RF Safe

Effect of short exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on saliva biomarkers: a study on the electrohypersensitive individuals.

International journal of radiation biology · 2019 · No effect · Low evidence

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No effectLow evidencePaper 5601

In a double-blind provocation study with sham vs real exposure, 4 consecutive RF signals (5 min each) produced no statistically significant changes (p > .05) in saliva alpha amylase, cortisol, or IgA concentrations in EHS individuals.

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of radiation biology · 2019
Study typerandomized_trial
Reported directionNo effect
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Some individuals are reporting being sensitive to electromagnetic fields. They report some unspecific symptoms like headeache, sleep disruption, heart palpitations, itching, etc. The lack of scientific objective links between EHS symptoms and EMF exposure renders the diagnosis of EHS more complex. Our present work aimed to look for the effect of RF EMF exposure on saliva alpha amylase (AA) and other biological markers such as cortisol and IgA in EHS individuals. Ten EHS individuals participated in this double-blind provocation study. They were aged between 35 and 63 yr. Experiment consisted of two sessions (sham and real exposure). No external EMF sources were allowed, and the exposure consisted of a series of EMF signals emitted from a generator (Rhode & Schwarz) and a horn antenna (Schwarzbeck BBHA9120b). Consecutive RF signals were applied: GSM 900, GSM 1800, DECT, and Wi-Fi signals for 5 min each. : Exposure to 4 consecutive radiofrequency signals did not show any significant modification ( > .05) on the saliva AA, cortisol or immunoglobulin A concentrations in the electrohypersensitive individuals. Our study, under current conditions, do not presently allow us to propose an identification of marker for EHS.

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 typerandomized_trial
Effect directionno_effect
PopulationElectrohypersensitive (EHS) individuals aged 35–63 years
Sample size10
ExposureRF · 4 consecutive RF signals (GSM 900, GSM 1800, DECT, Wi‑Fi) for 5 min each
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In a double-blind provocation study with sham vs real exposure, 4 consecutive RF signals (5 min each) produced no statistically significant changes (p > .05) in saliva alpha amylase, cortisol, or IgA concentrations in EHS individuals.

Outcomes measured

  • Saliva alpha amylase (AA)
  • Saliva cortisol
  • Saliva immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Limitations

  • Small sample size (n=10)
  • Short exposure duration (5 min per signal)
  • Exposure metrics such as SAR or field strength not reported in abstract
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "other",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "4 consecutive RF signals (GSM 900, GSM 1800, DECT, Wi‑Fi) for 5 min each"
  },
  "population": "Electrohypersensitive (EHS) individuals aged 35–63 years",
  "sample_size": 10,
  "outcomes": [
    "Saliva alpha amylase (AA)",
    "Saliva cortisol",
    "Saliva immunoglobulin A (IgA)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In a double-blind provocation study with sham vs real exposure, 4 consecutive RF signals (5 min each) produced no statistically significant changes (p > .05) in saliva alpha amylase, cortisol, or IgA concentrations in EHS individuals.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "Small sample size (n=10)",
    "Short exposure duration (5 min per signal)",
    "Exposure metrics such as SAR or field strength not reported in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electrohypersensitivity",
    "EHS",
    "radiofrequency",
    "RF EMF",
    "provocation study",
    "double-blind",
    "GSM 900",
    "GSM 1800",
    "DECT",
    "Wi-Fi",
    "saliva biomarkers",
    "alpha amylase",
    "cortisol",
    "IgA"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.25,
      "reason": "Addresses claimed symptoms/biomarkers in electrohypersensitivity under controlled RF exposure, relevant to broader EMF health evidence discussions."
    }
  ]
}
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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: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1569776
PubMed: 30652950

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