Whole-body exposure to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields does not alter radial-maze performance in rats.
Cassel JC, Cosquer B, Galani R, Kuster N. · 2004
View Original AbstractRats showed no memory impairment from 2.45 GHz microwave exposure at levels below current phone safety limits.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 45 minutes daily, then tested their ability to navigate a maze that requires spatial memory. The exposed rats performed just as well as unexposed rats, showing no impairment in this type of learning and memory task. This contradicts some earlier studies that suggested microwave exposure could harm cognitive function.
Why This Matters
This study adds to the complex picture surrounding EMF effects on brain function. The researchers used a SAR level of 0.6 W/kg, which is below the current safety limit of 2 W/kg for mobile phones but still represents significant exposure. What makes this research particularly valuable is that it directly challenges earlier findings by using more rigorous controls, including both sham-exposed and completely naive rats. The authors suggest that previous studies showing cognitive impairment may have suffered from methodological flaws rather than detecting real biological effects. However, one study cannot settle this debate. The reality is that research on EMF and cognitive function remains mixed, with some studies showing effects and others finding none. What this means for you is that while this particular study is reassuring, the broader body of research still warrants a precautionary approach to EMF exposure, especially given that laboratory conditions don't replicate the chronic, multi-source exposures we face daily.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 0.6 W/kg
- Source/Device
- 2.45 GHz
- Exposure Duration
- 45 min
Exposure Context
This study used 0.6 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 1.5x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
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 Details
The aim of this study is to observe Whole-body exposure to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields does not alter radial-maze performance in rats.
In the present study, rats were tested in a 12-arm radial-maze subsequently to a daily exposure to 2...
The performance of exposed rats was comparable to that found in sham-exposed or in naive rats (no co...
Show BibTeX
@article{jc_2004_wholebody_exposure_to_245_899,
author = {Cassel JC and Cosquer B and Galani R and Kuster N.},
title = {Whole-body exposure to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields does not alter radial-maze performance in rats.},
year = {2004},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016643280400124X},
}