26 (95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and -0.40 (95% CI: -0.79, -0.01), respectively. No exposure-response associations were observed for sending text messages and duration of gaming, which produces tiny RF-EMF emissions. Conclusions: A change in memory performance over one year was negatively associated with cumulative duration of wireless phone use and more strongly with RF-EMF dose. This may indicate that RF-EMF exposure affects memory performance.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecohort

Effect directionharm

PopulationAdolescents

Sample size439

ExposureRF · cumulative exposure over one year

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In longitudinal exposure-response models, an interquartile increase in cumulative operator-recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory score (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.03). Decreases in figural memory were also reported for cumulative RF-EMF brain dose (-0.26; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and whole-body dose (-0.40; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.01). No exposure-response associations were observed for text messaging or gaming duration (noted to produce tiny RF-EMF emissions).

Outcomes measured

Verbal memory performance
Figural memory performance

Limitations

Wireless device use was assessed by questionnaire (with operator-recorded mobile phone use available only for a subgroup).
Operator-recorded mobile phone use data were available only for a subgroup of 234 adolescents.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "cohort",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "cumulative exposure over one year"
  },
  "population": "Adolescents",
  "sample_size": 439,
  "outcomes": [
    "Verbal memory performance",
    "Figural memory performance"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In longitudinal exposure-response models, an interquartile increase in cumulative operator-recorded mobile phone call duration was associated with a decrease in figural memory score (-0.15; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.03). Decreases in figural memory were also reported for cumulative RF-EMF brain dose (-0.26; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.10) and whole-body dose (-0.40; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.01). No exposure-response associations were observed for text messaging or gaming duration (noted to produce tiny RF-EMF emissions).",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Wireless device use was assessed by questionnaire (with operator-recorded mobile phone use available only for a subgroup).",
    "Operator-recorded mobile phone use data were available only for a subgroup of 234 adolescents."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "adolescents",
    "prospective cohort",
    "RF-EMF",
    "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
    "mobile phone",
    "wireless device use",
    "operator-recorded data",
    "brain dose",
    "whole-body dose",
    "memory",
    "figural memory",
    "verbal memory"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "mobile-phones",
      "weight": 0.9,
      "reason": "Assesses mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF dose from wireless phone use in relation to memory outcomes."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.09.025
PubMed: 26474271

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