8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Brain & Nervous System135 citations

The acute effects of exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones on human attention.

Bioeffects Seen

Edelstyn N, Oldershaw A. · 2002

View Original Abstract
Share:

Mobile phone radiation temporarily improved attention and processing speed in this study, suggesting brain effects are complex rather than simply harmful.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed 38 healthy volunteers to electromagnetic fields from 900 MHz mobile phones for 30 minutes to test effects on attention and mental processing. They found that phone exposure actually improved performance on three cognitive tests measuring attention span and processing speed, with no negative effects observed. This suggests that short-term mobile phone radiation may temporarily enhance certain brain functions rather than impair them.

Why This Matters

This study presents an intriguing finding that challenges common assumptions about mobile phone effects on the brain. While many people worry that phone radiation impairs cognitive function, this research found the opposite - temporary improvements in attention and processing speed after 30 minutes of 900 MHz exposure. The science demonstrates that EMF effects on the brain are complex and not uniformly negative. However, we should interpret these results cautiously. Enhanced performance doesn't necessarily mean the exposure is beneficial - it could indicate overstimulation or stress responses that might have long-term consequences. What this means for you is that the immediate cognitive effects of phone use are likely subtle and variable, but the bigger question remains whether chronic, long-term exposure carries health risks that short-term studies like this cannot detect.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz Duration: 30 minutes

Study Details

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of acute mobile phone exposure on a range of tasks which tapped capacity and processing speed within the attentional system

Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to either an experimental group which was exp...

Significant differences between the two groups were evident after 5 min on two tests of attentional ...

These findings are discussed in terms of possible functional and neuroanatomical bases.

Cite This Study
Edelstyn N, Oldershaw A. (2002). The acute effects of exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones on human attention. Neuroreport 13(1):119-121, 2002.
Show BibTeX
@article{n_2002_the_acute_effects_of_2048,
  author = {Edelstyn N and Oldershaw A.},
  title = {The acute effects of exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones on human attention.},
  year = {2002},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11924872/},
}
PubMed: 11924872

Cited By (135 papers)

View all 135 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, a 2002 study found that 30 minutes of 900 MHz mobile phone exposure actually improved performance on attention tests. Researchers tested 38 healthy volunteers and found enhanced digit span, spatial memory, and processing speed after phone exposure, with no negative effects observed.
Research shows 900 MHz mobile phone radiation can temporarily enhance processing speed. In a controlled study, participants exposed to cell phone EMF for 30 minutes showed improved performance on serial subtraction tests and other cognitive tasks measuring processing speed and attention.
Cognitive improvements from 900 MHz phone exposure appeared within just 5 minutes according to research. The study found significant performance enhancements on attention and processing tests became evident after only 5 minutes of mobile phone EMF exposure in healthy volunteers.
No negative cognitive effects were found from 900 MHz mobile phone exposure in this research. The 2002 study of 38 volunteers found only performance improvements on attention and processing tests, with no deficits or impairments observed after 30 minutes of exposure.
Short-term 900 MHz phone radiation improved digit span forwards, spatial span backwards, and serial subtraction abilities. These specific cognitive tests measure different aspects of attention and working memory, all showing enhanced performance after 30 minutes of mobile phone EMF exposure.