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Human brain wave activity during exposure to radiofrequency field emissions from mobile phones.

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D'Costa H, Trueman G, Tang L, Abdel-rahman U, Abdel-rahman W, Ong K, Cosic I. · 2003

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Mobile phones measurably alter brain wave patterns during active use, proving RF radiation directly affects neurological function.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers measured brain wave activity in 10 people while they were exposed to radiofrequency emissions from GSM mobile phones positioned behind their heads. They found significant changes in brain wave patterns (specifically in alpha and beta frequencies) when phones were transmitting at full power compared to sham exposures. This demonstrates that mobile phone radiation can measurably alter normal brain electrical activity during active use.

Why This Matters

This study provides direct evidence that mobile phone radiation affects brain function in real-time, documenting measurable changes in electrical activity across multiple frequency bands. The fact that researchers detected these effects using standard EEG equipment demonstrates the biological potency of radiofrequency emissions at levels typical of phone use. What makes this research particularly significant is that it shows immediate neurological responses to RF exposure, not just long-term health effects. The science demonstrates that your brain's electrical patterns change when exposed to mobile phone radiation during talk mode. While the health implications of these brain wave alterations aren't fully understood, this study adds to mounting evidence that RF emissions interact with biological systems in ways we're only beginning to comprehend.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 13 Hz - 32 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 13 Hz - 32 HzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 8-13 Hz and 13-32 Hz

Study Details

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an effect of mobile phone electromagnetic field emissions on the human electroencephalograph (EEG).

EEG recordings from ten awake subjects were taken during exposure to radiofrequency (RF) emissions f...

Statistical tests indicated significant difference in the full-power mode trial within the EEG alpha...

In conclusion, the results of this study lend support to EEG effects from mobile phones activated in talk-mode.

Cite This Study
D'Costa H, Trueman G, Tang L, Abdel-rahman U, Abdel-rahman W, Ong K, Cosic I. (2003). Human brain wave activity during exposure to radiofrequency field emissions from mobile phones. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med. 26(4):162-167, 2003.
Show BibTeX
@article{h_2003_human_brain_wave_activity_2018,
  author = {D'Costa H and Trueman G and Tang L and Abdel-rahman U and Abdel-rahman W and Ong K and Cosic I.},
  title = {Human brain wave activity during exposure to radiofrequency field emissions from mobile phones.},
  year = {2003},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14995060/},
}
PubMed: 14995060

Cited By (79 papers)

View all 79 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2003 study found that GSM mobile phones positioned behind the head significantly altered brain wave patterns in alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-32 Hz) frequencies when transmitting at full power compared to sham exposures.
Research demonstrates that mobile phone radiofrequency emissions can measurably impact EEG alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-32 Hz) bands. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in 7 of 32 distinct brain wave frequencies during full-power transmission.
A controlled study found that mobile phone radiation affected 7 out of 32 distinct EEG frequencies when phones operated in talk-mode. The changes occurred specifically in alpha and beta brain wave bands during active transmission.
Yes, phones activated in talk-mode can measurably alter normal brain electrical activity. Research showed significant changes in brain wave patterns when GSM phones transmitted at full power compared to inactive sham conditions.
GSM phone transmission causes significant changes in brain wave spectral power, particularly affecting alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-32 Hz) frequencies. These alterations in electrical brain activity occur during active phone use in talk-mode.