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In-vitro exposure of neuronal networks to the GSM-1800 signal.

Bioeffects Seen

Moretti D, Garenne A, Haro E, Poulletier de Gannes F, Lagroye I, Lévêque P, Veyret B, Lewis N. · 2013

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Cell phone radiation reduced brain cell activity by 30% in lab studies, showing direct neurological effects at exposure levels similar to heavy phone use.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

French researchers exposed lab-grown brain cell networks to cell phone radiation (GSM-1800) for 3 minutes and measured their electrical activity in real time. They found that the radiation caused a 30% decrease in the brain cells' firing rate and bursting patterns - essentially making the neurons less active. The effect was reversible, meaning the cells returned to normal activity after exposure ended.

Why This Matters

This study provides direct evidence that cell phone radiation can alter brain cell activity at the cellular level. The researchers used a SAR level of 3.2 W/kg, which is higher than typical phone use (around 1-2 W/kg) but within the range that occurs during heavy use or poor signal conditions. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates immediate, measurable changes in how neurons communicate - the fundamental process underlying all brain function. The fact that the effect was reversible suggests the brain cells weren't permanently damaged, but it raises important questions about what happens with repeated or prolonged exposure. This adds to a growing body of research showing that RF radiation can influence nervous system function, contradicting industry claims that non-thermal effects don't exist.

Exposure Details

SAR
3.2 W/kg
Source/Device
GSM-1800
Exposure Duration
3 min

Exposure Context

This study used 3.2 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 3.2 W/kgExtreme Concern0.1 W/kgFCC Limit1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 1x higher than this exposure level

Study Details

To study the in-vitro exposure of neuronal networks to the GSM-1800 signal.

Our research group has developed a dedicated experimental setup in the GHz range for the simultaneou...

This work provides the proof of feasibility and preliminary results of the integrated investigation ...

Cite This Study
Moretti D, Garenne A, Haro E, Poulletier de Gannes F, Lagroye I, Lévêque P, Veyret B, Lewis N. (2013). In-vitro exposure of neuronal networks to the GSM-1800 signal. Bioelectromagnetics. 2013 Aug 1. doi: 10.1002/bem.21805.
Show BibTeX
@article{d_2013_invitro_exposure_of_neuronal_1210,
  author = {Moretti D and Garenne A and Haro E and Poulletier de Gannes F and Lagroye I and Lévêque P and Veyret B and Lewis N.},
  title = {In-vitro exposure of neuronal networks to the GSM-1800 signal.},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23913345/},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

French researchers exposed lab-grown brain cell networks to cell phone radiation (GSM-1800) for 3 minutes and measured their electrical activity in real time. They found that the radiation caused a 30% decrease in the brain cells' firing rate and bursting patterns - essentially making the neurons less active. The effect was reversible, meaning the cells returned to normal activity after exposure ended.